T-64BM (Bulat)

History of the T-64BM (Bulat)

With the fall of the Soviet Empire in 1991, control of the local military industry returned to host countries such as Ukraine. As the Ukrainian army relied on the T-64 Main Battle Tank (MBT), which was produced at the country's main factories, leading to an evolution of the design to advance local battlefield solutions - resulting in the T-64BM "Bratter" derivative thing.

In 1995, the country had 2,345 T-64 tanks in its fleet, by 2005 this number had been reduced to 2,215. The modern Ukrainian army today recruits 800 of this type and keeps more than 1,000 in stock.

Since the start of modernization, hundreds of ii-service T-64 tanks have been upgraded to Bulat standard.

In 1999, the country launched two modernization initiatives to keep tanks in operation for a long time. The upgraded T-64BM2 features an 850 hp 57DFM diesel engine and adds support for the AT-11 Sniper (9M119) Anti-Tank Missile (ATGM) and the updated 1A43U Fire Control System (FCS). The main gun is now loaded by the 6ETs43 loader. Following the brand is the T-64U, which is based on the 1A45 FCS (same as the MBT T-80U and T-84 models) and features updated TKN-4S and PZU-7 optics.

Gun control can be delegated to the tank commander himself. In both versions, the tank can be retrofitted with a 1,000-horsepower 6TDF diesel engine for improved performance.

Both models are protected by Soviet "Kontakt-5" explosive reactive armour (ERA), with a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and a 12.7mm heavy anti-aircraft machine gun (HMG) as standard.

In the subsequent 50-ton T-64BM "Bulat" production, the tank was re-equipped with a 125mm KBA3 series main gun, TO1-KO1ER night vision goggles and Kombat ATGM missile support. Power comes from a 5TDFM diesel engine with 850 horsepower and a range of 240 miles at 45 mph. The ERA protection package has been changed to "Nizh" type.

These models began appearing in the existing T-64 tank list in 2010.

In 2017, a modernized T-64BV was shown. Nizh ERA protection, thermal imaging and TPN-1 TPV night vision are all standard. Communications have been updated and satellite navigation has been added. ERA blocks are placed on front armor panels, side armor skirts and turret fairings to provide maximum protection against modern battlefield threats.

Anti-aircraft guns are located on the commander's hatch / cupola. Six smoke grenade launchers were arranged in platoons on either side of the turret.

In 2019, the T-64BM2 "Bulat" appeared, this variant introduced the 1A43U FCS, TPN-1TPV thermal imaging sight and updated communications equipment. A new turret ring was developed and additional armor was added around the engine compartment. Power comes from a larger 1,000 hp 6TD-1 diesel engine that drives the sprocket assembly. The size of this new engine required an overhaul of the engine bay to accommodate the power pack.

Testing of this new variant will take place in 2021.

The BM2 exhibits significant protection across the entire front of the hull, front fenders, side skirts and turret fairings. The anti-aircraft gun remained in the commander's position, and the thermal imager was located to the left of the turret.

Smoke grenade launchers remain along the sides of the turret.

Despite its Cold War origins, the T-64 MBT continues to serve in the modern Ukrainian army.

Specification

Base

Year of Service

1999

Origins

Ukraine

Status

Active.

Crew

3

Production

720

Manufacturer

Malyshev Factory - USSR (Ukraine)

Operator

Ukraine

Roles

Main Battle Tank (MBT)

The primary armored ground combat unit of the modern army, utilizing speed, protection, and/or firepower to lead armored attacks.

Frontline Assets

Frontline troops used for direct engagement in forward operations against enemy positions/targets.

Tanks vs. Tanks

Fight with armored vehicles of similar form and function.

Notable Features

Crawler layout

The vehicle uses a track wheel arrangement to provide improved off-road capability.

Main Tower

This vehicle is of modern tank quality and its main armament is housed in a turret.

Drive-through owner weapon

The weapon is located in the traversing module and can counter the enemy threat in all directions.

Increased recoil

The main gun has an integrated recoil mechanism that allows the system to remain in training after firing at the target.

Shoot anytime, anywhere

Airborne systems of modern quality ensure the accuracy of the main weapon and allow firing on the move.

Autoloader

The main gun system includes an autoloader function to reduce crew involvement.

Cross-country skiing

The design includes features such as a chain linkage system or high ground clearance for better traversing of terrain.

horn armor

Angled armor on critical faces adds inherent ballistic protection to the vehicle.

Improved armor protection

Increased protection by installing additional armor on top of the standard grade; old-design steel plates and modern types of reactive armor.

Panzerrock

Additional protection of the upper track area and running wheels is achieved by additional armored skirts along the sides of the hull.

ABC Protection

Crew are protected (standard or optional) by nuclear biological and chemical agents to improve survivability in contaminated areas.

Smoke shield

The vehicle itself can generate a smoke screen either through fired projectiles or built-in engine function (raw fuel injection).

Night Vision

Night vision equipment is available to the crew to allow operation in low light conditions or at night.

Available for air defense/air defense

The system will receive an air defense component to protect itself from low-flying threats from afar.

Anti-tank capability

Airborne solutions provide the ability to neutralize armored or hardened targets remotely using missiles or penetrating ballistic weapons.

Anti-Infantry

Vehicles have built-in anti-infantry capabilities for local vehicle defense or general troop suppression.

Dimensions and Weight

Length

30.3 feet

9.23m

width

11. 2 feet

3.42m

Height

7. 2 feet

2.2m

Weight

100,002 lbs

45,360 kg

Tonnage

50.0 tons

Power and Performance

Engine:

1 x 6TD-1 diesel engine, 1,000 hp, with conventional track and wheel arrangement.

Speed

44.7 km/h

(72.0 km/h)

Area

239. 2 miles

(385.0 km)

Armament

1 x 125mm KBA3 main gun in front of front turret; automatic loading system reduces operator to three. 1 x 12.7mm Anti-Aircraft (AA) Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) on the Commander's Cupola. 1 x 7.62mm coaxial machine gun on the front of the front turret. 12 smoke grenade launchers.

AMMOTION

28 x 125mm projectile. 500 x 12.7mm ammo (estimate). 1,200 x 7.62mm ammunition (estimate). 12 x Smoke Grenade.

VARIANTS

T-64 "Bulat" - The name of the base series. T-64BM2 - Modernized T-64; 57DFM diesel engine, 850 hp; 1A43U FCS; 6ETs43 autoloading system; AT-11 "Sniper" ATGM missile support; T-64U - Modernized T-64; 1A45FCS; Airborne Weapon Optics Group PNK-4SU/TKN-4S/PZU-7; Contact Times; optional 1,000 hp 6TDF engine. T-64BM "Bulat" - Type 2010; Nizh ERA armor; KBA3 main gun; TO1-KO1Er night vision; with anti-tank missile capability.

T-64BM2 - 2019 variant; TPN-1TPV night vision goggles; 1A43U FCS; 1H46M targeting unit; updated communications; improved situational awareness; 6TD-1 engine, 1,000 hp. T-64BV (2017 model) - thermal imaging system for the entire crew; TPN-1 TPV night vision; next-generation; satellite navigation equipment.