Ukraine’s military television has released a report on the T-64BV 1K command tank, a 2022 modernization. This is the first mention of this type of vehicle in open sources since the full-scale invasion of russia.
It is claimed that these tanks, "after extensive modernization, are back in service and successfully carry out combat tasks."
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And during the modernization, they received, among other things, new observation and aiming devices, modern navigation and communication tools that comply with NATO standards, improved armor, and fuel tank protection. The commander's tower was reinforced with a 12.7mm NSVT machine gun.
It is also emphasized that the main difference in the T-64BV 1K 2022 modernization is the replacement of old radios with new digital ones, allowing the extension of the operational control range to 500 kilometers. And in the installation of an unnamed type of engine with a capacity of 840 hp, which helped to improve the driving characteristics of this vehicle.
At the same time, as reported by Ukrainian Armed Forces fighters, the T-64BV 1K 2022 modernization is used, in particular, in a "drive and shoot" format, meaning it is employed for firing at enemy trenches and dugouts.
The Defense Express suggested that likely, under the "engine with a power of 840 hp," they may have meant the 5TDFM, which can be installed on the T-64 without any modifications. However, the nuance is that the 5TDFM has a capacity of 850 hp, so the question of what type of engine was actually installed on the T-64BV 1K during the 2022 modernization remains open.
As a reminder, in November 2021, the modernized T-64BVK was presented, a project led by Kharkiv Armored Plant. The modernization works on the command T-64BVK took place (at that time) for the first time since Ukraine’s independence.
They included, in particular, the installation of advanced communication, surveillance and navigation equipment, as well as the replacement of lighting instruments and internal switching.
The most significant conceptual difference, as reported by the Kharkiv Armored Plant at that time, is that while the Soviet T-64BVK of 1985 had to stop and install a special mast for long-distance communication to communicate with headquarters, the T-64BVK tank modernized at the Kharkiv Armored Plant can exchange information directly while on the move.
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