@of_40_mtca_an4ovy: T-80U🇸🇪🇷🇺 | Edit | In 1993–1994, Sweden conducted extensive evaluations of foreign armor to select a new main battle tank for its armed forces (under the procurement program that ultimately led to the Strv 121 / 122). While the primary competition was between Western tanks—the Leopard 2A5, M1A2 Abrams, and Leclerc—Russia offered two T-80U tanks for evaluation. ​Sweden received two T-80U vehicles along with a Russian technical crew for maintenance. From October 1993 to March 1994, the tanks underwent rigorous testing at the Boden and Skövde proving grounds, with a strong focus on harsh winter operating conditions. ​Key Strengths Noted by the Swedish Military ​Mobility and Snow Performance: The GTD-1250 gas turbine engine performed exceptionally well. The T-80U started reliably in extreme cold and demonstrated superior speed and dynamic handling across deep snow and soft soil due to its high power-to-weight ratio. ​Low Profile and Weight: At approximately 46 metric tons, the T-80U was significantly lighter and smaller than its Western counterparts, making it a harder target to hit and easier to transport across Swedish bridges. ​Armor Protection: The Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armor (ERA) suite impressed Swedish evaluators with its high effectiveness against both kinetic and shaped-charge threats for the era. ​Firepower: The mechanical autoloader ensured a consistent rate of fire, and the capability to launch Reflex (AT-11 Sniper) gun-launched anti-tank guided missiles via the 125mm 2A46M-1 smoothbore gun provided long-range engagements. ​Main Drawbacks and Reasons for Rejection ​Fire Control System and Sights: The lack of thermal imaging sights for both the gunner and commander (the evaluation tanks were equipped with the Buran-PA night vision sight) placed the T-80U at a severe disadvantage against Western tanks equipped with modern thermal optics. ​Crew Ergonomics and Survivability: Testers noted cramped crew conditions and highlighted the vulnerability of the carousel autoloader stored inside the crew compartment in the event of armor penetration. ​Fuel Consumption and Logistics: The gas turbine engine consumed excessive fuel, especially at idle. Furthermore, political instability in Russia during the early 1990s raised serious concerns regarding long-term spare parts supply and support. ​Commander Situation Awareness: The absence of a fully independent commander's panoramic sight limited overall battlefield awareness compared to the Leopard 2A5 and Abrams. ​Outcome ​The T-80U evaluation served largely as a technical benchmark and an opportunity for Swedish forces to assess Russian armored capabilities. Sweden ultimately chose a customized version of the German Leopard 2A5, designated Strv 122. Following the conclusion of trials in March 1994, both T-80U tanks were returned to Russia #tank #tankedit #military #militaryedit #tanks #larp #editmilitary #t80

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Tuesday 01 September 2026 13:03:24 GMT