Difference between revisions of "T-72B (1989)"

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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
While being the same tank as the T-72B, the T-72B (1989) has CONTACT-5 ERA instead of CONTACT-1 ERA, making it able to withstand greater kinetic energy damage (APFSDS, APDS, etc) while keeping its capability against chemical energy (HEAT-FS, ATGM, etc). It should be notted that, depending on the caliber and round, the ERA plates can be "multi-hit". However, this is not something that should be expected most of the time
+
While being the same tank as the [[T-72B]], the T-72B (1989) has CONTACT-5 ERA instead of CONTACT-1, making it able to withstand greater kinetic energy damage (APFSDS, APDS, etc) while keeping its capability against chemical energy (HEAT-FS, ATGM, etc). It should be noted that, depending on the calibre and round, the ERA plates may even survive a hit or two. However, this is not something that should be expected most of the time.
−
 
 
−
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
 
−
<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)
 
−
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) -->
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
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| Hull || 60 mm (60°) || 80 mm ''Top'' <br>20 mm ''Bottom'' || 40 mm || 20 - 30 mm
 
| Hull || 60 mm (60°) || 80 mm ''Top'' <br>20 mm ''Bottom'' || 40 mm || 20 - 30 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || Variable thickness armor ''Turret front'' <br>220-600 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 240 - 118 mm || 60 - 115 mm || 45 mm
+
| Turret || Variable thickness armour ''Turret front'' <br>220-600 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 240 - 118 mm || 60 - 115 mm || 45 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Cupola || 100 mm (variable angles) || 100 mm || 100 mm || 40 mm
 
| Cupola || 100 mm (variable angles) || 100 mm || 100 mm || 40 mm
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|}
 
|}
  
−
'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
+
'''Notes:'''
−
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
+
* ERA plates are 13 mm thick
−
* ERA plates are 13mm thick
 
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== 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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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=1,302|rbMinHp=743}}The T-72B (1989) 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 (~60-70km/h) which under specific situations it is able to be reached.
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,302|rbMinHp=743}}
 +
 
 +
The T-72B (1989) 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 moving 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 ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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|2A46M-1 (125 mm)}}The T-72A has the powerful 2A46M 125mm smoothbore cannon. It has a powerful selection of rounds, each with different uses and similarities between same types.
+
{{main|2A46M-1 (125 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The T-72B has the powerful 2A46M 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%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
 
+
* '''3BK18M''': this is the starting HEATFS round which can be seen as poor when in frontal engagements against modern MBTs. However, the decent explosive filler as well as not losing penetration over distance makes it a decent round for sniping. However, its muzzle velocity is not fast and will be hard to aim at long distances. It is able to hullbreak light armoured vehicles such as SPAA.
−
* 3BK18M: this is the starting ammunition which can be seen as poor when in frontal engagements against modern MBT's. However, the decent explosive filler as well as not loosing 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. It is able to hullbreak light armored vehicles such as SPAA
+
* '''3BM22''': this is a tier 1 tungsten core APFSDS which has the second highest muzzle velocity seen in Russian darts. However, the weight as well as penetration make it unreliable when facing top tier MBTs frontally.
−
* 3BM22: this is a tier I tungsten core APFSDS which has the second highest muzzle velocity seen in Russian darts. However, the weight as well as penetration make it unreliable when facing top tier MBT's frontally.
+
* '''9M119''': this is a tier 3 SACLOS ATGM which is seen already in T-72B. It is also seen in later T-72 models. It has decent penetration and flight speed, making it reliable for taking out helicopters and targeting enemies when use of an APFSDS shell is more difficult.
−
* 9M119: this is a tier 3 SACLOS ATGM which is seen already in T-72B. It is also seen in later T-72 models. It has decent penetration and flight speed, making it reliable for taking helicopters and sniping enemies which the use of dart can be more difficult.
+
* '''3BM42''': this is a tier 4 APFSDS which has different ballistic performance than 3BM22. While it has more penetration power and greater mass, it has reduced speed (1,760 m/s vs 1,700 m/s).
−
* 3BM42: this is a tier 4 APFSDS which has differer ballistic performance than 3BM22. While it has more penetration power and greater mass, it has reduced speed (1760 m/s vs 1700 m/s).
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
 
−
[[File:Ammoracks T-72B.png.png|thumb]]
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
+
[[File:Ammoracks_T-72B.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
−
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Full
+
! Full<br>ammo
−
ammo
+
! 1st<br>rack empty
−
!1st
+
! 2nd<br>rack empty
−
rack empty
+
! 3rd<br>rack empty
−
!2nd
+
! 4th<br>rack empty
−
rack empty
+
! Visual<br>discrepancy
−
!3rd
+
|-
−
rack empty
+
| '''45''' || 41&nbsp;''(+4)'' || 34&nbsp;''(+11)'' || 22&nbsp;''(+23)'' || 0&nbsp;''(+45)'' || No
−
!4th
 
−
rack empty
 
−
!Visual
 
−
discrepancy
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|'''45'''||41&nbsp;''(+3)''||34&nbsp;''(+5)''||''22(+22)''||0&nbsp;''(+44)''||No
 
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
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== 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 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-72B play-style is near identical to the T-64B (and with that, Soviet MBTs from here on). One of the key differences between the two vehicles is the T-72B's stronger armour. Thanks to access to Laser Rangefinder, the T-72B is able to be a hulldown sniper as the high muzzle velocity of the dart and access to ATGM make it easier. However, it should be notted it has no access to thermals or a high magnifiyng zoom (8x only).
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
  
−
'''List of enemies notes (all of the tanks at the battle-rating with access to APFSDS will be able to penetrate your hull frontally post ERA effects):'''
+
The T-72B playstyle is near identical to the T-64B (and also subsequent Soviet MBTs). One of the key differences between the two vehicles is the T-72B's stronger armour. Thanks to the laser rangefinder, the T-72B is able to be a hulldown sniper as the high muzzle velocity of the dart and access to ATGM make it easier. However, it should be notted it has no access to thermals or a high magnifying zoom (8x only).
  
−
* [[XM-1 (Chrysler)|XM-1]]/[[XM-1 (GM)|XM-1]]: despite having thin composite armor, the 3BK12M is not recommended to be used with them
+
'''Enemies worth noting:'''
−
* [[Leopard A1A1]]: killable by all anti-tank munitions.
+
* [[XM-1 (Chrysler)]]/[[XM-1 (GM)|(GM)]]: Avoid attempting combat with the 3BK18M HEATFS shells, despite their having thin composite armour
−
* [[AMX-30B2]]/[[AMX-30B2 BRENUS]]: killable by all anti-tank munition. DM23/33 have enough armor penetration to penetrate T-72 driver frontal plates
+
* [[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]]: killable by all anti-tank munition with exception of turret manlet when using 3BK12M
+
* [[Leopard 2K]]: Turret mantlet is resistant to 3BK18M.
−
* [[AMX-32]]:killable by all anti-tank munition
+
* [[AMX-40]]: Turret mantlet and lower frontal plate are highly resistant to 3BK18M.
−
* [[AMX-40]]: killable by all anti-tank munition with exception of turret manlet and lower frontal plate when using 3BK12M
+
* [[Strv 103 (Family)|Strv 103]]: Depending on the hull angling, HEAT-FS rounds such as the 3BK18M might ricochet. APFSDS is recommended to be used when facing it frontally.
−
* [[Strv 103 (Family)|Strv 103]]: killable by all anti-tank munition. Depending on the hull angling, HEAT-FS might ricochet. APFSDS is recommended to be used when facing it frontally always.
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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* Powerful 125 mm 2A46M-1 gun with various shells, including APFSDS, HEAT-FS, HE, ATGM
 
* Powerful 125 mm 2A46M-1 gun with various shells, including APFSDS, HEAT-FS, HE, ATGM
−
* Kontakt-5 ERA blocks significantly increases CE protection, and slightly for KE protection
+
* CONTACT-5 ERA blocks significantly increases CE protection, and slightly for KE protection
 
* Low profile, is a small target compared to Western main battle tanks
 
* Low profile, is a small target compared to Western main battle tanks
 
* Laser rangefinder and high velocity APFSDS make sniping long distances easier
 
* Laser rangefinder and high velocity APFSDS make sniping long distances easier
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== History ==
 
== 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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
−
''Main article: [[T-72B|History of the T-72B]]''
+
{{main|T-72B#History|l1=History of the T-72B}}
  
 
Thanks to the increased combat seen in Middle East and threatening NATO powers, Uralzavodvagon decided to upgrade their previous T-72B tanks with CONTACT-1 (K1) ERA to CONTACT-5 (K5) ERA. It was also fitted with a new Fire Control System.
 
Thanks to the increased combat seen in Middle East and threatening NATO powers, Uralzavodvagon decided to upgrade their previous T-72B tanks with CONTACT-1 (K1) ERA to CONTACT-5 (K5) ERA. It was also fitted with a new Fire Control System.

Revision as of 17:19, 15 February 2021

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the Soviet medium tank T-72B (1989). For other versions, see T-72 (Family).
T-72B (1989)
ussr_t_72b_1989.png
GarageImage T-72B (1989).jpg
T-72B (1989)
USSR flag.png USSR
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.3 10.3 10.3
Class:
Research:150 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:830 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The T-72B (1989) is a rank VII Soviet medium tank with a battle rating of 10.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update "Raining Fire".

General info

Survivability and armour

ERA
Effective action against the cumulative ammunition
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
Hull105 / 80 / 50
Turret180 / 160 / 65
Crew3 people
Visibility75 %

While being the same tank as the T-72B, the T-72B (1989) has CONTACT-5 ERA instead of CONTACT-1, making it able to withstand greater kinetic energy damage (APFSDS, APDS, etc) while keeping its capability against chemical energy (HEAT-FS, ATGM, etc). It should be noted that, depending on the calibre and round, the ERA plates may even survive a hit or two. However, this is not something that should be expected most of the time.

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 60 mm (60°) 80 mm Top
20 mm Bottom 		40 mm 20 - 30 mm
Turret Variable thickness armour Turret front
220-600 mm Gun mantlet 		240 - 118 mm 60 - 115 mm 45 mm
Cupola 100 mm (variable angles) 100 mm 100 mm 40 mm

Notes:

  • ERA plates are 13 mm thick

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB67 / 5 km/h
RB and SB60 / 5 km/h
Number of gears7 forward
1 back
Weight44.5 t
Engine power
AB1 603 hp
RB and SB840 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB36.0 hp/t
RB and SB18.9 hp/t
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 44.5 1,302 1,603 29.26 36.02
Realistic 60 5 743 840 16.7 18.88

The T-72B (1989) 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 moving 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
AB4 473 → 6 749 Sl icon.png
RB4 333 → 6 538 Sl icon.png
SB5 043 → 7 609 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications248 900 Rp icon.png
410 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 900 Ge icon.png
Crew training240 000 Sl icon.png
Experts830 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 140 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
160 / 200 / 250 % Sl icon.png
238 / 238 / 238 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods dozer blade.png
Dozer Blade
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
3 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement ussr.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
ESS
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
125mm_ussr_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
125mm_ussr_ATGM_ammo_pack
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
125mm_ussr_3BM42_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png

Armaments

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

Main armament

125 mm 2A46M 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
Ammunition45 rounds
First-order22 rounds
Reload7.1 s
Vertical guidance-5° / 13°
Main article: 2A46M-1 (125 mm)

The T-72B has the powerful 2A46M 125 mm smoothbore cannon. It has a powerful selection of rounds, each with different uses and similarities between same types.

125 mm 2A46M-1 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 45 -6°/+13° ±180° Two-plane 22.8 31.6 38.4 42.5 45.2 7.10 7.10 7.10 7.10
Realistic 14.3 16.8 20.4 22.6 24.0

Ammunition

  • 3BK18M: this is the starting HEATFS round which can be seen as poor when in frontal engagements against modern MBTs. However, the decent explosive filler as well as not losing penetration over distance makes it a decent round for sniping. However, its muzzle velocity is not fast and will be hard to aim at long distances. It is able to hullbreak light armoured vehicles such as SPAA.
  • 3BM22: this is a tier 1 tungsten core APFSDS which has the second highest muzzle velocity seen in Russian darts. However, the weight as well as penetration make it unreliable when facing top tier MBTs frontally.
  • 9M119: this is a tier 3 SACLOS ATGM which is seen already in T-72B. It is also seen in later T-72 models. It has decent penetration and flight speed, making it reliable for taking out helicopters and targeting enemies when use of an APFSDS shell is more difficult.
  • 3BM42: this is a tier 4 APFSDS which has different ballistic performance than 3BM22. While it has more penetration power and greater mass, it has reduced speed (1,760 m/s vs 1,700 m/s).
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
3BK18M HEATFS 550 550 550 550 550 550
3OF26 HE 42 42 42 42 42 42
3BM22 APFSDS 425 420 415 405 393 380
9M119 ATGM 700 700 700 700 700 700
3BM42 APFSDS 479 477 470 462 453 445
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
Mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive Mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
3BK18M HEATFS 905 19 0.05 0.1 2,790 65° 72° 77°
3OF26 HE 850 23 0 0.1 5,240 79° 80° 81°
3BM22 APFSDS 1,760 4.83 N/A N/A N/A 76° 77° 80°
9M119 ATGM 400 23.3 0.05 0.1 5,540 80° 82° 90°
3BM42 APFSDS 1,700 4.85 N/A N/A N/A 78° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the T-72B (1989)
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
45 41 (+4) 34 (+11) 22 (+23) 0 (+45) 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°
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-72B playstyle is near identical to the T-64B (and also subsequent Soviet MBTs). One of the key differences between the two vehicles is the T-72B's stronger armour. Thanks to the laser rangefinder, the T-72B is able to be a hulldown sniper as the high muzzle velocity of the dart and access to ATGM make it easier. However, it should be notted it has no access to thermals or a high magnifying zoom (8x only).

Enemies worth noting:

  • XM-1 (Chrysler)/(GM): Avoid attempting combat with the 3BK18M HEATFS shells, despite their 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, HEAT-FS rounds such as the 3BK18M might ricochet. APFSDS is recommended to be used when facing it frontally.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Powerful 125 mm 2A46M-1 gun with various shells, including APFSDS, HEAT-FS, HE, ATGM
  • CONTACT-5 ERA blocks significantly increases CE protection, and slightly for KE protection
  • Low profile, is a small target compared to Western main battle tanks
  • Laser rangefinder and high velocity APFSDS make sniping long distances easier
  • Has both smoke grenade launchers and ESS
  • With correct angling, upper frontal armour can deflect most rounds from counterpart tanks of other countries
  • Autoloader continues working even if fighting a fire or replacing a crew member, and is low on the hull, making it more difficult to hit and detonate

Cons:

  • Painful reverse speed of only -5 km/h, can very much get the player destroyed if not careful
  • -6 degrees gun depression limits its ability to adapt different battlefield environments
  • 7.1 seconds of reload is slower than the 5-second reload of some Western MBTs
  • No ammo rack protection, anything that hits it usually leads to ammo detonation, destroying the vehicle instantly
  • 3 closely packed crew members are easily knocked out
  • Has 3 major weakspots: gun mantlet, driver's armour cutout, and lower front plate
  • No thermal optics, only has night vision device

History

Main article: History of the T-72B

Thanks to the increased combat seen in Middle East and threatening NATO powers, Uralzavodvagon decided to upgrade their previous T-72B tanks with CONTACT-1 (K1) ERA to CONTACT-5 (K5) ERA. It was also fitted with a new Fire Control System.

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

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.

External links


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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