Difference between revisions of "T-55AMD-1"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=ussr_t_55_amd_1
 
|code=ussr_t_55_amd_1
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== 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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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 "Wind of Change"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was a further development of the ubiquitous T-55 main battle tank, outfitted with the Drozd hard-kill active protection system (APS) as a countermeasure against anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). Originally, the Drozd APS was developed by the Soviet military in the late 1970s to provide protection for their T-55 and T-62 tanks against the growing threat of portable ATGMs and handheld unguided anti-tank rocket launchers. Around 250 T-55A tanks were subsequently converted to the T-55AD standard, with the Drozd APS installed.
  
−
The T-55AMD-1 is a modification of the premium [[T-55AM-1]] at the same battle rating. It has the same upgrades to the firepower, fire control system, engine, and hull armour compared to the original [[T-55A]]. However, what sets it apart is the "Drozd" hard-kill active protection system, a first for Soviet tanks. It replaces the add-on "brow" composite armour and intercepts incoming ATGMs with explosive charges. Because the turret is no longer capable of resisting contemporary tank guns, the T-55AMD-1 effectively trades turret armour for vastly improved protection against ATGMs, making it easier to counter IFVs and helicopters.
+
Introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]], the T-55AMD-1 is essentially a side-grade of the premium [[T-55AM-1]]. It has the same upgrades to the firepower, fire control system, engine, and hull armour made on the [[T-55A]] to bring it up to the T-55AM-1 standard, but the T-55AMD-1 trades the add-on "brow" composite armour for the Drozd APS, which can effectively intercept incoming ATGMs within a 80° frontal arc. This makes the T-55AMD-1 better equipped to deal with ATGM-equipped IFVs, tank destroyers, and helicopters than the T-55AM-1, though the turret armour cannot reliably resist penetration from contemporary tank guns. The T-55AMD-1 retains the potent 100 mm D-10T2S cannon with access to various ammunition types, including APFSDS, APHE, and ATGMs. Its mobility, while not exceptional, is adequate for its role. The combination of the versatile D-10T2S gun with competent mobility allows the T-55AMD-1 to perform well, even in situations where the Drozd APS is irrelevant.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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* Tracks and suspension wheels are 20 mm thick
 
* Tracks and suspension wheels are 20 mm thick
  
−
The armour is not legendary, it will rarely block a serious shot. However, it is very thorough, with no real weak spots. The T-55AMD-1 can take a frontal beating from larger autocannons without losing anything important.
+
The armour of the T-55AMD-1 is not infallible, and will rarely block fatal shots. However, the armour scheme is comprehensive and lacks serious weak spots. While vulnerable in tank-on-tank engagements, the T-55AMD-1 can typically take a frontal beating from larger autocannons without being penetrated or losing critical components.
  
−
The turret armour is not sufficient at this rank, nor at any rank from even rank IV upwards. The composite armour seen in the [[T-55AM-1]]'s turret has been completely removed, however this grants access to the 'Drozd' hard-kill Active Protection System. The gun shield itself mostly offers a 110-160 mm protection, which is mediocre at the battle rating.
+
The turret armour is unimpressive, as the composite armour on the [[T-55AM-1]]'s turret has been completely removed to make room for the 'Drozd' hard-kill Active Protection System. APDS, APFSDS, and HEAT rounds found around the T-55AM-1's battle rating have no difficulty penetrating the turret from the front if shots are aimed around the gun, though exceptionally poorly-aimed shots can still bounce off the rounded sides and roof of the turret. The mantlet has 110-160 mm of protection which, while impotent against tank rounds, will stop autocannon fire easily.
  
−
The frontal glacis is in two parts, the upper area that is 100 mm RHA sloped at 59 degrees and the lower one being 100 mm RHA sloped at 56 degrees. Both the upper and lower plates will not stop anything but SPAA munitions at the battle rating. The lower glacis plate is not as strong since it is not sloped as much as the front plate, but penetrating this plate will often result in colossal damage.
+
The frontal hull protection consists of two 100 mm plates; an upper front plate sloped at 59°, and a lower front plate sloped at 56 degrees. The UFP is additionally protected by add-on composite armour composed of 30 mm of RHA sandwiching a 120 mm metal-polymer block against the basic 100 mm of the UFP. The add-on composite armour offers good protection against chemical energy penetrators such as HEATFS, ATGMs and anti-tank grenades, with a protection of roughly 400 mm. This allows the tank to resist hits of almost all HEATFS of the BR (most of them penetrate between 320 mm to 430 mm) and even some ATGMs (between 400 mm to 650 mm). The hull can be angled to increase the effectiveness of the frontal protection, which can increase the effective armour up to 703 mm against CE penetrators. Moreover, the good 80 mm side armour allows angling to be performed without excessive fear of side penetration.
  
−
Hull additional armour remains with its effectiveness against chemical munitions. The hull, however, is unlikely to stop penetration of most ATGMs. Also, it is noted that there is a fuel tank in the front of the tank protecting the ammo rack, which sometimes penetrating rounds will just set afire. The difference compared to its counterparts is that this rack is the first-stage rack, meaning there is no way to empty it to increase survivability. This is one of the main problems of post-war era Soviet MBTs. The composite armour offers a really good protection for chemical energy penetrators such as HEAT-FS, ATGMs and anti-tank grenades, having a protection of roughly 400 mm. This makes the tank capable of withstanding hits of almost all HEAT-FS of the BR (most of them penetrate between 320 mm to 430 mm) and even some ATGMs (between 400 mm to 650 mm). It is also able to reduce the penetration or stop ATGM like the [[9M113 Konkurs]] (ATGM of the [[BMP-2]]) and 9M112 (ATGM of the [[T-64B]]) although do not expect it to happen all the time, it depends on your angling and where the missile impacts. The chassis should be angled most of the time to maximise the effectiveness with the 100 mm thick steel plate, capable of making the armour reach 703 mm of effective armour against CE penetrators.
+
It should be noted that there is a fuel tank in the front of the tank that protects some stowed ammunition, and sometimes penetrating rounds will just set the fuel tank on fire instead of detonating the ammunition. Unfortunately, this rack is the first-stage rack, so there is no way to empty it to increase survivability. This is one of the main problems of post-war era Soviet MBTs.
  
 
=== 'Drozd' Active Protection System ===
 
=== 'Drozd' Active Protection System ===
 
[[File:Druzd block 1.png|thumb|417x417px|T-55AMD-1 neutralizing missile from Type 60 ATM]]
 
[[File:Druzd block 1.png|thumb|417x417px|T-55AMD-1 neutralizing missile from Type 60 ATM]]
−
The T-55AMD-1 has access to a hard-kill protection system, the Drozd APS. It is a constantly active APS which provides protection against a wide variety of threats. It is composed of three major pieces: a Doppler radar array for target detection, eight launchers (four per side) on the sides of the turret, and an electronics piece on the turret's rear. It detects targets inside a 60° frontal arc and engages them inside a 7 m distance. The main disadvantage of this system is that it follows the direction of the turret, meaning it can only successfully destroy targets that in the line of sight.
+
The T-55AMD-1 has access to a [[Active protection systems|hard-kill protection system]], the Drozd APS. It is a constantly active APS which provides protection against a wide variety of threats. It is composed of three major pieces: a Doppler radar array for target detection, eight launchers (four per side) on the sides of the turret, and an electronics piece on the turret's rear. It detects targets inside a 80° frontal arc and engages them inside a 7 m distance. The main disadvantage of this system is that it follows the direction of the turret, meaning it can only successfully destroy targets that are in the line of sight.
  
−
Drozd can be used while on the move (although the turret must be facing the target as stated before). While on the move (especially horizontally), the detected ATGM has a risk of escaping the activation range of the Drozd. When moving towards an enemy who fired an ATGM, it will be affected by the APS but due to momentum, the ATGM can still damage the T-55 if when destroyed. Drozd must have a clear line-of-sight with the enemy threat (at least APS must be exposed). It should be noted that the T-55AMD-1 has no access to a Laser Warning Receiver (LWR), so the player must rely on visual contact with the ATGM and the launcher (no LWR makes the helicopter lock-on invisible). Thankfully, the usual attack angle of enemy projectiles are inside the protection arc when in LOS.
+
Drozd can be used while on the move (although the turret still must be facing the target). While on the move (especially horizontally), the detected ATGM has a risk of escaping the activation range of the Drozd. When moving towards an enemy that fired an ATGM, it will be affected by the APS but the ATGM can still damage the T-55 when destroyed due to momentum. Moreover, exceptionally high-penetrating ATGMs like the HJ-9 can still penetrate the tank even if intercepted by Drozd. The T-55AMD-1 has no access to a Laser Warning Receiver (LWR), so the player must rely on visual contact with the ATGM and the launcher (no LWR makes the helicopter lock-on invisible). Thankfully, the usual attack angle of enemy projectiles are inside the protection arc when in LOS.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
  
−
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1069|rbMinHp=610}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,069|rbMinHp=610}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 42 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+16° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 14.3 || 19.8 || 24.0 || 26.5 || 28.2 || rowspan="2" | 11.05 || rowspan="2" | 9.78 || rowspan="2" | 9.01 || rowspan="2" | 8.50
+
| rowspan="2" | 42 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+16° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 14.3 || 19.8 || 24.0 || 26.5 || 28.2 || rowspan="2" | 9.75 || rowspan="2" | 8.63 || rowspan="2" | 7.95 || rowspan="2" | 7.50
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
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==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:D-10T2S (100 mm)/Ammunition|3BM-8, 3D3, BR-412D, 3BM25, 3BK17M, OF-412, 9M117}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| 3BM-8 || APDS || 299 || 298 || 291 || 272 || 253 || 249
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-412D || APCBC || 239 || 236 || 220 || 202 || 186 || 170
 
−
|-
 
−
| 3BM25 || APFSDS || 335 || 330 || 307 || 290 || 275 || 260
 
−
|-
 
−
| 3BK17M || HEATFS || 390 || 390 || 390 || 390 || 390 || 390
 
−
|-
 
−
| OF-412 || HE || 19 || 19 || 19 || 19 || 19 || 19
 
−
|-
 
−
| 9M117 || ATGM || 600 || 600 || 600 || 600 || 600 || 600
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| 3BM-8 || APDS || 1,415 || 4.13 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 75° || 78° || 80°
 
−
|-
 
−
| BR-412D || APCBC || 887 || 15.9 || 1.2 || 19 || 93.94 || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| 3BM25 || APFSDS || 1,430 || 3.4 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 76° || 77° || 80°
 
−
|-
 
−
| 3BK17M || HEATFS || 1,085 || 9.96 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 1,440 || 65° || 72° || 77°
 
−
|-
 
−
| OF-412 || HE || 900 || 15.6 || 0 || 0.1 || 1,460 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| 9M117 || ATGM || 370 || 18.8 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 4,620 || 80° || 82° || 90°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
 
−
|-
 
−
! Ammunition
 
−
! Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! Screen radius<br>(m)
 
−
! Screen deploy time<br>(s)
 
−
! Screen hold time<br>(s)
 
−
! Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
|-
 
−
| 3D3 || 880 || 15.6 || 20 || 5 || 25 || 50
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
+
[[File:Ammoracks_T-55AM-1.png|right|thumb|x200px|[[Ammo racks]] of the T-55AM-1 (identical)]]
−
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.15.1.30''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''42''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
+
| '''42''' || 41&nbsp;''(+1)'' || 37&nbsp;''(+5)'' || 33&nbsp;''(+9)'' || 21&nbsp;''(+21)'' || 19&nbsp;''(+23)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+41)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
 +
 +
* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
 +
* If you pack 19&nbsp;''(+24)'' shells, it will fill only the frontal wet stowage ready rack.
 +
* Rack 6 is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 18 shells and gets filled first when loading up the tank.
 +
** This rack is also emptied early: the depletion order at full capacity is: 6 - 1 - 2 - etc. until 5.
 +
** Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-5 into rack 6. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready rack.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial || 3,000 (250) || 700 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 3,000 (250) || 700 || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
−
Do not be afraid to trust your armour, particularly when hull-down or against autocannons. However, avoid straying from your allies, as your reload can mean that a missed or poor shot is fatal. Do not count on knocking out crew to cripple opponents as your reload is long enough for knocked out members to be replaced. If you are reloading while under fire, remember to keep your gun moving to evade shots at it. The combination of APS and reliable armour means that IFVs such as the Begleitpanzer, Bradley, and Marder can do little to you without catching you off guard or getting a luck shot on your gun.
+
Do not be afraid to trust your armour, particularly when hull-down or against autocannons. However, avoid straying from your allies, as your slow reload can mean that a missed or poor shot is fatal. Do not count on knocking out crew to cripple opponents as your reload is long enough for knocked out members to be replaced. If you are reloading while under fire, remember to keep your gun moving to evade shots at it. The combination of APS and reliable armour means that IFVs such as the Begleitpanzer, Bradley, and Marder can do little to you without catching you off guard or getting a luck shot on your gun.
  
 
'''Notable opponents'''
 
'''Notable opponents'''
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* Very resistant to autocannons
 
* Very resistant to autocannons
 
* Drozd APS to block missiles
 
* Drozd APS to block missiles
−
* APS has plenty of charges
+
* APS has several charges
 
* Adequate penetration on APDS and APFSDS rounds
 
* Adequate penetration on APDS and APFSDS rounds
 +
* Access to APHE with fantastic post-penetration damage
 
* Decent mobility
 
* Decent mobility
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Painfully long reload
+
* Below average reload time
−
* Low post-pen damage
+
* Low APFSDS post-penetration damage
 
* Slow gun and turret traverse
 
* Slow gun and turret traverse
 
* Disappointing gun depression
 
* Disappointing gun depression
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== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
As one of the top-secret projects of the Soviet Army, the Kompleks 1030M-01 "Drozd" was the very first operational active protection system (APS), developed by Vasily Ivanovich Bakalov of the KPB Design Bureau as a counter to the abundance of RPGs and ATGMs. This project was first started by the Army but was dropped due to budget constraints; the Marines later completed the project as a cheaper alternative to ERA or new T-72 tanks to replace their T-55As. Around 250 of their T-55As were then converted to the AD standard by 1983. The version of T-55AMD-1 in-game was based on the enhanced T-55AM-1 with better engine (V-46-5M at 691hp), and new radio and fire control systems.
 +
 
 +
According to combat records during the Soviet-Afghan War, the system's interception rate was at around 80%; but the system itself also has some drawbacks such as being lethal to unarmoured friendlies in its frontal firing arc (later models installed a warning buzzer), and a very long reload time at around 15 minutes.
 +
 
 +
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, some of these T-55ADs were in the hands of Ukraine and the system was reinstalled onto other tanks, while the remaining ones in Russia were stored elsewhere as reserve forces.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== 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.'' -->
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_t_55_amd_1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 261: Line 214:
 
{{USSR medium tanks}}
 
{{USSR medium tanks}}
 
[[Category:ATGM vehicles]]
 
[[Category:ATGM vehicles]]
 +
[[Category:Ground vehicles with active protection system]]

Latest revision as of 10:23, 30 March 2024

This page is about the Soviet medium tank T-55AMD-1. For other versions, see T-54/55 (Family).
T-55AMD-1
ussr_t_55_amd_1.png
GarageImage T-55AMD-1.jpg
ArtImage T-55AMD-1.png
T-55AMD-1
USSR flag.png USSR
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
8.7 8.7 8.7
Class:
Research:81 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:450 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The T-55AMD-1 was a further development of the ubiquitous T-55 main battle tank, outfitted with the Drozd hard-kill active protection system (APS) as a countermeasure against anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). Originally, the Drozd APS was developed by the Soviet military in the late 1970s to provide protection for their T-55 and T-62 tanks against the growing threat of portable ATGMs and handheld unguided anti-tank rocket launchers. Around 250 T-55A tanks were subsequently converted to the T-55AD standard, with the Drozd APS installed.

Introduced in Update "Wind of Change", the T-55AMD-1 is essentially a side-grade of the premium T-55AM-1. It has the same upgrades to the firepower, fire control system, engine, and hull armour made on the T-55A to bring it up to the T-55AM-1 standard, but the T-55AMD-1 trades the add-on "brow" composite armour for the Drozd APS, which can effectively intercept incoming ATGMs within a 80° frontal arc. This makes the T-55AMD-1 better equipped to deal with ATGM-equipped IFVs, tank destroyers, and helicopters than the T-55AM-1, though the turret armour cannot reliably resist penetration from contemporary tank guns. The T-55AMD-1 retains the potent 100 mm D-10T2S cannon with access to various ammunition types, including APFSDS, APHE, and ATGMs. Its mobility, while not exceptional, is adequate for its role. The combination of the versatile D-10T2S gun with competent mobility allows the T-55AMD-1 to perform well, even in situations where the Drozd APS is irrelevant.

General info

Survivability and armour

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
Armourfront / side / back
Hull100 / 80 / 45
Turret200 / 160 / 66
Crew4 people
Visibility83 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Turret)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 100 mm (59°) Upper
100 mm (56°) Lower 		80 mm Top
20 mm Bottom 		45 mm (16°) 30 mm
Turret 200 - 350 mm Turret front (Variable)
200 - 250 mm Gun mantlet (Variable) 		170 - 200 mm 60 - 80 mm 30 mm
Cupola 100 mm (cylindrical) 30 mm
Composite armour Frontal effective protection Sides
Hull Upper glacis:
300 - 360 mm Kinetic / 400 - 450 mm Chemical 		N/A

Notes:

  • Tracks and suspension wheels are 20 mm thick

The armour of the T-55AMD-1 is not infallible, and will rarely block fatal shots. However, the armour scheme is comprehensive and lacks serious weak spots. While vulnerable in tank-on-tank engagements, the T-55AMD-1 can typically take a frontal beating from larger autocannons without being penetrated or losing critical components.

The turret armour is unimpressive, as the composite armour on the T-55AM-1's turret has been completely removed to make room for the 'Drozd' hard-kill Active Protection System. APDS, APFSDS, and HEAT rounds found around the T-55AM-1's battle rating have no difficulty penetrating the turret from the front if shots are aimed around the gun, though exceptionally poorly-aimed shots can still bounce off the rounded sides and roof of the turret. The mantlet has 110-160 mm of protection which, while impotent against tank rounds, will stop autocannon fire easily.

The frontal hull protection consists of two 100 mm plates; an upper front plate sloped at 59°, and a lower front plate sloped at 56 degrees. The UFP is additionally protected by add-on composite armour composed of 30 mm of RHA sandwiching a 120 mm metal-polymer block against the basic 100 mm of the UFP. The add-on composite armour offers good protection against chemical energy penetrators such as HEATFS, ATGMs and anti-tank grenades, with a protection of roughly 400 mm. This allows the tank to resist hits of almost all HEATFS of the BR (most of them penetrate between 320 mm to 430 mm) and even some ATGMs (between 400 mm to 650 mm). The hull can be angled to increase the effectiveness of the frontal protection, which can increase the effective armour up to 703 mm against CE penetrators. Moreover, the good 80 mm side armour allows angling to be performed without excessive fear of side penetration.

It should be noted that there is a fuel tank in the front of the tank that protects some stowed ammunition, and sometimes penetrating rounds will just set the fuel tank on fire instead of detonating the ammunition. Unfortunately, this rack is the first-stage rack, so there is no way to empty it to increase survivability. This is one of the main problems of post-war era Soviet MBTs.

'Drozd' Active Protection System

T-55AMD-1 neutralizing missile from Type 60 ATM

The T-55AMD-1 has access to a hard-kill protection system, the Drozd APS. It is a constantly active APS which provides protection against a wide variety of threats. It is composed of three major pieces: a Doppler radar array for target detection, eight launchers (four per side) on the sides of the turret, and an electronics piece on the turret's rear. It detects targets inside a 80° frontal arc and engages them inside a 7 m distance. The main disadvantage of this system is that it follows the direction of the turret, meaning it can only successfully destroy targets that are in the line of sight.

Drozd can be used while on the move (although the turret still must be facing the target). While on the move (especially horizontally), the detected ATGM has a risk of escaping the activation range of the Drozd. When moving towards an enemy that fired an ATGM, it will be affected by the APS but the ATGM can still damage the T-55 when destroyed due to momentum. Moreover, exceptionally high-penetrating ATGMs like the HJ-9 can still penetrate the tank even if intercepted by Drozd. The T-55AMD-1 has no access to a Laser Warning Receiver (LWR), so the player must rely on visual contact with the ATGM and the launcher (no LWR makes the helicopter lock-on invisible). Thankfully, the usual attack angle of enemy projectiles are inside the protection arc when in LOS.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB56 / 9 km/h
RB and SB51 / 8 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight41.5 t
Engine power
AB1 316 hp
RB and SB690 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB31.7 hp/t
RB and SB16.6 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 56 9 41.5 1,069 1,316 25.76 31.71
Realistic 51 8 610 690 14.7 16.63

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 249 → 6 182 Sl icon.png
RB4 341 → 6 316 Sl icon.png
SB5 374 → 7 819 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications133 200 Rp icon.png
221 400 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 400 Ge icon.png
Crew training130 000 Sl icon.png
Experts450 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 000 Ge icon.png
Research Aces890 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
140 / 200 / 230 % Sl icon.png
214 / 214 / 214 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
7 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
5 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 400 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
5 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 400 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
7 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
7 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
7 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 400 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement ussr.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
7 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
ESS
Research:
7 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
7 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
100mm_BR412D_ammo_pack
Research:
7 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
100mm_3BK25_ammo_pack
Research:
5 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 400 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
5 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 400 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
5 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 400 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
100mm_3BK17M_ammo_pack
Research:
7 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
7 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
7 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
100mm_ussr_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
7 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
100mm_ussr_ATGM_ammo_pack
Research:
7 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
7 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder

Main armament

100 mm D-10T2S cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition42 rounds
First-order18 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
9.7 → 7.5 s
Vertical guidance-5° / 16°
Main article: D-10T2S (100 mm)
100 mm D-10T2S Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 42 -5°/+16° ±180° Two-plane 14.3 19.8 24.0 26.5 28.2 9.75 8.63 7.95 7.50
Realistic 8.9 10.5 12.8 14.1 15.0

Ammunition

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
3BM-8 APDS 336 332 317 299 282 265
BR-412D APCBC 239 236 220 202 185 170
3BM25 APFSDS 335 330 307 290 275 260
3BK17M HEATFS 390 390 390 390 390 390
OF-412 HE 27 27 26 24 23 21
9M117 ATGM 600 600 600 600 600 600
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
3BM-8 APDS 1,415 4.13 - - - 75° 78° 80°
BR-412D APCBC 887 15.88 1.2 19 100.1 48° 63° 71°
3BM25 APFSDS 1,430 3.4 - - - 76° 77° 80°
3BK17M HEATFS 1,085 9.96 0.05 0.1 1,170 65° 72° 77°
OF-412 HE 900 15.6 0.2 0.1 1,460 79° 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) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
9M117 ATGM 370 4,000 18.8 0.05 0.1 4,770 80° 82° 90°
Smoke shell characteristics
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Screen radius
(m) 		Screen deploy
time (s) 		Screen hold
time (s) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
3D3 880 15.6 16 5 25 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the T-55AM-1 (identical)
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
42 41 (+1) 37 (+5) 33 (+9) 21 (+21) 19 (+23) 1 (+41) No

Notes:

  • Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
  • If you pack 19 (+24) shells, it will fill only the frontal wet stowage ready rack.
  • Rack 6 is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 18 shells and gets filled first when loading up the tank.
    • This rack is also emptied early: the depletion order at full capacity is: 6 - 1 - 2 - etc. until 5.
    • Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-5 into rack 6. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready rack.

Machine guns

12.7 mm DShK machine gun
Ammunition300 rounds
Belt capacity50 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate600 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 60°
7.62 mm PKT machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition3 000 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate700 shots/min
Main articles: DShK (12.7 mm), PKT (7.62 mm)
12.7 mm DShK
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 300 (50) 600 -10°/+60° ±180°
7.62 mm PKT
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 3,000 (250) 700 - -

Usage in battles

Do not be afraid to trust your armour, particularly when hull-down or against autocannons. However, avoid straying from your allies, as your slow reload can mean that a missed or poor shot is fatal. Do not count on knocking out crew to cripple opponents as your reload is long enough for knocked out members to be replaced. If you are reloading while under fire, remember to keep your gun moving to evade shots at it. The combination of APS and reliable armour means that IFVs such as the Begleitpanzer, Bradley, and Marder can do little to you without catching you off guard or getting a luck shot on your gun.

Notable opponents

  • PUMA - This enemy is nearly harmless as it lacks missiles and cannot reliably penetrate your UFP and turret, but it is very difficult to knock out with one shot, frequently requiring two or three. When facing it frontally or angled, aim for the driver on the right side, as he has another crew member sitting behind him. APFSDS will penetrate the engine if necessary. When side-on, always shoot in front of the turret base, as the area under and behind it is an infantry seating area and will do no damage. If your main cannon is knocked out, it is possible to detonate the turret ammo with the roof mounted machine gun which will at least set a fire. It is dangerous sheerly due to the amount of time that it takes to knock out. If it gets your gun, or delays you until its friends arrive, you will probably be the one knocked out instead.
  • TAM - Be careful with this enemy. It will rarely fail to penetrate your armour and will show up in unexpected places on account of its mobility. Do not rush shots at it and do not shoot at its hull frontally. You will usually destroy the engine but leave it otherwise unharmed. The turret front can also be difficult to penetrate effectively, so aim for the turret ring or barrel. If you must shoot the hull, aim for the right side which houses the driver and an ammo rack behind.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Consistent armour
  • Very resistant to autocannons
  • Drozd APS to block missiles
  • APS has several charges
  • Adequate penetration on APDS and APFSDS rounds
  • Access to APHE with fantastic post-penetration damage
  • Decent mobility

Cons:

  • Below average reload time
  • Low APFSDS post-penetration damage
  • Slow gun and turret traverse
  • Disappointing gun depression
  • APS only protects 40 degrees to each side of the gun.

History

As one of the top-secret projects of the Soviet Army, the Kompleks 1030M-01 "Drozd" was the very first operational active protection system (APS), developed by Vasily Ivanovich Bakalov of the KPB Design Bureau as a counter to the abundance of RPGs and ATGMs. This project was first started by the Army but was dropped due to budget constraints; the Marines later completed the project as a cheaper alternative to ERA or new T-72 tanks to replace their T-55As. Around 250 of their T-55As were then converted to the AD standard by 1983. The version of T-55AMD-1 in-game was based on the enhanced T-55AM-1 with better engine (V-46-5M at 691hp), and new radio and fire control systems.

According to combat records during the Soviet-Afghan War, the system's interception rate was at around 80%; but the system itself also has some drawbacks such as being lethal to unarmoured friendlies in its frontal firing arc (later models installed a warning buzzer), and a very long reload time at around 15 minutes.

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, some of these T-55ADs were in the hands of Ukraine and the system was reinstalled onto other tanks, while the remaining ones in Russia were stored elsewhere as reserve forces.

Media

Skins

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

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


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 · Т-80U-Е1 · 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

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