Ob'yekt 219 SP1 The prototype designed by
Nikolay Popov was constructed in 1969 by
Leningrad Kirov Plant (LKZ) and designated
Object 219 SP1. It was essentially the T-64T powered by a GTD-1000T
multi-fuel gas turbine engine producing up to 1,000 hp (746 kW). During the trials, it became blatant that the increased weight and dynamic characteristics required a complete redesign of the vehicle's overall suspension.
Ob'yekt 219 SP2 The second prototype, designated
Object 219 SP2, received bigger drive sprockets and return rollers. The number of road wheels was increased from 5 to 6. The construction of the turret was altered to use the same compartment, 125 mm
2A46 tank gun,
autoloader and placement of ammunition as the T-64A. Some additional equipment was borrowed from the T-64A. The LKZ plant built a series of prototypes based on Object 219 SP2. In 1976 it officially became the T-80.
T-80 (Ob'yekt 219) (1976) First production model. The T-80 has some features of both the
T-64 and
T-72, and other features unique to itself. In general, the offensive capabilities of the T-80 are similar to the T-64A, but it is faster thanks to the GTD-1000T 1,000 hp (746 kW) multi-fuel gas turbine engine. Visual keys are large, die-cast, irregularly spaced, ribbed, rubber-tired road wheels with three support rollers, •
T-80A obr.1984 – T-80A with Kontakt-1 explosive reactive armour. The model with Kontakt-1 is sometimes called T-80AV. The main external difference from the T-80BV is the lack of Kobra
missile guidance box in front of the commanders cupola. and a new welded turret. Early production version used Kontakt-1 ERA which was later replaced with Kontakt-5 ERA. units produced by overhauling and upgrading old T-80B tanks from storages. The idea was to make it compatible with T-90M tanks (same gun, ammunition, ATGM, ERA etc.) in order to put less strain on supply lines. New "Relikt" ERA on the turret and hull (front and sides), increased protection against land mines. Older tracks were replaced with the new universal, twin-pin design. New 2A46M-5 125mm gun with new anti-tank ammunition the Svinets-1 (tungsten) and Svinets-2 (depleted uranium). 9K119M Refleks-M system is used to launch the 9M119M Invar (also called Refleks-M) ATGM through gun barrel. 1A45T improved "Irtysh" fire control system (from the T-90A) with new
Sosna-U gunner's sight. New panoramic sight for the commander. New radio communication. Upgraded gas turbine engine. Retained old turret, manual transmission, no APS, no GLONASS navigation. Optional "hard kill" APS Arena-M. Currently being delivered. ==Variants==