This year in Kielce, PGZ presented 2 proposals for the modernization of basic tanks T-72. This means a shallower moder in the form of PT-91M2 and deeper as PT-17. I say I don't request to describe both retrofit packages here. During their premiere, I met with the opinions of supporters of the modernization of both, and it can be noted that the advantages and disadvantages of both arms packages overlap (i.e. the advantage of 1 package is besides the disadvantage of the another package and vice versa). This creates a dilemma that is better for us and by which we should choose to modernise T-72. After all, at PT-91M2, interference in the tower construction was minimized, but unfortunately the east caliber of the main armament was preserved. For this in PT-17, the cannon was listed as a NATO caliber, but in return was added a niche in the tower, making the scope of changes in the tank's construction a large deal, which increases the cost of the full modernization. However, in east studies, you can meet with the T-72 carousel automatics projects, which can be utilized for combined ammunition (as is the case with NATO 120 mm), alternatively of the separate ammunition utilized so far. This solution is shown below.
Design of a T-72 carousel charging device for 125 mm integrated ammunition
This device was designed for storing 32 125 mm caliber cartridges up to 1000 - 1050 mm in dimension without the request for structural changes in the hull. As a result, it would not be a problem to usage it in existing T-72 tanks with a possible a simple adaptation of the task under NATO 120 mm ammunition, and a large maximum dimension of cassettes would not prevent the usage of the latest types of ammunition. In addition, this task eliminated the 2 biggest defects of the AZ machine, which are the tiny capacity of the warehouse and its sensitivity to the detonation in the case of detonation of the anti-tank bottom mine. The theoretical endurance of the crew in the tank would increase as well as the carriage of second-throw ammunition scattered throughout the vehicle. In addition, the automatic plan would reduce the time of reloading the first 2 rounds from 9.5 seconds to about 6-7 seconds. And what's more, with this kind of ammunition, it would increase the space in the combat compartment, and it would be unnecessary to put a niche in the tower to accept a 120 mm charger. This, in turn, will avoid problems with the cooling of the engine in the event of not modifying the drive compartment during modernization, as well as reducing the mark mass of the upgraded tank. But the negatives must besides be drawn from the pean preaching in honor of specified a solution. And he's precisely one. The presented charging device does not be in metal. This means that appropriate design, method documentation and prototype will be essential either alone or with the aid of Ukrainians. So we're going to gotta spend the money to make the machine. And in a country where you don't want to pay for a proposed licence to produce Leopards 2, it's improbable to be realised. I'm not saying impossible.
Such a carousel could prove to be a real export hit for customers who would like to modernize their T-72s alternatively than buy utilized Western tanks for unification. The PGZ itself would become a tycoon on the modernisation of tanks of east provenance, and in cooperation with another entities it would be a considerable competition for Russian plants in this category. Then this warehouse could be utilized in another projects concerning armored weapons (especially light weapons), and with further improvement it would be possible to adapt this structure to a larger caliber. And most importantly, the automatic would let to make 1 modernization package for T-72, combining the advantages of PT-91M2 and PT-17. Or is this what cheetah should have looked like? But it's just that it's the author's thought of how 1 task could affect the destiny of both our army and Bumar himself. However, he loses cunning twice. Original source
