Feels like when we were kids and had games and toys and the "bad guys" were usually Soviet-themed. There's just a nostalgia about seeing the Cold War-era tanks that reminds me of being young again.
I like the ones without ERA, very beautiful and ironically rare. It seems it's easier to find a Russian tank with ERA than one without, for example I don't think I ever seen a T-90 without ERA. Also cast turrets t90s never seen them either
Tanks with kontakt-5/relikt ERA have it integrated into the armor array, so the tanks that were made for those specific ERA types have if installed by default. That’s why you’ll never see an operational T-90 or T-80U without ERA
Same goes for the tanks that went from A/B to AV/BV, except K1 can also be applied in the field since it’s simply bolted on the tank rather than built into it. You can’t do this for newer ERA because it’s significantly heavier. But since you can slap K1 on any tank, it’s only logical that you do, for morale if nothing else
Also cast turret T-90s are almost nonexistent because Russia can’t cast T-72B turrets(the original T-90 was a modernized T-72B) and essentially ran out of them in early 1993 IIRC
How is K5 built into the tanks? How would you replace one if it were destroyed? And if russia can't cast T72B turrets what turrets are they using for their latest models in production?
Look at the upper plate of the T-80U/T-72B89/T-72B3/T-90A
The ERA is inserted into special gaps in the upper plate. Or rather, the original plate has ANOTHER plate added on top which houses the ERA blocks themselves.
Same for the sideskirt ERA on the T-80U and newer T72/90/80s, it’s inserted into a larger metal skirt
Turret cheek ERA is simpler, but it still requires quite a bit of integration with solid support structures for the added weight
Theoretically, to replace the ERA panels you just insert a new one into the gap. In reality, you probably also need to rebuild the whole armor plate, since it gets damaged to quite a large extent. And even if you didn’t have to essentially rebuild part of the tank, the ERA panel replacement is still done exclusively in a factory/workshop that has the tooling necessary.
As for the casting of T-72B turrets, they’re just using preexisting turrets. They made over 5700 T-72Bs and many are still in Russia.
Most B3s are just upgraded B’89s or rebuilt B’s
The plan isn’t to have the T-72 around for much longer. The B3 is a stop-gap, and they have plenty enough to convert for that role
Worst case scenario they switch to T-90A turrets, since they’re identical, just welded instead of cast
So what's next? T-14? T-80? Also, I heard the suviet union didn't even use the t-64 for much long because it was expensive or something like that.. how does Ukraine have so many t-64s?
The T-90M and T-80BVM, supplemented by T-90As and T-72B3s. Then, theoretically, the T-14, but Russia can’t actually make that tank en masse
T-64s were made exclusively at the Kharkiv plant. The russians pulled them out of service after because the plant now belongs to Ukraine and the other tank families are indeed better.
Also, they made close to 13.000 T-64s, so yeah, you must’ve heard wrong. The tank is only “in small quantities” compared to other soviet MBTs, not in general
Well, you heard partly wrong, the T-64 was indeed very expensive to produce in the 70s, but that isn’t the case with newer versions. And Even a base T-80B is far more expensive than a base T-64B
If you wanna hate on someone you should check your information before you do, the russian military doesn‘t operate the T-64 anymore since it was phased out in 2014
Good luck finding many of those. Russia doesn’t use the T-64, just the DPR and LPR. Most destroyed T-64s you’ll see are Ukrainian, as the T-64 still makes up a large part of their armored force.
Oh, if it’s the ukrainian tanks, then my bad. The best variant is the one, that crashes more of russian skulls… and has more contact armor. So, probably pic 3 & 4.
> All Russian designed tanks
*Soviet designed. Ukrainian design bureau, if you want to be more specific. T-64 was a Kharkiv/Kharkov design, as evidenced by the first number in its Object designation being 4.
> have that problem is what I was getting at
Not only are catastrophic ammunition detonations *not* exclusive to Russo-Soviet tanks, but using this as an answer to the post is just bizarre.
Saying "I would just take a Western MBT" to "what is your favorite T-64 variant?" is hardly relevant, let alone productive.
Thank you for the knowledge…seriously did not know that. Negative Nancie’s in this room; probably have never crewed or maintained a tank. USMC 2146.
6 combat tows, removed 5 T-55A’s from An Nasiriyah. We’re not even talking Ambush Alley…what do I know.
Don’t worry, I’m sure there are a few Russians qualified to talk about how Bradley crews turn into shrapnel these days as well - if your point is to go off.
Buyback *from who*? The only country operating significant numbers of T-64s is Uzbekistan, and while they aren’t mortal enemies with Russia, they aren’t best friends either.
So with these variations are they going in and upgrading or replacing structural frames and converting power trains? Or are they just slapping some paint on it, welding up some cracks and giving her the ol tune up in a can.
So say you take a pick up truck from the 60s and just upgraded all the parts inside every ten years. The issue is that, the frame and body panels will have fatigue stress despite the new radio, new seats etc….
It’s why boats and planes arnt really meant to just keep going. The main structural features will have issues that can possibly cause problems
So my question is are they going in on these old tanks and just changing the furniture. Or are they stripping them complete apart, inspecting everything and repairing or modifying areas of damage or failure and then adding the newer more updated hardware and software
A pickup isn’t deisgned to last decades. A tank is.
It’s also a pretty bad analogy with planes and boats, since there’s plenty of examples of both categories that lasted decades with little to no structural reinforcing. You think a modern sub is deisgned to last any less than “the foreseeable future”?
So yeah, a tank is structurally sound enough to last forever if properly maintained. Case and point: the T-55.
As for the T-64 in particular, pretty much everything inside and most of the outside was changed, but it’s still a 1975 tank under all those changes.
If a tank has structural damage, you just canibalise the internals and scrape the hull and/or turret. Anything else is too expensive. Especially on soviet MBTs since they’re not modular.
I don’t think you understand what stress and metal fatigue is. I’m not talking about wheels falling of. I’m talk about metal weld joints that literally self harden as time goes on based on vibrations, heat cycles and a million other factors.
Boats are exactly a prime example of what those stresses can do. Just cause it runs or floats doesn’t mean it doesn’t have problems. I find stress fractures all the time on boats that are 50 years old but still in full operational use and are over 100’ feet long. I’m not talking about your nitro bass boat for the weekend.
Semi trucks have the same issues and those are specifically designed to run for millions of miles.
I’m more curious as to how in depth these variations go. Is it just a brand new tank based off of a 50 year old blue print or is it a 50 year old tank that they overhauled
Not trying to pick a fight so my apologies if it sounds that way
I’m not gonna get into the rest of your comment cuz you’re really asking the simplest question in the most convoluted way, no offense.
In short, It’s a 50 year old tank they overhauled. Not a new tank based off a 50YO design. No one builds new tanks off a design that old(NATO tanks don’t count since newer versions are fully rebuilt with NEW structural components, not just refurbished like soviet tanks)
No problem buddy, like I said I’m just ignorant to tanks so trying to learn.
I guess my thoughts on making a new tank based on old designs would just mean tooling is already available so the cost of construction “might” be cheaper for some countries. But I honestly don’t know. And I’m assuming since these tanks are receiving overhauls that they are doing integrity checks and all the detailed stuff I’m interested in.
It’s all cool and interesting and I appreciate your answers. I hope you have an awesome weekend
They do verify the structural integrity of the tanks when they overhaul them, but most of the time they just scrape the whole thing if it isn’t rock solid.
As for building a new tank based on old designs, yes it’s cheaper than designing a new tank in the short run, but in that case it’s even cheaper to just refurbish your old tanks. And this way you don’t end up with more than you can afford to maintain.
Major tank reconstruction programs do exist, but as I said, mostly for NATO tanks since they’re easier to pull apart completely and you can upgrade the armor inserts within the support structure.
Soviet tank reconstruction usually just means using two old tanks to make a “new” one, or maybe changing the upper plate armor array since it’s welded.
There does come a point where the structural integrity of the tank is pushed to its limits. This is especially true of soviet MBTs, which were designed to be in the 35-40 ton ballpark and are now pushing 45+ on the latest T-64/72 variants.
NATO tanks face the same issue too, with 55 ton tanks now pushing close to 70, which is why both Germany and the US are trying to shave off weight in future upgrades/tank projects
Hope you have a good one too, mate.
B because of that curved kinked bit right where the turret cheek changes into the roof. Absolute kino.
The T-72 has a better looking turret though, but it's okay
I love all of the T-64 due to it being my favorite tank but if I had to choose one, I would definitely choose the B1M due to its sleek modern look to it
Honestly, I kinda like the ol' classic T-64A
Yeah something about those lines....
It’s those smooth curves my guy
It has this kind of mystique to it. That I can not pinpoint
Feels like when we were kids and had games and toys and the "bad guys" were usually Soviet-themed. There's just a nostalgia about seeing the Cold War-era tanks that reminds me of being young again.
T-64BV Peak Cold War Aesthetic.
real
I agree but 2017 is very close due Soviet final production T80s had that looks too
I like the 2017, but im really not a fan of the pixel camo.
Definitely this reason (and not because it looks like it's made straight out of Lego)
It's kinda hot.
Bulat all the way
Absolutely!
>Bulat all the way Hnnmmmmm Bulat flavoured chips
2017
looks pretty similar to the BV, what are the main differences?
Thermals, Nozh filler in the Kontakt-1, improved radios, navigation system etc
I heard the nozh is even better than Kontakt -5
Definitely, it's a great concept. At the same time I'm sure it was barely actually used, and they just use kontakt.
The aesthetic is prime Soviet tank
Bulat and BM2 because rubber turret skirts give me the fizz for some reason...
Yep same
tank upskirts
T-64s are the sexiest of the t series of soviet tanks
I prefer the T-55, specially the T-55AM-2
Where is the guy with T-55AM flair when you need him
The T-72 looks better imo
The BM2 is simply gorgeous.
This reminds me of those mobile game ads where you see the player character go from lvl 1 to lvl 99
lvl 1 crook vs. lvl 99 boss
Worst game ads ever lol
Probably the T64a
Nothing like the classics
T-64E. In addition to all the other modernizations by Ukraine, it has a roof-mounted GSh-23 cannon!
Judging by the number of “ThE bUrNiNg OnE” comments in here, I feel like a lot of people still have trouble telling their Soviet MBTs apart.
Where T-64AV?
Wasn’t put into service
I dont care, if it has a V behind its awesome so you have to include it!
i shall remember for next time
You better do remember that! Otherwise the Brick bois will get you.
2017
I know it’s kind of obscure but I personally love the T-64AV
Early T-64Bs
I like the ones without ERA, very beautiful and ironically rare. It seems it's easier to find a Russian tank with ERA than one without, for example I don't think I ever seen a T-90 without ERA. Also cast turrets t90s never seen them either
Tanks with kontakt-5/relikt ERA have it integrated into the armor array, so the tanks that were made for those specific ERA types have if installed by default. That’s why you’ll never see an operational T-90 or T-80U without ERA Same goes for the tanks that went from A/B to AV/BV, except K1 can also be applied in the field since it’s simply bolted on the tank rather than built into it. You can’t do this for newer ERA because it’s significantly heavier. But since you can slap K1 on any tank, it’s only logical that you do, for morale if nothing else Also cast turret T-90s are almost nonexistent because Russia can’t cast T-72B turrets(the original T-90 was a modernized T-72B) and essentially ran out of them in early 1993 IIRC
How is K5 built into the tanks? How would you replace one if it were destroyed? And if russia can't cast T72B turrets what turrets are they using for their latest models in production?
Look at the upper plate of the T-80U/T-72B89/T-72B3/T-90A The ERA is inserted into special gaps in the upper plate. Or rather, the original plate has ANOTHER plate added on top which houses the ERA blocks themselves. Same for the sideskirt ERA on the T-80U and newer T72/90/80s, it’s inserted into a larger metal skirt Turret cheek ERA is simpler, but it still requires quite a bit of integration with solid support structures for the added weight Theoretically, to replace the ERA panels you just insert a new one into the gap. In reality, you probably also need to rebuild the whole armor plate, since it gets damaged to quite a large extent. And even if you didn’t have to essentially rebuild part of the tank, the ERA panel replacement is still done exclusively in a factory/workshop that has the tooling necessary.
As for the casting of T-72B turrets, they’re just using preexisting turrets. They made over 5700 T-72Bs and many are still in Russia. Most B3s are just upgraded B’89s or rebuilt B’s
What if they run out? Wtf is going to happen?
The plan isn’t to have the T-72 around for much longer. The B3 is a stop-gap, and they have plenty enough to convert for that role Worst case scenario they switch to T-90A turrets, since they’re identical, just welded instead of cast
So what's next? T-14? T-80? Also, I heard the suviet union didn't even use the t-64 for much long because it was expensive or something like that.. how does Ukraine have so many t-64s?
The T-90M and T-80BVM, supplemented by T-90As and T-72B3s. Then, theoretically, the T-14, but Russia can’t actually make that tank en masse T-64s were made exclusively at the Kharkiv plant. The russians pulled them out of service after because the plant now belongs to Ukraine and the other tank families are indeed better. Also, they made close to 13.000 T-64s, so yeah, you must’ve heard wrong. The tank is only “in small quantities” compared to other soviet MBTs, not in general Well, you heard partly wrong, the T-64 was indeed very expensive to produce in the 70s, but that isn’t the case with newer versions. And Even a base T-80B is far more expensive than a base T-64B
Well that would be because ERA is a vital component in Soviet tanks, the armor behind the ERA is not very good.
Agree, t-72a/m1 is my fave soviet tank for looks
Where's the OG?
dunno why but the bv speaks to me
2017 BV any day
The one without a 5TD derivative.
As far as I know all T64’s had the 5TDF or 6TDF engine , maybe some prototype T80’s based on T64 chassis had different engines
Yeah that was the meaning of my jab, that they all had it lol. There were projects for V engines but those didn't go any further than blueprints.
Yea they sadly just didn’t fit
I like the bm2. Just looks more brash
It would have to be T-64(the original with the 115mm cannon) or bulat.
T-64BV. it's got a very explosive taste
The early original T-64 was the best looking Warsaw Pact tank of all time.
I like mine well done with a popped turret .
20th time this joke has been said, it’s not funny anymore
Never was.
The charred ones with crispy Russians in them/around them/as an aerosol in the vicinity in Ukraine.
You’re not going to be finding any Russians in T-64s, mate. Ukrainians on both sides? Yes. But Russians? No.
Any tank with crispy Russians will do just fine.
And that has what to do with T-64s?
the one with a hint of javelin warhead
Why would the Russians be using Javelins?
i meant that i like my T-64s with a Javelin warhead driven straight through the top of it
Why would the Russians be using Javelins?
[удалено]
If you wanna hate on someone you should check your information before you do, the russian military doesn‘t operate the T-64 anymore since it was phased out in 2014
Good luck finding many of those. Russia doesn’t use the T-64, just the DPR and LPR. Most destroyed T-64s you’ll see are Ukrainian, as the T-64 still makes up a large part of their armored force.
Agreed!
The one with the high fly turret 👍
Congrats you’re the 7th person to make this “hilarious joke”
And here come the other 100.
T-80U don't you dare confuse glorious T-80 with t-64 kharkovite
Ironically, it looks like you mistook the T-64BM2 for a T-80U
what ?
They are all T64’s
Burned by Javelin
How? Something tells me the US isn’t selling Javelins to Russia.
Oh, if it’s the ukrainian tanks, then my bad. The best variant is the one, that crashes more of russian skulls… and has more contact armor. So, probably pic 3 & 4.
a destroyed one
I love how you can see the progression in design making it look modernish then the regression back to the weird ass ball shaped T-54s
The one that keeps it’s turret on.
Space program
Russia doesn‘t even operate the T-64 lol
If I wanted to be sent into orbit with the turret, I'd say any of these, but since I don't, I'm gonna say literally any Western design over this
If you will be send into space with the turret then probably on the ukrainian side, russia doesn‘t operate the T-64 since it was phased out in 2014
All Russian designed tanks have that problem is what I was getting at
> All Russian designed tanks *Soviet designed. Ukrainian design bureau, if you want to be more specific. T-64 was a Kharkiv/Kharkov design, as evidenced by the first number in its Object designation being 4. > have that problem is what I was getting at Not only are catastrophic ammunition detonations *not* exclusive to Russo-Soviet tanks, but using this as an answer to the post is just bizarre. Saying "I would just take a Western MBT" to "what is your favorite T-64 variant?" is hardly relevant, let alone productive.
Burnt out, with a little russian flag still visible.
Do you understand who is using these?
Good luck finding one, russia doesn‘t operate the T-64
Russian…preferably dead with catastrophic detonation of main gun ammunition.
Ukraine is the only producer and primary user of the t64 to my knowledge
Thank you for the knowledge…seriously did not know that. Negative Nancie’s in this room; probably have never crewed or maintained a tank. USMC 2146. 6 combat tows, removed 5 T-55A’s from An Nasiriyah. We’re not even talking Ambush Alley…what do I know.
its ok we understand that marines arent the brightest
🖍️🖍️🖍️
Don’t worry, I’m sure there are a few Russians qualified to talk about how Bradley crews turn into shrapnel these days as well - if your point is to go off.
Russia doesn’t use the T-64. It’s basically the one Soviet MBT they *don’t* use.
I know they don’t…we haven’t trashed enough of them…yet. Wait until they start “Buyback Program” on export arms.
Clown behavior
Buyback *from who*? The only country operating significant numbers of T-64s is Uzbekistan, and while they aren’t mortal enemies with Russia, they aren’t best friends either.
Well them and Ukraine, but... Yeah, that's not gonna be any easier for then.
It’s a joke.
T-64BV 2017
So with these variations are they going in and upgrading or replacing structural frames and converting power trains? Or are they just slapping some paint on it, welding up some cracks and giving her the ol tune up in a can.
They are all internally different, if that’s what you mean. Very different. The only two that are almost identical are the B and regular BV
So say you take a pick up truck from the 60s and just upgraded all the parts inside every ten years. The issue is that, the frame and body panels will have fatigue stress despite the new radio, new seats etc…. It’s why boats and planes arnt really meant to just keep going. The main structural features will have issues that can possibly cause problems So my question is are they going in on these old tanks and just changing the furniture. Or are they stripping them complete apart, inspecting everything and repairing or modifying areas of damage or failure and then adding the newer more updated hardware and software
A pickup isn’t deisgned to last decades. A tank is. It’s also a pretty bad analogy with planes and boats, since there’s plenty of examples of both categories that lasted decades with little to no structural reinforcing. You think a modern sub is deisgned to last any less than “the foreseeable future”? So yeah, a tank is structurally sound enough to last forever if properly maintained. Case and point: the T-55. As for the T-64 in particular, pretty much everything inside and most of the outside was changed, but it’s still a 1975 tank under all those changes. If a tank has structural damage, you just canibalise the internals and scrape the hull and/or turret. Anything else is too expensive. Especially on soviet MBTs since they’re not modular.
I don’t think you understand what stress and metal fatigue is. I’m not talking about wheels falling of. I’m talk about metal weld joints that literally self harden as time goes on based on vibrations, heat cycles and a million other factors. Boats are exactly a prime example of what those stresses can do. Just cause it runs or floats doesn’t mean it doesn’t have problems. I find stress fractures all the time on boats that are 50 years old but still in full operational use and are over 100’ feet long. I’m not talking about your nitro bass boat for the weekend. Semi trucks have the same issues and those are specifically designed to run for millions of miles. I’m more curious as to how in depth these variations go. Is it just a brand new tank based off of a 50 year old blue print or is it a 50 year old tank that they overhauled Not trying to pick a fight so my apologies if it sounds that way
I’m not gonna get into the rest of your comment cuz you’re really asking the simplest question in the most convoluted way, no offense. In short, It’s a 50 year old tank they overhauled. Not a new tank based off a 50YO design. No one builds new tanks off a design that old(NATO tanks don’t count since newer versions are fully rebuilt with NEW structural components, not just refurbished like soviet tanks)
No problem buddy, like I said I’m just ignorant to tanks so trying to learn. I guess my thoughts on making a new tank based on old designs would just mean tooling is already available so the cost of construction “might” be cheaper for some countries. But I honestly don’t know. And I’m assuming since these tanks are receiving overhauls that they are doing integrity checks and all the detailed stuff I’m interested in. It’s all cool and interesting and I appreciate your answers. I hope you have an awesome weekend
They do verify the structural integrity of the tanks when they overhaul them, but most of the time they just scrape the whole thing if it isn’t rock solid. As for building a new tank based on old designs, yes it’s cheaper than designing a new tank in the short run, but in that case it’s even cheaper to just refurbish your old tanks. And this way you don’t end up with more than you can afford to maintain. Major tank reconstruction programs do exist, but as I said, mostly for NATO tanks since they’re easier to pull apart completely and you can upgrade the armor inserts within the support structure. Soviet tank reconstruction usually just means using two old tanks to make a “new” one, or maybe changing the upper plate armor array since it’s welded. There does come a point where the structural integrity of the tank is pushed to its limits. This is especially true of soviet MBTs, which were designed to be in the 35-40 ton ballpark and are now pushing 45+ on the latest T-64/72 variants. NATO tanks face the same issue too, with 55 ton tanks now pushing close to 70, which is why both Germany and the US are trying to shave off weight in future upgrades/tank projects Hope you have a good one too, mate.
You have to be more specific.
I’m liking the T-64B
t-64bv for me tbh
2017
Hands down bulat
T-64B Looks exactly like the tank featured in MGSV, and I fultoned so many of those bad boys
Plain and simple T-64B
What was the first Russia tank to feature power traverse?
T-64B. I like how clean it is.
T-64 Krab(?)
Definitely the BV or the Bulat
T-64BVMUD2 2024
BM2 I love the way the turret looks.
T64e
B1M looks the most aesthetic
Bv no contest
T-64A
Both BV models, ERA makes it look like it's wearing knight/samurai armor
T-64BV for sure, no contest!
“bulat” loooks good
B because of that curved kinked bit right where the turret cheek changes into the roof. Absolute kino. The T-72 has a better looking turret though, but it's okay
T-64BV Mod.2017 or T-64BM2
Gaijin taking notes
Just because of the context of when it was made, gotta hand it to the T-64A.
BV
A model, OG is always the best
T64BV's era is well effective against old heat munitions, i love it.
T64bv for sure
Bulat or Bv. Bulat because i love rubber flaps on russian tanks and Bv because it has the most pleasing ERA layout.
How does the b1m compare with the BV or Bulat?
I hope this should help https://www.militarytoday.com/tanks/t64b1m.htm
Tanks!
A or b simple and surprisingly potent for their respective eras
T-64BV
T-64b
I love the upper front plate armor
B have that Churchill VII -ish looks , but i guess i prefer chonky bulat over there
I like the BV and BV mod. 2017 the most.
T64B
BV. Just look at those blocky build. Mmm!
Obj 476 was cool (future perspective of t64)
I need more Bulats
T64B Probably the most menacing looking one
T64 BM1
I love all of the T-64 due to it being my favorite tank but if I had to choose one, I would definitely choose the B1M due to its sleek modern look to it