"Chiorny Oriol" - Russian news

[Marcello]

Originally Posted by politruk

Today acting head of armored arms military-scientific committee of Ministry of Defence Vladimir Voitov says that newest tank “Chiorny Oriol” (early mentioned by mass-media) is non-existent. According to his, all images of “Chiorny Oriol” are only certain 20-years-old photos. And “is only model of future combat vehicle which wanted by somebody” - “Moscow Echo” quoting.
Spokesman adds that he knows about existence of one specimen of certain experimental armored vehicle, however, “there is fully empty turret”.

In other words Obiekt 640 was never fully developed. Not surprising for a system which, like many others, was caught up in the USSR collapse. It would have required some foreign customer willing to throw money and time at the project for it to bear fruit. Alas everyone went for T-72/T-90 instead, perhaps with good reasons if one looks at a lot of arms deals involving Russia.