The Oplot-M (Modernised) or BM Oplot main battle tank (MBT) is developed by Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau (KMDB) for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The BM Oplot is a further development of the previous Oplot, which is based on the T-84 main battle tank mounting more advanced armor, new electronic countermeasure systems, and others. One visible feature is the new PNK-6 panoramic tank sight. The MBT can destroy ground-based and low-flying, low-speed aerial targets, while offering superior protection and high mobility for troops. This tank is operated by a crew of 3, including commander, gunner and driver. There is no need for the loader, as the tank has automatic ammunition loading system.
This tank is armed with a KBA-3 125mm smoothbore gun, a KT-7.62 (PKT) coaxial machine gun and a KT-12.7 anti-aircraft machine gun. The main gun is fed by a loading system equipped with conveyor, automatic loader and control system. The ammunition includes high explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG), armour-piercing fin-stabilised discarding-sabot (APFSDS), high explosive anti tank (HEAT) and gun mount (GM) rounds.The main gun can also fire 9K119M Reflex (NATO Designation AT-11 Sniper-B) gun-launched anti-tank guided missiles against battle tanks, armoured vehicles and hovering helicopters within the range of 5,000m.
The Oplot-M main battle tank features a Varta optronic countermeasures system for deceiving incoming missiles and anti-tank guided weapons. The system integrates laser warning sensors, infra-red jammer and smoke / aerosol screen laying system. The turret and hull are fitted with multilayer armour and built-in anti-tandem-warhead explosive reactive armour (BATW-ERA) for optimum protection against APFSDS, high-explosive squash head (HESH), high-explosive plastic (HEP) and HEAT-type projectiles. The vehicle has overpressure-type NBC protection system and can be fitted with track mine-clearing systems.
Vehicle is powered by Ukrainian 6ТD-2 multifuel, six-cylinder, liquid cooled diesel enginew hich delivers 1,200 hp (882 kW).. It is improved and more environmentally friendly version of the previous 6TD-2 diesel engine, used on the T-84 MBT. Another engine, the 6TD-3 is currently under development. The engine provides a maximum on-road speed of 70km/h and a range of 500km with additional fuel tanks. The Oplot-M is faster than the Russian T-90 and its improved versions, such as the T-90M and T-90MS Tagil. This main battle tank is also fitted with auxiliary power unit, which powers all systems, when the main engine is shut down. The Oplot-M is fitted with a deep wading kit and can ford water obstacles up to 5 m deep.
