Difference between revisions of "T-72A"

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{{Specs-Card|code=ussr_t_72a}}
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{{About
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| about = Soviet medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = other versions
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| link = T-72 (Family)
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}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=ussr_t_72a
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|GarageImage_T-72A_(1983).jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
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}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
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<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
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<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
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[[File:GarageImage {{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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The '''T-72A''' is the second variant of the [[T-72 (Family)|T-72 main battle tank family]]. It is a member of one of the most extensive and vast main battle families, with nearly 25,000 units of all variants built. The second variant, T-72A, has several improvements over the first variant, which is also known as "Ural." The TPD-2-49 coincidence optical rangefinder has been replaced with the TPD-K1 laser rangefinder, and a modern electronic fire control has been added. The turret front is heavily armoured with composite armour, and there are provisions for mounting explosive reactive armour (ERA) and smoke grenade launchers. In the 1980s, a large number of the first variants, the T-72 "Ural", were also modernized and upgraded to this standard.
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{{Break}}
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet medium tank {{Battle-rating|1}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].
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Introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]], the T-72A is a manoeuvrable tank, but it has poor acceleration and handling. Its low reverse speed and hull traverse set it apart from its Western counterparts. It does, however, have a reasonably powerful engine that allows it to easily traverse rough terrain. During battles, the quartz core turret will help to resist many shots. This tank's armament includes a powerful and accurate gun. Overall, it is a formidable tank that served as the spearhead of the Soviet Army ground forces during the Cold War.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat?''
+
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 +
The T-72A's hull armour is practically the same as the T-64A's; textolite middle sandwiched between two RHA plates. The difference is that the T-72As upper glacis is angled at one degree further back than that of the T-64A and the use of Quartz core instead of High-Hardness Rolled Armour (HHRA) in the turret. Like the T-64 and T-80 line, the T-72A has a carousel-type autoloader centred under the turret. This means that a penetrating hit to the centre of the tank has a high chance of leading to an ammunition detonation and subsequent launch of the turret. This is however slightly less likely to happen with the T-72As type of autoloader, where the charges are stored horizontally (as "=") in comparison to the T-64/-80 type, where the charge sits vertically and is easier to hit.
 +
 
 +
Spare ammunition not inside the 22 round carousel is however spread more randomly around the fighting compartment. Therefore, bringing only 23 rounds (for 1 in the gun and 22 in the carousel) limits the chance of the spare ammo detonating in the case of a turret hit. There are two diesel tank ammo racks within the tank - one to the right of the driver and one between the engine and fighting compartment (with some loose ammo above it). It doesn't take much to realize that like most Soviet MBTs, the T-72A is rather explosive if extra ammo is taken, so great care is needed when showing the hull. The driver should also be aware of having only 3 crew members; if one is knocked out they should be sure to return to an objective point as soon as possible to get a new one.
 +
 
 +
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
 +
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret)
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull)
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 60 mm (68°) <br> 16 mm ''Add-on steel plate'' (68°) || 80 mm ''Top'' <br> 20 mm ''Bottom'' || 40 mm || 30 mm ''Frontal roof'' <br> 20 mm ''Engine deck roof''
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 200-280 mm ''Turret front'' (variable angles) <br> 150 - 400 mm ''Gun mantlet'' (variable angles) || 130-240 mm || 75 mm || 45 mm
 +
|-
 +
| Cupola || 100 mm (variable angles) || 100 mm (variable angles) || 100 mm (variable angles) || 45 mm
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
  
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
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* Suspension wheels and torsion bars are 20 mm thick while tracks are 30 mm thick.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
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''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''
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{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
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<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 +
 
 +
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 1209|rbMinHp= 690|AoAweight= 0.8}}
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 +
The T-72A is a slow and sluggish tank which has poor acceleration and handling. It has really poor reverse speed as well as hull traverse. However, it has a powerful engine which makes it capable of pulling and pushing enemy tanks as well as move through rough terrain with ease. It does not have enough horsepower to climb over steep elevations. Speed-wise, it has a decent top speed (~60-70 km/h) which under specific situations it is able to be reached.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
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''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
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<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 +
{{main|2A46 (125 mm)}}
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 +
The T-72A has the powerful 2A46 125 mm smoothbore cannon. It has a powerful selection of rounds, each with different uses and similarities between same types.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[2A46 (125 mm)|125 mm 2A46]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || Reloading rate (seconds)
 +
|-
 +
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 +
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
! Autoloader
 +
|-
 +
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 44 || rowspan="2" | -6°/+13° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 19.0 || 26.4 || 32.0 || 35.4 || 37.6 || rowspan="2" | 7.10
 +
|-
 +
! ''Realistic''
 +
| 11.9 || 14.0 || 17.0 || 18.8 || 20.0
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Ammunition ====
 +
 
 +
* 3BK12M: this is the stock ammunition which can be seen as poor when in frontal engagements against modern MBTs. However, the HEAT shaped charge as well as not losing penetration over distances makes it a decent round for sniping. However, the speed in said round is not fast and will be hard to aim at long distances.
 +
* 3OF26: HE shell with a massive amount of explosive filler. This shell will destroy lightly armoured vehicles such as SPAA with overpressure.
 +
* 3BM9: this is a tier I steel core APFSDS which has the highest muzzle velocity over all the APFSDS seen. However, the weight as well as penetration make it unreliable when facing top tier MBTs frontally.
 +
* 3BM15: this is a tier 2 tungsten core APFSDS which has slightly less muzzle velocity compared to the 3BM9. However, this is the highest penetrating shot seen in the T-72A with increased weight over the 3BM9.
 +
* 3BM22: this is a tier 4 APFSDS which has same ballistic performance as the 3BM15. However, penetration is reduced for a greater weight.
 +
 
 +
{{:2A46 (125 mm)/Ammunition|3BK12M, 3OF26, 3BM9, 3BM15, 3BM22}}
 +
 
 +
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x450px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.15.1.65''' -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! Full<br>ammo
 +
! Ammo<br>part
 +
! 1st<br>rack empty
 +
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 +
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 +
! 4th<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 +
|-
 +
| '''44''' || ''Projectiles'' <br> ''Propellants'' || 40&nbsp;''(+4)'' <br> 40&nbsp;''(+4)'' || 29&nbsp;''(+15)'' <br> 29&nbsp;''(+15)'' || 23&nbsp;''(+21)'' <br> 23&nbsp;''(+21)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+43)'' <br> 1&nbsp;''(+43)'' || No
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
 +
 
 +
* The {{PAGENAME}} uses two-piece ammunition, composed of propellant bags (orange) and projectiles (yellow). Both have separate racks.
 +
* Shells are modelled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
 +
* A propellant charge remains in rack 2 after it is emptied and is later fired as part of rack 3. For the purpose of clarity, rack 2 is considered empty even if that charge is still present.
 +
* Rack 4 (autoloader carrousel) is a first stage ammo rack containing 22 projectiles and 22 propellant charges.
 +
** This rack gets filled first when loading up the tank and is also emptied first.
 +
** As the {{PAGENAME}} is equipped with an autoloader, manual reloading of the gun is not possible.
 +
** Once the autoloader magazine has been depleted, you can't shoot until the loader has restocked the autoloader with at least one shell. The restocking time is longer than the normal reload time of the gun. Take this into account when playing.
 +
** Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1 to 3 into rack 4. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready rack.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
−
{{Main|NSVT (12.7 mm)|PKT (7.62 mm)}}
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
 +
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 +
{{main|NSVT (12.7 mm)|PKT (7.62 mm)}}
  
−
The T-72A is equipped with a coaxial 7.62mm PKT machine gun and a Pintle-mounted 12.7mm NSVT machine gun for fighting aircraft.
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[NSVT (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm NSVT]]
 +
|-
 +
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 +
|-
 +
| Pintle || 300 (150) || 700 || -4°/+75° || ±180°
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[PKT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm PKT]]
 +
|-
 +
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 +
|-
 +
| Coaxial || 2,000 (250) || 700 || N/A || N/A
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
 
 +
The T-72A playstyle is near identical to the [[T-64A (1971)|T-64A]] (and also subsequent Soviet MBTs). One of the key differences between the two vehicles is the T-72A's stronger armour. The quartz core composed turret will also bounce many shots and can even eat up some of the strongest ATGMs. In terms of armament, the T-72A boasts the very powerful and accurate 125 mm 2A46 that Soviet high-rank tankers will quickly become familiar and fall in love with. Make sure to research the 3BM15 sabot rounds as soon as you can (after Parts and FPE of course), as the stock round has mediocre penetration for a sabot.
 +
 
 +
'''Enemies worth noting:'''
 +
 
 +
* [[XM-1 (Chrysler)]]/[[XM-1 (GM)|(GM)]]: Avoid attempting combat with the 3BK18M HEATFS shells, despite them having thin composite armour
 +
* [[AMX-30B2]]/[[AMX-30B2 BRENUS]]: DM23/33 have enough armour penetration to penetrate T-72 driver frontal plates, though all shells are effective against them in return.
 +
* [[Leopard 2K]]: Turret mantlet is resistant to 3BK18M.
 +
* [[AMX-40]]: Turret mantlet and lower frontal plate are highly resistant to 3BK18M.
 +
* [[Strv 103 (Family)|Strv 103]]: Depending on the hull angling, HEATFS rounds such as the 3BK18M might ricochet. APFSDS is recommended to be used when facing it frontally.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
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<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Mounts the same powerful 125mm 2A46 gun as on the T-64 and T-80
+
* Potent 125 mm cannon with high accuracy and muzzle velocity
 +
* Low profile, especially when compared to NATO counterparts
 +
* Access to a laser rangefinder
 +
* Has both smoke grenade launchers and ESS
 +
* Great turret armour and decent enough hull protection
 +
* Has access to the powerful 3BM22 round
 +
* Autoloader means the gun will continue reloading despite any fires or crew casualties
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Ammo racks all around the center of the hull interior; can be easily detonated
+
* Terrible survivability thanks to the large autoloader in the hull and limited crew
 +
* Abysmal reverse speed at -4 km/h
 +
* Gun depression of -6 degrees leaves some to be desired
 +
* Large weak spots which include the driver's port and LFP
 +
* Mediocre optics with only one 8x zoom level
 +
* Glacis armour is not reliable until the add-on armour plate is unlocked
  
 +
== 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: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
  
−
== History ==
+
Development of the T-72 began shortly after the production of the T-64 highlighted several problems which negatively impacted production rates. Among these problems was an unreliable engine, which couldn't be produced at the high rates needed for a smooth production of the T-64 to take place.
−
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''-->
 
−
Development of the T-72 began shortly after the production of the T-64 highlighted several problems which negatively impacted production rates. Among these problems was an unreliable engine, which couldn’t be produced at the high rates needed for a smooth production of the T-64 to take place.
 
  
−
In response, the Uralvagonzavod plant began working on a modified version of the T-64, which would use a more reliable and readily available engine, in order to provide the army with a tank fit for mass-production. Apart from this, changes were also made to the armor layout, in order to simplify production and decrease costs. This work resulted in the creation of the Object 172.
+
In response, the Uralvagonzavod plant began working on a modified version of the T-64, which would use a more reliable and readily available engine, in order to provide the army with a tank fit for mass-production. Apart from this, changes were also made to the armour layout, in order to simplify production and decrease costs. This work resulted in the creation of the Object 172.
  
 
Development of the Object 172 continued, and after some trials, the vehicle entered service with the Soviet Army in August 1973, receiving its official designation T-72. Shortly afterwards, the vehicle was permitted for mass production, following the issuing of an official decree in 1974.
 
Development of the Object 172 continued, and after some trials, the vehicle entered service with the Soviet Army in August 1973, receiving its official designation T-72. Shortly afterwards, the vehicle was permitted for mass production, following the issuing of an official decree in 1974.
Line 52: Line 188:
 
Since production began in 1974, over 20,000 T-72 tanks were built across several modifications in the Soviet Union/Russia alone, with production of more modern variants still ongoing today, even in other countries as well.
 
Since production began in 1974, over 20,000 T-72 tanks were built across several modifications in the Soviet Union/Russia alone, with production of more modern variants still ongoing today, even in other countries as well.
  
−
''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5945-development-t-72a-the-globetrotter-en Devblog]''
+
''- From [[wt:en/news/5945-development-t-72a-the-globetrotter-en|Devblog]]''
 +
 
 +
The T-72 series tank was developed as a direct prototype of the T-64 mechanical issues correction. In 1962, while working on the corrections of production problems, specially engine and firepower, a new prototype was developed with the 125 mm 2A46M smoothbore gun and the V-45K diesel engine. This prototype was renamed to Object 172. While being in an unclear political process, decree number 326-113 was issued, freeing Uralvagonzavod from the production of the T-64A. The first batch was produced and set under the name of "Object 172M". It was tested again in 1972 and accepted to service under the name of T-72. License production was sold to multiple countries as well as unit batches to Warsaw pact nations and exported to other countries such as India, Syria, Finland, Iraq and Yugoslavia. After the collapse of the USSR in 1991, some of the independent countries kept the tanks such as Ukraine.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
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 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_t_72a Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Images
 +
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
 +
File:T-72A WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
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File:T-72A WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
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File:T-72A WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
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File:T-72A WTWallpaper 04.jpg|
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File:T-72A WTWallpaper 05.jpg|
 +
File:T-72A WTWallpaper 06.jpg|
 +
File:T-72A WTWallpaper 07.jpg|
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|Q6sYNcaVVO0|'''The Shooting Range #88''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 05:01 discusses the T-72.|pW4fRtXKUgs|'''The Shooting Range #132''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:35 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|CJ9sCL1BGy4|'''M1 Abrams vs {{PAGENAME}} vs T-80B''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|_xCgMBOiA8U|'''High-explosive power''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 1:50 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|UMmdozyPgpU|'''Tanks Chats #110 - T-72''' - ''The Tank Museum''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
+
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[T-64 (Family)]]
 +
* [[T-80 (Family)]]
 +
* [[ZTZ96]]{{-}}[[ZTZ96A]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on tank;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''-->
 
−
 
 
−
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5945-development-t-72a-the-globetrotter-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> T-72A: The Globetrotter]
 
  
 +
* [[wt:en/news/5945-development-t-72a-the-globetrotter-en|[Devblog] T-72A: The Globetrotter]]
 +
* [[wikipedia:T-72|[Wikipedia] T-72]]
 +
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/USSR/soviet_T-72.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> T-72]
 +
{{TankManufacturer Uralvagonzavod}}
 
{{USSR medium tanks}}
 
{{USSR medium tanks}}

Revision as of 04:09, 19 October 2024

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
This page is about the Soviet medium tank T-72A. For other versions, see T-72 (Family).
T-72A
ussr_t_72a.png
GarageImage T-72A.jpg
GarageImage T-72A (1983).jpg
ArtImage T-72A.png
T-72A
USSR flag.png USSR
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
9.3 9.3 9.3
Class:
Research:220 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:620 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The T-72A is the second variant of the T-72 main battle tank family. It is a member of one of the most extensive and vast main battle families, with nearly 25,000 units of all variants built. The second variant, T-72A, has several improvements over the first variant, which is also known as "Ural." The TPD-2-49 coincidence optical rangefinder has been replaced with the TPD-K1 laser rangefinder, and a modern electronic fire control has been added. The turret front is heavily armoured with composite armour, and there are provisions for mounting explosive reactive armour (ERA) and smoke grenade launchers. In the 1980s, a large number of the first variants, the T-72 "Ural", were also modernized and upgraded to this standard.

Introduced in Update 1.85 "Supersonic", the T-72A is a manoeuvrable tank, but it has poor acceleration and handling. Its low reverse speed and hull traverse set it apart from its Western counterparts. It does, however, have a reasonably powerful engine that allows it to easily traverse rough terrain. During battles, the quartz core turret will help to resist many shots. This tank's armament includes a powerful and accurate gun. Overall, it is a formidable tank that served as the spearhead of the Soviet Army ground forces during the Cold War.

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-72A's hull armour is practically the same as the T-64A's; textolite middle sandwiched between two RHA plates. The difference is that the T-72As upper glacis is angled at one degree further back than that of the T-64A and the use of Quartz core instead of High-Hardness Rolled Armour (HHRA) in the turret. Like the T-64 and T-80 line, the T-72A has a carousel-type autoloader centred under the turret. This means that a penetrating hit to the centre of the tank has a high chance of leading to an ammunition detonation and subsequent launch of the turret. This is however slightly less likely to happen with the T-72As type of autoloader, where the charges are stored horizontally (as "=") in comparison to the T-64/-80 type, where the charge sits vertically and is easier to hit.

Spare ammunition not inside the 22 round carousel is however spread more randomly around the fighting compartment. Therefore, bringing only 23 rounds (for 1 in the gun and 22 in the carousel) limits the chance of the spare ammo detonating in the case of a turret hit. There are two diesel tank ammo racks within the tank - one to the right of the driver and one between the engine and fighting compartment (with some loose ammo above it). It doesn't take much to realize that like most Soviet MBTs, the T-72A is rather explosive if extra ammo is taken, so great care is needed when showing the hull. The driver should also be aware of having only 3 crew members; if one is knocked out they should be sure to return to an objective point as soon as possible to get a new one.

Armour type:

  • Cast homogeneous armour (Turret)
  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 60 mm (68°)
16 mm Add-on steel plate (68°) 		80 mm Top
20 mm Bottom 		40 mm 30 mm Frontal roof
20 mm Engine deck roof
Turret 200-280 mm Turret front (variable angles)
150 - 400 mm Gun mantlet (variable angles) 		130-240 mm 75 mm 45 mm
Cupola 100 mm (variable angles) 100 mm (variable angles) 100 mm (variable angles) 45 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels and torsion bars are 20 mm thick while tracks are 30 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB67 / 5 km/h
RB and SB60 / 5 km/h
Number of gears7 forward
1 back
Weight41.0 t
Engine power
AB1 488 hp
RB and SB780 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB36.3 hp/t
RB and SB19.0 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock AoA Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 67 5 40.2 0.8 1209 1,488 30.07 36.29
Realistic 60 5 690 780 17.16 19.02

The T-72A is a slow and sluggish tank which has poor acceleration and handling. It has really poor reverse speed as well as hull traverse. However, it has a powerful engine which makes it capable of pulling and pushing enemy tanks as well as move through rough terrain with ease. It does not have enough horsepower to climb over steep elevations. Speed-wise, it has a decent top speed (~60-70 km/h) which under specific situations it is able to be reached.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 771 → 6 263 Sl icon.png
RB3 734 → 6 202 Sl icon.png
SB4 844 → 8 045 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications186 300 Rp icon.png
307 000 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:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
350 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:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
440 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:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement ussr.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:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods tank additional armor.png
T-72A (1983)
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
440 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:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
125mm_ussr_3BM12_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
350 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:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
125mm_ussr_3BM15_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder

Main armament

125 mm 2A46 cannon
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-72A has the powerful 2A46 125 mm smoothbore cannon. It has a powerful selection of rounds, each with different uses and similarities between same types.

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

  • 3BK12M: this is the stock ammunition which can be seen as poor when in frontal engagements against modern MBTs. However, the HEAT shaped charge as well as not losing penetration over distances makes it a decent round for sniping. However, the speed in said round is not fast and will be hard to aim at long distances.
  • 3OF26: HE shell with a massive amount of explosive filler. This shell will destroy lightly armoured vehicles such as SPAA with overpressure.
  • 3BM9: this is a tier I steel core APFSDS which has the highest muzzle velocity over all the APFSDS seen. However, the weight as well as penetration make it unreliable when facing top tier MBTs frontally.
  • 3BM15: this is a tier 2 tungsten core APFSDS which has slightly less muzzle velocity compared to the 3BM9. However, this is the highest penetrating shot seen in the T-72A with increased weight over the 3BM9.
  • 3BM22: this is a tier 4 APFSDS which has same ballistic performance as the 3BM15. However, penetration is reduced for a greater weight.

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

Ammo racks of the T-72A
Full
ammo 		Ammo
part 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
44 Projectiles
Propellants 		40 (+4)
40 (+4) 		29 (+15)
29 (+15) 		23 (+21)
23 (+21) 		1 (+43)
1 (+43) 		No

Notes:

  • The T-72A uses two-piece ammunition, composed of propellant bags (orange) and projectiles (yellow). Both have separate racks.
  • Shells are modelled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
  • A propellant charge remains in rack 2 after it is emptied and is later fired as part of rack 3. For the purpose of clarity, rack 2 is considered empty even if that charge is still present.
  • Rack 4 (autoloader carrousel) is a first stage ammo rack containing 22 projectiles and 22 propellant charges.
    • This rack gets filled first when loading up the tank and is also emptied first.
    • As the T-72A is equipped with an autoloader, manual reloading of the gun is not possible.
    • Once the autoloader magazine has been depleted, you can't shoot until the loader has restocked the autoloader with at least one shell. The restocking time is longer than the normal reload time of the gun. Take this into account when playing.
    • Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1 to 3 into rack 4. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready rack.

Machine guns

12.7 mm NSVT machine gun
Ammunition300 rounds
Belt capacity60 rounds
Reload5.0 s
Fire rate700 shots/min
Vertical guidance-4° / 75°
7.62 mm PKT machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition2 000 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reload8.0 s
Fire rate700 shots/min
Main articles: NSVT (12.7 mm), PKT (7.62 mm)
12.7 mm NSVT
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 300 (150) 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-72A playstyle is near identical to the T-64A (and also subsequent Soviet MBTs). One of the key differences between the two vehicles is the T-72A's stronger armour. The quartz core composed turret will also bounce many shots and can even eat up some of the strongest ATGMs. In terms of armament, the T-72A boasts the very powerful and accurate 125 mm 2A46 that Soviet high-rank tankers will quickly become familiar and fall in love with. Make sure to research the 3BM15 sabot rounds as soon as you can (after Parts and FPE of course), as the stock round has mediocre penetration for a sabot.

Enemies worth noting:

  • XM-1 (Chrysler)/(GM): Avoid attempting combat with the 3BK18M HEATFS shells, despite them having thin composite armour
  • AMX-30B2/AMX-30B2 BRENUS: DM23/33 have enough armour penetration to penetrate T-72 driver frontal plates, though all shells are effective against them in return.
  • Leopard 2K: Turret mantlet is resistant to 3BK18M.
  • AMX-40: Turret mantlet and lower frontal plate are highly resistant to 3BK18M.
  • Strv 103: Depending on the hull angling, HEATFS rounds such as the 3BK18M might ricochet. APFSDS is recommended to be used when facing it frontally.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Potent 125 mm cannon with high accuracy and muzzle velocity
  • Low profile, especially when compared to NATO counterparts
  • Access to a laser rangefinder
  • Has both smoke grenade launchers and ESS
  • Great turret armour and decent enough hull protection
  • Has access to the powerful 3BM22 round
  • Autoloader means the gun will continue reloading despite any fires or crew casualties

Cons:

  • Terrible survivability thanks to the large autoloader in the hull and limited crew
  • Abysmal reverse speed at -4 km/h
  • Gun depression of -6 degrees leaves some to be desired
  • Large weak spots which include the driver's port and LFP
  • Mediocre optics with only one 8x zoom level
  • Glacis armour is not reliable until the add-on armour plate is unlocked

History

Development of the T-72 began shortly after the production of the T-64 highlighted several problems which negatively impacted production rates. Among these problems was an unreliable engine, which couldn't be produced at the high rates needed for a smooth production of the T-64 to take place.

In response, the Uralvagonzavod plant began working on a modified version of the T-64, which would use a more reliable and readily available engine, in order to provide the army with a tank fit for mass-production. Apart from this, changes were also made to the armour layout, in order to simplify production and decrease costs. This work resulted in the creation of the Object 172.

Development of the Object 172 continued, and after some trials, the vehicle entered service with the Soviet Army in August 1973, receiving its official designation T-72. Shortly afterwards, the vehicle was permitted for mass production, following the issuing of an official decree in 1974.

The T-72 was also heavily exported to and produced by nations of the Warsaw Pact as well as other countries worldwide, although these vehicles received certain downgrades compared to native Soviet models. Despite this, the T-72 quickly became one of the most widely used tanks in the world, participating in more conflicts than a single devblog could ever cover.

Since production began in 1974, over 20,000 T-72 tanks were built across several modifications in the Soviet Union/Russia alone, with production of more modern variants still ongoing today, even in other countries as well.

- From Devblog

The T-72 series tank was developed as a direct prototype of the T-64 mechanical issues correction. In 1962, while working on the corrections of production problems, specially engine and firepower, a new prototype was developed with the 125 mm 2A46M smoothbore gun and the V-45K diesel engine. This prototype was renamed to Object 172. While being in an unclear political process, decree number 326-113 was issued, freeing Uralvagonzavod from the production of the T-64A. The first batch was produced and set under the name of "Object 172M". It was tested again in 1972 and accepted to service under the name of T-72. License production was sold to multiple countries as well as unit batches to Warsaw pact nations and exported to other countries such as India, Syria, Finland, Iraq and Yugoslavia. After the collapse of the USSR in 1991, some of the independent countries kept the tanks such as Ukraine.

Media

Skins
Images
  • T-72A WTWallpaper 01.jpg
  • T-72A WTWallpaper 02.jpg
  • T-72A WTWallpaper 03.jpg
  • T-72A WTWallpaper 04.jpg
  • T-72A WTWallpaper 05.jpg
  • T-72A WTWallpaper 06.jpg
  • T-72A WTWallpaper 07.jpg
Videos
The Shooting Range #88 - Pages of History section at 05:01 discusses the T-72.
The Shooting Range #132 - Metal Beasts section at 00:35 discusses the T-72A.
M1 Abrams vs T-72A vs T-80B - War Thunder Official Channel
High-explosive power discusses the T-72A at 1:50 - War Thunder Official Channel
Tanks Chats #110 - T-72 - The Tank Museum

See also

Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links

Ural Railroad Car Plant (УралВагонЗавод)
Main Battle Tanks 
T-55  T-55A · T-55AM-1
T-62  T-62 · T-62M-1
T-72  T-72A · T-72B · T-72B (1989) · T-72B3
T-90  Т-90А
Heavy Tanks  IS-6
Tank Destroyers  SU-122-54 · IT-1
Export/Captured 
MBTs  Type 59 · Т-62 №545 · T-72AV (TURMS-T) · ◊T-72M1
See Also  Morozov Design Bureau

USSR medium tanks
T-28  T-28 (1938) · T-28 · T-28E
T-34-76  T-34 (Prototype) · T-34 (1940) · T-34 (1941) · T-34 (1st Gv.T.Br.) · T-34 (1942) · T-34E STZ · T-34E
T-34-57  T-34-57 · T-34-57 (1943)
T-34-85  T-34-85 (D-5T) · T-34-85 · T-34-85E
T-34-100  T-34-100
T-44  T-44 · T-44-100 · T-44-122
T-54  T-54 (1947) · T-54 (1949) · T-54 (1951)
T-55  TO-55 · T-55A · T-55AM-1 · T-55AMD-1
T-62  T-62 · T-62M-1
T-64  Object 435 · T-64A (1971) · T-64B
T-72  T-72A · T-72AV (TURMS-T) · T-72B · T-72B (1989) · T-72B3 · T-72M2 Moderna
T-80  T-80B · T-80U · T-80UD · T-80UK · T-80UM2 · Т-80U-Е1 · T-80BVM · Object 292
T-90  Т-90А · T-90M
Trophies/Lend-Lease 
Germany  ▂T-III · ▂T-V
Great Britain  ▂МК-IX "Valentine"
USA  ▂M3 Medium · ▂M4A2

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