T-64BV Deep Dive

T-64BV Deep Dive
With Jacob Hopkins

Manufactured in Kharkiv, and first entering service in the 1960s, the humble T-64 has a long service history within the Red Army. The T-64 was the first Soviet tank to feature an autoloader, allowing a reduction of the crew size by eliminating the need for a loader. This enabled its designers to reduce the overall size of the tank in order to give it a more proficient battlefield silhouette. As well, it was the first production series Soviet tank to feature the impressive 125 mm 2A6 smoothbore cannon; capable of firing high-explosive (HE), high-explosive fragmentation (HE-frag), armour-piercing fin-stabilised discarding-sabot (APFSDS), and the Kobra (NATO AT-8 Songster) anti-tank guided missiles. These and other technological innovations made the T-64 one of the premier tanks in service with the Red Army and would be kept only for use by soviet divisions, not for export to their allies like the prior T-55 and latter T-72.

The T-64 began its deployment history in the USSR’s western military districts, the first unit of the GSFG (Group of Soviet Forces in Germany) to receive them was the 14th Guards Motor Rifle division, part of the GSFG stationed against NATO’s NORTHAG (Northern Army Group) and LANDJUT (Allied Land Forces Schleswig-Holstein and Jutland), was itself a unit with illustrious combat history dating to the Second World War. While it would remain mostly deployed in the northern sectors of Germany, the T-64 in its many variations could still be found in limited numbers wherever the Red Army had its premier units

Variants.

Throughout its service life, the T-64 would undergo several design updates. While most were minor changes, there are a few standout changes worth outlining;

T-64A

T-64A

The main production variant featuring the 125mm smoothbore cannon improved the sight from the initial prototypes and upgraded suspension. Due to the increased size of the cannon and with a full four-man crew in the initial design plan, the tank would have had unacceptably low ammunition numbers. In order to rectify this; the cannon was coupled with the 6ETs10 autoloader. This would allow 28 rounds of ammunition making it capable of firing up to 8 rounds per minute, and with its cannon stabilized to fire relatively accurately while advancing. T L2G infra-red searchlight fitted next to the barrel and coupled with the TPD-2-1 night sight allowed for maneuver and combat operations in all light conditions. The vehicles were also fitted with an NBC protection system to allow them to fight in chemical, biological, and radiological situations.

T-64B

T-64B

Of course, there is always room for improvement, and in 1976 the T-64B variant was introduced. This is the model of T-64 we see in WWIII: Soviet. Featuring an updated fire control system and upgrades to the cannon; the new 2A46-2. It was coupled with an upgraded stabilizer, the 6ETs40 autoloader, the new 133 fire control with a ballistic calculator, laser rangefinder, and a crosswind sensor. In 1981 the B was further modernized with the 2A46m1 cannon and the mounting of the newer 902A Tucha-1 smoke launchers.

T-64BV

T-64BV

The newer B variant would then go on in 1985 to be further upgraded to the BV due to combat experience in Afghanistan. It was fitted with a thicker glacis plate and upgraded with the new Kontackt-1 ERA bricks in the hopes of defeating ATGM and other HEAT threats. This latest iteration, the T-64BV, is the ultimate evolution of this excellent main battle tank and will be an exceptional threat to NATO forces.

So what does this get us in game?

TS123 TS167

The T-64BV features several changes over its predecessor. It replaces the BDD armour with new, and improved, ERA armour. In game this allows the tank to treat its side armour as 16 against Heat versus BDD side armour of 13. ERA also makes the unit forgo transport ability as, understandably, no one wants to ride on an exploding surface.

Next, the T-64BV features an improved front and side armour rating thanks to its thicker Glacis plate and redesigned armour. Going from front 17 to 18, and side 9 to 10. While at first glance this is not an overly large increase, it will allow you to effectively ignore frontal threats such as the M47 Dragon ATGM or a Leopard 1s 105mm cannon.

These upgrades come with no noticeable drop in speed or traction, having the same tactical and dash ratings while its cross check remains at 3+. And coming in at only a flat increase of 3 points, no matter the size of the company, the T-64BV will become your new favourite variant of this illustrious chassis.

T-64BV Tank Company (Plastic) (TSBX30)

Getting it on the table itself couldn’t be easier, three boxes of tanks can provide the solid core needed for a fast and hard-hitting force, back it up with your support units of choice to fulfil mission needs and you have a game-winning formula. Here is what I would personally do:

T-64BV Tank Battalion

The core of this force is its tanks, 11 T-64 BVs will be able to rapidly push forward, threatening the enemy line while the 4 with Songster missiles can use the higher range to threaten some of the enemies' harder armoured assets. The BMP-2 company has enough weight and mass to assault objectives or defend your own while dug in, while the BMPs themselves have a decent anti-tank capability with their spandrel missile. The rest of the formation is rather self-explanatory, BRDMs provide Spearhead at the start of the game. Carnations and their OP to bombard and smoke to cover your advances or assaults, and the Shilkas and Gaskins to protect your valuable armoured assets from aerial predation.

We cannot wait to get stuck in with these new and improved T-64s, go forth comrades and may the dice gods always favour you!


~ Jacob Hopkins
Lack of Foresight Gaming