T-72M1 (Germany)

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Su-25K Pack
This page is about the medium tank T-72M1 (Germany). For other versions, see T-72 (Family).
germ_kpz_t72m1.png
GarageImage T-72M1 (Germany).jpg
ArtImage T-72M1 (Germany).png
◊T-72M1
AB RB SB
9.3 9.3 9.3
Class:
Research:220 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:620 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
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Description

The ◊KPz T-72M1 was the final tank delivered to East Germany by the Warsaw Pact during the 1980s, with the intention of it becoming their new spearhead in case the Cold War escalated into a full-scale world war. The NVA used various versions of the T-72, but all of them were either from the Soviet Union (T-72 and T-72A) or from other Warsaw Pact countries with license-produced variants (T-72M and T-72M1). This model represents the export/licensed T-72M1, which had mostly identical performance to the Soviet T-72A Mod. 1983 (an upgraded T-72A with additional plates on the UFP which is a researchable upgrade to the T-72A in-game) after domestic upgrades were made in East Germany. These tanks were never used in war and were subsequently transferred to the Heer for evaluation or sale.

Introduced in Update "Sky Guardians", players from the Soviet tech tree will soon become accustomed to the tank due to its very similar, if not identical, performance compared to Soviet T-72A: the armour upgrade is now included for free with the T-72M1 in NVA service. Although it may not have the agility of NATO MBTs or the gun handling of PLAGF MBTs, the T-72M1 will still prove its worth against lower-tier enemies who face it with earlier APFSDS or even APDS, as they will have difficulty fighting back.

General info

Survivability and armour

Composite armour
Balanced protection against all types of ammunition
Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
ESS
Creation of a smoke screen in the direction of movement of the vehicle
Self-entrenching equipment
Creation of ramparts and trenches in soft ground
Armourfront / side / back
Hull110 / 80 / 40
Turret125 / 102 / 65
Crew3 people
Visibility75 %

The T-72M1 is basically a near identical copy of the T-72A found in the Soviet tech tree, therefore the armour layout is also almost identical. Some differences are the additional applique armour placed on the front glacis which was part of the mid-1980s upgrade. While not substantially thick, the sloping effect on top of the composite front glacis might be enough to prevent some shells from fully penetrating, especially those from lower tiers; they will have extremely hard time going through the armour.

The hull and turret of the T-72M1 are strong enough to somewhat reliably bounce some shells and eat, although it still possesses the same weak spots that most other soviet tanks have (lower front plate, drivers optics, etc.).

Armour type:

  • Cast homogeneous armour (turret)
  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 210+16 mm 80 mm Top
20 mm Bottom
40 mm 20 mm
Turret 200-280 mm Turret front
150-400 mm Gun mantlet
130-240 mm 60-100 mm 45 mm
Cupola 100 mm 100 mm 100 mm 45 mm

Notes:

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB67 / 5 km/h
RB and SB60 / 5 km/h
Number of gears7 forward
1 back
Weight41.5 t
Engine power
AB1 488 hp
RB and SB780 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB35.9 hp/t
RB and SB18.8 hp/t

As the T-72M1 was introduced late into NVA service and was one of the A/M variants, it continues to be powered by the well-known V-46-6 V12 turbocharged diesel engine used in the previous T-72 series. While this engine provides up to 780 horsepower when upgraded, with around 19 horsepower-to-weight ratio, it is not particularly fast. Nevertheless, it offers considerably more manoeuvrability compared to the M60 family or Chieftains. It is worth noting that the post-T-64 tanks feature a 7F1R planetary gear transmission, which gives the T-72 its distinctively slow reverse speed, a lethal flaw that is shared by most Soviet/Warsaw-Pact and certain PLAGF tanks.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 67 5 41.5 1,209 1,488 29.13 35.86
Realistic 60 5 690 780 16.63 18.8

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 815 → 6 245 Sl icon.png
RB3 777 → 6 182 Sl icon.png
SB4 900 → 8 021 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications186 200 Rp icon.png
301 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 700 Ge icon.png
Crew training175 000 Sl icon.png
Experts620 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 010 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
160 / 200 / 240 % Sl icon.png
226 / 226 / 226 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
7 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
7 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
7 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
520 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
520 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods dozer blade.png
Dozer Blade
Research:
7 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
2 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods night vision device.png
NVD
Research:
7 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement ger.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
ESS
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
520 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
7 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
125mm_ussr_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
7 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
7 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
125mm_ussr_3BM12_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
7 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
520 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
125mm_ussr_3BM15_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
520 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.

Main armament

Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Autoloader
Automatically feeds projectiles into the breech. The speed does not depend on the skills of the loader
Ammunition44 rounds
First-order22 rounds
Reload7.1 s
Vertical guidance-6° / 13°
Main article: 2A46 (125 mm)

The T-72M1 shares the same gun as the T-72A, and this version of the 2A46 was equipped with heat sleeves. Due to export limitations from the Soviet Army, the only ammunition options for the T-72M1 are those used by the T-72A. The overall firepower of the T-72M1 is quite sufficient at its tier, thanks to its large-calibre 125 mm gun (NATO tanks have yet to upgrade their MBTs to 120 mm guns). The penetration is more than enough to handle most enemies it may face. However, it is important to be cautious of the rather slow turret traverse speed and the fixed 7.1 second reload time - plan your shots very carefully since exposed T-72s are rather fragile to incoming shells that aim for their weak spots.

125 mm 2A46 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Autoloader
Arcade 44 -6°/+13° ±180° Two-plane 19.0 26.4 32.0 35.4 37.6 7.10
Realistic 11.9 14.0 17.0 18.8 20.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
3BK12M HEATFS 440 440 440 440 440 440
3OF26 HE 42 42 42 42 42 42
3BM9 APFSDS 321 317 303 285 268 249
3BM15 APFSDS 440 430 420 410 405 400
3BM22 APFSDS 425 420 415 405 393 380
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
3BK12M HEATFS 905 19 0.05 0.1 2.06 65° 72° 77°
3OF26 HE 850 23 0.3 0.1 5.24 79° 80° 81°
3BM9 APFSDS 1,800 3.6 - - - 72° 76° 78°
3BM15 APFSDS 1,780 3.88 - - - 76° 77° 80°
3BM22 APFSDS 1,760 4.83 - - - 76° 77° 80°

Ammo racks

Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
44 40 (+4) 29 (+15) 23 (+21) (+43) No

Machine guns

12.7 mm NSVT machine gun
Ammunition300 rounds
Belt capacity60 rounds
Reload5.0 s
Fire rate700 shots/min
Vertical guidance-4° / 75°
Ammunition2 000 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reload8.0 s
Fire rate700 shots/min

Similar to its Soviet and Warsaw Pact counterparts, the T-72M1 in NVA service is equipped with NSVT and PKT machine guns. The NSVT is suitable for handling light vehicles or oncoming aircraft within its vertical traverse limits, while the PKT is only useful for taking out exposed crews of enemy vehicles.

12.7 mm NSVT
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 300 (60) 700 -4°/+75° ±180°
7.62 mm PKT
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 2,000 (250) 700 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

The T-72 series is widely known for being an economical yet effective option for large-scale tank assaults. The T-72M1 in NVA service is no exception, sharing many characteristics with its Soviet counterparts. Its armour and firepower are superior to most enemies it might encounter, but there are some persistent flaws in this tank series that players should be aware of.

The T-72M1 is mostly identical to the T-72A Mod. 1983 in Soviet service, featuring the smoke launchers and extra layer of applique armour on the upper front plate (UFP) that provides additional protection against most tanks at its tier. The installation of the later 2A46 125 mm gun also ensures that it can take on enemy targets at its tier with ease, as most tanks at its tier would be one-shot by its devastating ammunition. Players who are familiar with the Soviet tech tree will quickly become accustomed to the T-72M1's similar performance to the T-72A. Those who are using it as an alternative to Bundeswehr MBTs, however, will need to adjust their tactics to maximize its effectiveness against potential enemies. While the T-72M1 lacks the high top speed of tanks like the Leopard series (barely reaching 59 km/h, similar to PLAGF tanks), it has the firepower to obliterate enemies from a distance thanks to its laser rangefinder (LRF) and larger calibre gun. The high muzzle velocity of its APFSDS shell ensures that it lands on designated targets accurately, while its HE-FS shell can sometimes result in surprise kills on enemy MBTs with overpressure damage, not to mention light vehicles with minimal protection. Players should note, however, that the T-72M1's slow turret traverse speed and fixed magnification gunsight can make sniping a challenge. In the event of a more aggressive approach, the T-72M1's protection and firepower make it capable of breaking through defensive lines composed of lower-tier tanks. Players should take cover as soon as possible after a large-scale counterattack, however, as the tank is not capable of rapid shots on enemies. Delaying counterattacks and waiting for support is the best strategy.

A common issue that haunts the T-72 series is the gun traverse speed, as previously mentioned. Chances are that enemies will take to the flanks to hit the tank's sides instead, which will result in the most devastating blow it could suffer - the cramped AZ-172 autoloader is completely exposed to enemy shells, and a precise hit on it could trigger a "jack-in-the-box" effect, sending the turret flying hundreds of metres away from the hull. Therefore, players should never show the sides to enemies and should plan their assaults carefully. Directing the tank straight towards the enemies is the best way to increase the odds of survival. The well-known driver visor and LFP weakspot are still vulnerabilities of the T-72M1, but shells will often encounter areas well-protected with the applique armour. Players should avoid giving enemies the opportunity to take aim at these spots.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Better protection and small profile against enemy tanks
  • Large-calibre main cannon with devastating firepower
  • Better mobility than M60 or Chieftain series
  • Commander HMG for taking out light targets/aircraft
  • Equipped with HE-FS for overpressure damage against well-covered targets
  • Autoloader for constant reload rate and available even during critical scenario (i.e fire onboard, knocked-out crew)

Cons:

  • Rather cramped interior with high odds of destruction/fatal damages in case of a penetration
  • Infamous AZ-172 autoloader with very high chance of detonation when being hit directly
  • Shares identical weakspots (i.e LFP, driver's visors) to the T-72 series
  • Slow turret traverse speed, vulnerable to sudden attacks or flankers
  • Mediocre top speed compare to Leopards or AMX-30s
  • Fixed 8x optical channel with less flexibility to variable magnification optics
  • Lacks commander override for the gun
  • Lacks thermal optics

History

Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

Media

Skins
Sights


See also

Related development

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Germany medium tanks
Pz.III  Pz.III B · Pz.III E · Pz.III F · Pz.III J · Pz.III J1 · Pz.III J1 TD · Pz.III L · Pz.III M · Pz.III N
Pz.IV  Pz.IV C · Pz.IV E · Pz.IV F1 · Pz.IV F2 · Pz.IV G · Pz.IV H · Pz.IV J · Pz.Bef.Wg.IV J
Pz.V  VK 3002 (M) · Panther A · Panther D · Panther F · Panther G · Ersatz M10 · Panther II
M48 upgrades  M48A2 G A2 · M48 Super
Leopard 1  Leopard I · Leopard A1A1 · Leopard A1A1 (L/44) · Leopard 1A5 · C2A1 · Turm III
Leopard 2  PT-16/T14 mod. · Leopard 2K · Leopard 2AV
  Leopard 2A4 · Leopard 2 (PzBtl 123) · Leopard 2A4M · Leopard 2 PL · Leopard 2A5 · Leopard 2 PSO · Leopard 2A6 · Leopard 2A7V
Trophies  ▀M4 748 (a) · ▀T 34 747 (r)
Other  Nb.Fz. · KPz-70
USA  mKPz M47 G · M48A2 C
USSR  ◊T-72M1