Russia has resumed the serial production of 1,250 horsepower-GTD-1250 engines for T-80BVM tanks, Russian-language news sites reported Sunday.
This revelation emerged during a visit by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to the Omsk Tank Plant, reports said, citing Defense Blog.
Kaluzhsky Engine, or Kaluga, will produce the engines for the T-80BVM tank, recognized as the most contemporary upgrade within the Russian military.
Initially adopted by the Russian army in 2017, this version continues to undergo refinements informed by operational experiences, particularly against Ukraine.
The GTD-1250 engine is a versatile gas turbine powerhouse, capable of running on diesel fuel, gas, gasoline, or their combinations. Notably, it consumes 225 liters of fuel per hour.
The T-80BVM represents a substantial upgrade over its predecessor, the T-80BV, a stalwart of the Soviet-era battlefield. This modernization includes enhanced armor with reactive elements, a more potent engine, and improved fire control systems. Equipped with a 125mm smoothbore gun capable of firing diverse munitions, including guided missiles, the T-80BVM also features a digital navigation system and a thermal imager, augmenting its target acquisition capabilities across various environmental conditions.
Russia aims to revive the complete production cycle of T-80 tanks, as announced in Sept. 2023. Omsktransmash, the manufacturer with a Soviet-era legacy in tank production, is slated to oversee this endeavor.