Soviet tank design is an ongoing evolutionary process. Plagued by having to produce three different Link models (albeit with a surprising number of interchangeable parts), the Soviets have further complicated the issue by upgrading and changing existing models on a yearly basis. Several major changes have occurred what will have an effect in the Combined Arms rules: T-72B VH 100/40 s 28/8 A No NBC H L 125 SBO 1s 7 This is the early version of the T-72. This model has been mainly sold to third world countries, and may also be found in some ex-Warsaw Pact nations. It lacked some of the turret armor of the later T-72s. T-72G VH 100/40 s 30/8 A Yes NBC H L 125 SBL 1s 7 This is the standard version found in service with ex-Warsaw Pact Nations and third world countries. Heavier turret and glacis armor than the original A&B models, and an improved fire control system featuring a laser range finder (Some may not be equipped with this.) improve both the survivability and hitting power of this tank. This model is also produced by Poland with perhaps a better engine and suspension system. T-72M VH 100/40 s 34R/8 A Yes NBC H L 125 SBL 1s 7 This model features a heavier turret and bolt on armor on the glacis plate. Several different configurations of reactive armor plate are featured. This model may have originally been the non export version of the T-72G. This tank has been exported, however, and makes up the top of the line ex Warsaw Pact forces and elite third world tank forces (ie, Iraq's Republican Guard). T-72M1 V H 100/35 s 36R/8 A Yes NBC H L 125 SBL 1s 7 The Dolly Parton T-72 earns its name from a pronounced enlargement of the frontal turret armor. The nickname may also be applied to the T-72 Mike model. In fact some sources identify the T- 72M I as being the T-72M with a roof applique armor. This tank was probably originally designated the T-74 and confused with the T-80. The turret front armor is probably some form of ceramic composite because of the unusual shape of the front of the turret. If this T-72 gets its reactive an-nor blown off, or is attacked by reactive armor defeating missiles, use for frontal armor a value of 54. Note the decrease in mobility. This model is probably only deployed in the Soviet Union. T-72M2 VH 90/35 s 40R/8 A Yes NBC H L 125 SBL 1s 7 The T-72M2 has been confusing to identify and classify. This is probably known as the Super Dolly Parton T-72. Some people have used this classification for the T-72M1. One source, (Steve Zaloga) has interpreted this tank to be the FST-1. The pictures available show an enormous increase in the frontal turret armor. The turret is significantly increased in size, while the glacis plate is probably uparmored. The odd shape of the frontal armor suggests an advanced armor. Reactive armor attachments provide for additional protection. Use the armor value of 60 for a T-72M2 with reactive armor blown off or against reactive defeating missiles. The much talked about 135mm gun is evidently not installed, but the 125mm may be improved both in muzzle velocity and fire control. The sighting system is evidently still active IR as a searchlight is mounted on the front of the vehicle. This vehicle will only be found in Soviet Forces, and was probably in the last May Day parade. FST-2 VH 90/40 S 45C/10 MM Yes NBC H L 135 SBL 1s 8 This is pure conjecture. Some intelligence source drawings give this vehicle a bizarre sloped turret that is either a Chobham advanced armor copy or some strange angled add on armor bolted on to the traditional rounded Soviet Tank Turret. The tank has been described as having a large box on the front of the turret which may house a millimeter radar device. Another variant is evidently a vehicle with a small robot turret perhaps crewed by only two men. The truth to these rumors is most probably that the final version of the tank has yet to be developed. What intelligence is providing is a variety of turret designs and weapons systems mounted on testbed vehicles. With the current shake up in Soviet Military thought and strategy, the final version of a radical Soviet Supertank will probably be many years away. The current trend of upgrading and modifying current models seem to be the most prudent course of development until a greater stability is achieved in the Soviet Military. The next most probable tank developed will be an upgrade to the T-80 as the Soviets follow their current strategy of evolution rather than innovation. These factors and analysis are my own findings and opinions gleamed from sometimes contradictory and confusing sources. Several of the tanks may actually be amalgamations of several different models. References Weapons and Tactics of the Soviet Military, David Isby Red Thrust , Steven Zaloga Tank Warfare Central Front , Steven Zaloga Arrned Forces Journal Miniature Wargames Magazine Modern Updates Back to Table of Contents -- Command Post Newsletter #5 To Command Post Quarterly List of Issues To MagWeb Master Magazine List © Copyright 1991 by Greg Novak. This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com