T-80U

Principle Author:  Kenji "kenji" Nakamura

Description

The T-80U variant is a further development of the T-80 with K5 ERA and improved 1G46 gun optics. Since 1990 the T-80U also features a new 1,250 hp engine.

In game the T-80U shares the same weapons with the T-80 but is armed additionally with 9M119 Kobra anti-tank missiles (mounted in a 9K119 "Refleks" guidance system).

Fire Control System

Like the T-80A, the T-80U has a complex 1A46 FCS, that includes a rangefinder that can be activated with the key T and displays the distance to the target in the crosshair. A light on the bottom left shows when the main gun is ready to fire. The first image shows a distance tracked and the second locked.

The tank also features a scale that can be used to measure distances comparing it with a human height.

The key + switch to night vision (use - to return to standard sight). While in night vision it's possible to change the elevation of the gun with the keys Page Up to raise and Page Down to lower. The first image shows the gun with the default elevation, in the second it's elevated slightly:

You can change the night vision reticule using the key "night vision" (by default N). The binoculars key (by default B) open's the ballistic computer window where you can set manually the firing values (can be closed with ESC). The handbrake key (by default X) switch the kind of round that will be loaded next. The grenade key (by default G) erase the automatic lead calculation.

AINET System

The T-80UK and T-80UE1 are equipped with the AINET smart fuse system for HE-FRAG rounds. The system enables HE-FRAG projectiles to detonate at a predetermined moment in flight. To use the system the gunner must activate the laser rangefinder (default key T) before loading a HE-F round. The fuse is set in the final stages of the loading process by the auto-loader. Once loaded the round is set to detonate in flight at the predetermined range. By detonating above ground the effective radius of the explosion is more than doubled.

SHTORA-1 EOCMDAS

The T-80UK is equipped with the distinctive Shtora-1 Electro-Optical Countermeasure Defensive Aids Suite. The system detects and protects against beam guided anti-tank weapons systems such as the TOW ATGM.

The system consists of two electro-optical dazzlers located on each side of the main gun, four rough laser sensors on the sides of the turret and two precision laser sensors mounted on the front of the turret.

When a laser beam is detected the system will inform the crew with a warning sound; it then turns the turret to face the source of the beam, after which it fires a volley of 3D17 smoke grenades and activates the dazzlers. If the system is in semi-automatic mode the system operates passively and the commander must press the handbrake key (by default X) before the system takes action.

Although designed to jam beam guided weapons the electro-optical dazzlers are ineffective against current generation SACLOS guidance system which use encoded signals and other methods to defeat jamming. The Shtora system still remains a vital asset as it is able to detect the lasers from both vehicle rangefinders and SACLOS guidance emitters. For this reason current and future versions of the system, as seen on the T-90MS, lack the electro-optical dazzlers.

In game the Shtora-1 can detect the lasers from vehicle rangefinders and SACLOS guided missiles. The system can be controlled from the commander's seat through the action menu. If the turret takes sufficient damage the system may cease to function.