The T-90MS is the latest version of the Russian T-90 main battle tank.
It is also referred as Tagil or Proryv.
It has a number of improvements and improved operational capabilities over the original
T-90.
This tank was first revealed in 2011.
It is being proposed for various export customers.
In 2017 it has been reported that a contract was signed to deliver a large number of these
tanks to an undisclosed country from the Middle East, possibly Kuwait.
India also approved procurement of 464 of these main battle tanks.
If the deal comes through, these could be delivered within the next 3-4 years.
The T-90MS Tagil MBT has a new welded turret with a turret bustle.
However the turret bustle is used only as external storage for ammunition, and is not
accessible from the inside.
This combat machine has new composite armor as well as built-in Relikt explosive reactive
armor in place of the previous Kontakt-5.
The Tagil is fitted with side skirts with built-in Relikt ERA.
It provides protection against tandem warheads and reduces penetration of APFSDS rounds by
over 50%.
There is also a countermeasures system, which triggers smoke grenade dischargers once the
tank is being illuminated by a laser beam.
This system significantly reduces the chance of being hit by enemy anti-tank guided weapons
with semi-automatic guidance.
As usually this tank is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.
Interior is lined with spall liner.
The T-90MS is armed with new 125 mm high-accuracy smoothbore gun.
This gun has longer range than the previous 2A46M gun of the baseline T-90.
It fires APFSDS, HE and HE-FRAG rounds.
The Tagil also fires 9K119 Refleks anti-tank guided missiles in the same manner as ordinary
munitions.
These missiles have a range of 4-5 km and can also engage low-flying helicopters.
A total of 40 rounds a carried for the main gun.
The T-90MS uses a proven carousel-type autoloader.
As with its predecessor 22 rounds are stored in the autoloader and are ready to use.
However remaining rounds are stored in a new turret bustle rather than a crew compartment
in order to avoid risks of explosion.
Secondary armament consists of coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun and a remotely controlled weapon
station, also armed with a 7.62 mm machine gun.
Both machine guns are operated under armor.
The T-90MS Tagil has new Kalina fire control system and updated observation and aiming
devices.
This Russian tank has a hunter-killer engagement capability.
Tank commander uses a panoramic sight with thermal vision to search for targets.
Once the target is selected the gun is laid on the target automatically and the gunner
completes al the aiming and firing process.
During that time commander looks for the next target.
Furthermore target acquisition system tracks selected targets automatically.
It is claimed that the new tank is 15-20% more accurate than its predecessor.
This main battle tank has a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver.
The T-90MS Tagil is powered by a new V-92S2F turbocharged diesel engine, developing 1 130
hp.
Engine is coupled with an automatic transmission with 7 forward and 1 reverse gear.
It is a milestone in the Russian tank development, as all previous Russian tanks were fitted
with manual transmissions.
The new tank also has improved suspension and drivetrain.
Maximum road speed of this tank has improved over its predecessor.
The Tagil is also fitted with auxiliary power unit, which powers all systems when the main
engine is turned off.
This combat vehicle is fitted with a deep wading kit, that can be installed by tank's
crew within 20 minutes.
With a deep wading kit attached it can ford water obstacles up to 5 m deep.
The tank is also fitted with a self-entrenching blade and can prepare itself an emplacement
within 12-40 minutes, depending on the ground type.
Specifications:
Weight: 48 t Length (gun forward): 10 m
Hull length: 6.8 m Width: 3.5 m
Height: 2.3 m
Maximum road speed: 72 km/h Operational Range: 550 km