1. Even Russian sources say the T-72B3 has a NEW FCS. Many components make up a complete FCS system one I've spoken of recently is the issue concerning the Italian GALAX GALILEO FCS(
See Page 29 Post 282). The ARIETE C1 has only certain components of the system on board vs. the full system on the CENTURO. The difference in this case is mostly in the TI/GSR values 40 versus 50 (When submitted later.). The T-72B2 does not possess a "Hunter-Killer" mode of operation, this is the difference in the COMPLETE FCS that the T-72B3 has that capability.
2. I am willing to concede the RELICT vs KONTACT-5 issue however as I noted the whole turret issue still stands in regards to the ERA configuration. Having re-read the
army-recognition.com (AR) data and Russian defensenet.com blog (DN) 1. They know some other form of protection is under the KONTACT-5 plates to account for the configuration differences from the other T-72 variants. The first AR reports there is a 20mm layer of applique armor (Very effective normally think MERKEVA as that's a key part of its protection.) around the turret, The DN site believes it to be RELICT on the glacis area of the turret.
3. First with ARENA-E simply think of the TROPHY system by comparison. Which this tank does have.
4. I still stand by the Main Gun as well. Refer back to the original Post for that and the newer AR ref I submitted recently.
I submit things like the word "new" and "A picture(s) is worth a thousand words."...
http://www.siberianinsider.com/russi...2b3-tanks.html
http://itar-tass.com/en/russia/768012
http://fofanov.armor.kiev.ua/Tanks/EQP/shtora.html
http://fofanov.armor.kiev.ua/Tanks/EQP/arena.html
And I'll save the JANE'S for later if needed.
Pic:
Note on closest tank of 9 on the
turret front facing you what appears to be an IR light used by the SHTORA system. This is not unusual as the Russian Army has started to use their armor defensive systems in a "hybrid configuration" the ref touches on this below concerning the SHTORA system. On the
turret top you can see the commanders "hunter killer" panoramic site. And finally on the
back of the turret you can clearly see the large can shaped radar of the ARENA-E system.
For review...
http://www.military-today.com/tanks/t72b3.htm
And since it seems some things might have been missed when the above ref was used to start this conversation, let me post a couple of direct quotes from it. It would seem this goes back to one of my PITA issues I've posted on before.
1. "Refurbished and upgraded T-72B3 tanks are fitted with new engine,
new gunners sight, new fire control systemm and have some other improvements.
Now this MBT has a hunter-killer capability."
2. "The tank has
new fire control system and
new ballistic computer. Gunner uses
new Sosna-U sight with thermal imager. This sight has day/night and all weather combat capability. The T-72B3 has a
hunter-killer capability even though it
lacks commander's panoramic sight. Vehicle commander can select a target and lay the gun and let the gunner complete all the aiming and firing process. During that time commander looks for the next target. The tank is also fitted with new digital radio system."
2a. "
lacks commander's panoramic sight"-It doesn't anymore/see pic above again/many initial refs left the door open for "down the road" upgrades. That time has already come and gone. Those tanks pictured went West at the time of the article-who's West of Russia and slightly to the South? The T-72B3 is the frontline tank there.
Sorry for the crankiness (Well to a degree anyway
) but...
forget about it...good night!
Regards,
Pat