The bulletin was prepared by the combat experience generalization group of the 38th Research and Testing Institute of Armored Armament and Equipment.

This bulletin examines the main results and problematic issues of the application (operation) of armored armament and equipment, providing recommendations and proposals for their resolution.
The bulletin is intended for:

Officers of troop groupings – for studying and implementing the experience of using armored armament and equipment;

Heads of central military administration bodies of the Russian Armed Forces – to organize joint work with industrial enterprises aimed at improving armored armament and equipment;

Scientific and pedagogical staff of military educational institutions of the Russian Ministry of Defense – for studying and using the experience of applying armored armament and equipment in the educational process and scientific activities;

Scientific staff of research organizations of the Russian Ministry of Defense – for studying and using in scientific activities.

Information-Technical Bulletin No. 6 / Edited by Lieutenant General A.A. Shestakov. – Moscow: Main Armored Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, 2025 – 65 p.

Results of Studies of Captured Leopard 2A5 Tanks (Germany), T-72AG, T-64BV Model 2017 (Ukraine) and Proposals for Improving the Design of Russian Tanks

(O.R. Matiyin, A.N. Ayniseyev)

To evaluate the design solutions used, determine the feasibility and appropriateness of their implementation in domestic armored combat vehicles (ACVs), the Federal State Budgetary Institution “38th Research and Testing Institute of Armored Armament and Equipment” of the Russian Ministry of Defense conducted studies of captured tank samples: Leopard 2A5, T-72AG, and T-64BV Model 2017.

Leopard 2A5 Tank (Germany)

The sample of the main battle tank Leopard 2A5 provided for research was captured during the Special Military Operation (SMO) in 2024. The tank was disabled due to combat damage (mine explosion, hit by a cumulative projectile in the turret near the loader’s station).

The Leopard 2A5 tank was developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and manufactured in 1984 at the Rheinmetall Landsysteme plant (Germany).

The tank’s layout is classic, with the engine-transmission compartment located in the rear, the fighting compartment in the middle, and the control compartment in the front of the vehicle. The crew consists of four members: commander, gunner, loader, and driver. The driver’s station is located in the front of the hull, while the tank commander, gunner, and loader are positioned in the turret.

The tank’s armament includes a 120-mm smoothbore gun with a barrel length of 44 calibers and two 7.62-mm MG3 machine guns (one coaxial with the gun and one anti-aircraft gun mounted on the turret roof). The turret is equipped with mortar blocks for a smoke screen system.
The general appearance of the Leopard 2A5 tank is shown in Figures 1-2.

Figure 1 – Front view of the Leopard 2A5 (right side)

Figure 2 – Front view of the Leopard 2A5 (left side)

Composition and Features of the Sample’s Armament. The fighting compartment (a three-man welded turret) is located in the middle of the hull. The turret and gun are equipped with an electric drive.

The main armament is a 120-mm smoothbore gun by Rheinmetall, stabilized in two planes (Figure 3).

Figure 3 – 120-mm Rh-120 smoothbore gun

The ammunition load consists of 42 rounds. Part of the ammunition (15 rounds) is stored in a rack in the left part of the turret’s rear niche behind an armored partition (Figure 4). The remaining ammunition (27 rounds) is stored in a rack located in the control compartment to the left of the driver’s station (Figure 4).

Figure 4 – Ammunition: first-stage in the turret (left), second-stage (right)

Two types of rounds with combustible cases and metal pallets have been developed for the gun: an armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) round and a high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) round (Figure 5).

After firing, the extracted pallets are collected in a case catcher attached to the gun. A hatch in the left side of the turret is used to remove the pallets and load ammunition. The gun is loaded manually.

The ammunition load for the coaxial 7.62-mm MG3 machine gun is 2,000 rounds. The ammunition load for the anti-aircraft 7.62-mm MG3 machine gun, mounted in a turret installation at the loader’s hatch, is 2,750 rounds.

Figure 5 – Types of ammunition: APFSDS round (left), HEAT round (right)

The sample is equipped with a digital fire control system (FCS) adapted for various types of ammunition. The ballistic trajectory of the projectiles is calculated taking into account their physical characteristics, air temperature, projectile temperature, and crosswind. When firing at a moving target, the angular velocities of its movement are considered.

The gunner’s multi-channel sight has independent stabilization in two planes. The sight includes thermal imaging and optical channels, as well as a laser rangefinder.

The laser rangefinder measures distances up to 9,990 meters. Range data is transmitted to the FCS and used to calculate firing algorithms.

The thermal imaging channel has four- and twelve-fold magnification modes. In operating mode, the thermal imager’s photoreceiver must be cooled to minus 196°C, requiring approximately 15 minutes for cooling after activation. The display is a green monochrome with selectable black or white polarity. The thermal imaging channel enables observation in night conditions at ranges up to 3,000 meters.

Based on the study of the tank’s armament design, composition, and features, no fundamentally new design solutions of interest for enhancing the firepower of domestic tanks were identified.

Composition and Features of the Engine-Transmission System

The engine-transmission system is located in the rear of the Leopard 2A5 hull. The power unit is integrated with the transmission into a single monoblock (Figure 6). The engine in the engine-transmission compartment (ETC) is positioned longitudinally along the hull, with a fire-resistant partition installed between the ETC and the fighting compartment.

The tank is equipped with a multi-fuel V-shaped 12-cylinder four-stroke diesel engine MB 873 with a power output of 1,500 hp at 2,600 rpm. The engine (Figure 7), developed and produced by MTU, belongs to a unified family of pre-chamber diesel engines with liquid cooling and turbocharging. The engine features two turbochargers and two charge air coolers integrated into the sample’s cooling system. Air for the engine is supplied through two air intakes located on the ETC roof under the turret’s rear niche.

A significant drawback of the engine is its high heat output. It is equipped with a power-limiting mechanism that reduces the possible load to 900 hp at ambient temperatures of plus 35°C and above.

Figure 6 – Power unit of the Leopard 2A5 tank

The air purification system includes two air cleaners mounted on either side of the engine and connected to the turbochargers via pipes, as well as dust removal fans.

The transmission is integrated into a block with the engine, while the final drives are separate. Connection to the engine and final drives is provided by easily detachable gear couplings.

Figure 7 – MB 873 engine

The installed HSWL-354/3 transmission (Figure 8) by Renk is a hydromechanical system with a lockable complex torque converter, a four-speed planetary gearbox, and a differential dual-flow steering mechanism with a hydrostatic transmission and two hydraulic couplings. The torque converter is disengaged using a locking clutch.

The transmission design provides four forward gears and two reverse gears, enabling a maximum reverse speed of up to 30 km/h, compared to 5–10 km/h for domestic tanks.

Figure 8 – External view of the HSWL-354/3 transmission

The running gear of the sample includes seven road wheels and four support rollers on each side, drive and idler wheels, and tracks with rubber-metal hinges.

The tracks feature removable rubber pads (Figure 9). The suspension is an individual torsion bar type with disc friction dampers on the first, second, sixth, and seventh road wheels. The dual-rim road wheel discs are made of aluminum alloy. Single-rim support rollers are arranged in a staggered pattern: one is positioned under the inner part of the upper track branch near the hull, and the other under the outer part.

Figure 9 – Tracks with rubber pads

The engine-transmission system and running gear of the Leopard 2A5 tank utilize well-known design solutions applied in both domestic and foreign ACVs.

The tactical and technical characteristics (TTCs) of the Leopard 2A5 tank compared to the domestic T-90M tank are presented in Table 1.

Table 1 – TTCs of the T-90M and Leopard 2A5 Tanks

Comparative analysis showed that the T-90M tank outperforms the Leopard 2A5 in key TTCs, primarily due to the following technical solutions.
In Terms of Firepower:

• Increased detection and identification range of targets by the tank commander and gunner-operator in night and challenging conditions up to 3,300 meters due to the T-90M’s modern fire control system, surpassing the Leopard 2A5’s effective night firing range;
• The T-90M is equipped with a guided weapon system, enabling engagement of targets at ranges up to 5,000 meters;
• Enhanced area of effect and personnel damage capability due to the T-90M’s remote detonation system for high-explosive fragmentation shells, absent on the Leopard 2A5;
• The T-90M ensures shorter preparation and firing time for the first shot and a higher rate of fire due to the use of an automatic loader and target tracking system.

In Terms of Protection:

Protection of the frontal projection against tandem-warhead ATGMs due to the T-90M’s “Relikt” dynamic protection system;

The T-90M offers the option to install an active protection system for all-around defense against anti-tank threats.

T-72AG Tank (Ukraine)

The T-72AG tank provided for testing was captured during the SMO in 2022 (Figures 10-11).

Figure 10 – Front view of the T-72AG tank (right side)

Figure 11 – Front view of the T-72AG tank (left side)

The tank’s modernization was carried out by the Kyiv Armored Repair Plant based on design documentation developed by the Kharkiv Design Bureau of Transport Engineering. The tank was intended for export deliveries.

Evaluation of the sample’s composition determined that the T-72AG was developed based on the T-72B, with modernization incorporating components and assemblies from the T-84 (T-80UD) and T-64BV tanks.

Compared to the T-72B, the modernized T-72AG incorporates the following design measures.
In Terms of Firepower:

• A closed anti-aircraft machine gun mount (Figure 12) with an electromechanical drive for horizontal and vertical aiming of the 12.7-mm NSVT machine gun (borrowed from the T-64BV) was used to protect the tank commander from bullets and shrapnel.

Figure 12 – NSVT machine gun mount location

• An upgraded TKN-3 LAZAR observation device with a thermal imaging channel (Figure 13) was installed to enhance the commander’s search capabilities.

Figure 13 – TKN-3 LAZAR observation device

The TKN-3 LAZAR thermal imaging channel ensures reliable detection and identification of targets at ranges up to 2,000 meters, compared to the domestic TKN-3T commander’s observation device, which provides a range of up to 1,000 meters.
In Terms of Protection:

• To ensure resistance to projectiles and cumulative threats, the tank is equipped with the “Nozh” built-in dynamic protection (DZ) system on the upper frontal hull, turret, and side skirts. The gun mantlet is also covered with dynamic protection elements (Figure 14).

Tests with APFSDS rounds, HEAT rounds, and “Kornet” ATGMs revealed the following:

1. The “Nozh” DZ characteristics in reducing APFSDS penetration match those of the “Kontakt-5” DZ.
2. The “Nozh” DZ is inferior to the “Relikt” DZ in reducing penetration: by at least 30% for APFSDS, by at least 20% for HEAT rounds, and on par with “Kornet” ATGMs.
   
   

Figure 14 – DZ block welded to the upper frontal hull

Despite several rational design solutions (primarily the large coverage area of the DZ), the T-72AG’s protection level is assessed as equivalent to that of the T-80BV and T-72B with mounted dynamic protection (MDP), and in some areas, to the T-72B with “Kontakt-5” DZ. This level does not provide protection against modern anti-tank weapons and fails to meet current protection requirements.
In Terms of Mobility and Ergonomics:

• An opposed-piston 6TD diesel engine (borrowed from the T-80UD) was used to increase the powerplant’s output.

The T-72AG’s engine-transmission system includes:

• 6TD engine;
• 6TD engine systems;
• side gearboxes;
• side reduction gear;
• transmission control system: automatic gear shifting, steering wheel for turning, driver’s control panel (Figure 15).

An original track with a rubberized running surface and asphalt-friendly pads was installed.

A thermoelectric air conditioner was installed to ensure the required microclimate conditions at all crew stations.
Automatic gear shifting
Steering wheel for turning
Driver’s control panel

Figure 15 – Transmission control systems

The T-72AG’s reversible transmission provides higher reverse speeds compared to the T-72B’s transmission.

The T-72AG’s electro-hydraulic steering system ensures smoother turning across most of the steering wheel’s operating range compared to the T-72B’s hydraulic steering system with levers.

The T-72AG’s running gear uses suspension systems and tracked propulsion from the T-72 and T-80. The road wheels and support rollers are from the T-72. The track with a parallel rubber-metal hinge and rubberized inner track surface is based on the T-80’s track design.

The TTCs of the T-72AG compared to the domestic T-72B3M tank are presented in Table 2.

Table 2 – TTCs of the T-72B3M and T-72AG Tanks

Comparative analysis shows that the T-72AG modernization does not provide superiority over the T-72B3M in key combat properties.

T-64BV Model 2017 Tank (Ukraine)

The captured T-64BV Model 2017 tank provided for testing was seized during the SMO in 2022. The tank was manufactured in 1980 at the Kharkiv Transport Engineering Plant named after V.A. Malyshev. In its base configuration, it was designated T-64B1. The modernization was carried out by the Kyiv Armored Repair Plant in 2020. The T-64BV-17 is a low-cost modernization variant of the T-64B (BV) type tanks.
The external appearance of the T-64BV-17 tank is shown in Figures 16-17.

Figure 16 – Front view of the T-64BV-17 tank (right side)

Figure 17 – Front view of the T-64BV-17 tank (left side)

Compared to the base model (T-64BV tank), the modernized T-64BV-17 incorporates the following design measures.
In Terms of Firepower:

• A TPN1-49-23TPV thermal imaging sight (Figure 18) was installed for the gunner-operator to enable combat operations in night conditions.
• An upgraded TKN-3VUM observation device (Figure 19) with an optoelectronic night channel was installed to enhance the commander’s search capabilities.

Figure 18 – TPN1-49-23TPV thermal imaging sight

Figure 19 – TKN-3VUM observation device

Range determination for target detection and identification from the commander’s station showed that the TKN-3VUM optoelectronic channel ensures reliable detection and identification at ranges up to 1,000 meters, compared to the domestic TKN-3MK commander’s observation device, which provides a detection range of up to 500 meters.

Range determination for target detection and identification from the gunner-operator’s station showed that the TPN1-49-23TPV thermal imaging channel ensures detection and identification at ranges up to 2,400 meters, compared to the domestic “Sosna-U” sight, which provides a detection range of up to 3,300 meters.
In Terms of Protection:

• To ensure resistance to projectiles and cumulative threats, the tank is equipped with the “Nozh” mounted dynamic protection (MDP) system (Figure 20) on the upper frontal hull, turret, and side skirts. The gun mantlet is also covered with MDP elements.

Figure 20 – “Nozh” dynamic protection

The T-64BV-17’s protection level is assessed as equivalent to that of the T-80BV and T-72B with MDP. This level does not provide protection against modern anti-tank weapons and fails to meet current protection requirements.

The TTCs of the T-64BV-17 compared to the domestic T-72B3M tank are presented in Table 3.

Table 3 – TTCs of the T-72B3M and T-64BV-17 Tanks

Comparative analysis shows that the T-64BV-17 modernization does not provide superiority over the T-72B3M in combat properties.

The studies of captured samples identified technical solutions of certain interest to domestic developers and manufacturers of ACVs.

These solutions are being implemented in modernized and prospective ACV models and are undergoing testing in combat conditions.
Recommendations
In the development of new or modernization of domestic ACV samples, it is deemed advisable to:

• Consider refining the design of domestic tank transmissions to increase maximum reverse speed (these technical solutions are implemented in tanks developed under the “Armata” and “Ryvók-1” R&D projects through the installation of a reverse gear mechanism);
• Use quick-release connections and modular wiring (these technical solutions are applied in tanks developed under the “Armata” and “Ryvók-1” R&D projects);
• Install video observation devices with a diagonal of at least 38 cm to ensure high situational awareness (these technical solutions are applied in tanks developed under the “Armata” and “Ryvók-1” R&D projects).