Russia has been sending in T-62s for a while now. Not sure why the T-72B is getting more attention. Sure, it is old too, but a T-62 dates back to 1961 where the T-72B goes back to 1985. 1985 is not ancient... I was just a kid back then but still .. The T-72B is still within my lifetime.

[–] SkyezOpen@lemmy.world 4 points 2 years ago

1985 is not ancient

Especially when Ukraine is kicking ass with equipment from the 80s. Can't wait to see them clap cheeks with the f-16, which entered service in 1980.

[–] kSPvhmTOlwvMd7Y7E@lemmy.world 1 points 2 years ago (2 children)

It’s a bad tank because it’s only useful between sunrise and sunset.

Huh?

[–] Ulara@sopuli.xyz 3 points 2 years ago

"...the T-72B is a terrible night-fighter. Its 1K13-19 gunner’s sight has a passive night-vision mode that doesn’t require an infrared spotlight, but it lacks range. To identify targets out to the tank’s maximum engagement range of around 1,200 yards, at night, a T-72B crew must switch on its infrared spotlight and use the 1K13-19 sight in its active mode.

The problem, of course, is that any enemy forces with their own infrared sights can see the spotlight, too—and pinpoint the T-72B’s position.”

[–] detalferous@lemm.ee 1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Maybe it has no night optics

[–] Ulara@sopuli.xyz 3 points 2 years ago

It has some, but: "...the T-72B is a terrible night-fighter. Its 1K13-19 gunner’s sight has a passive night-vision mode that doesn’t require an infrared spotlight, but it lacks range. To identify targets out to the tank’s maximum engagement range of around 1,200 yards, at night, a T-72B crew must switch on its infrared spotlight and use the 1K13-19 sight in its active mode.

The problem, of course, is that any enemy forces with their own infrared sights can see the spotlight, too—and pinpoint the T-72B’s position."