ukraine T-64BM2 'Bulat': The Ultimate T-64

[Yontzee 1,673]

T-64BM2 'Bulat'

A T-64BM2 'Bulat' during the Independence Day parade in Kyiv, 2021. Note: This vehicle features rear cage armor that the BM2 can equip. 

 

• Basic Description :
  • The T-64BM2 ‘Bulat’, also known as Object 447AM-2, is an upgraded version of the T-64BM ‘Bulat’ that is designed to improve electronics, armor, and maneuverability and fell under the “Kedr” program. Developed by companies like the Kharkiv Armored Plant which is associated with Ukroboronprom, the T-64BM2 first debuted in 2021 after only 6 months of development time. One of the main focuses of this program was to replace the 850hp 5TDFM Diesel Engine with a higher output engine to power new electronics inside the vehicle while still maintaining a light load on the electronics system. Selected was the 1,000hp 6TD-1 Diesel Engine along with the Manual Transmission from the T-80UD. Fitting the 6TD-1 to the T-64 was revolutionary as it allowed for uniformity between the main tanks used by the Ukrainian Army such as the T-64, T-80 or, T-84. Due to the increase in size of the top of the engine bay, an additional turret ring had to be added to prevent the turret from being caught on the rear engine bay. Other upgrades were the installation of the TPN-1TV 3rd-generation thermal imager for the gunner,  the 1G46M Laser Sight to fire the Kombat GL-ATGM, and new optics for the Commander. In terms of the protection, the T-64BM2 received newer Nozh explosive reactive armor (ERA) modules and more of them compared to the standard T-64BM. Not to mention, the T-64BM2 can equip cage armor to help protect the engine compartment and rear of the turret. Other components were the installation of new radios and GPS equipment allowing enhanced communication between combat units. Ways to differentiate the T-64BM2 'Bulat' versus the original T-64BM 'Bulat' is the raised engine deck, rear foldable step ladders, installation of the Luna IR searchlight on some units, and cage armor surrounding the engine bay. The T-64BM2 ‘Bulat’ is expected to become the new standard of T-64 modernizations.
  • Around 12 tanks were built. The T-64BM2 ‘Bulat is currently in active service with the Ukrainian Army, starting service in 2022, with at least one lost to combat.
  • Special thanks to @adamking1 for being the previous suggestion author of the T-64BM2 'Bulat' post. 
• Specifications :
  • Role : Main Battle Tank
  • Origin :
    • Ukraine
  • Armament :
    • Primary: 125mm KBA3 Smoothbore Gun
      • Ammunition:
        • APFSDS-T
        • HEAT-FS
        • HE-FRAG
        • GL-ATGM
          • Kombat
      • Feed System:
        • Autoloader, 36rds total.
    • Coaxial: KT-7.62mm Machine Gun (1,250rds) 
    • Roof-mounted: KT-12.7mm Machine Gun (300rds)
  • Dimensions :
    • Length: 9.295m (gun forward)
    • Width: 3.560m
    • Height: 2.184m
    • Weight: 45t
  • Mobility :
    • Engine: 1,000hp 6TD-1 Diesel Engine 
    • Max Speed: 65-70km/h
    • Transmission: Manual (4-forward, 1-reverse)
      • The Transmission is the same utilized in the T-80UD.
    • Suspension: Torsion Bar
• Crew :
  • Commander
  • Gunner
  • Driver
• Features :
  • Laser Rangefinder
  • 8x 81mm Smoke Grenade Launchers
  • ESS
  • Optional: Luna IR Spotlight
  • Rear SLAT/Cage Armor
  • Entrenching Blade
  • Armor:
    • Nozh ERA
  • Optics:
    • Gunner: TPN-1-TPV (3rd-generation Thermal Imager)
    • Commander: TKN-3V (Night Vision Device)
    • Driver: TNPO (Day Sight)
• Additional Notes: 
  • Special thanks to  @YIN67LIV@psn  and hisT-64BM suggestion for inspiration: 

• In-game :
  • The T-64BM2 Bulat features important upgrades over its base counterpart, the T-64BM Bulat. A new engine, thermal technology, and improved armor layout bring it to a level comparable to other MBT’s of its type. However, the question remains if this vehicle should be a Tier IV modification to the standard Bulat (similarly to the T-72B3’s UBH modification), or be it’s own vehicle.
  • Estimated Battle Rating: 10.7.
• Sources :
  1. https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/ussr/soviet_t-64.php
  2. https://www.armyrecognition.com/russia_russian_army_tank_heavy_armoured_vehicles_u/t-64bv_main_battle_tank_data_sheet_specifications_information_description_pictures_video.html
  3. https://mil.in.ua/uk/news/minoborony-zamovylo-12-modernizovanyh-t-64-po-programi-kedr/
  4. https://mil.in.ua/uk/news/z-yavylys-novi-dani-po-tanku-t-64bm2/
  5. https://defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/onovlenij_t_64_jak_tank_perehidnogo_periodu_chi_pobachimo_jogo_na_paradi-4190.html
  6. https://www.military-today.com/tanks/t64bm_bulat.htm
  7. https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/modern/Ukraine/BM-Bulat.php
  8. https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_august_2021_global_security_army_industry/first_t-64bm2_bulat_mbts_parade_on_ukrainian_independence_day.html
  9. http://www.army-guide.com/eng/product3705.html
  10. https://defence-ua.com/minds_and_ideas/modernizatsija_t_64bm_2_bulat_proti_krabu_jaki_shljahi_obrali_na_hbtz_ta_hkbm-4442.html
  11. https://defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/onovlenij_t_64_jak_tank_perehidnogo_periodu_chi_pobachimo_jogo_na_paradi-4190.html
  12. https://mil.in.ua/uk/news/harkivskyj-bronetankovyj-osvoyiv-remont-t-64bm2/
  13. https://en.topwar.ru/190874-poslednjuju-versiju-modernizirovannogo-tanka-t-64bm2-dlja-vsu-nachnut-proizvodit-v-harkove.html
• Imagery :

 

Images of the T-64BM2 'Bulat' being constructed in the factory.

The 6TD-1 1,000HP diesel engine being prepared to be fitted into the T-64BM2 'Bulat'.

More images of the T-64BM2 during the parade.

Firing tests of the T-64BM2 Bulat.

 

Different types of Nozh ERA and their effectiveness. 

 

Edited October 16, 2022 by Yontzee

[ItssLuBu 1,798]

Approved and open for discussion. 

[eleks12 1,079]

+1 

[Major_Shaker 2,633]

Im all for it but this cannot be within Soviet/Russian tech tree. We need a new nation that is composed of various nations. Maybe eastern block nation like Warsaw Pact and then it would have post-soviet states in it with their modifications and unique vehicles/planes?

No way I want to see another tank in Soviet tech tree that is in other nation serving army. Soviets/Russians have enough of their own.

[Milocat 4,848]

+1, would be a great vehicle to see someday .

[Yontzee 1,673]

Some images will not show up at first, refresh the page and they will display. 

[Kingtiez@live 606]

+1, branched from the T-64B.

Edited April 24, 2023 by Kingtiez@live

[Yontzee 1,673]

Updated the suggestion. I was unaware that a previous post was created by @adamking1 due to the mass archive and wanted to provide credit for him being the first to create the suggestion.

[lLiberté 345]

  T-64 is such an overlooked tank due to its price tag. +1 for all T-64 upgrades 

[FlipFlopBandit 0]

i like the idea would make a nice premium tank