Generational change the tanks began to mature in the sixties of the last century.Produced machines are no longer consistent with the ideas, materials and opportunities that they might give designers.At the same time a clear understanding of the shape of the new tank, able to absorb the latest technologies not yet developed.
Kharkov Tank
history has disposed so that the first tank of new generation T-64 emerged from the design office and the factory that created the legendary T-34.Modern modification under the name T-64BM "Bulat" develops the potential of the first models.
world's first MBT
new machine, which has become a descendant of Ukrainian tank T-64BM "Bulat", was truly a revolutionary breakthrough.It combines in a single system is not only the achievements of technology and advanced design concepts.The tank was placed opposed a two-stroke multi-fuel engine.The world's first production tank was equipped with automatic loader, which made it possible to abandon the charging and reduce the crew to three people.Advanced chassis solution to create beautiful smooth ride that allows you to aim fire at once.Improved gun was equipped with an optical rangefinder, later replaced by a laser.Tank created a furore in the ranks of potential opponents, forcing them to quickly create countermeasures.After replacing the 115-millimeter guns on the powerful 125-millimeter, the boundary between medium and heavy tanks permanently erased.Therefore, the T-64 has become the world's first main battle tank on the classification, which he initiated.
Soviet modernization
With the first production batch, released in 1968, the tank is constantly upgraded.In addition to the change of caliber guns were working to strengthen the armor protection, the improvement of the running gear and instrumentation.By the time of the demise of the Soviet machine it meets all modern requirements.Suffice it to recall that it was the Kharkov tanks formed the basis of Soviet military groups deployed in the west.At the same time he suffered from the limited modernization potential, which was the price to pay for achieving outstanding results in reducing the weight and size of the machine.
Ukrainian Bulat
After collapse of the USSR army Ukraine has a significant number of T-64 of various modifications.Kharkov plant Malyshev, where they were created, had all the opportunities for further production and modernization.Given the need to maintain the technological level of heavy military equipment, it has already begun its own modernization program, known as the T-64BM "Bulat".The engineers had to solve many complex issues associated with the features of the machine.The low weight of the tank was not only a consequence of the successful layout, but also save on the reserve strength of the suspension.This limits the possibilities for strengthening the reservation.Breakthrough engine was very moody and not very reliable.Overcoming many problems it possible to develop all the best in the T-64BM "Bulat" and get rid of the shortcomings of the basic model.
Modernization of the main systems
Strengthening armor is an essential requirement in the process of modernization.The weight limit due to the nature of the suspension, demanded precise engineering solutions.It was found in the form established in the Ukraine new system curtain dynamic protection "Knife."The developers believe that it is more perfect than the competition.At the T-64BM "Bulat" installed the latest 125-mm gun with an improved guidance system and stabilization.This greatly increased the accuracy of fire, especially when driving.New electric rotating tower reduced the time targeting.Has undergone radical improvement motor vehicle.In addition to increasing the specific and total power of 150 horsepower, has sharply increased its reliability and service life.
Improved equipment
Version paid attention systems of fire control, command and control and awareness of the tactical situation.Advanced sighting system T-64BM "Bulat" stabilized in two planes.Sets a new laser rangefinder has a range of up to ten kilometers away, which allows direct and controlled anti-tank missiles with semi-active guidance system.There was an improved device for the night gunner.For tank commander upgraded sighting and observation complex.Now you can use thermal imaging, which the machine is not equipped for financial reasons.
"Bulat" against competitors
important result of work on the machine was a demonstration of the ability of Ukrainian armourers of independent development.T-64BM "Bulat", the characteristics of which can not be negative, it should be recognized strong middling.Yielding on many items more advanced modernization of the Russian, German and American tanks, it allows you to build a modern and combat-ready armored forces.Western tanks "Bulat" yield management systems and information.Despite the improved tank weapon, the indicators of the German guns above.Remains problematic situation with the booking.Strengthen the side armor effectively failed, and in this respect the tank keeps the logic of the Soviet military planning is guided by the massive use of tanks.At the same time it has retained its strengths.Small silhouette, low weight, high power density, long-range anti-tank missiles make it a dangerous opponent for "Abrams" and "Leopard".Differences with the Russian T-72 upgrades are less obvious and lie, rather, in the difference themselves platforms.Uralvagonzavod tank has a less progressive ideology.A more robust undercarriage of the Russian car makes it easier to relate to the problems of the reservation.But consensus on the issue of better solutions did not work out.T-64BM "Bulat" against the background of major competitors looks quite decent.
Combat application
first baptism took T-64 in Afghanistan.It turned out that the engine of the tank is poorly adapted to the conditions of the highlands, and to use this machine was impossible.USSR exported T-64, using it only in its own army, so the tank is not such a rich history as the T-54 or T-72.However, battles unfolded in the area of Donbass with all types of weapons allowed to assess not only the older version of the tank, but the T-64BM "Bulat" Last renovation which took their part.Loss of tanks from the Armed Forces of Ukraine were unexpectedly high.Perhaps partly due to the nature of the tactics and the use of armored vehicles.But some of the losses should be attributed to a particular vulnerability of the tank.Troubling disproportionate number of cars destroyed because of detonation boeukladki carousel.This may indicate a critically low on-board booking.Despite the taken measures, "Bulat" also did not show convincing superiority over the old machines.Losses amounted to a significant percentage of its fleet.Rastsenivaya experience of T-64 in these circumstances, it must be admitted that the tanks did not show their best side.Is this the result of incompetence of command or the technical features of the T-64, will understand the art.
