Ameer Randolph
Russian and Soviet tanks have a long history, with the first tank project being the T-12 (or T-1-12), which began in 1928. The T-72 is a family of Soviet main battle tanks that entered production in 1973, and about 25,000 have been built. The T-72 is unique in that it stores fuel externally in large diesel fuel cells attached to the outside of the tank, in addition to the fuel tanks on the inside. This external fuel storage approach has also been observed in other Russian tanks, such as the T-62, which features large diesel fuel cells mounted on the outside of the tank.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tank Type | T-62 |
| Fuel Cell Location | Outside of the tank |
| Fuel Tank Location | Inside the tank |
| Fuel Cell Description | Large diesel fuel cells |
| Portability | At risk of being punctured |
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What You'll Learn
- Russian T-62 tanks have large diesel fuel cells attached to their exterior
- The T-72 is a Soviet main battle tank with internal and external fuel storage
- The T-10, a Cold War-era heavy tank, was an improvement on the IS-3
- The T-24 was a Soviet medium tank built in 1931, armed with machine guns and a 45 mm gun
- The T-34 and T-54 tanks were produced at the KhPZ factory in Ukraine
Russian T-62 tanks have large diesel fuel cells attached to their exterior
The Russian T-62 tank has been used in several conflicts, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Gulf War. The T-62 is a Soviet tank that was first introduced in 1957. One notable feature of the T-62 is its large diesel fuel cells, which are attached to the outside of the tank. This external fuel storage is in addition to the internal fuel tanks, and it increases the operational range of the tank.
The T-62 is powered by a V-55 12-cylinder 4-stroke one-chamber 38.88-litre water-cooled diesel engine, which develops 581 hp (433 kW) at 2,000 rpm. This engine is the same as the one used in the T-55 tank. The T-62 has three external diesel fuel tanks on the right fender and a single auxiliary oil tank on the left fender. The tank can carry a total of 960 litres of fuel in its internal and external fuel tanks. Additionally, two optional 200-litre drum-type fuel tanks can be fitted to the rear of the vehicle, further extending its range.
The external fuel tanks on the T-62 are a unique feature that sets it apart from other tanks. While most modern tanks, like the T-72, have moved towards storing fuel only internally, the T-62's external fuel cells are large and noticeable. According to Steven Zaloga, a Russian and Soviet tank expert, the entire right-side external pannier of the T-62 is a big, lightly armoured fuel cell. This external fuel storage is a trade-off, as it increases the tank's range but also puts it at risk of being punctured in combat.
The T-62's external fuel tanks are a part of its design philosophy, which prioritised attack over defence. This is evident in the Soviet doctrine of "the attack is your defence", where stopping for refuelling was not a priority. The large external fuel cells on the T-62 allowed it to carry more fuel and extend its operational range, enabling it to pursue aggressive offensive strategies without being hindered by frequent refuelling stops.
The T-62 has seen continued use and upgrades even after its introduction in 1957. During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the T-62M Obr. 2021 and T-62MV Obr. 2022 variants were utilised. The T-62 has also been exported and used by other countries, such as Iraq during the Gulf War. Despite its age, the T-62 remains a significant and recognisable tank due to its distinctive external fuel cells and its role in various conflicts.
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The T-72 is a Soviet main battle tank with internal and external fuel storage
The T-72 is a Soviet main battle tank that entered production in 1973. It is extremely lightweight at 41 tonnes and very small compared to Western main battle tanks. The T-72 shares many design features with other tanks of Soviet origin, with a focus on attack rather than defence. The basic T-72 is relatively underpowered, with a 780 hp supercharged version of the basic 500 hp V12 diesel engine. Like all Soviet-legacy tanks, the T-72's design has traded off interior space for a very small silhouette and efficient use of armour. The T-72 has been widely exported and has seen service in over 40 countries.
The T-72 has both internal and external fuel storage. While diesel is less flammable than gasoline, the external tanks are at risk of being punctured, which could be problematic for a tank designed to go as far as possible without stopping. The T-72 can store 530 litres of fuel in its internal tank and 165 litres in its external tank. The T-72M1, a modernised variant of the T-72, features an auxiliary power unit (APU) that allows the tank to have a "silent watch" capability, enabling it to operate all its systems with the engine turned off, saving fuel and reducing thermal emissions and acoustic signature.
The T-72 was a development based on the T-64, with improvements made to the design of the previous Object 167M. The T-72 was accepted for service in 1973, and over 25,000 units were built. The T-72 was never used in the Afghanistan War, but it has seen action in the First and Second Chechen Wars, the Russo-Georgian War, and the Russo-Ukrainian War. The T-72 has been continuously upgraded and modernised, with various models introduced over the years, including the T-72M, T-72-1982, T-72B, and T-72UA1.
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The T-10, a Cold War-era heavy tank, was an improvement on the IS-3
The T-10, also known as Obyekt 730, was accepted into production in 1952 as the IS-10 (Iosif Stalin, the Russian form of Joseph Stalin). However, following Stalin's death in 1953, the tank was renamed T-10 due to the changing political climate. The T-10 was the final development of the KV and IS tank series, and it gradually replaced the IS-3 in most units. While the T-10 shared similarities with the IS-3, it offered significant enhancements in terms of mobility, firepower, armour, and ammunition capacity.
The IS-3, also known as Object 703, was a Soviet heavy tank developed in late 1944 and began production in May 1945. Its distinctive semi-hemispherical cast turret and pike nose design influenced the design of subsequent tanks in the IS tank family, including the T-10. However, the IS-3 faced construction and mechanical issues, which the T-10 aimed to address. The T-10's improved diesel engine and additional road wheels contributed to its superior mobility and reliability.
The T-10 served with the Soviet Union and was not provided to Warsaw Pact nations. However, Soviet heavy tank regiments stationed in those countries may have been equipped with them. The T-10 was produced in larger volumes than its heavier counterparts and demonstrated significant modernisation potential. Its production ceased in 1966, as the Soviets embraced the main battle tank (MBT) concept, marking the end of heavy tank projects.
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The T-24 was a Soviet medium tank built in 1931, armed with machine guns and a 45 mm gun
The T-24 was a Soviet medium tank built in 1931. Only twenty-four of these tanks were built, and none saw combat. This was the first tank produced at the KhPZ factory in Kharkov, Ukraine, which later produced the highly successful BT series, T-34, and T-54 Soviet tanks. The T-24's suspension was used successfully in the Soviet Union's first purpose-built artillery tractors.
The T-24 was armed with machine guns and a 45 mm gun. It had a ball-mount 7.62 mm DT machine gun in the hull, another in the turret, and a third in a secondary turret atop the main turret. The tank's maximum armour was 25.2 mm, which was not particularly impressive. It weighed 18.2 tonnes, which was considered heavy despite its relatively thin armour. The T-24 had a maximum speed of 15 mph, which was deemed slightly unsatisfactory according to Soviet deep battle doctrines.
The T-24 was developed by the Kharkov Locomotive Factory (KhPZ) in the Ukrainian SSR, which was established in 1928. The factory's first project was the T-12 (or T-1-12), a larger version of the T-18 (or MS-1) with a more powerful 200 hp engine and a bigger 45 mm gun. The T-24 was designed as an improvement on the T-12, with a more intricate design and a larger turret.
The T-24 prototype was completed in 1931, and permission was granted to manufacture 24 vehicles. However, the T-24 was found to be unreliable and was used only for training and parades. Production was discontinued due to the complexity of manufacturing and various flaws discovered during testing. Despite its shortcomings, the T-24 played a significant role in the development of Soviet tank technology, paving the way for more successful designs such as the BT tank series.
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The T-34 and T-54 tanks were produced at the KhPZ factory in Ukraine
The T-34 and T-54 were among the most successful Soviet tanks produced at the KhPZ factory in Ukraine. The T-34 was widely exported after World War II, and as recently as 2023, more than 80 T-34s were still in service. It was the most-produced tank of World War II and the second most-produced tank of all time, after its successor, the T-54/55 series. The T-34's development led directly to the T-44, then the T-54 and T-55 series of tanks, which evolved into the later T-62, forming the armoured core of many modern armies.
The T-34 was a medium tank produced in the 1940s and was well-regarded for its performance. It featured heavier armour than any medium tank produced at the time, and a superior 76.2 mm F-34 gun. The T-34 posed new challenges for the Soviet industry, and only company commanders' tanks could be fitted with radios due to their expense and short supply.
The T-54 was produced at the KhPZ factory in Ukraine, previously known as the Kharkov Locomotive Factory, and later renamed the Malyshev Factory. The T-54-1 production was slow initially, with only 3 vehicles built in 1946 and 22 in 1947. Production was stopped due to low quality and frequent breakdowns, and an improved T-54-2 version was designed. The T-54-2 entered production in 1949 and featured a new dome-shaped turret, a modernized transmission, and a wider track.
The T-54/55 series first appeared in the West around the 1950s, during the early Cold War period. This spurred the development of new tank technologies in the United Kingdom and the United States. The T-54/55 series featured increased engine power and operational range, with 300-litre fuel tanks added to the front of the hull, resulting in an overall fuel capacity of 680 litres. The T-54 and T-55 tanks were produced at various factories, including the Omsk Transport Machine Construction Plant and the Uralvagonzavod Factory.
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Frequently asked questions
Russian cylinder fuel tanks are large diesel fuel cells attached to the outside of Russian tanks, such as the T-62 and the T-72.
The T-62 tanks were first introduced in 1964, so it is likely that the Russians started mounting cylinder fuel tanks around this time.
The T-62 and T-72 tanks are known to have large diesel fuel cells attached to their exterior.
Russian tanks have fuel tanks on the outside because their military philosophy focuses on the attack rather than defense. This means that stopping for refueling is not a priority.
