Comparing the T-72 Main Battle Tank (MBT) with Modernized T-55: Key Differences

When discussing main battle tanks (MBTs), the T-72 and T-55 series are iconic models that have long been pivotal in warfare. The former, with its advancements and modernization, stands as a superior choice over its predecessor. Let's dive into the key differences between the T-72 and the modernized T-55, focusing on crew requirements, weapons, armor, and upgrades.

Basic Crew Requirements

The foundational crew configurations for both tanks differ significantly. The T-55 is designed with a simpler crew setup:

Commander Driver Gunner Loading Crew Member

In contrast, the T-72 has been enhanced to accommodate modern warfare demands:

Commander Driver Gunner Loader

This additional crew member in the T-72 facilitates more efficient and rapid combat operations.

Weapons and Firing Mechanisms

The difference in firing mechanisms between the T-55 and T-72 becomes apparent upon closer inspection of the main armament. In the T-55, the empty shells remain within the tank after firing, requiring the crew to manually eject them. This process exposes the crew members to additional risks, particularly with the heavy machine gun. The T-72, on the other hand, features an automatic ejection system for the spent shells, reducing the risk and increasing efficiency:

The T-55 often requires the gunner to expose his full torso when firing from the heavy machine gun, enhancing the risk of injury or exposure. The T-72's design incorporates an automatic ejection system, which safely removes spent shells without exposing the crew, significantly improving safety.

Armor and Armament

The armor composition and armament are key aspects that differentiate the T-72 and T-55:

The T-55 primarily uses steel armor, with a 100mm rifled gun being the baseline. There are variants with a 105mm rifled or 125mm smooth bore gun. The T-72, however, incorporates a more advanced armor system, integrating various materials and providing enhanced protection. The 125mm rifled gun with an auto-loader is a stark improvement over the T-55’s 100mm rifled gun.

Additionally, the T-72 boasts more modern features, such as integrated gun stabilizers and advanced fire control systems, while the T-55's electronics are less sophisticated, making it more suitable for post-apocalyptic scenarios where up-to-date technology is scarce:

The fully upgraded T-55 M6 variant includes features from the T-72, such as a new gun, ERA (Explosive Reactor Adds), an improved engine, and advanced tracks and gunner's sight, aligning more closely with the capabilities of the T-72. The T-55 M6's ERA (Explosive Reactor Adds) provides enhanced protection against shaped charges and anti-armor weapons, much like the T-72's modernized features.

Nuclear Explosion Protection

In a unique aspect, the T-55 has a slight edge in protection against nuclear explosions due to its design features, which are more resilient in such extreme scenarios:

The T-55 was specifically designed with higher resilience to the effects of a nuclear explosion compared to the T-72, making it a more viable option in post-apocalyptic environments where such threats are a possibility.

Modernization and Upgrades

While the T-55 can be partially modernized to some extent, its inherent limitations make it inferior to the T-72 in most combat scenarios. The T-90, a heavily upgraded variant of the T-72, is often seen as the definitive model in this lineage. The T-90 incorporates significant improvements, including better armor, more advanced electronics, and improved mobility, making it a superior choice:

The T-72's design has been enhanced with composite armor, while the T-55 retains its all-steel design. The T-72's 125mm rifled gun with auto-loader offers a significant firepower advantage over the T-55's 100mm rifled gun. Modern upgrades to the T-55, such as the T-55 M6, bring it closer to the T-72's capabilities but cannot match the T-72's advanced systems and durability.

Overall, while the T-55 holds its own in certain scenarios, the T-72, with its modernized features, offers superior performance in most battlefield conditions. The differences in crew requirements, weapons, armor, and modernization trends highlight the significant advancements that separated these iconic tanks over time.