Armée Algérienne (ANP) - Tome XIV

First Appearance: 2011
Country: Russia

T-90SM is the designation for a new upgrade offered for export customers based on the T-90MS. The tank is offered using the new systems, but the actual configuration depends very much on the customer's needs. As of now there is no official contract signed, but India seems to be a customer for upgrades of existing vehicles.

The T-90MS is currently the latest and most modern version of the T-90. The tank was presented first time back in 2011 and currently series production is being prepared. The tank is also offered as an upgrade for existing T-72 customers. The upgrade version is designated T-90SM.

Design
The tank is a typical member of the T-72 family of tanks, but with some important modifications. Most important is the massive usage of add-on armour for turret and hull. The turret is still mounted on top of the hull center, but it is much larger in size. Besides normal equipment, it is now also carrying an ammunition storage at the rear. Other new turret features are the large sight for the commander and the remotely controlled weapon station.

The T-90MS shows the currently improvements available for the T-90. But they also show that it is getting more and more difficult to add systems or armour. Compared to the T-90A, the MS is already higher and also heavier. The tank is giving up two important features, which kept it separate from its western counterparts. For the future I would like to wish for a new concept and a more radical improvement.

Propulsion
The tank is using the new V-92S2F engine, developing a max power of 1.130hp. The additional power is needed to compensate the weight increase.

Another new feature is the control of the transmissions. The driver is equipped with a proper handlebar and a new gearshift. The driver is selecting the highest gear to be used and the transmissions would be shifted automatically. Alternatively, the driver can also shift each gear manually. Shifting and steering signals are transferred electrically to the control unit in the hull rear. The control unit is then activating brakes and clutches in the two transmissions to enable steering and changing gears. The new system covers several requirements. First is the relief of the driver, as he is supported by the system and gearshifts are only done if multiple parameters are met. As braking is only done using a pedal, the risk of human errors is also reduced and wear is reduced. All together, the new transmission is a step ahead. But it does not replace a proper automatic transmission, used to modulate the torque flow to support driving and steering.
Another propulsion related change is the usage of an engine control system. It is used to monitor various propulsion related parameters and inform the driver. It is also used to automatically perform certain actions, e.g. switch off the engine in case of a cooling system failure.
A new system in the hull rear of the T-90MS is the auxiliary power unit. Finally, a diesel powered model is used, which run on the fuel provided by the tank. The system is mounted in the left rear hull, slightly extending it.
The DGU5-P27.5-VM1 is controlled by the driver from inside the vehicle, the max power is given with 5kW.

Suspension
The suspension has been taken unchanged from the T-90A. It uses six road wheel pairs on each hull side, connected by torsion bars. The frontal bars were strengthened to compensate the weight increase and movement of the center of gravity towards the hull front.
The tracks are also similar to the T-90A ones and can be equipped with removable rubber pads.

Fire Control System
The most exciting improvement rolled out with the T-90MS is the Kalina fire control system. It is basically the most powerful FCS every installed in a Russian MBT. It is fully digitalized and uses several modules to provide the different functionalities. Data is being exchanged using a powerful bus system. It allows access to data from different stations and subsystems. Only the day channel of the gunner’s sight is setup as a purely optical device. All other sights are using cameras and optical pre-processing.

Most important sight of the tank is the SOSNA-U, which is used as main sight for the gunner. It contains a day channel, a thermal camera and a laser range finder. The sight is also capable of transmitting guidance signals for laser guided anti tank missiles fired thru the main gun. SOSNA-U is mounted infront of the gunner and the large housing can be identified on top of the left turret side. Unlike other Russian tanks using the same sight, the sight mirror head is protected by armoured doors, which can be operated from inside the tank. The gunner does not need to step outside the vehicle to open the sight and get the MS combat ready.

The T-90MS is also equipped with a proper secondary sight for the gunner. It is setup as a day sight and is placed in a small housing in front of the main sight. The housing is armoured as well and equipped with a small door at the front. As the housing is fixed to the turret roof, the contained camera has been mounted in a way, that it can be moved vertically. The sight is mechanically connected to the main gun and follows its movements. The image generated by the sight can be shown on small displays mounted at the stations of gunner and commander. During an outage of the fire control system or the main power supply of the tank, the auxiliary sight can still operate for about one hour, as it is equipped with a separate battery.

The third sight available with the tank is the commander’s sight, called Hawkeye (Соколиный глаз). It is completely independent from the turret and contains thermal sight, day channel and laser range finder. The sight can be rotated independently from the turret. It is mounted behind the commander’s hatch and electrically powered. It is also used to mount the commander’s weapon station.
The sight is stabilized independently from turret and main gun in both planes. The commander is able to detect targets, assign them to the gunner or take over control of the main gun.
The fire control system is again using a brought range of sensors, which are automatically capturing data. Most visible sensor is once again the cross wind sensor, mounted at the turret top. Other sensors deliver values for cant, turret position, vehicle speed, temperatures and atmospheric pressure. On top come correction values for the different ammunition types, data from the muzzle reference system, range to target and turret speed, which are all fed into the 1V528-2 ballistic computer. Based on the values, the aiming point of the main gun is being calculated and the main gun unblocked. The system works fully automated, all the gunner needs to do is aim and lase at the target.

By connecting many turret and hull systems, the T-90MS is able to provide several new functionalities. The first is the usage of an automatic target tracking system. Using the thermal sight, the system is able to detect the target and follow it automatically. The system can be activated using both thermal sights. The commander can track targets using his panoramic sight or the turret, the gunner only with the turret. The autotracker also provides an inertial mode. Here the system is following the path rather than the image of the target. This is useful if the target is shortly covered by an obstacle and not visible anymore. The tank would simply continue tracking at the same speed. A similar system is also available with the Leclerc. Other modes, e.g. the automatic observation of a given area and automated detection of targets are not possible yet.
A second function is the IFF, enabling the tank to identify friendly troops. The system does not use active sensors, but tactical data provided by the information system.
Last but not least, the commander of the T-90MS is able to fire and direct ATGMs using the laser guiding system installed in the gunner’s sight.

Kalina has to be seen as big step in the development of Russian Fire Control Systems. The nearly complete integration of digital systems enables new functionalities and allows further improvements in the future simply by upgrading the software.

Armament
The T-90MS is using the 2A46M-5 main gun. The smoothbore gun is the latest version of the D-81 family of guns. It allows increased accuracy at lower wear of the system. It can be used to attack a wide range of targets at ranges up to 6.000m.
Direction of the gun is done using an electro-hydraulic stabilization device. As usually, the horizontal turret drive is fully electric, while the vertical gun drive is electrohydraulic.
The gun is equipped with an automatic boresighting device. It measures the gun barrel displacement and provides the fire control system with the relevant correction values. The system can be identified by the mirror on top of the muzzle and the optical device on top of the gun mantlet.
Loading of the main gun is done using a carousel autoloader. It is electrically powered and as usually mounted below the turret. It is now using a special liner to minimize the splitter damage in case of a penetration. It has also been upgraded to be able to handle longer grenades. This small but significant change enables the development of new and more powerful tank rounds in the near future, as well as the usage of a different main gun.

The T-90MS can use the same rounds available for previous versions of the tank, covering APFSDS, HEAT, HE-FRAG and ATGM. A total of 22 rounds and charges are stored in the autoloader, another 10 in the fighting compartment. For the first time in Russian tank design, the T-90MS is using an external ammunition storage at the turret rear. It contains three chambers and can be accessed from the top only. The two outer chambers contain found rounds, while the center chamber holds 8 charges. Removing ammunition from the fighting compartment is often explained with the separation of fighting compartment and ammunition. But it is most likely also done to free space inside the tank needed to store the turret electronics.
Secondary armament of the T-90MS consist of two 7.62mm PKTM machine guns. One is mounted to the right of the main gun. It has to be noted that the gun is firing thru a relatively small opening in the turret frontal armour.

A second PKTM is placed in the T05BW-1 weapon station, mounted on top of the commander’s sight. It is replacing the normal 12.7mm MG. The weapon station is directed from inside the tank using the Hawkeye sight of the commander. It is stabilized in two planes and can be rotated with the sight by 360deg. By incorporating the weapon station into the fire control system of the tank, targets can be tracked automatically. And the system is blocking the gun in case it would hit parts of the tank, like main gun or turret sensors. The PKTM is used against soft and aerial targets at ranges up to 1.500m. The elevation of the weapon is -10 to +45deg. This is slightly less than the +66deg a 1ETs29-4S mount is delivering to the T-90. Using the relatively small PKTM has a positive impact on the gun mount size and the complexity of the stabilization unit. It also allows the placement of 800 ready rounds directly at the gun. Additional 2.000 rounds are carried inside the tank, but they are shared by the two machine guns.

Crew
The crew of the T-90MS consists of three soldiers, driver, commander and gunner. The individual stations were massively improved and are not comparable to previous versions of the tank anymore.
The driver is placed centered in the hull front. The seat is mounted on the hull ceiling, which improves the protection in case of a mine detonation under the vehicle. The controls of the driver are complete replaced by new ones. He is now using a steering handle, replacing the usual steering levers right and left of the driver’s seat. Steering itself is now done similar to a normal car. Same goes for the pedals. Driver only has a pedal for acceleration and braking, there is no clutch.
The gearshift is mounted to the right of the driver. It allows the automatic or manual selection of the forward and the manual selection of the reverse gear. In the automatic mode, the driver selects the highest possible gear and the automatic picks the one that fits to the current driving situation. Signals for steering, braking, accelerating and gearshift are transferred electrically to the hull rear control boxes. This is the first step to enable automatic gear changes at all and thus reduce the impact of driving errors. Shifting gears is based on the position of accelerator and brake, selected gear, steering signal, current gear and vehicle speed. The transmissions have not changed. They are still providing the 7 forward and 1 reverse gear. Steering is enabled by brakes and gear changes too.
Another new feature is the usage of the digital control and information system BIUS. It is constantly controlling vital functions of the tank and displays them at the driver’s station. One display is used to show the current driving data, e.g. vehicle speed, distance and current gear. The second display is used to show the status of systems and errors in case of issues. It is also used to start certain systems like the APU.
A final improvement to the driver’s station has been done regarding the sight. The tank is now using the modern TWN-10 sight, containing day channel, thermal sight and image intensifier.  The sight is still mounted in front of the driver in the hull front. The day channel does not provide any magnification and is setup as a direct view. It is used by the driver to observe the field in front of the tank during daytime.  Thermal sight and image intensifier are used during bad visual conditions or night. Both images are shown on a small display. It is also possible to overlay both images, creating a high contrast display. The two small TNPO-168V sights placed in the hatch are also available, extending the field of view to the sides.

The gunner is still placed in the left side of the turret. Compared to previous versions of the T-72, the station has been heavily reworked and modernized. The usage of new sights and controls allow a much clearer presentation of the station. Unfortunately, a bad habit has sneaked into the ergonomic setup of the gunner’s controls. It can be historically explained, but seems to be a fixed part of Russian tank development by now. Directly in front of the gunner is the control handle for turret and main gun. It is placed at the same position as it was with the TPD-K1 before. The large optic itself was removed and the space taken by the ammunition select panel. To the left of the control handle is the SOSNA-U sight with its monocular eyepiece of the day channel. To use the sight, the gunner will have to constantly lean to the left side. Even more to the left is the screen to display the image of the thermal sight and the auxiliary sight. Below is the gunner’s control panel. A quite similar configuration can be found in modernized T-72 tanks like the T-72B3. To easy the daily work of the gunner, a central eyepiece just above the handle would be certainly much more appreciated.
For the first time, the gunner is equipped with his own direct view periscope, mounted at the left turret side.
Access to the gunner’s station is done thru a small hatch in the turret top, opening to the front.

The commander is placed in the right site of the turret. As his station was completely digitalized, it is not comparable to other Russian tanks anymore.
The changes start already with the new cupola. It is now only used to allow access to the commander’s station, but not anymore to direct sight or armament. It is fixed with the turret and can not be revolved anymore. Eight periscopes allow the commander to observe the direct surroundings of the tank. The hatch itself is also new and not at all similar to the ones used before. Using a small mechanic mounted on the front of the cupola, the hatch can be set to several positions. It can be flapped open or closed, but also set to a so called umbrella position. Here the hatch is in a position similar to closed, but it in a certain distance above the cupola. This gives the commandeer some protection, but at the same time allows observation from inside the cupola. Similar is available with the Leopard 2 until version A4. When the hatch is fully closed, the commander is using the periscopes for observation. Each periscope is equipped with an index switch, which allows turning the commanders sight into the direction of the individual periscope. Additional near field observation devices for the commander are small cameras mounted around the turret. They allow a nearly 360deg field of view around the tank. The sensors used are quite sensitive and can also be used in bad visual conditions.
The commander’s station is now covered by several clearly structured controls and panels. Directly in front of the commander is the control handle. It is used to direct the commander’s sight, but also turret and main gun. Above the handle is a large colour display. It is used for navigation and digital data communication with other units. The screen can display tactical information on a map and allow the commander to gather an overview on the current situation. It is also used to display vehicle information or setup the configuration of the turret systems.
To the left of the main display is a second smaller one. It can only display grey colours and is used to present the images delivered by the different sight systems of the tank. Unfortunately, the commander will have to switch between different sights and cannot simply display their images in parallel or even overlaid.
The commander’s station is also equipped with several control panels, enabling control over the fire control system, the sights and the automatic loader.

Protection system
Besides the fire control system, the improvement of the active and passive protection was one major requirement in the development of the T-90MS. Most visible change is the usage of Relikt ERA. Compared to the previously used Kontakt-5, Relikt offers a significantly higher level of protection against incoming HEAT and kinetic rounds. The new armour consists mainly of 4S23 modules, which are placed on hull and turret front, as well as the turret top. The new armament can be recognized by the much closer coverage of the basic armour. As the T-90MS is not using any IR jammers, the reactive armour is added on the turret until close to the main gun. Another advantage of Relict is the possibility to replace modules easier, as they are not build into the hull front anymore.

The hull sides are covered over the full length by heavy side skirts. The lower part of the skirts is additionally covered by metal-enforced rubber skirts. These light skirts are flexibly mounted, so they don’t get damaged when driving through rough terrain. Beside increasing the passive protection, the large scale usage of skirts is also reducing the IR signature of the suspension and suppressing the dust clouds. If needed, 4S24 ERA modules can be mounted on top of the side skirts. As they are quite heavy, the modules are not mounted during normal operation.

The rear sides of the hull are also equipped with slat armour, meant to detonate incoming rounds before they hit the vehicle.
The turret front is also heavily armoured with the new Relikt modules. The same goes for the area of the turret top in front of the two hatches. Turret sides are not covered with ERA, but storage boxes and add on armour plates. The later ones are similar to the heavy side skirts and simply detonate impacting rounds earlier. The turret rear is again protected by slat armour, which also acts as storage basket.

All together, the T-90MS has a much smoother surface compared to previous T-72 versions. This significantly reduces the radar cross section of the tank, a fact especially important in times of air born anti tank threats. As the T-90A, the T-90MS can also be equipped with the Nakidka camouflage system, which allows a further reduction of IR signature and RCS.
The passive protection inside the fighting compartment has been improved by a massive use of spell liners. It is added to the vehicle walls and protects the crew in case of penetrating hits.
The tank has also been equipped with fire suppression and NBC protection systems.
The T-90MS is using the Shtora-1 active protection system, but without the IR jammers usually mounted at the turret front. The system has been improved in a way, that the sensors covering a wider area and reacting in a broader spectrum to potential threats. Shtora has been connected to the commander’s sight and will turn it into the direction of a detected laser signal, but not the full turret anymore. The system also comes with a total of six smoke grenade dischargers mounted on each side of the turret. The special placement of the launchers allows laying of smoke is a more complex way, depending on the current need. If switched to automatic, Shtora-1 can fire smoke grenades automatically in the direction of a detected laser signal and block it by a rapidly setup aerosol curtain.

Communication
The T-90MS is equipped with two different radio sets. The first one is the R-168-25UE-2, used for voice communication. Communication is being secured by using encryption, as well as very fast frequency hopping. The system can communicate in parallel in two different radio channels and has a max range of up to 40km.
The second radio set is the R-168MRAE, which serves for data communication only.  It allows the setup of encrypted subscriber networks using multiple stations. Today, R-168MRAE is used to exchange tactical information between different vehicles. Other functionalities like assigning targets to different vehicles, control the FCS of several vehicles or coordinate fire might be possible. These functionalities are not present yet, but maybe one day. The technology would support them. The range is the data communication depends very much from the area, as well as the speed of the vehicles.  Static vehicles can communication at ranges of up to 20km, while moving ones have to be as close as 6km.

Special Equipment
The T-90MS is equipped with an electrically powered air conditioning system. It is mounted in a metal box on the rear part of the right turret side. Cooled air is being transferred into the vehicle and released at the different stations. Each crew member has a control panel to regulate the air flow.

Performance
The T-90MS is the most powerful version of the T-72 ever made, but also the largest and heaviest. It is packed with modern technology and allows optimized control of vehicle and armament. Powerful sights enable commander and gunner to attack targets fast. There is no western tank that the T-90MS would not be at least equal in performance. Automatic target tracking is a feature which is not found in other tanks very often.
The future of the T-90MS will be most likely the combat improvement. There is a large number of older T-72 and T-90, which are desperately waiting for improvements. For Russia, I would hope development will do one more step.