![]() The T-72 was first unveiled to the public in the 1977 "May Day" parade and, amazingly, would retain its frontline status until the collapse of the Soviet Empire in 1991.Įxternally, the T-72 followed the tried-and-true doctrine of decades-long Soviet tank design. Serial production began that same year, quickly replacing the T-55 and T-62 in production, and formal deliveries occurred the following. Evaluations of this new vehicle were undertaken in 1971 and concluded the tank to be functional and capable, leading to its adoption as the "T-72" for the Red Army. The prototype T-72 was born as the "Object 172" which evolved into the modified "Object 172M". However, its procurement costs proved limited and only 13,000 T-64 tanks were produced from 1951 to 1962 from plants originating in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. The T-64B was the first Soviet tank line to support firing guided anti-tank missiles from the main gun barrel which broadened its tactical value considerably. The T-64 also coupled the 125mm main gun with an automatic loader which reduced the crew size to three and contained overall operational weights to manageable levels while promoting a reduced profile on the horizon. To this point, Western offerings relied on a rifled 105mm system and have since gone on to adopt a 120mm smoothbore design themselves. The T-64 was the primary spearhead Soviet Main Battle Tank and introduced the D-81T 125mm smoothbore main gun. The T-72 originated as a design to counter the expensive nature of the technologically-advanced T-64 of 1963. In comparison, the wartime T-34 saw 84,000 units produced. With over 25,000 examples delivered, the T-72 ranks only second to the most successful post-World War 2 tank - the T-54/T-55 (with as many as 100,000 being built). As such, the T-72 has gone on to see an extended service life in many foreign inventories and has undoubtedly proven an export success. Perhaps most important to procurement authorities, the T-72 was a budget-conscious end-product which could be produced in the tens of thousands during a period when every effort was being made to stay one step ahead of the United States and Europe in comparable developments. The Cold War-era T-72 proved no exception, granted with excellent speed for its class and an inherent reliability that is always require by the modern battlefield. The T-34 began a long-running history of capable, cost-effective combat machines designed to match - or in some cases surpass - available Western offerings. The modern battlefield shows no signs of this changing soon, with the development of tanks continuing to adapt to it.The Soviets/Russians have always maintained a penchant for successful (and globally popular) tank designs since they unveiled their war-winning T-34 Medium Tank during World War 2. Modern Era – Are Tanks Still Relevant?: Despite numerous prophets heralding the demise of the tank, armor is still an important part of all the world’s militaries. Although the USA and USSR never fought each other directly, almost all proxy wars of the period saw extensive usage of their tanks. World War Two would change these perceptions, and see tanks used in unprecedented numbers across all theaters of war.Ĭold War – East vs West: In a period dominated by nuclear weapons, two opposing superpowers led to the splitting of the world into East and West. Even so, many were unconvinced by this new weapon of war. WW2 – The Tank Goes Global: The Interwar period saw the tank go on a worldwide tour, from Bolivia to China, every corner of the globe and all seven continents felt the tread of heavy armor. Soon after its introduction, the tank quickly became a killing machine integrated into combined arms operations. However, many pioneers had envisioned the use of armored vehicles in the decades prior to the Great War. WW1 – Mud, Barbed Wire, and Trenches: The United Kingdom and France started development of tanks in order to break through enemy lines. If you feel something is missing, please add it to our Public Suggestion List. If you spot something wrong, please let us know. As a reader, you can help to improve our site. Tank Encyclopedia continues to be a work-in-progress largely carried out by volunteers.
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