In what ways is the older T-80U superior to the T-80BVM?

In what ways is the older T-80U superior to the T-80BVM?

Unlike the latest T-80BVM with the Relikt ERA kit, this vehicle is equipped with the older Kontakt-5 kit without anti-tandem action, as well as the 2A46M-1 gun, whose charging chamber does not allow the use of the latest 3BM-60 Svinets-2 ("3БМ-60 Свинец-2") APFSDS.
The thermal imaging channel of the Buran-PA (""Буран-ПА"") sight ensures detection of a ‘tank’ type target at night at a distance of 1500 metres versus 5500 metres for the Sosna-U of the BVM.

Nevertheless, the T-80U has a significant advantage.
It is the higher physical size and equivalent resistance to kinetic and shaped-charge projectiles on the turret frontal armour plates and the upper hull frontal part.

The cast turret frontal plates have an equivalent APFSDS resistance of about 870-930mm, taking into account the 4S22 Kontakt-5 elements, and 670-700mm even without the armour protection system. 1150mm against HEAT in case the Kontakt-5 is present.

In the case of the T-80BVM, by the way, after detonation of 4C23 Relikt elements and just with the bare armour, APFSDS resistance will be reduced to 540 mm, as in the case of the T-72B3M of any modification.

The frontal armour plates of the welded turret of the T-90A have a similar resistance without Kontakt-5 ERA protection.

Like and subscribe to the channel Fernballan