PT-91M2 in two modifications

The prototype of the PT-91M2 (A2) tank is an example of the use of an extended modernization package, although cost-effective. It was based on the SP2 tank prototype.

PT-91M, and its most characteristic feature, visible in this photo, is the new generation Safran PASEO panoramic sighting device mounted on

on a special pylon on the left side of the gun hatch.

Although the project for the modernization of the T-1 tanks in service with the Polish Armed Forces, initiated by the Armaments Inspectorate on December 2017, 72, is still in the analytical and conceptual phases, there are still new proposals related to this extremely important for the Polish armed forces and mechanized ground forces. troops enterprise. The national leader in the design and production of heavy armored tracked vehicles - Zakłady Mechaniczne "BUMAR-ŁABĘDY" SA, developing last year's PT-91M2 concept, will present two new prototypes of the modernized T-72 family at XXVI MSPO this year. vehicles.

At last year's weapons show in Kielce, CJSC "Plant of Mechanical Machines" BUMAR-LABEDY "A.O. presented a prototype (the tank was fully operational) of a vehicle called the PT-91M2, representing the so-called economical configuration, which could be a proposal for the Ministry of National Defense, as well as foreign contractors interested in modernizing their T-72 vehicles. The tank was created on the basis of the PT-72U/PT-91U demonstration chassis (first presented in 2011), i.е. "combat" vehicle, optimized for operations in urban environments, and the prototype tower SP2 PT. Tank -91M, i.e. serial Small.

Even then, it was emphasized that the machine corresponded to the exemplary configuration, and the whole concept was multivariate, suggesting the possibility of adding and removing individual elements from the modernization package so that it would best meet specific requirements, but also the financial capabilities of the contractor.

In the case of the PT-91M2, the main areas requiring intervention in the revision or design of the base tank were:

• increase in firepower and fire maneuver,
• increased survivability on the battlefield,
• improvement of traction characteristics,
• increasing the comfort of the crew and increasing the duration of the flight,
• improved ergonomics.

A comprehensive improvement in the combat and operational characteristics of the vehicle in this concept is supposed to be achieved by changing the equipment of the tank - sometimes deep, and in the most advanced versions by interfering with its design, but without changing the turret and caliber of the tank. main armament, which does not mean that the original gun will not be left unconditionally. The PT-91M2 tank of the 2017 model was described on pages 9/2017 and 8/2018 of Troops and Equipment.

This year, the designers of the Labend plant, based on the same concept, prepared prototypes of two subsequent modifications of the PT-91M2 family tanks, which received the designation PT-91M2 (A1) and PT-91M2 (A2). The first can be considered an analogue of the PT-91M2 model of 2017, but with some changes, more on that later. Created on the basis of the vehicle previously used as a demonstrator of the "combat" tank PT-72U/PT-91U (hull and turret).

The second one is one of the most complete and advanced versions of the modernization package and was created on the basis of the SP2 prototype of the PT-91M tank (hull and turret).

PT-91M2 (A1) As already mentioned, the PT-91M2 modernization package covers five main areas, the introduction of changes within which determines the increase in the combat properties and operational characteristics of the tank. Depending on the needs and, above all, the contractor's portfolio, the focus on individual areas may be different, and projects implemented in their area may be more or less advanced, requiring more work and involving the use of more expensive devices. Some elements of the package should in any case be considered as options.

The PT-91M2 (A1) tank is an example of an optimal and reasonably designed upgrade package as part of an economical upgrade.

In terms of improving the effectiveness of weapons, including by increasing the probability of hitting, it is possible to replace the standard 125-mm cannon 2A26M / 2A46 / 2A46-1, which is installed on the T-72M / M1 and PT-91 variants, with the 2A46MS gun (marked as 125MS) by the Slovak company ZTS-ŠPECIÁL, as (used in the PT-91M), which, by changing the position of the pivots and using a symmetrical retractor (in the axis of the barrel under the bolt), provides four times better focusing compared to the base pistol. Another barrel manufacturing technology also contributed to an increase in its service life when firing sub-caliber ammunition, despite the increase in allowable pressure to 560 MPa (490÷500 MPa in the original gun).