T-90

Creator: OZZA

(no mods)

V 2.0

The T-90 is a third-generation Russian battle tank that entered service in 1993. This tank is a modern variant of the T-72B and incorporates many features found on the T-80U. Originally called the T-72BU and later renamed the T-90, it is an advanced tank in service with Russian ground forces and naval infantry. The T-90 uses a 125mm 2A46 smoothbore main gun, a 1A45T fire control system, upgraded engines and some vehicle thermal sights. Standard protective measures include a mixture of steel and composite armor, smoke grenade arresters, Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armor and the Shtora infrared ATGM jamming system. It was designed and built by Uralvagonzavod in Nizhny Tagil, Russia. Since 2011, the Russian Armed Forces have stopped any further orders for the T-90, instead developing the T-14 Armata, which is expected to enter service in 2016.

The T-90 originated from a Soviet-era program to develop a single replacement for the T-64, T-72 and T-80 series of main battle tanks. Due to its cost-effectiveness, simplicity and automotive quality, the T-72 platform was chosen as the basis for the new generation of tanks. The Kartsev-Venediktov Design Bureau from Nizhny Tagil was responsible for the design work and prepared two parallel proposals - Object 188, which was a relatively simple upgrade of the existing T-72B tank (Object 184), and the more advanced Object 187 - vaguely related to the T-72 series and featuring significant improvements in hull and turret design, armor, power plant and weaponry. Development work was approved in 1986 and the first prototypes were completed in 1988. Vehicles resulting from the Object 187 program have not yet been declassified as of this date, but a lower risk Object 188 upgrade for series production will be approved as the T-series production-72BU.