T-55 tank

Medium tank T-55 - Combat weight 36 tons. The crew is 4 people. Armament: 100-mm gun, two 7.62-mm SGMT machine guns. Armor 100-160 mm. Maximum speed 50 km/h. Engine power 580 hp.

The T-55 has been produced as a modification of the T-54 since 1958. The T-55 is adapted for combat operations in the conditions of nuclear weapons use. In 1962-1967, it was largely replaced in production by the T-62 tank, created on its basis, but its production continued at the Malyshev plant in Kharkiv until 1979. In addition, a number of countries produced the T-54/55 itself, or its modernized or locally adapted versions. In total, including variants produced in other countries, up to 100,000 T-54/55s were produced, making it the most numerous tank in history.

The T-54/55 was exported and is in service in many countries and was used in most post-war local conflicts. The tank has become known for its high reliability and simplicity, and is highly regarded by many experts. Throughout the Afghan war, the main tank in the USSR tank units was the T-55 and T-62. Despite the availability of a sufficient number of more modern and powerful tanks at the time and the constant modernization of light armored vehicles in motorized rifle and airborne units, its tank fleet of the USSR troops remained unchanged for the entire 9 years of the war, due to the lack of modern tanks in the Soviet Army units on the southern borders of the USSR and the limited number of anti-tank weapons of the mujahideen.

By 1999, Slovenia had modernized its 30 tanks to the M-55S level. It was a joint project of the Slovenian company STO RAVNE and the Israeli company Elbit.

During the modernization, the tanks received a new 105mm L7 gun with a thermal jacket. The protection of the combat vehicle was improved, and the fire control system was upgraded with a digital ballistic computer. The weapon was stabilized in two planes.

A new Fotona SGS-55 sight with a laser rangefinder was installed. The vehicle also has a Fotona COMTOS-55 commander's sight with an independent stabilization line of sight. It allows the commander to target and, if necessary, even aim the gun independently of the gunner.

The LIRD-1A laser irradiation detector is linked to the IS-6 smoke grenade launcher system, which can be automatically activated in case of emergency.

Modernization of the V-12 diesel engine increased its power from 520 horsepower to 600. The tank was equipped with new rubber-metal tracks, and an additional niche appeared in the rear of the turret.

On October 29, 2022, the Slovenian newspaper 24ur reported that the entire batch of 28 tanks had been shipped by rail to Ukraine.