Difference between revisions of "T-72A"

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(Changed some bad writing and added info on its autoloader.)
(Main armament)
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[[File:GarageImage {{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
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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"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 13: Line 13:
 
If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.-->
 
If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.-->
  
The T-72A's hull armor 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; there is an additional 10 mm of composite armor too. Like the T-64 and T-80 line, the T-72A has a carousel-type autoloader centered under the turret. This means that a penetrating hit to the center 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.
+
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 Hard Hardness Rolled Armor (HHR) 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 are 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 i.e. 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.
+
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 i.e. 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.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
<!--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.'' -->
  
{| class="wikitable"
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 1209|rbMinHp= 690|AoAweight= 0.8}}
! colspan="3" |Mobility characteristic
 
|-
 
! Weight (tons) || colspan="1" | Add-on Armour<br>weight (tons) || colspan="1" |Max speed (km/h)
 
|-
 
| rowspan="2" |41.0
 
| colspan="1" rowspan="2" | 0.9
 
| colspan="1" |67 (AB)
 
|-
 
|60 (RB/SB)
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" |Engine power (horsepower)
 
|-
 
! colspan="1" |Mode
 
!Stock
 
!Upgraded
 
|-
 
|''Arcade''
 
|1,209
 
|_,___
 
|-
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
|690
 
|___
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" |Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
 
|-
 
! colspan="1" |Mode
 
!Stock
 
!Upgraded
 
|-
 
|''Arcade''
 
|28.49
 
|__.__
 
|-
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
|16.83
 
|__.__
 
|-
 
|}
 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
Line 86: Line 47:
 
|-
 
|-
 
|''Arcade''
 
|''Arcade''
| 19.0 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
+
| 19.0 || 26.3 || 32.0 || 35.4 ||37.6
 
|-
 
|-
 
|''Realistic''
 
|''Realistic''
| 11.9 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
+
| 11.9 || 14.0 || 17.0 || 18.8 ||20.1
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="4" |Reloading rate (seconds)
 
! colspan="4" |Reloading rate (seconds)
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! colspan="1" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
! colspan="1" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
|-
|7.10 || 7.10 || 7.10 || 7.10
+
| 7.1 || 7.1 || 7.1 || 7.1
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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<!--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).-->
 
<!--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 play-style is near identical to the T-64A (and with that, Soviet MBTs from here on). One of the key differences between the two vehicles is the T-72A's stronger armor.The quartz core composed turret will also bounce a great deal of shots and can even eat up some of the strongest ATGMs. In terms of armament, the T-72A boasts the very powerful and accurate [[2A46M (125 mm)|2A46M]] 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.
+
The T-72A play-style is near identical to the T-64A (and with that, Soviet MBTs from here on). 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 [[2A46M (125 mm)|2A46M]] 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.
 +
 
 +
=== Modules ===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Tier
 +
! colspan="2" | Mobility
 +
! colspan="2" | Protection
 +
! colspan="2" | Firepower
 +
|-
 +
| I
 +
| Tracks
 +
|
 +
| Parts
 +
|
 +
| Horizontal Drive
 +
| 3BK12M
 +
|-
 +
| II
 +
| Suspension
 +
| Brake System
 +
| FPE
 +
| NVD
 +
| Adjustment of Fire
 +
| 3BM15
 +
|-
 +
| III
 +
| Filters
 +
|
 +
| Crew Replenishment
 +
| Smoke grenade
 +
| Elevation Mechanism
 +
| Laser rangefinder
 +
|-
 +
| IV
 +
| Transmission
 +
| Engine
 +
| ESS
 +
| T-72A (1983)
 +
| Artillery Support
 +
| 3BM22
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
* Mounts the same powerful 125mm 2A46 gun as on the T-64 and T-80
+
* Mounts the same powerful 125 mm 2A46 gun as on the T-64 and T-80 (though an earlier version)
* Low profile
+
* Low profile, small target compared to other countries' main battle tanks
* Able to deflect most rounds from counterpart tanks of other countries if angled effectively due to its thick frontal armor
+
* Early unlocked laser rangefinder makes sniping long distances easier
* Very accurate gun due to the high muzzle velocity of the APFSDS rounds, making this tank an effective long-range sniper
+
* Due to thick frontal armour and correct angling, able to deflect most rounds from counterpart tanks of other countries
* Its autoloader means that even if fighting a fire or replacing a crew member, ammunition will still be loaded and ready to use upon the fire being extinguished or the gunner having been replaced.
+
* Very accurate gun due to the high muzzle velocity of the APFSDS rounds, very effective long-range sniper
 +
* Autoloader continues working even if fighting a fire or replacing a crew member, ready to use upon the fire being extinguished or the gunner having been replaced
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* Ammo racks all around the center of the hull interior; can be easily detonated
+
* Ammo carousel means your first stage rounds all are centred below the turret; can be easily detonated through a hit to the hull
* Slow reverse speed and traverse speed
+
* Very slow reverse speed and traverse speed, a problem in situations where you cannot back away from an attacking enemy
* 3-man crew makes tank able to be knocked out easier
+
* 3-man crew makes tank able to be knocked out easier; once one crewmember is knocked out, you have to be very careful not to get hit again
* Gun depression inadequate for most hull-down situations, e.g. sniping from a hill
+
* Gun depression inadequate for most hull-down situations, e.g. sniping from a hill or down a valley
* Not very good stock APFSDS shell with around only 320mm of penetration at close ranges
+
* Not very good stock APFSDS shell with around only 320 mm of penetration at close ranges
 +
* Its 2A46 125 mm gun is an early type; the stock ammunition is lacklustre and it cannot fire ATGMs like the T-64B, T-80B, and T-80U
 +
* Glacis armour is not reliable until the addon armour plate is unlocked (a tier IV modification)
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
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== 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.-->
 +
{{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 T-72A.|CJ9sCL1BGy4|'''M1 Abrams vs T-72A vs T-80B''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==

Revision as of 23:45, 4 June 2020

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
T-72A
ussr_t_72a.png
T-72A
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

GarageImage T-72A.jpg


The T-72A is a rank VI Soviet medium tank with a battle rating of 9.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.85 "Supersonic".

General info

Survivability and 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 Hard Hardness Rolled Armor (HHR) 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 i.e. 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.

Mobility

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

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: 2A46M (125 mm)
125 mm 2A46M
Capacity Vertical
guidance
Horizontal
guidance
Stabilizer
44 -6°/+13° ±180° Two-plane
Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Mode Stock Upgraded Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
Arcade 19.0 26.3 32.0 35.4 37.6
Realistic 11.9 14.0 17.0 18.8 20.1
Reloading rate (seconds)
Stock Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
7.1 7.1 7.1 7.1
Ammunition
Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Penetration in mm @ 90°
10m 100m 500m 1000m 1500m 2000m
3BM9 APFSDS 321 317 303 285 268 249
3BM22 APFSDS 425 420 415 405 393 380
3BM15 APFSDS 440 430 420 410 405 400
3BK12M HEATFS 440 440 440 440 440 440
3OF26 HE 42 42 42 42 42 42
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
in m/s
Projectile
Mass in kg
Fuse delay

in m:

Fuse sensitivity

in mm:

Explosive Mass in g
(TNT equivalent):
Normalization At 30°
from horizontal:
Ricochet:
0% 50% 100%
3BM9 APFSDS 1,800 3.6 N/A N/A N/A +1.5° 72° 73° 75°
3BM22 APFSDS 1,760 4.83 N/A N/A N/A +1.5° 76° 77° 78°
3BM15 APFSDS 1,780 3.88 N/A N/A N/A +1.5° 76° 77° 78°
3BK12M HEATFS 905 19 0.0 0.1 2,530 +0° 65° 72° 75°
3OF26 HE 850 23 0.1 0.1 5,240 +0° 79° 80° 81°

Machine guns

12.7 mm NSVT
Pintle mount
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute)
Vertical
guidance
Horizontal
guidance
300 (150) 700 -10°/+60° ±180°
7.62 mm PKT
Coaxial mount
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute)
Vertical
guidance
Horizontal
guidance
1,250 (250) 700 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

The T-72A play-style is near identical to the T-64A (and with that, Soviet MBTs from here on). 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 2A46M 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.

Modules

Tier Mobility Protection Firepower
I Tracks Parts Horizontal Drive 3BK12M
II Suspension Brake System FPE NVD Adjustment of Fire 3BM15
III Filters Crew Replenishment Smoke grenade Elevation Mechanism Laser rangefinder
IV Transmission Engine ESS T-72A (1983) Artillery Support 3BM22

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Mounts the same powerful 125 mm 2A46 gun as on the T-64 and T-80 (though an earlier version)
  • Low profile, small target compared to other countries' main battle tanks
  • Early unlocked laser rangefinder makes sniping long distances easier
  • Due to thick frontal armour and correct angling, able to deflect most rounds from counterpart tanks of other countries
  • Very accurate gun due to the high muzzle velocity of the APFSDS rounds, very effective long-range sniper
  • Autoloader continues working even if fighting a fire or replacing a crew member, ready to use upon the fire being extinguished or the gunner having been replaced

Cons:

  • Ammo carousel means your first stage rounds all are centred below the turret; can be easily detonated through a hit to the hull
  • Very slow reverse speed and traverse speed, a problem in situations where you cannot back away from an attacking enemy
  • 3-man crew makes tank able to be knocked out easier; once one crewmember is knocked out, you have to be very careful not to get hit again
  • Gun depression inadequate for most hull-down situations, e.g. sniping from a hill or down a valley
  • Not very good stock APFSDS shell with around only 320 mm of penetration at close ranges
  • Its 2A46 125 mm gun is an early type; the stock ammunition is lacklustre and it cannot fire ATGMs like the T-64B, T-80B, and T-80U
  • Glacis armour is not reliable until the addon armour plate is unlocked (a tier IV modification)

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 armor 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

Media

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 · 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