T-72B (1989) - Revision history

U38088265: /* Armaments */ Updated

2023-12-14T20:28:29Z

‎Armaments: Updated

U74396666: New Description Project - USSR Priority: T-72B Model 1989

2023-11-19T12:31:57Z

New Description Project - USSR Priority: T-72B Model 1989

U38088265: /* Ammunition */ Converted to transclusion

2023-01-27T17:53:20Z

‎Ammunition: Converted to transclusion

U79942984: Wrote intro.

2022-05-25T01:41:56Z

Wrote intro.

U38088265: /* Main armament */ Updated

2021-09-08T20:26:00Z

‎Main armament: Updated

U38088265: /* Ammunition */ Updated

2021-09-02T09:29:04Z

‎Ammunition: Updated

U38088265: /* Ammunition */ Updated

2021-08-26T14:32:07Z

‎Ammunition: Updated

U69651212: fixed some info

2021-07-20T20:15:46Z

fixed some info

U44629479: Edits

2021-07-10T20:32:43Z

Edits

U103490444: /* Usage in battles */ Typo corrections

2021-03-19T01:44:58Z

‎Usage in battles: Typo corrections

@@ Line 53: / Line 53: @@
 {{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.'' -->
-{{main|2A46M-1 (125 mm)}}
+{{main|2A46M (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.
@@ Line 59: / Line 59: @@
 {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 |-
-! colspan="5" | [[2A46M-1 (125 mm)|125 mm 2A46M-1]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+! colspan="5" | [[2A46M (125 mm)|125 mm 2A46M]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || Reloading rate (seconds)
 |-
 ! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 ! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
-! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
+! Autoloader
 |-
 ! ''Arcade''
-| rowspan="2" | 45 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+13° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 22.8 || 31.6 || 38.4 || 42.5 || 45.2 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 7.10
+| rowspan="2" | 45 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+13° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 22.8 || 31.6 || 38.4 || 42.5 || 45.2 || rowspan="2" | 7.10
 |-
 ! ''Realistic''
@@ Line 81: / Line 81: @@
 * '''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).
-{{:2A46M-1 (125 mm)/Ammunition|3BK18M, 3OF26, 3BM22, 9M119, 3BM42}}
+{{:2A46M (125 mm)/Ammunition|3BK18M, 3OF26, 3BM22, 9M119, 3BM42}}
 ==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
@@ Line 111: / Line 111: @@
 ! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 |-
-| Pintle || 300 (150) || 700 || -4°/+75° || ±180°
+| Pintle || 300 (60) || 700 || -4°/+75° || ±180°
 |-
 |}
@@ Line 120: / Line 120: @@
 ! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 |-
-| Coaxial || 2,000 (250) || 700 || N/A || N/A
+| Coaxial || 2,000 (250) || 700 || - || -
 |-
 |}
@@ Line 210: / Line 210: @@
 * [[wt:en/news/6830-development-new-t-72-modifications-here-come-the-top-of-the-line-russians-en|[Devblog] New T-72 modifications: here come the top-of-the-line Russians!]]
 {{USSR medium tanks}}
 [[Category:ATGM vehicles]]

@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 == Description ==
 <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
-The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Raining Fire"]].
+The '''T-72B Model 1989''' is an armoured modification of the [[T-72B]], which is the third variant of the [[T-72 (Family)|T-72 main battle tank family]]. It is distinguished primarily by its use of advanced Kontakt-5 explosive reactive armour (ERA) and additional composite armour on the sides of the turret. The Kontakt-5 is a second-generation ERA that was designed and built in the Soviet Union. It is also the first type of ERA in the world to significantly reduce the penetration of armour-piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot (APFSDS) ammunition, which conventional ERA cannot do.
-This T-72 is a later production version of the famous [[T-72B]]. Its Kontakt-5 ERA is the same type seen on the T-80U, and when overlaid on the T-72B's strong composite armour, the result is a tank difficult for even Rank VII MBTs to penetrate. Unfortunately it has no other improvements and the higher battle rating will exacerbate existing issues with mobility and lack of thermal sights. Still, its hefty protection cannot be disregarded and it can be partnered with the [[T-80B]] and [[T-72M2 Moderna]].
+Introduced in [[Update "Raining Fire"]], the T-72B Model 1989 playstyle is nearly identical to its predecessors, but it offers significantly more protection in general thanks to the introduction of the Kontakt-5 ERA. Other components, such as the main armament and overall structure, are identical to those of the T-72B variant. This gives the player a slightly more aggressive gameplay experience, but confrontation in narrow streets should still be avoided due to the slow reverse speed, which makes fast retreat difficult.
 == General info ==

@@ Line 81: / Line 81: @@
 * '''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).
-{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+{{:2A46M-1 (125 mm)/Ammunition|3BK18M, 3OF26, 3BM22, 9M119, 3BM42}}
 ==== [[Ammo racks]] ====

@@ Line 12: / Line 12: @@
 <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Raining Fire"]].
 == General info ==

@@ Line 64: / Line 64: @@
 |-
 ! ''Arcade''
-| rowspan="2" | 45 || rowspan="2" | -6°/+13° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 22.8 || 31.6 || 38.4 || 42.5 || 45.2 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 7.10
+| rowspan="2" | 45 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+13° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 22.8 || 31.6 || 38.4 || 42.5 || 45.2 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 7.10
 |-
 ! ''Realistic''

@@ Line 84: / Line 84: @@
 ! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 ! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
-! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
+! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
 |-
 ! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
@@ Line 119: / Line 119: @@
 | 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°
+| 9M119 || ATGM || 400 || 16.5 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 5,540 || 80° || 82° || 90°
 |-
 | 3BM42 || APFSDS || 1,700 || 4.85 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
@@ Line 169: / Line 169: @@
 <!-- ''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 (1989) playstyle is near identical to the T-72B but starts to give T-90A vibes due to ERA. This tank has the exact same modules, sights and combat systems as the previous T-72B. However, it has access to Kontakt-5 (K5) ERA, increasing not only the chemical protection of the tank against missiles and shaped charges but also solid shots like darts.
 '''Enemies worth noting:'''

@@ Line 96: / Line 96: @@
 | 9M119 || ATGM || 700 || 700 || 700 || 700 || 700 || 700
 |-
-| 3BM42 || APFSDS || 479 || 477 || 470 || 462 || 453 || 445
+| 3BM42 || APFSDS || 457 || 454 || 445 || 431 || 419 || 406
 |-
 |}

@@ Line 169: / Line 169: @@
 <!-- ''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 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 hull-down sniper as the high muzzle velocity of the dart and access to ATGM make it easier. However, it should be noted it has no access to thermals or a high magnifying zoom (8x only).
+The T-72B (1989) playstyle is near identical to the T-72B but starts to give T-90A vibes due to ERA. This tank has the exact same modules, sights and combat systems as the previous T-72B. However, it has access to Kontakt-5 (K5) ERA, increasing not only the chemical protection of the tank against missiles and shaped charges but also solid shots like darts.
 '''Enemies worth noting:'''
 * [[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]]: DM23/33 have enough armour penetration to penetrate T-72 driver frontal plates, though all shells are effective against them in return.
+* [[AMX-30B2]]/[[AMX-30B2 BRENUS]]: DM23/33 have enough armour penetration to penetrate T-72 driver lower 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.
@@ Line 231: / Line 231: @@
 ;Skins
 * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_t_72b_1989 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
@@ Line 239: / Line 240: @@
 ;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
 * [[T-64 (Family)]]
 * [[T-80 (Family)]]

@@ Line 23: / Line 23: @@
 ! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 |-
-| 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 armour ''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
@@ Line 73: / Line 73: @@
 ==== 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 HEATFS round which can be seen as poor when in frontal engagements against modern MBTs. However, the shaped charge 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.
 * '''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.
@@ Line 228: / Line 229: @@
 == Media ==
 <!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
-''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
 == See also ==
@@ Line 234: / Line 237: @@
 * ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
-* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
+;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
-* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+* [[T-64 (Family)]]
 == External links ==

@@ Line 168: / Line 168: @@
 <!-- ''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 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).
+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 hull-down sniper as the high muzzle velocity of the dart and access to ATGM make it easier. However, it should be noted it has no access to thermals or a high magnifying zoom (8x only).
 '''Enemies worth noting:'''
@@ Line 210: / Line 210: @@
 ;Kontakt-1
 The K1 ERA is a first generation ERA meant to stop early and mid Cold War super plastic slugs and small jets including a wide variety or propelled grenades, anti-tank rockets, HEAT ammunition and ATGM. The K1 are rather small boxes (314 x 148 mm base area) with 3 mm thick steel walls. The reactive sandwich with the designation '''''4S20''''' consists of a 2 mm thick steel plate, a 7 mm thick explosive layer and another 2 mm thick steel plate. Thanks to its double plating, the K1 was effective when repelling HEAT jets from all angles thanks to the "V" shape unlike other ERA seen at the time like the Blazer ERA. The "V" shape plus the tank armour angling increased the effective protection of the ERA brick and the effective turret armour, this was the main reason why T-72AV, T-80B and T-64BV had clam-shaped ERA placement on the turret. It provided sufficient protection for all seen threats in combat at the time from NATO forces and related enemy forces. Germany and the United States drove tests on retrieved T-72B fitted with K1 ERA and estimated the protection range K1 has to offer against anti-tank munitions. It rounded between 300-480 mm of RHA against slug and small jets only with the following protection percentages:
 * PG-7 and PG-9 launchers: less than 90%
 * PG-7VL: less than 50%
@@ Line 221: / Line 223: @@
 ;Kontakt-5
 The K5 was a followed up design of ERA capable of surpassing the K1 capabilities against CE ammunition with added protection against KE ammunition, a capability that was never seen before, this made the K5 the world's first anti-KE ERA. The K5 was designated as an "integrated ERA" due to the way it was mounted on tanks. The K5 consists of the '''''4S22''''' explosive sandwiched between thick heavy steel plates. Thanks to this, the ERA is somewhat safe against tandem charges as the tandem charge precursor has to be heavier and stronger in order to detonate the ERA before the main charge detonates, this made it immune to heavy machine gun fire. Depending on the mount, a single layer or two is added. It is claimed that the K5 has a protection of 300 mm of RHA against KE with a CE protection ranging from 400-550 mm. While these claims are not fully confirmed, it is known the K5 has at least a 20% penetration reduction against APFSDS, capable of dealing with DU darts such as the M829A1, increasing the CE effectiveness by 1.9-2.0 and KE effectiveness to 1.2. The United States and Germany drove tests on the K5 and captured an X-Ray image (see above). It can be clearly seen how the dart is completely fractured. This is due to the shockwave generated by the explosives which fly from the ballistic cap through the dart and end up on the tail. Non-segmented darts are more rigid and less flexible, meaning shockwaves will shatter them more than if it moved with the shockwave (similar effect hydraulic pistons and flexible concrete has on earthquake proof buildings). As seen in the second picture, segmented ERA is not safe from K5 either. It should be noted that, in segmented rods, the penetrator is segmented into various segments which make the overall penetration. Non-segmented ones are full piece penetrator. While the K5 can fracture rods, it should be noted that the K5 '''cannot''' fully stop the dart. The remains are stopped by the actual tank armour but with reduced effort as dart penetration has already been reduced. Different from light ERA in which the container is fully destroyed by the explosion, K5 maintains the mounts as the explosion is made on the outer plates and not inside the container. This is the reason why T-80U and T-90 keep their "V" shaped turret even after being hit. The mounts provide appliqué armour but not sufficient protection to stop jets or darts.
@@ Line 232: / Line 235: @@
 * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 ''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.''