T-80

The T-80 main battle tank emerged from Soviet efforts, initiated as early as 1949, to develop a turbine-powered tank. Designed by Nikolay Popov and drawing upon the T-64 chassis while incorporating elements from the T-72, its defining feature was the pioneering use of a gas turbine engine as its sole powerplant. Following experimental designs like the Object 219 SP1 in 1969, the T-80 (Object 219-2) was officially accepted for production in August 1976. Initial production of the original model ceased in 1978, with the improved T-80B entering production at Omsktransmash the following year. Concurrently, the Morozov Design Bureau in Ukraine developed the diesel-engined T-80UD variant.

The T-80 shares a conventional layout with the earlier T-64, featuring a front-central driver's compartment, a two-man turret, and a rear-mounted engine. Its mobility is a standout characteristic, derived from a high power-to-weight ratio, initially provided by a gas turbine engine, later upgraded in variants like the T-80U to the GTD-1250 multi-fuel turbine. This powerplant is paired with a distinct gearbox and a torsion bar suspension system with six road wheels per side, running on tracks wider and longer than those of the T-64. The main armament consists of a 125 mm 2A46 smoothbore gun, capable of firing conventional ammunition and anti-tank guided missiles, fed by a Korzina automatic loader holding up to 28 rounds. Armour protection evolved, from composite armour on early models to the integration of explosive reactive armour, such as Kontakt-1 on the T-80BV and the more advanced Kontakt-5 on the T-80U, significantly enhancing survivability against various threats. Later models can incorporate Relikt ERA and advanced protection systems like Shtora-1. Fire control systems were progressively upgraded, with the T-80U featuring the 1A46 system, including a laser rangefinder and ballistic computer.

Entering service in 1976, the T-80 was widely operated by the Soviet Union and subsequently by successor states including Russia and Ukraine. It saw deployment with Soviet forces in Germany by 1981. The tank participated in significant internal Russian events, including the 1991 August Coup attempt and the 1993 constitutional crisis where T-80UDs engaged targets at the Russian parliament building. Its first major combat test during the First Chechen War proved challenging; T-80s deployed in urban assaults on Grozny suffered significant losses due to factors including crew inexperience, unsuitability for urban warfare, and inherent design vulnerabilities when facing close-quarters anti-tank fire. This experience influenced Russian procurement, though production for export continued. Ukraine successfully exported its diesel T-80UD variant, notably to Pakistan. Other operators include Cyprus and South Korea. The T-80 has been extensively used by both Russian and Ukrainian forces during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, with documented losses on both sides and the appearance of field modifications. The T-80BVM represents a recent Russian modernization effort, while Ukraine has also upgraded its T-80 fleet.

Belarus • Cyprus • Kazakhstan • South Korea • Pakistan • Russia • Ukraine • Uzbekistan • Yemen