Missile IT-1 Drakon

The IT-1 was a Soviet missile tank based on the T-62 hull. Produced between 1968 and 1970, the vehicle was developed to provide supplemental firepower to tank units.

The primary armament consisted of a pop-up launcher for the 3M7 Drakon missile, integrated into a low-profile turret. The system utilized radio-command Semi-Automatic Command to Line of Sight (SACLOS) guidance. To prevent signal overlap during group operations, the guidance system functioned across multiple frequencies and codes. A tracer on the missile enabled the tracking system to transmit steering commands to the missile's fins via radio. The vehicle included night-vision equipment for nocturnal engagements. The 3M7 Drakon was equipped with a High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) warhead. An automatic loader handled the missile supply, which was stored both within the turret and in an external rear container. A coaxial machine gun was provided as secondary armament.

The Soviet Union was the sole operator of the IT-1, deploying the system to battalions in the Belarus and Carpathian Military Districts. The vehicle was crewed by both tank and artillery personnel. During its service life, the IT-1 was noted for several operational limitations, including a substantial minimum range dead zone where the missile could not be guided. The guidance electronics were characterized by high mass and maintenance complexity. These factors, along with a limited ammunition load, led to the system's withdrawal from service in the early 1970s. Following its decommissioning, the chassis were converted into recovery vehicles. A turbine-powered variant was also developed.