Pt‑91 Twardy tanks prove critical in Ukrainian defense strategies
In one of the Ukrainian TV stations, an interview was conducted with local soldiers about the PT-91 Twardy tanks. These machines were sent to the front from Poland and are proving to be very effective during clashes with the Russians. What elements of the PT-91 Twardy's equipment, according to the Ukrainian soldiers, deserve the most recognition?
PT-91 Twardy is a tank that was developed in the 1990s. It is a deep modernization of the Soviet T-72M1 tank and for years was used only by Poland and, to a lesser extent, by Malaysia, which bought export variants of the PT-91M. It was only after the outbreak of war in Ukraine that the local army received the PT-91 Twardy as support from Poland.
The most important elements of PT-91 Twardy according to Ukrainians
One of the most important changes compared to the original model is the use of ERAWA reactive armor in the Polish tank, which consists of blocks made of two armor plates with a small explosive charge between them. According to Ukrainian soldiers, this is the element that makes the PT-91 Twardy significantly superior to the T-72M1 in terms of durability and crew safety.
"If you compare it face to face with the Soviet T-72, the PT-91 Twardy has a much better chance of survival and victory in a duel," assessed one of the Ukrainian soldiers.
ERAWA is distinguished by the relatively small size of its blocks, allowing it to fit well over protected surfaces. This solution reduces the probability of penetrating the main armor of the tank by about 50 to 70% (in the case of shaped charges).
Despite the use of ERAWA reactive armor, the PT-91 Twardy tank does not fall short of the Soviet T-72M1 in terms of mobility, as it is equipped with a more powerful engine (about 850 hp), which is also praised by the Ukrainians.
Previously, it was possible to see footage from the front showing that the PT-91 Twardy performs excellently even in very difficult terrain. On paved surfaces, the Polish tank can reach speeds of around 60 km/h (37 mph).
PT-91 Twardy weighs just under 46,000 kg (101,000 lbs). The main armament of this tank is a 125 mm cannon. In addition to that, the crew also has two machine guns at their disposal - 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm. Importantly, the Polish tank is equipped with the DRAWA fire control system and the Obra self-defense system that uses smoke grenades.
