india T-90S Bhishma: The Invincible Soldier

[Yontzee 1,676]

 T-90S Bhishma: The Invincible Soldier 

Disclaimer: There is a lot of conflicting information on this vehicle, if there is anything incorrect or misrepresented, please share in the comments and provide a source and I will take care of it. 

The T-90S Bhishma maneuvering down a street.

• Description: 
  • Role: Main Battle Tank
  • Origin: Russia/India
  • Manufacturer : Uralvagonzavod/Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF)
  • Summary: 
    • The T-90 is a third-generation main battle tank that is a further development of the T-72 main battle tank. The T-90 began development in 1986 when the Central Committee of the USSR approved production of a new tank which would lead to the designing of two tank prototypes, the Object 188, and the Object 187. The Object 188 was a further development of the T-72 which allowed for a significant decrease in production and maintenance costs compared to the more advanced Object 187. The Object 188 would integrate the 1A45 "Irtysh" Fire Control System from the T-80 which would be relabeled the 1A45T, as well as adding the new Shtora-1 active protection suite, Kontact-5 Explosive Reactive Armor, V-84MS Diesel Engine, the TO1-KO1 BURAN Sighting complex, and more. Unexpectedly, testing and production would be delayed due to the unforeseen fall of the Soviet Union. This project would go into hiatus until the Russian Federation would return to the project with the Object 188 being adopted in the early 1992 as the T-90 main battle tank. The T-90 would undergo several changes, with modifications ranging from the T-90A, and T-90M. Between these two other variants, different export variants would arise such as the T-90S. The T-90S was purchased en-masse for the Indian Army back in 2001. A total of 310 were ordered with 124 being produced in the Russian Federation while the rest were shifted to Indian production lines at the Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avadi, Tamil Nadu. Under the Indian Army, the T-90S would be designated the T-90S Bhishma after the Supreme Commander of the Kuru Army found in the epic of Mahabharata. The T-90S Bhishma features a wide variety of upgrades over the base T-90. This was more noticeable as the Indian military had sought to keep the T-90S Bhishma modernized to compete against its heavily armed neighbors. The first-delivered T-90S Bhishma's would utilize a cast-turret before being switched to a welded turret. Multiple other upgrades include a new 1,000hp V-92S2 Turbocharged Diesel Engine made by the Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant, a new Gunner Sight from Thales dubbed the Catherine-FC which was added in a 2009 modernization, Kachan Composite Armor and Kontact-5 ERA on the turret and hull for layered protection, and more. The Kanchan armor is made up of multiple layers of various materials including ceramics, polymers, and metals that can absorb chemical and kinetic rounds and can theoretically offer better protection than Kontact-5. The T-90S Bhishma utilizes the 2A46M-5 125mm Smoothbore gun found on the T-90-series which can fire a variety of munitions including FSAPDS-T, HE-FRAG, and Gun-Launched Anti-Tank Guided Missiles or GL-ATGM's like the 9M119/9M119M Svir/Refleks which are fed by a 22-round autoloader. Other weapons include a 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun and a 12.7mm Kord Heavy Machine gun which can be controlled from within the vehicle. There are 3 crew members, a Driver, Commander, and Gunner. The Driver utilizes a TNPO-168 daytime periscope and a TKN-3B Passive IR periscope for night driving and the Commander utilizes Commander’s TI, a further development of the ESSA Panoramic sight (2nd-generation thermal imager). The Gunner can views targets through the Catherine-FC Thermal viewer allowing engagement in both day or night settings as well. Other upgrades are the addition of a Battlefield Management System to support tank companies and command and control as well as an APU. The Indian Army is the largest operator of the T-90 and operates over 2,000 T-90S Bhishma's with possible plans to purchase an additional 464 T-90MS Tagil's to supplement the T-90S Bhishma. The Indian Army will keep up production of the vehicle until at least 2028, with plans further update the T-90S Bhishma with auto-tracking, active protection systems, and other systems to keep it relevant for a foreseeable future. 
  • Additional Note(s):
    • Special thanks to @Raiden_Black for his contribution for the Indian Tech Tree as well as many others.
• Armament:
  • Primary: 125mm 2A46M-5 Smoothbore Gun
    • Cartridge: 125mm
      • Ammunition:
        • FSAPDS-T
        • HEAT-FS
        • HE-TF
        • HE-FRAG
        • GL-ATGM
      • Feed System:
        • Autoloader-22rds (42rds total)
  • Coaxial: 7.62mm PKT Machine Gun
  • Tertiary: 12.7mm Kord Heavy Machine Gun
• Maneuverability:
  • Engine: 1,000hp V-92S2 12-cyl. Turbocharged Diesel Engine
  • Transmission: Hydromechanical (7-forward, 1-Reverse)
  • Chassis: Torsion Bar
  • Max Speed: 60km/h
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 9.53m (w/ gun forward)
  • Width: 3.73m
  • Height: 2.22m
  • Weight: 48t
• Crew (3x):
  • Commander
  • Gunner
  • Driver
• Accessories:
  • 12x 81mm Smoke Grenade Launchers
  • ESS
  • Laser Rangefinder
  • Entrenching Blade
  • Armor:
    • Kachan Armor/Kontact-5 ERA
      • Located on the frontal arc of the vehicle.
  • NVD:
    • Driver: TNPO-168 daytime periscope and TKN-3B Passive IR periscope (2nd-generation Passive IR) 
    • Gunner: Catherine-FC (2nd-generation Thermal Imager)
    • Commander: Commander’s TI (2nd-Generation Thermal Imager)
• In-game:
  • The T-90S Bhishma plays very similarly to the in-game T-90A. It features similar, munitions, and engine/drive-train. However, one of the first noticeable differences is the turret utilizing a combination of Kachan and Kontact-5 ERA in an angular pattern, providing a wider arc of protection at the same time, removing the Shtora-1 Soft-kill Active Protection System. This removes the laser warning receivers found on the vehicle as well. Even with this exchange, the T-90S Bhishma is still a force to be reckoned with as it can take heavy punishment and flank targets very will just like the T-90A, as well as use a wide assortment of munitions and GL-ATGM's. It also has a thermal imager for both the Gunner and Commander, a critical feature as more modern vehicles are added to the game.
  • Estimated Battle Rating: 11.0.
• Sources:
  • https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/modern/India/T-90_bhishma.php

  • http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Army/Equipment/Tanks/202-T-90S-Bhishma.html

  • https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/t-90.htm

  • https://www.drdo.gov.in/commanders-ti-t-90-tank

  • https://defenceupdate.in/t-90m-bhishma-indias-main-battle-tank-mbt/
  • https://airpowerasia.com/2020/07/03/t-90-bhishma-tanks-in-ladakh-a-comprehensive-look/
  • https://ddpdoo.gov.in/unit/pages/EFA/v92s2-engine
  • https://web.archive.org/web/20110725073043/http://frontierindia.net/the-kanchan-armor/
  • https://www.drdo.gov.in/armour-materials-modules-mbts-and-other-combat-vehicles
  • http://www.army-guide.com/eng/product745.html
  • http://www.army-guide.com/eng/product4.html
  • https://crib-blog.blogspot.com/p/soviet-t01-k0x-sight-family.html
  • https://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.com/2016/04/explosive-reactive-armor-some-history.html
  • https://en.missilery.info/missile/refleks
  • https://eurasiantimes.com/t-90-tank-gets-faster-deadlier-more-survivable-how-does-india/
  • https://byjus.com/current-affairs/t-90-bhishma/#:~:text=The T90 Bhishma is an,line of main battle tanks
  • https://en.topwar.ru/169470-t-90-bhishma-kak-indija-sozdaet-tanki-na-baze-rossijskih-tehnologij.html
  • https://thediplomat.com/2019/04/india-approves-procurement-of-464-t-90ms-main-battle-tanks/

Imagery:

Spoiler

A T-90S Bhishma on display utilizing a two-tone camouflage. 

T-90S Bhishma's during military parade's with a variety of camouflage patterns.

Different camouflage featuring a 3-tone pattern.

Another view of the vehicle.

A T-90S Bhishma equipped with a mine-plow.

A comparison of the older T-90S Bhishma (top) versus the newer version (bottom), notice the turret armor layout.

Video covering the vehicle.

The 9M119 GL-ATGM that can be fired from the main gun.

Layer of Kontact-5.

 

 

 

Edited May 2, 2023 by Yontzee

[ItssLuBu 1,803]

Approved and open for discussion. 

[Raiden_Black 1,875]

It seems the initial ordered variant, resembling a lot like a T-72B3/BA with the spaced Kontakt-5 placement and cast round turret & 840hp engine was just called T-90S :




Its when India got the license to locally manufacture the improved variant with welded turret and 1000hp engine, it got the name T-90S Bhishma :



Bhishma is also undergoing indigenous improvements:

New Digital Ballistic Computer + Automatic Target Tracking (ATT), Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), Commander's Panoramic Sight & Driver's Night Sight



T-90S Bhishma with MCS

[panzerknoef 695]

+1 for a future Indian TT

[Milocat 4,857]

+1 with other Indian vehicles.

[eleks12 1,079]

+1 For Indian Tech Tree! 

 

[Rasray 16]

+1 for Indian Tech Tree. 

 

[Bigboi_SaiGon 20]

This vehicle had been datamined since update: 2.27 " La Royale". 19/05/2023.

Spoiler

 

Edited May 19, 2023 by Bigboi_SaiGon
Corrected some mistake

[DMYEugen 688]

59 minutes ago, Bigboi_SaiGon said:

This vehicle had been datamined since update: 2.27 " La Royale". 19/05/2023.

Reveal hidden contents

 

"UK" oh baby (this dumpster fire's gonna be fun to watch)

Edited May 19, 2023 by DMYEugen

[TPS Hydra@live 46]

Confirmed for the British techtree which also hints to other Indian vehicles being added to the UK (later in the line). Most likely a squadron vehicle which is very sad as "premium warriors" will purchase this vehicle and demolish the decent win rate. 

[panzerknoef 695]

Such a waste to see this go to Britain when it could've been a part of an independent Indian tree. 

[Headnaught 504]

Even as a Brit main, this datamine is pretty disappointing. First of all, I think any nation that can reasonably have an independent tree deserves that chance, and this strikes a blow at that. More importantly, though, I don't like seeing a T-90 in the British tree. At least something more British-adjacent like the Vijayanta Mk.2, while not occupying the same BR range, would be a good way to get Indian representation started if Gaijin really wanted to add them to the British tree. And need I mention the long history of British oppression? I object to adding Indian vehicles to the British tree for the same reason I object to adding nations such as Singapore to Japan. It seems like another Hunter situation, except this time it's not even filling capability gaps - we don't have a 10.7 lineup (BRs are subject to change, especially if protection is improved by Kanchan armor). It's a slap in the face, too, that the C2A1 and AIM Abrams, Western commonwealth tanks whose nations have representation in the British tree already, would not be added to Britain, but the T-90 from India would. (To be clear, I personally don't think the AIM and C2A1 would befit the British tree, I'm just highlighting the oddity of Gaijin's standards here.)

 

The fact is, there are so many better additions for a squadron tank from the UK, other Commonwealth nations, and even India itself. Of course as of writing this it's unconfirmed whether this will go live this major, next, or ever; and it's unconfirmed whether this portends a subtree or if it's just a one-off. With Britain's air situation and Gaijin's comments about working towards adding vehicles to the Vickers line, though, I fear the former. (Then again, it's not like any South African aircraft have been added yet... not sure why or how India would address the capability gap, other than providing an excuse to implement Russian aircraft in the British tree, which I certainly don't want.) For a company that said they want a variety of vehicles across different trees for more fresh play experiences, this isn't the way to do it.

Edited May 20, 2023 by Headnaught

[Yontzee 1,676]

1 hour ago, Headnaught said:

Even as a Brit main, this datamine is pretty disappointing. First of all, I think any nation that can reasonably have an independent tree deserves that chance, and this strikes a blow at that. More importantly, though, I don't like seeing a T-90 in the British tree. At least something more British-adjacent like the Vijayanta Mk.2, while not occupying the same BR range, would be a good way to get Indian representation started if Gaijin really wanted to add them to the British tree. And need I mention the long history of British oppression? I object to adding Indian vehicles to the British tree for the same reason I object to adding nations such as Singapore to Japan. It seems like another Hunter situation, except this time it's not even filling capability gaps - we don't have a 10.7 lineup (BRs are subject to change, especially if protection is improved by Kanchan armor). It's a slap in the face, too, that the C2A1 and AIM Abrams, Western commonwealth tanks whose nations have representation in the British tree already, would not be added to Britain, but the T-90 from India would. (To be clear, I personally don't think the AIM and C2A1 would befit the British tree, I'm just highlighting the oddity of Gaijin's standards here.)

 

The fact is, there are so many better additions for a squadron tank from the UK, other Commonwealth nations, and even India itself. Of course as of writing this it's unconfirmed whether this will go live this major, next, or ever; and it's unconfirmed whether this portends a subtree or if it's just a one-off. With Britain's air situation and Gaijin's comments about working towards adding vehicles to the Vickers line, though, I fear the former. (Then again, it's not like any South African aircraft have been added yet... not sure why or how India would address the capability gap, other than providing an excuse to implement Russian aircraft in the British tree, which I certainly don't want.) For a company that said they want a variety of vehicles across different trees for more fresh play experiences, this isn't the way to do it.

It's not complete but based on what we're seeing, it looks like Gaijin may turn the tree into something like this (if in fact the T-90S is added to the UK tree):

I moved the TTD but I guess it could go on either side Rank VI or VII.

 

I hope not to in depth. Don't need the BMP-II and some others because it will take away space for the CVR(T) family, AJAX, Warrior CSP, etc.

Edited May 20, 2023 by Yontzee

[花谱_kaf 21]

It would be a great addition to the UK, and I would like to integrate Commonwealth vehicles into the tech tree. It would be interesting for countries that don't have a tech tree to experience vehicles from their own country. Love comes from England

[eleks12 1,079]

Well if it's a problem that the T-90S is not going to the Russian Tech Tree. Then don't worry. The Russians have fielded the T-90S into limited service.

 

In any case. The Indian T-90S that is becoming a premium in the British Tree does not necessarily mean that an Indian Tech Tree is of the table as of yet. Back in the day Italian Bombers was part of the German Tech Tree before being hidden when Italy was added as an independent tech tree.

 

[Yontzee 1,676]

4 hours ago, eleks12 said:

Well if it's a problem that the T-90S is not going to the Russian Tech Tree. Then don't worry. The Russians have fielded the T-90S into limited service.

 

In any case. The Indian T-90S that is becoming a premium in the British Tree does not necessarily mean that an Indian Tech Tree is of the table as of yet. Back in the day Italian Bombers was part of the German Tech Tree before being hidden when Italy was added as an independent tech tree.

 

Also just because it’s not going to the USSR tree now doesn’t mean it won’t later as well.

 

Personally I want to see an Indian tree but nevertheless I’ll be happy that Indian will be in the game. Just as you said as well, Gaijin can always reshuffle vehicles in the future and replace squadron/premiums 

[Rasray 16]

To me the addition of this tank as a Squadron/Event vehicle rather than a researchable vehicle is sad because it would not go to the research tree if an indian tech tree in any form gets implemented. Premium/squadron treatment of the tanks should be restricted to only prototype and limited run vehicles. A mainstay like T90S Bheeshma does not deserve to be relegated to Premium category. 

[Miraz05 255]

49 minutes ago, Rasray said:

To me the addition of this tank as a Squadron/Event vehicle rather than a researchable vehicle is sad because it would not go to the research tree if an indian tech tree in any form gets implemented. Premium/squadron treatment of the tanks should be restricted to only prototype and limited run vehicles. A mainstay like T90S Bheeshma does not deserve to be relegated to Premium category. 

Btw are you bengali?

[Rasray 16]

2 minutes ago, Miraz05 said:

Btw are you bengali?

I have lived in Kolkata for 4 years during my teens but I am actually from Uttar Pradesh. 

Edited May 21, 2023 by Rasray

[Yontzee 1,676]

1 hour ago, Rasray said:

To me the addition of this tank as a Squadron/Event vehicle rather than a researchable vehicle is sad because it would not go to the research tree if an indian tech tree in any form gets implemented. Premium/squadron treatment of the tanks should be restricted to only prototype and limited run vehicles. A mainstay like T90S Bheeshma does not deserve to be relegated to Premium category. 

I wouldn't count that out. Just because it's a squadron vehicle doesn't mean it can't be replaced. It's the event vehicles that we're SOL

[Headnaught 504]

Update on this tank's situation (datamine):

T-90S Bhishma is no longer found in the CDK.
A new file named "uk_vijayanta" is now present.

 

With the work Gaijin has already done on this tank, I doubt that it's never coming to the game, but it seems that it will not be the first step for Indian representation. (Everything in files is, of course, unconfirmed and subject to change.)

 

Edited May 23, 2023 by Headnaught

[Yontzee 1,676]

1 hour ago, Headnaught said:

Update on this tank's situation (datamine):

T-90S Bhishma is no longer found in the CDK.
A new file named "uk_vijayanta" is now present.

 

With the work Gaijin has already done on this tank, I doubt that it's never coming to the game, but it seems that it will not be the first step for Indian representation. (Everything in files is, of course, unconfirmed and subject to change.)

 

I like how they had the Vijayanta in the tree, removed it, then brought it back as a premium  I'm fine with it, but it went full circle lol. I'd rather have it back in the research tree tbh even though its pretty close to the Vickers 1. If they're going to add any Soviet/Russian-inspired vehicles, those should be the Premiums/Squadron since this is actually a design originating from the British Vickers Mk. 1.

Edited May 23, 2023 by Yontzee

[SuTa_basuto 38]

Hope for they bring back a true india T90S, not just a C&P T90A.  

[ChieftainWarrior 42]

1 hour ago, Headnaught said:

Update on this tank's situation (datamine):

T-90S Bhishma is no longer found in the CDK.
A new file named "uk_vijayanta" is now present.

 

With the work Gaijin has already done on this tank, I doubt that it's never coming to the game, but it seems that it will not be the first step for Indian representation. (Everything in files is, of course, unconfirmed and subject to change.)

 

Very interesting. 2 Indian vehicles certainly makes it seem like a sub-tree is coming. 

[Yontzee 1,676]

5 minutes ago, ChieftainWarrior said:

Very interesting. 2 Indian vehicles certainly makes it seem like a sub-tree is coming. 

Yeah, I also expect the T-90S to come at some point since they've done this before. However, the Vijayanta being a premium is a bit annoying seeing how it used to be in the research tree. The Vijayanta should be a research vehicle after the Vickers Mk. 1 and if the T-90S Bhishma does come back, that makes the most sense as a squadron or premium tank if it ends up in the UK tree.