SOVIET T-72B/B1 MAIN BATTLE TANK (with Kontakt-1 reactive armor)

Description

The T-72 is a Soviet second-generation main battle tank that entered production in 1971.[6] About 20,000 T-72 tanks were built,[7] making it one of the most widely produced post–World War II tanks, second only to the T-54/55 family. The T-72 was widely exported and saw service in 40 countries and in numerous conflicts. Improved variants are still being built for export customers. The development of the T-72 was a direct result of the introduction of the T-64 tank. The T-64 (Object 432) was a very ambitious project to build a competitive tank with a weight of not more than 36 tonnes under the direction of Alexander Morosov in Kharkov.[8] To achieve that goal the crew was reduced to three soldiers, saving the loader by introducing an automated loading system. This and other steps allowed a reduced weight, but caused problems when looking for a reliable engine to fit in the smaller hull. (Scale : 1/35e)