M-84AS
{{Infobox weapon
|name=M-84AS
| image= M-84AS mbt 1.JPG
| image_size = 300
|caption=Serbian M-84AS
|origin= Serbia
|type=Main battle tank
|is_vehicle=yes
|service=
|used_by= Serbia
|wars=
|designer= Military Technical Institute
|design_date=2004
|manufacturer= Yugoimport SDPR
|unit_cost=
|production_date=
|number= 3-4
|variants=
|crew=3 (commander, gunner, driver)
|length=9.53 m
|width=3.73 m
|height=2.23 m
|weight=45 tonnes
|armour=cylindrical pad, high-hardness steel, titanium, aluminium, tungsten, NERA plus modular Kontakt-5, Shtora
|primary_armament=125 mm 2A46M smoothbore gun and a 9M119 Svir
|secondary_armament=7.62 mm M86 coaxial machine gun, 12.7 mm M87 anti-aircraft machine gun
|engine=diesel V-46TK
|engine_power=1,200 hp
|transmission=
|fuel_capacity=
|suspension=torsion bar
|clearance=
|speed=75 km/h
|pw_ratio=26.7 hp/tonne
|vehicle_range=700 km
}}The M-84AS prototype main battle tank is a modernized version of the M-84 produced by Yugoimport SDPR in Serbia. M-84AS is sometimes referred to as M-84AB1 and M-2001 and is based mostly on imported components.
Design
The modernization gives an improved fire-control system with integrated day/night sight.{{cite web |url=http://www.yugoimport.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=156&t=6955 |title=www.yugoimport.com • Pogledaj temu - Multisenzorska platforma TOMS |publisher=Yugoimport.com |access-date=2010-02-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718150146/http://www.yugoimport.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=156&t=6955 |archive-date=2011-07-18 }} The M84A1 gun is replaced with a similar but improved gun which, along with better control characteristics, enables easy and fast field replacement of the barrel. The M-84AS tank is able to fire 9M119M Refleks anti-tank guided missiles with laser guidance through the barrel, which enables accurate engagement of enemy tanks up to 5 km.{{cite web |url=http://www.deagel.com/Anti-Armor-Weapons-and-Missiles/Refleks_a001002001.aspx |title=Refleks / 9K119, 9M119, AT-11 Sniper, Svir |publisher=Deagel.com |date=2010-01-10 |access-date=2010-02-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101212080231/http://www.deagel.com/Anti-Armor-Weapons-and-Missiles/Refleks_a001002001.aspx |archive-date=2010-12-12 |url-status=live }}
The M-84AS is equipped with imported Shtora-1 and Kontakt-5 that both enhance survivability of a tank. Kontakt-5 is an explosive reactive armor package (ERA) which offers improved protection against modern tandem charge warheads and kinetic energy penetrators compared to the earlier Kontakt-1.{{cite web|url=http://www.mater.upm.es/isb2007/Proceedings/PDF/Volume_2/Vol.II(64)TB60.pdf |title=Simple arguments for crack influence on scaling of interface defeat |access-date=2010-02-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720145717/http://www.mater.upm.es/isb2007/Proceedings/PDF/Volume_2/Vol.II%2864%29TB60.pdf |archive-date=July 20, 2011 }} It is also equipped with the modern Shtora electro-optical system for defense against wire and laser guided anti-tank missiles.{{cite web |url=http://defense-update.com/products/s/shtora-1.htm |title=Shtora-1 Active Protection System |publisher=Defense-update.com |access-date=2010-02-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414022515/http://defense-update.com/products/s/shtora-1.htm |archive-date=2010-04-14 |url-status=dead }} The new turret will provide protection against Kinetic Energy (RHAe) anti-tank guided missiles. Its new 9M119 Refleks is a laser beam riding guided anti-tank missile designed to penetrate 900 mm of RHA. Since this version has not entered serial production for Serbian army new more modern version M-84AS1{{Cite web|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/june_2020_news_defense_global_security_army_industry/new_upgrades_for_serbian_m-84as1_mbt_main_battle_tanks.html|title=New upgrades for Serbian M-84 AS1 MBT main battle tank | June 2020 News Defense Global Security army industry | Defense Security global news industry army 2020 | Archive News year|date=9 June 2020 }} is developed that will enter serial production.
Effectiveness
Apart from external differences to the M-84, it also has different internal structure and equipment, far surpassing the M-84AB in both capability and durability. Developed originally from the M-84, the M-84AS is more than just a quick tweak to bring it up to standard. Many improvements were adopted from what can be argued to be its sister tank, the T-90S. With slight differences in armour and maneuverability; the T-90S is better armored while the M-84AS is faster and more maneuverable. Considering the speed perspective, the M-84AS moves at 75 km/h on road while the T-90S moves at 60 km/h on road with off-road speeds varying according to terrain. The armor on the T-90S is somewhat superior with thicker composites, NBC protection as well as having the option of Active Protection System and KMT mine sweeping systems.[https://web.archive.org/web/20071013161539/http://www.uvz.ru/eng/edata/euvz/eprodukt/mprod/t_90.htm Tank Т-90С][https://web.archive.org/web/20080129043924/http://russianarmor.info/Tanks/TRIALS/19991020.html T-80U and T-90 Trials 20.10.99] Aside from the propulsion and armor, the targeting system is equivalent.
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category|M-84AS}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20090326135834/http://www.odbrana.mod.gov.rs/odbrana001/64-65.pdf Article on the M84-AB1, published in "Odbrana" {{in lang|sr}}]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20061121011349/http://www.parliament.uk/commons/lib/research/rp99/rp99-034.pdf Article on M-84 published by UK parliament commons]
- [http://www.forecastinternational.com/samples/650_2005.pdf Forecast international on tank engine]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20110706182243/http://pubs.drdc.gc.ca/PDFS/unc41/p519698.pdf Canadian assessment of ordnance]
{{Post-Cold War tanks|style=wide}}
{{Military Technical Institute Belgrade}}
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Category:Post–Cold War main battle tanks
Category:Main battle tanks of Serbia
Category:Tanks with autoloaders