T-90A

This page is about the Soviet medium tank T-90A. For other versions, see T-72 (Family).

Т-90А

T-72B (1989)

T-72B3

Т-90А

T-72B (1989)

T-72B3

USSR

VII Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
11.0	11.0	11.0

Class:

Medium tank

Research:300 000

Purchase:830 000

Show in game

Description

The T-90A is the first variant of the T-90 main battle tank family. Intended to replace the T-72 main battle tank family as the new armoured spearhead, it features many improvements, such as a new 125 mm 2A46 tank gun, the 1A45T fire-control system, an upgraded engine, and advanced gunner's sight with thermal imaging equipment. Standard protection measures include steel and composite armour, smoke grenade dischargers, Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armour (ERA), and the Shtora-1 infrared anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) jamming system. When a weapon-guidance laser is directed at the tank, the jamming system first warns and highlights the direction for the tank's crew. After the crew has directed the turret to face the threat, the infrared jammer, TShU1-7 EOCMDAS, jams the semi-automatic command to line of sight (SACLOS) guidance system used by some anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) to neutralize the threat.

Introduced in Update "New Power", the T-90A has a playstyle that is similar to that of traditional Soviet main battle tanks. It excels in support roles as well as flanking and sniping, thanks to its low profile and strong frontal armour. Due to its slow reverse speed, which is an inherent flaw in almost all Soviet main battle tanks, close-range engagements are not recommended unless absolutely necessary. It is best to take a hull-down position early in the game and lay down supportive fire for friendly forces leading the assault.

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

LWS

Notifies about the vehicle's exposure to laser emissions

Self-entrenching equipment

Creation of ramparts and trenches in soft ground

Armourfront / side / back

Hull105 / 80 / 50

Turret180 / 160 / 65

Crew3 people

Visibility75 %

Overall, the armour protection of the T-90A can be considered almost the same as in the T-72B3 and T-80U. However, despite the hull being exactly the same as the T-72B3 with same thickness, composition, and add-on armour, the turret of the T-90A shows a new turret design which can be considered better due to the armour layout and composition. The T-90A, as the T-72B (1989) and T-72B3, has access to the CONTACT-5 ERA. This ERA (different from Relict and CONTACT-1 seen in other T-72B series) has the particularity that has stopping power against APFSDS (similar to Dorchester). Different from other T-72s, the T-90A has a rolled homogeneous armour turret with spacing for composite armour blocks rather than built-in. Fuel tanks on either side of the driver can soak up some shrapnel and add to the overall survivability although they are most likely to be lit on fire if hit with HEATFS or an ATGM. However, as with all Russian autoloaded MBTs, there are only three crew members so a well-placed shot is capable of causing a crew knock-out. Despite having a carousel autoloader which is not protected by any blast shield like on the Leclerc and Type 90 MBTs, it is harder to ammo rack compared to the T-80s especially since the ammo is scattered horizontally on top of each other ("=" in this shape) and not in an L shape (in which charges are vertical and projectiles are horizontal). This reduces the chances of ammo rack compared to the T-80s. However, all side shots on the hull will be lethal regardless of the carousel as said shot will take your two crew members. The ERA offers really good protection against chemical energy penetrators such as HEATFS, ATGMs, and anti-tank grenades, having a protection of 420 mm against chemical energy and 120 mm against kinetic energy. This makes the tank capable of withstanding hits of all HEATFS of the BR (most of them penetrate between 320 mm to 480 mm) and ATGMs (between 400 mm to 1,000 mm). The ERA itself cannot stop all the spalling created by the premature explosion, the armour plating is what stops the spalling in case the ATGM has more penetration than what the ERA can withstand.

Shtora-1 Active Protection System

The T-90A has access to an infrared jammer, the Shtora-1 APS. It is a constant APS which provides protection against a wide variety of threats. The scanner-type jamming device (also known as "doom eyes" or "Russian eyes") is mounted on the front of the turret to cover the vulnerable frontal arc. It is called an "infrared countermeasure" because SACLOS guidance utilizes a beam-riding guidance which is connected to the GPS (gunner main sight in some cases, on others it is a different sight like on T-55AM-1 and T-62M-1) which uses a flare as reference point for the guidance system in the ATGM. The missile moves with the gunner's sight and the flare tries to stay on the crosshairs. IRCM confuses the GPS with a brighter IR light decoy acting as the flare (the flare is also IR) which signals the ATGM to move to a different position, overriding the gunner's flare. The Shtora-1 APS has a minimum jamming range of roughly 50 m, meaning it will only deviate ATGMs past 50 m although it depends on the ATGM speed and angle of attack. This is the approximate distance between all ATGMs in-game but it may vary. It will be able to jam a missile launched by a Swingfire faster due to its launch speed and flight path than an M3 Bradley. Shtora-1 has a field of view of 360 degrees horizontally (due to being turret mounted) and -5 to +25 degrees in elevation.

Shtora-1 will jam SACLOS missiles that are not equipped with ECCM systems. Laser-guided missiles (such as the AGM-114 Hellfire, MIM146 ADATS, etc) will not be jammed by Shtora-1. In order to let the APS work, it must be turned on ("Switch IRCM on/off" keybind). The APS can be destroyed.

Shtora-1 acts like "eyes" which emit IR light aura and beam which can be seen with NVD and act as a spotlight.

Shtora-1 can be used while on the move (although turret must be facing the enemy). While on the move (especially horizontally), the jammed ATGM will move in an uncontrolled direction like normal jamming but riskier, keep this in mind as it can hit a track, engine deck or close enough to create fragmentation and mark the tank and/or friendlies. When moving towards an enemy who fired an ATGM, it will be affected by the APS but due to the momentum, the ATGM may still hit if it is redirected towards the ground. Shtora-1 creates a thermal signature which can be seen with thermal sights. It also can also be used as an IR spotlight (as shown in picture). This can be a disadvantage when in night maps as tanks with NVD (except when tanks are using thermal view) will be able to see the light beam. The APS should be turned on and off at commander's discretion. When on day maps, this will not be an issue. Shtora must have a clear line-of-sight with the enemy launcher (at least enemy sights must be able to see the tank). Tanks firing from behind cover like the Swingfire can also be affected by the APS. As long as the enemy is within the jamming arc, the T-90 will be protected against SACLOS ATGMs. Different from AMX-30B2 BRENUS, the T-90A has access to a Laser Warning Receiver (LWR) which lets the commander know when there is a laser aiming at them. The LWR will be triggered by laser rangefinders, laser-guided ATGMs and laser lock-on by helicopters. This is particularly helpful as the commander will know when they are being aimed at and can engage the target with the main gun or jam incoming ATGMs. When facing laser-guided missiles such as AGM-114 Hellfire, the Shtora-1 will not work. However, the LWR will trigger and the commander will be able to pop smoke (do not use ESS) and disrupt the laser lock-on. This not only works for Hellfires but for PARS 3 LR IR guided AGM (main AGM used by the EC-665 Tiger UHT) as the smoke disrupts the thermal signature.

Armour type:

• Rolled homogeneous armour

Armour	Front (Slope angle)	Sides	Rear	Roof
Hull	60 mm (68°)	80 mm Top 20 mm Bottom	40 mm	30 - 40 mm
Turret	70 mm Turret front 120 mm Gun mantlet	70 mm	70 mm	45 mm
Cupola	100 mm	100 mm	100 mm	45 mm

Notes:

• CONTACT-5: 17 mm High Hardness Rolled Armour
• Shtora-1: 10 mm Structural Steel
• Tracks: 30 mm

Mobility

Speedforward / back

AB67 / 5 km/h

RB and SB60 / 5 km/h

Number of gears7 forward

1 back

Weight46.5 t

Engine power

AB1 908 hp

RB and SB1 000 hp

Power-to-weight ratio

AB41.0 hp/t

RB and SB21.5 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	46.5	1,550	1,908	33.33	41.03
Realistic	60	5		884	1,000	19.01	21.51

The T-90A has better mobility compared to the previous T-72 series tanks due to its more powerful engine. However, it lacks the speed, manoeuvrability and reverse speed compared to the T-80 series. The T-90A has mediocre speed and overall mobility compared to NATO tanks which is compensated with armour and low profile. With its powerful engine, the T-90A is able to pull and push enemy tanks with ease (winching them is recommended to activate the tank corpse track movement as they will not move if no cable is attached).

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference

AB4 056 → 6 639

RB3 990 → 6 531

SB4 693 → 7 682

Total cost of modifications249 800

405 000

Talisman cost2 900

Crew training240 000

Experts830 000

Aces2 100

Research Aces1 140 000

Reward for battleAB / RB / SB

150 / 200 / 230 %

238 / 238 / 238 %

Modifications

Mobility	Protection	Firepower
Tracks Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 330 Suspension Research: 9 900 Cost: 15 000 300 Brake System Research: 9 900 Cost: 15 000 300 Filters Research: 13 000 Cost: 20 000 390 Transmission Research: 17 000 Cost: 26 000 510 Engine Research: 17 000 Cost: 26 000 510	Improved Parts Research: 3 300 Cost: 17 000 330 Dozer Blade Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 330 Improved FPE Research: 3 000 Cost: 15 000 300 NVD Research: 9 900 Cost: 15 000 300 Crew Replenishment Research: 13 000 Cost: 20 000 390 Smoke grenade Research: 13 000 Cost: 20 000 390 ESS Research: 17 000 Cost: 26 000 510	Horizontal Drive Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 330 125mm_ussr_APDS_FS_ammo_pack Research: 11 000 Cost: 17 000 330 Adjustment of Fire Research: 9 900 Cost: 15 000 300 LWS/LR Research: 9 900 Cost: 15 000 300 Elevation Mechanism Research: 13 000 Cost: 20 000 390 125mm_ussr_ATGM_ammo_pack Research: 13 000 Cost: 20 000 390 Artillery Support Research: 17 000 Cost: 26 000 510 125mm_ussr_3BM42_APDS_FS_ammo_pack Research: 17 000 Cost: 26 000 510

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.

Thermal imager

Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Main armament

125 mm 2A46M-5 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

Ammunition43 rounds

First-order22 rounds

Reload7.1 s

Vertical guidance-4° / 14°

The T-90A has access to the 2A46M-5 125 mm smoothbore main gun. This gun is nothing new in the Russian MBT tree and fires the same ammunition as seen in previous models (APFSDS varies from the T-72A to the rest of the T-72 family and the T-90A itself). This can be considered as a pro as all rounds have same handling between series, including the 3BM60 (modern round for the T-90A). As all T-72 past T-72A, they are able to fire the 9M119 ATGM from the main gun. However, T-90A has access to the 9M119M1, a modernized 9M119 with a tandem charge with slightly reduced speed.

125 mm 2A46M-5					Turret rotation speed (°/s)					Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode	Capacity	Vertical	Horizontal	Stabilizer	Stock	Upgraded	Full	Expert	Aced	Autoloader
Arcade	43	-4°/+14°	±180°	Two-plane	22.8	31.6	38.4	42.5	45.2	7.10
Realistic					14.3	16.8	20.4	22.6	24.0

Ammunition

The T-90A has access to the same ammunition shown in previous T-72s with exception of the 3BM60 and the 3OF26 EDKV (time-fused version of the standard HE shell). All are capable rounds which are not new and have same handling.

HEATFS: - The 3BK18M is the first round the T-90A has access to, it can be considered a mediocre round as most of the enemies which will be faced will be able to withstand it due to composite armour. However, it is particularly useful when facing light armoured vehicles which are prompt to overpressure (SPAA, light tanks, etc) and useful when facing enemy helicopters as it has enough explosive mass and flight speed to be competitive as last resort. As a hollow charge, it is prompt to detonate mid air due to trees, bushes and fences. This makes the round difficult to use when in long range engagements as some field elements (forage, objects, etc.) may not be rendered and the round's velocity make aiming harder.

APFSDS: - The T-90A has access to 2 types of APFSDS: the 3BM42 and 3BM60. The 3BM42 is a decent round with decent penetration and stopping power. While it lacks penetration to penetrate Leopard 2 tanks upper frontal plate, Leclercs' lower frontal plate or M1A1/2 turret plates, it has enough penetration to hit and cause critical damage in weak spots and side shots. 3BM60 however, different from the 3BM42 seen in previous T-72s, has much more penetration (as seen in table) which can penetrate all tanks from all sides (be aware of Leopard 2 turret wedges and firing at M1A2 turret with an obliquity greater than 45°).

ATGM: - The 9M119M1 is a tandem version of the previously seen 9M119 SACLOS ATGM in past T-72's. The main upgrade is the tandem charge, everything else remains practically the same with exception of reduction of flight speed.

HE: - The 3OF26 EDKV is the time-fused version of the 3OF26 HE round met in previous T-72s. Fuse is set when laser rangefinding an object. It is pretty much useless against non-lightly armoured vehicles (even 20 mm roofs will stop the spalling if an air explosion is done) but can be devastating against helicopters as there will be no need for direct hit in order to cause critical damage.

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 EDKV	HE-TF	42	42	42	42	42	42
3BM42	APFSDS	457	454	445	431	419	406
9M119M1	ATGM (tandem)	850	850	850	850	850	850
3BM60	APFSDS	580	576	567	555	543	532

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%
3BK18M	HEATFS	905	19	0.05	0.1	2.79	65°	72°	77°
3OF26 EDKV	HE-TF	850	23	0.3	0.1	5.24	79°	80°	81°
3BM42	APFSDS	1,700	4.85	-	-	-	78°	80°	81°
3BM60	APFSDS	1,660	5.12	-	-	-	78°	80°	81°

Missile details
Ammunition	Type of warhead	Velocity (m/s)	Range (m)	Projectile mass (kg)	Fuse delay (m)	Fuse sensitivity (mm)	Explosive mass (TNT equivalent) (kg)	Ricochet
								0%	50%	100%
9M119M1	ATGM (tandem)	445	5,000	17.2	0.4	0.01	5.72	80°	82°	90°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the T-90A

Full ammo	1st rack empty	2nd rack empty	3rd rack empty	4th rack empty	Visual discrepancy
43	40 (+3)	37 (+6)	22 (+21)	0 (+43)	No

Machine guns

12.7 mm 6P49 machine gun

Ammunition300 rounds

Belt capacity150 rounds

Reload5.0 s

Fire rate700 shots/min

Vertical guidance-3° / 66°

Horizontal guidance-40° / 55°

7.62 mm PKT machine gun (coaxial)

Ammunition2 000 rounds

Belt capacity250 rounds

Reload8.0 s

Fire rate700 shots/min

12.7 mm 6P49
Mount	Capacity (Belt)	Fire rate	Vertical	Horizontal
Pintle	300 (150)	700	-3°/+66°	-40°/+55°

7.62 mm PKT
Mount	Capacity (Belt)	Fire rate	Vertical	Horizontal
Coaxial	2,000 (250)	700	-	-

Usage in battles

As a modernized T-72B (originally known as T-72BU), the T-90A has a similar playstyle to its predecessors. Due to reduced mobility (but better than the previous T-72), it cannot perform the exact same tasks as the T-80 series. It has three main playstyles.

Flanking

The T-90A performs well as a flanker. The low profile, low engine noise, and strong armour makes this a scary opponent in urban combat. However, it must be said that the T-90A has a horrible reverse speed, meaning there is little to no chances of retreating, each shot must count.

Sniping

Sniping is another area in which the T-90A performs well, as it has adequate shell velocity and penetration. The HEATFS is not an amazing shell in terms of armour penetration or muzzle velocity, but if a target is hit, it will most likely disable critical components if aimed right. The use of APFSDS is critical in this playstyle as it reduces the chances of missing due to higher velocity and easier aiming due to higher penetration. Due to the low profile nature of the tank with strong armour and additional ERA, the T-90A should attempt to stay hull-down, exposing minimal silhouette. Countering enemy fire is relatively easy due to the strong turret and K5 ERA. The addition of the Shtora-1 APS makes this a hull down monster that cannot be attacked without exposure.

Frontline support

This playstyle is very risky, as your slow reverse speed will turn your tank into a coffin, but with access to the 3BM60 shot, it will become more viable. Do not do this alone. Always try to have at least two reliable teammates covering you. Your main goal in this playstyle is to cover offensives, defend and attack bases. Cover weaker tanks by attracting fire and secure base capturers. In this mode, you should not focus on making experience for your own, like capturing bases, but to ensure the achievement of victory. This style will mostly take your tank as sacrifice, unless played very carefully and prudently, but victory multipliers will overcome your losses.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Shtora active protection system prevents otherwise lethal missiles from hitting the tank, ensuring that the tank's reactive armour lasts longer
• CONTACT-5 ERA provides excellent frontal and turret protection
• Very strong turret
• Access to the unlockable 3BM60 shell with very good penetration

Cons:

• Active protection system only covers whatever the turret is facing, meaning that you can still be blindsided by canny missile users
• Worst acceleration and top speed out of all top tier Russian MBTs
• Gun mantlet still a huge, and well known, weak spot
• Cramped interior, easy to knock out with a single shot
• Gun depression and elevation next to non-existent
• Shtora active protection system doesn't work for MCLOS (manually guided), SACLOS missiles with ECCM, and laser-guided missiles
• Slower gun handling that most of its counterparts

History

Devblog

In 1989, the Ural Design Bureau of Heavy Engineering developed a prototype of a modernized T-72B tank, designated as “Object 188”. The vehicle was a deep modification of the Soviet main battle tank, with a number of modern technical solutions, including a new fire control system, guided weapons, combined protection, and a completely innovative electro-optical active protection system.

The T-90 tank, manufactured at the Uralvagonzavod factory in Nizhny Tagil, Russia, successfully passed tests and was recommended for mass production. Serial production began in 1992, with low-budget production starting in 1993. However, due to an economic crisis in Russia, tank builders were forced to halt serial production. Despite these challenges, mass production was able to commence in 1995.

Meanwhile, research and development on a further T-90 modernization continued for the needs of foreign operators, as well as the Russian Army. Soon, when the economic situation in the industry began to improve, the tank builders combined their developments into an upgrade program, the T-90A. Unlike the basic version, the new tank featured a slightly more powerful engine, and a welded turret with improved protection. The main difference is the increased fire potential: a new cannon and a modern fire control system with an advanced thermal imaging sight. The T-90A tank was produced from 2004 to 2011.

Media

Skins

• Skins and camouflages for the T-90A from live.warthunder.com.

Images

• T-90A Devblog Images
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Videos

The Shooting Range #231 - Metal Beasts section at 00:28 discusses the T-90A.

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

• [Devblog] T-90A: Boris the Bullet Dodger