Design Overview & Tactical Role
Nicknamed the 'Flying Tank' for its lightning-fast speed and phenomenal agility, the T-80 was the world's first production tank equipped with a gas turbine main propulsion engine. The premier T-80U variant features the 1,250 hp Klimov GTD-1250 turbine, heavy Kontakt-5 reactive armor, the 1A45 Irtysh automated fire control system, and the ability to fire laser-guided Refleks ATGMs on the move at targets up to 5,000 meters away.
Combat History & Battle Records
Developed at Leningrad's Kirov Plant (LKZ) as an elite breakthrough tank for Soviet Guards tank armies, the T-80U served as the frontline spearhead against NATO's Central Front. Post-Cold War, it was exported to South Korea, Cyprus, and Yemen.
Related Armored Vehicles (Cold War)
Cold War
1948
Cold War
1961
Cold War
1964
Cold War
1973