Type-72Z Safir-74

Not to be confused with the former Soviet T-72 MBT.
Safir-74
Type Main battle tank
Place of origin Iran
Service history
Used by Iran
Sudan
Specifications
Weight 36 tonnes
Length 6.45 m
Width 3.37 m
Height 2.40 m
Crew 3-4
Armor 203 mm front of the turret
150 mm sides of the turret
150 mm sides of the turret
64 mm rear of the turret
39 mm top of the turret
97 mm upper front of the hull
99 mm lower front of the hull
79 mm upper sides of the hull
20 mm lower sides of the hull
46 mm rear of the hull
20 mm floor of the hull
fitted with ERA
Main
armament
 105mm M68 rifled tank gun
Secondary
armament
 7.62mm co-axial and roof-mounted 12.7mm machine guns
Engine V-46-6 V-12 diesel
780 hp (630 kW)
Power/weight 21.66hp/tone
Suspension Torsion bar
Operational
range
 440 km
Speed 65 km/h

The T-72Z is a highly modernized version of the T-55, the upgrades have been done by the Defense Industries Organization of Iran. The name Safir-74 is used to refer to the Iranian T-54 tanks which have gone through the same upgrades, while Type T-72z is used to refer to Iran's Type 59 tanks which have gone through this upgrade.

Upgrades

Upgrades include mounting a new armament system consisting of 105mm barrel gun model M68 with a long operational life, effective range, precision, high firing power and simple replacement without removal of the turret, plus a Slovenian Fotona Electronic Fire Control System (EFCS-3).

Automatic/manual stabilization and firing of the gun improves the firing capability of mobile tank at moving or stable target. The Type 72Z uses a Ukrainian V46-6 diesel engine with 780 h.p. Easy driving and maneuverability can be increased with semi-automatic and automatic gear shifting modes.

Installation of all power compartments; engine, gear box, brake, steering, transfer case, cooling system and hydraulic system in an assembly called "power pack" ensures lower repair time, quick mounting and dismantling of power pack. By employing reactive armour protection on this tank, protection against anti-tank weapons is increased.

Operators

 Iran
 Sudan

See also

Sources