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Rick_Eshleman

Aberdeen Sept. 1993.

Costas_TT · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Feb 15, 2012 Posts: 387

Thanks for a very interesting series of photos, Rick.
In fact, they made me notice something: This tank was equipped with an electrooptical dazzler (possibly of Chinese origin and fitted to the left of the gunner's sight), intended to confuse the trackers on ATGM guidance systems that rely on flares or strobes for tracking the missile, such as the TOW. However, this is the first time I noticed an armored shroud over said dazzler. Plus, the mounting platform is rather different to the one illustrated in the New Vanguard T-72 book.
As a system, it appears far less sophisticated and automated than the Russian Shtora, as it apparently lacks any kind of warning sensors, meaning it and the smoke grenade dischargers would have to be activated manually by the crew, correspondingly reducing its effectiveness.

Rick_Eshleman

Costas,
This is how it was when it first arrived at Aberdeen. The armored shroud over the "dazzler" is in close up on this set of photos (007 and 008,at least I think this is what you are referring to!) Glad You enjoyed the photos. Rick

Costas_TT · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Feb 15, 2012 Posts: 387

It is actually quite fascinating, because the New Vanguard book only had a close-up of a shrould-less dazzler, essentially a ribbed cylinder with an opening optical port at the front end, laid horizontally. In the photos you specifically mentioned, it is clear that the dazzler housing is connected by cable to another box, which also has cooling slits cut into its rear end. It must be its power source, perhaps a small generator or battery. The photo didn't include and the accompanying artwork omitted that detail.
I had never seriously delved into ODS and generally pre-OIF Iraqi T-72s, but your photos provided quite an impetus.

Rick_Eshleman

Costas,
Good to know that the photos are helpful! You and others are welcomed to check out all of my other photos on the personal gallery here on Com-Central, or I have some posted On the Military photos site, or I've started posting on Flickr under name of Brick6757. Rick

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