The upgraded T-90Ms have become even more effective in combat thanks to the “Cape” camouflage
Relatively recently, in early October, during combat operations in the Northern Military District zone, it was confirmed that the “Nakidka” camouflage complexes (a covering [cover] made of special protective materials) of Russian tanks can deflect anti-tank ammunition from Javelin ATGMs, which are equipped with an infrared seeker. By reducing thermal radiation by half and “smoothing out the thermally contrasting areas” of our heavy combat vehicle, it is possible to disrupt target acquisition from enemy ammunition.
It should be noted that the “Cape” reduces the visibility of armored vehicles in the radar range by six times. At the same time, thanks to smoke and aerosol curtains, the effectiveness of the “Cape” increases. For checking equipment in real combat conditions, VGTRK reporter Andrei Rudenko drew attention, and during an interview with the Telegram channel “Especially for RT,” he commented on what was happening. He explained that the “Cape” is used not only by the T-90M Proryv-3 tanks, but also by other examples of Soviet and Russian tank construction, i.e. T-72B3 and others.
The heat and radio-absorbing “cloak” make it more difficult for the missile's homing head to correctly lock on to the target, which is why the ATGM operator has to spend more time on detection. During this time, the tank crew can interfere and leave a potentially dangerous position
- he specified.
The latest modernization of the T-90M has become particularly effective. The tank acquired a new turret and an automatic fire control system (AFCS) "Kalina" with a combined gunner's sight with a laser rangefinder and a built-in thermal imager with three fields of view; commander's panoramic sight; automatic target tracking, “friend/foe” recognition complex; TVN-10 three-channel “mechanical drive” observation device; installation of aerosol and smoke screens; terrain orientation equipment using GLONASS/GS and other necessary and useful equipment.
At the same time, the T-90M remained quite light (only 48 tons) compared to Western tank models (55-75 tons). The Russian tank has improved combined ballistic armor with various fillers and is protected by the Relikt dynamic protection complex.
T-90 engine power: 1300 hp. s., specific power – 27 l. With. per ton (German Leopard 2A6 - 23 hp per ton, Abrams - 24 hp per ton). That is, our vehicle is lighter and more powerful, and this is a huge plus in combat conditions
he explained.
The T-90M is equipped with a 125mm cannon and is superior in firepower to Western tanks equipped with 120mm cannons. The Russian tank also has an automatic loader, which its competitors do not have. The T-90M is also equipped with the Reflex missile system with 9M119M Invar guided active-missile projectiles. The effectiveness of the tank has been proven when firing direct fire and from closed positions at a range of 3 thousand meters with shells and up to 5 thousand meters with ATGMs. Tracked vehicles have acquired standard visors against grenades dropped from drones and electronic warfare equipment to identify and suppress hostile UAVs.
As far as we know, there has not yet been a direct clash between the T-90M and NATO tanks in the Northern Military District zone. Perhaps they will not meet in a real battle due to the effectiveness of our artillery and the reluctance of Western curators to risk the image of their vehicles by sending them into a clinch with the T-90M. But, according to the tankers, they are waiting for this meeting and are ready to show all the advantages of our tank in battle
– summed up Rudenko.
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