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The T-72 main battle tank was developed as a more complex and expensive alternative to the T-64.
Answer: False
Explanation: The T-72 was developed as a more affordable and simpler alternative to the T-64, not a more complex and expensive one.
The T-72 tank was primarily designed by the Morozov Design Bureau in Kharkiv.
Answer: False
Explanation: The T-72 was primarily designed by the Uralvagon KB in Nizhny Tagil, Soviet Union. The Morozov Design Bureau in Kharkiv was responsible for the T-64.
The T-72's compact size and lighter weight were strategic disadvantages, limiting its mobility in Soviet-bloc infrastructure.
Answer: False
Explanation: The T-72's lightweight and compact design were strategic advantages, facilitating its mobility and operation on infrastructure within the Soviet-bloc.
The T-72's design prioritized being extremely lightweight and very small solely for ease of transport, not operational mobility.
Answer: False
Explanation: The T-72's lightweight and compact design prioritized operational mobility and compatibility with Soviet-bloc infrastructure, not solely ease of transport.
The T-72 was developed in parallel with the T-64, with both tanks originating from the same design bureau.
Answer: False
Explanation: The T-72 and T-64 were developed in parallel but originated from different design bureaus: the Morozov Design Bureau (T-64) and Uralvagon KB (T-72).
The T-72's design philosophy prioritized advanced technology and crew comfort over cost and reliability.
Answer: False
Explanation: The T-72's design philosophy prioritized mass production, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, rather than advanced technology and crew comfort above these factors.
What was the primary design goal for the T-72 compared to the T-64?
Answer: To serve as a simpler, more affordable, and reliable alternative.
Explanation: The T-72 was designed as a more cost-effective and reliable alternative to the technically complex T-64, while still offering substantial combat capability.
Which Soviet design bureau was responsible for the development of the T-72?
Answer: Uralvagon KB (Nizhny Tagil)
Explanation: The T-72 was primarily designed by the Uralvagon KB (Ural Carriage Works Design Bureau) located in Nizhny Tagil, Soviet Union.
What is a significant advantage of the T-72's relatively light weight and compact size compared to Western tanks?
Answer: It allows operation on infrastructure (roads, bridges) that might not support heavier tanks.
Explanation: The T-72's lighter weight and compact dimensions facilitate its operation on infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, that might not support heavier Western tanks, enhancing its strategic mobility.
The T-72's design philosophy emphasized:
Answer: Mass production, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
Explanation: The T-72's design philosophy prioritized mass production, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, reflecting a pragmatic approach to tank design.
Which Soviet design bureau developed the T-64 tank, influencing the T-72's development?
Answer: Morozov Design Bureau
Explanation: The T-64 tank, which influenced the T-72's development, was designed by the Morozov Design Bureau in Kharkiv.
The T-72's design philosophy prioritized:
Answer: Ease of battlefield reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Explanation: The T-72's design philosophy emphasized ease of battlefield reliability and cost-effectiveness, reflecting a pragmatic approach to mass production and deployment.
The T-72 is equipped with a 105 mm main gun.
Answer: False
Explanation: The T-72 is equipped with a 125 mm smoothbore main gun, not a 105 mm gun.
The T-72 is significantly heavier and larger than most contemporary Western main battle tanks.
Answer: False
Explanation: The T-72 is notably lighter and smaller than many contemporary Western main battle tanks, typically weighing around 41-45 tonnes.
The original 2A26M2 gun used in the T-72 had a barrel life expectancy of around 150 rounds for APFSDS projectiles.
Answer: True
Explanation: The original 2A26M2 gun used in the T-72 had an estimated barrel life expectancy of approximately 150 rounds for APFSDS projectiles.
The T-72's large-diameter road wheels are a key feature used for identification.
Answer: True
Explanation: The T-72's distinctive large-diameter road wheels are indeed a characteristic feature used for its identification.
The T-72's operational range is typically around 500 km, extendable with auxiliary fuel drums.
Answer: True
Explanation: The T-72 typically has an operational range of approximately 500 km, which can be extended with the use of auxiliary fuel drums.
The T-72's main gun can fire anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) with a maximum aimed range of up to 10,000 meters.
Answer: False
Explanation: The T-72's main gun can fire ATGMs with a maximum aimed range of up to 4,000 meters, not 10,000 meters.
Most standard T-72 models are equipped with advanced thermal imaging systems comparable to modern Western tanks.
Answer: False
Explanation: Most standard T-72 models are equipped with a 'Luna' infrared illuminator for night operations, rather than advanced thermal imaging systems found on many Western tanks.
The T-72 primarily uses V12 diesel engines, such as the V-46 and V-84 variants.
Answer: True
Explanation: The T-72 primarily utilizes V12 diesel engines, with variants like the V-46 and V-84 being common in different models.
The T-72's coaxial armament consists of a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun.
Answer: False
Explanation: The T-72's coaxial armament is typically a 7.62 mm PKT machine gun. A 12.7 mm heavy machine gun is usually mounted separately on the commander's cupola.
What is the primary armament caliber of the T-72 main battle tank?
Answer: 125 mm
Explanation: The primary armament of the T-72 main battle tank is a 125 mm smoothbore gun.
Which of the following ammunition types can the T-72's main gun fire?
Answer: APFSDS, HEAT rounds, and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs).
Explanation: The T-72's 125 mm gun is capable of firing APFSDS, HEAT, and HE rounds, as well as anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) in upgraded variants.
What is the typical maximum road speed of a T-72 tank?
Answer: 60 km/h
Explanation: The T-72 tank has a typical maximum road speed of 60 km/h (approximately 37 mph).
What is the typical operational range of the T-72 on internal fuel?
Answer: 500 km
Explanation: The typical operational range of the T-72 on internal fuel is approximately 500 km (about 310 miles).
Besides the main gun, what other armament is typically found on a T-72?
Answer: A 12.7mm heavy machine gun and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.
Explanation: Besides its main 125 mm gun, the T-72 typically features a coaxial 7.62 mm PKT machine gun and a 12.7 mm NSVT heavy machine gun, often mounted on the commander's cupola.
What was the estimated barrel life expectancy of the T-72's original 2A26M2 gun for APFSDS projectiles?
Answer: 150 rounds
Explanation: The original 2A26M2 gun used in the T-72 had an estimated barrel life expectancy of approximately 150 rounds for APFSDS projectiles.
What is the maximum aimed firing range for anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) fired from the T-72's main gun?
Answer: 4,000 meters
Explanation: The T-72's main gun can fire anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) with a maximum aimed range of up to 4,000 meters.
What type of night vision equipment is standard on most T-72 models?
Answer: A 'Luna' infrared illuminator.
Explanation: Most standard T-72 models are equipped with a 'Luna' infrared illuminator for night operations, rather than advanced thermal imaging systems.
What was the primary engine type used in the T-72 tank?
Answer: V12 Diesel
Explanation: The T-72 tank primarily utilizes V12 diesel engines, such as the V-46 and V-84 variants.
What is the T-72's typical coaxial armament?
Answer: A 7.62mm PKT machine gun.
Explanation: The T-72's typical coaxial armament is a 7.62 mm PKT machine gun, complementing its main 125 mm gun.
The 'jack-in-the-box' effect, where the turret is ejected, was first observed during the Vietnam War.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'jack-in-the-box' effect, a catastrophic ammunition explosion ejecting the turret, was first observed during the Gulf War.
The T-72A model introduced composite armor in its turret, nicknamed 'Dolly Parton' by US intelligence.
Answer: True
Explanation: The T-72A model incorporated composite armor in its turret, which was subsequently nicknamed 'Dolly Parton' by US intelligence due to its distinctive shape.
Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) on T-72 variants primarily enhances protection against kinetic energy penetrators.
Answer: False
Explanation: Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) on T-72 variants primarily enhances protection against shaped-charge warheads (HEAT rounds). While later versions like Kontakt-5 offered some degree of protection against kinetic energy penetrators, this was not its primary function.
The T-72 lacks any form of nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection system for its crew.
Answer: False
Explanation: The T-72 is equipped with an NBC protection system, including an internal lining of a boron compound to reduce radiation exposure and an air filtration system.
The T-72B with Kontakt-5 ERA provides protection equivalent to approximately 300 mm of RHA against APFSDS rounds.
Answer: False
Explanation: The T-72B with Kontakt-5 ERA provided protection equivalent to approximately 770-800 mm of RHA against APFSDS rounds on the turret, significantly more than the 300 mm stated.
The 'cope cages' seen on Russian T-72 tanks in the Russo-Ukrainian War are standard factory-installed armor upgrades.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'cope cages' are improvised metal grilles attached to the top of tanks, believed to be a countermeasure against top-attack munitions and drone-dropped explosives, rather than standard factory upgrades.
The T-72B equipped with Kontakt-1 ERA offered significantly reduced protection against HEAT rounds compared to tanks without ERA.
Answer: False
Explanation: The T-72B equipped with Kontakt-1 ERA significantly *enhanced* protection against HEAT rounds, offering an estimated equivalent of 900-950 mm of RHA, rather than reducing it.
The internal boron lining in the T-72 is designed to improve the tank's engine performance.
Answer: False
Explanation: The internal boron lining in the T-72 is designed to mitigate the effects of nuclear radiation on the crew, not to improve engine performance.
The T-72A's glacis plate composition was updated with HHA steel and a Tekstolit laminate.
Answer: True
Explanation: The T-72A variant featured an updated glacis plate composition that included HHA steel and a Tekstolit laminate layer.
The mesh screens, or 'cope cages', on T-72B3 tanks are primarily intended to improve the tank's camouflage.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'cope cages' are primarily intended as a countermeasure against top-attack munitions and drone-dropped explosives, not for camouflage.
The T-72 Ural model featured composite armor in its turret.
Answer: False
Explanation: The T-72 Ural model featured a cast steel turret. Composite armor was introduced in the turret of the subsequent T-72A variant.
What catastrophic effect is associated with penetrating hits to the T-72's ammunition storage, leading to turret ejection?
Answer: The 'jack-in-the-box' effect.
Explanation: The 'jack-in-the-box' effect, characterized by the ejection of the turret due to ammunition detonation, is a known vulnerability associated with penetrating hits to the T-72's ammunition storage.
Which T-72 variant featured composite armor in the turret, nicknamed 'Dolly Parton' by US intelligence?
Answer: T-72A
Explanation: The T-72A model was the first to feature composite armor in its turret, which was subsequently nicknamed 'Dolly Parton' by US intelligence.
What is the purpose of the internal boron compound lining found in the T-72?
Answer: To reduce the amount of penetrating radiation reaching the crew after a nuclear explosion.
Explanation: The internal boron compound lining is designed to mitigate the effects of nuclear radiation on the crew, particularly from neutron radiation following a nuclear detonation.
What was the estimated protection level of a T-72B with Kontakt-5 ERA against APFSDS rounds on its turret?
Answer: Equivalent to 770-800 mm of RHA
Explanation: The T-72B equipped with Kontakt-5 ERA is estimated to have a turret protection level equivalent to 770-800 mm of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) against APFSDS rounds.
What are the 'cope cages' observed on Russian T-72 tanks in the Russo-Ukrainian War believed to be?
Answer: Improvised protection against top-attack munitions and drones.
Explanation: The 'cope cages' are improvised metal grilles attached to the top of tanks, believed to be a countermeasure against top-attack munitions and drone-dropped explosives.
What type of ERA is fitted to the T-72B3M (model 2016) for enhanced protection?
Answer: Relikt
Explanation: The T-72B3M (model 2016) is fitted with Relikt explosive reactive armor (ERA) for enhanced protection.
What was the T-72's estimated protection level against HEAT rounds for the T-72B with Kontakt-1 ERA?
Answer: Equivalent to 900-950 mm of RHA
Explanation: The T-72B equipped with Kontakt-1 ERA offered an estimated protection level equivalent to 900-950 mm of RHA against HEAT rounds.
What was the T-72A model's significant armor upgrade compared to the T-72 Ural?
Answer: Composite armor in the turret front and top.
Explanation: The T-72A model introduced significant armor improvements, notably composite armor in the turret front and top, differentiating it from the earlier T-72 Ural.
Which conflict saw the first observation of the T-72's 'jack-in-the-box' effect?
Answer: Gulf War
Explanation: The catastrophic 'jack-in-the-box' effect, involving turret ejection due to ammunition detonation, was first observed during the Gulf War.
The T-72's autoloader system requires a separate crew member to act as a loader.
Answer: False
Explanation: The T-72 is equipped with an autoloader system, which performs the function of a human loader, thus reducing the required crew size to three (commander, gunner, and driver).
A T-72 tank typically requires a crew of four: commander, gunner, driver, and loader.
Answer: False
Explanation: The T-72 is equipped with an autoloader system, which performs the function of a human loader, thus reducing the required crew size to three (commander, gunner, and driver).
The T-72 is capable of crossing rivers up to 5 meters deep while submerged using a snorkel.
Answer: True
Explanation: The T-72 is designed to cross rivers up to 5 meters deep while submerged, utilizing a snorkel system.
The T-72's autoloader stores ammunition in vertically stacked trays, similar to the T-64.
Answer: False
Explanation: The T-72's autoloader stores ammunition in a circular arrangement of trays at the bottom of the fighting compartment, not in vertically stacked trays like the T-64.
The T-72's autoloader has a minimum reload cycle of approximately 15 seconds.
Answer: False
Explanation: The T-72's autoloader has a minimum reload cycle of approximately 6.5 seconds, significantly faster than 15 seconds.
The T-72's autoloader elevates the gun by three degrees to align the breech with the loading tray.
Answer: True
Explanation: The T-72's autoloader mechanism involves elevating the gun by three degrees to ensure proper alignment with the loading tray for sequential ammunition loading.
The T-72's autoloader requires the gun to be manually traversed to the side before loading.
Answer: False
Explanation: The T-72's autoloader does not require manual traversal to the side; instead, it elevates the gun by three degrees to align the breech with the loading tray for sequential loading.
How many crew members typically operate a T-72 tank?
Answer: Three (Driver, Gunner, Commander)
Explanation: The T-72 tank is operated by a crew of three: a commander, a gunner, and a driver, as the autoloader performs the loader's function.
How deep can a T-72 tank reportedly cross rivers while submerged using its specialized equipment?
Answer: Up to 5 meters
Explanation: The T-72 is designed to cross rivers up to 5 meters deep while submerged, utilizing a snorkel system.
How does the T-72's autoloader prepare the gun for loading?
Answer: It disconnects the gun stabilizer and elevates the gun by three degrees.
Explanation: The autoloader disconnects the gun's vertical stabilizer and elevates it by three degrees to align the breech with the loading tray for sequential loading of the shell and propellant charge.
How does the T-72's autoloader store its ammunition?
Answer: In 22 separate trays arranged in a circle at the bottom of the fighting compartment.
Explanation: The T-72's autoloader stores its ammunition in 22 separate trays arranged in a circular configuration at the bottom of the fighting compartment.
What is the purpose of the T-72's autoloader disconnecting the gun and elevating it by three degrees?
Answer: To align the breech with the loading tray for sequential loading.
Explanation: Disconnecting the gun stabilizer and elevating the gun by three degrees aligns the breech with the loading tray, enabling the sequential loading of the shell and propellant charge by the autoloader.
Production of the T-72 main battle tank began in the year 1967.
Answer: False
Explanation: Production of the T-72 main battle tank commenced in 1973, although its design and development phase occurred between 1967 and 1973.
Approximately 25,000 T-72 tanks have been built since its inception.
Answer: True
Explanation: Approximately 25,000 T-72 tanks of all variants have been produced since production began.
The T-72B model was the first variant to feature the ability to fire anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) through its main gun.
Answer: True
Explanation: The T-72B variant was the first to be equipped with the capability to fire the 9K120 Svir (ATGM) anti-tank guided missile system through its main gun.
The T-72B3M model is an older variant that predates the T-72B3.
Answer: False
Explanation: The T-72B3M is a later and more advanced variant that incorporates upgrades beyond those found in the T-72B3.
The T-72B model introduced improved composite armor and the option for explosive reactive armor (ERA).
Answer: True
Explanation: The T-72B variant incorporated improved composite armor and the option for fitting explosive reactive armor (ERA) for enhanced protection.
The T-72B3 model 2011 upgrade included satellite navigation capabilities.
Answer: False
Explanation: The T-72B3 model 2011 upgrade did not include satellite navigation capabilities, although it incorporated other significant technological enhancements.
The T-72B3M (model 2016) features Relikt ERA and an improved engine compared to the T-72B3.
Answer: True
Explanation: The T-72B3M (model 2016) indeed features Relikt ERA and an improved engine, among other enhancements, compared to the T-72B3.
The T-72B3 model 2011 upgrade included the 2A46M-5 gun.
Answer: False
Explanation: The T-72B3 model 2011 upgrade included the 2A46M-2 gun, not the 2A46M-5 gun which was featured in later upgrades.
The T-72B3M (model 2016) is often mistakenly referred to as the T-72B4.
Answer: True
Explanation: The T-72B3M (model 2016) is indeed often mistakenly referred to as the T-72B4, reflecting common nomenclature confusion regarding its advanced upgrades.
In which year did the production of the T-72 main battle tank commence?
Answer: 1973
Explanation: Production of the T-72 main battle tank commenced in 1973.
What is the approximate total number of T-72 tanks built since production began?
Answer: Approximately 25,000
Explanation: Approximately 25,000 T-72 tanks of all variants have been produced since production began in 1973.
What key feature does the T-72B3M (model 2016) possess that the T-72B3 (model 2011) lacks?
Answer: An automatic transmission
Explanation: The T-72B3M (model 2016) upgrade includes an automatic transmission, a feature not present in the T-72B3 (model 2011).
What was a notable limitation of the T-72B3 model 2011 upgrade?
Answer: It did not include satellite navigation.
Explanation: A notable limitation of the T-72B3 model 2011 upgrade was the absence of satellite navigation capabilities, despite other significant technological improvements.
What is the T-72B3M (model 2016) often mistakenly called?
Answer: T-72B4
Explanation: The T-72B3M (model 2016) is frequently and mistakenly referred to as the T-72B4.
The T-72 has seen combat service in the Iran-Iraq War and the Gulf War.
Answer: True
Explanation: The T-72 has participated in numerous conflicts, including the Iran-Iraq War and the Gulf War.
The Yugoslav M-84 is a completely unrelated tank design and shares no common heritage with the T-72.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Yugoslav M-84 is a derivative of the T-72, sharing significant common heritage and design elements.
During the Gulf War, Iraqi T-72 tanks generally performed effectively against coalition forces.
Answer: False
Explanation: During the Gulf War, Iraqi T-72 tanks, particularly export variants, generally performed poorly against coalition forces due to technological disadvantages and superior Western armor.
In the Chechen Wars, Russian T-72 tanks experienced minimal losses due to effective tactical deployment.
Answer: False
Explanation: In the Chechen Wars, Russian T-72 tanks suffered considerable losses, often attributed to tactical deployment failures and effective ambushes by opposing forces.
During the 1982 Lebanon War, Syrian T-72 tanks were praised by President Hafez al-Assad.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following their performance in the 1982 Lebanon War, Syrian President Hafez al-Assad reportedly praised the T-72 tanks.
The T-72 was widely exported and serves in numerous countries.
Answer: True
Explanation: The T-72 has been widely exported and remains in service with numerous countries worldwide.
How did the T-72 generally perform during the Gulf War against coalition forces?
Answer: It performed poorly, with many units destroyed by superior Western tanks.
Explanation: During the Gulf War, Iraqi T-72 tanks, particularly export variants, generally performed poorly against coalition forces due to technological disadvantages and superior Western armor.
Which of the following is a notable foreign derivative or licensed version of the T-72?
Answer: PT-91 Twardy
Explanation: The PT-91 Twardy, developed in Poland, is a notable derivative of the T-72 main battle tank.
What was the reported sentiment regarding the T-72's performance in the 1982 Lebanon War, according to Syrian President Hafez al-Assad?
Answer: He praised it as 'the best tank in the world'.
Explanation: Following the T-72's performance in the 1982 Lebanon War, Syrian President Hafez al-Assad reportedly praised the tank, calling it 'the best tank in the world'.
Which of the following conflicts saw the T-72 used extensively by the Syrian Arab Army?
Answer: Syrian Civil War
Explanation: The T-72 has been extensively employed by the Syrian Arab Army throughout the course of the Syrian Civil War.