T-72 Tank:
The Ministry of Defence on Firday signed a contract with Rosoboronexport (RoE), Russian Federation, worth $248 million for procurement of 1000 Horsepower Engines for T-72 Tanks in fully formed, completely knocked down and semi knocked down conditions.
- T-72 is a mainstay of tank fleet of the Indian Army which is at present fitted with 780 HP Engine. Equipping the existing fleet of T-72 Tanks with 1000 HP Engine.
- The T-72, a Soviet-designed main battle tank, has been a cornerstone of many armed forces since its introduction in 1971.
- Designed by Uralvagonzavod in the Soviet Union, T-72 tanks are locally manufactured and upgraded in India at the Heavy Vehicles Factory, Avadi.
- The tank is provided with high-accuracy laying and sighting materiel, and with an automatic loading gear ensuring high effective rate of gun fire.
- The T-72 has greater mobility as its 780 hp engine appears to be remarkably smoke-free and smooth-running, having eliminated the excessive vibration.
- The T-72 has better armour protection due to the use of layered armor.
- The tank is fitted with a 125mm D-81 smoothbore gun, a 7.62mm co-axial machine gun and a 12.7mm air defence machine gun mounted on the commander’s cupola.
- The T-72 carries 44 rounds of 125 mm ammunition, 22 rounds of which are carried on an automatic loading carousel.
