MSPO 2018: Bumar-Labedy unveils A2 version of the PT-91M2 Main Battle Tank.

At MSPO 2018, the Polish arms manufacturer Bumar-Labedy, part of the Polish Armament Group (PGZ) is unveiling a comprehensive modernisation package for the Polish Army’s T-72 MBT. The PT-91M2 in A2 version will increase firepower, survivability, mobility, crew comfort and ergonomics.

PT-91M2 A2 version MBT at MSPO 2018

The goal of the PT-91M2 program is to extend the lifetime of the tank which will be used only by the reserve forces of the Polish armed forces in the next few years.

The PT-91M2 MBT, which is also referred to as the Twardy (Hard), is a further development by the Zaklady Mechaniczne Bumar-Labedy SA version of the Russian-designed T-72M1 which has been produced under license in Poland for many years.

The PT-92M2 can armed with a new version of the L-48MS-type or 2A46M-4 125mm guns offering more accuracy. The tank is fitted with a new carousel automatic loader which is mounted on the turret floor and also on the rear wall of the turret. There is a new storage compartment for additional ammunition.

The PT-16M2 A2 version is motorized with a four-stroke, multi-fuel, supercharged, water-cooled diesel developing 1,000-1,200 hp coupled to an upgraded mechanical transmission. The tank is also fitted with a new torsion bars suspension.

The MBT is fitted with new armour package that includes third generation of reactive armour ERAWA mounted at the front and on each side of the hull. To increase protection against RPG threats, the rear side and back part of the hull are fitted with wire cage armour. Protection is also provided by the SSP-1 OBRA-3 laser warning system, destined for detection of vehicles and military objects radiation from impulse rangefinders of laser illuminators.

New standard equipment of the PT-91M2 also includes passive night vision PNK-72 Radomka for the driver, omnidirectional observation system, reardriver day/night camera KDN-1T, and passive commander's night vision system TKN-3z. It is also fitted with a POD LISWARTA day and night binocular observation device allowing passive driver’s night vision. It substitutes previously used driver’s active night vision devices in vehicles without necessity of socket modification. A SOD ATENA omnidirectional observation system is provided for wide-angle observation of immediate surroundings of the vehicle. System allows the commander and the crew to observe in TV and thermal modes the whole surrounding of the vehicle during day/night and reduced visibility.