T62 Tank, USSR
#T62
#T62_Tank_Soviet
The T-62 is a Soviet main battle tank (MBT) introduced in 1961 as an evolution of the T-55, featuring significant advancements in firepower and armor.
It was the first mass-produced tank equipped with a smoothbore main gun, enhancing its armor-piercing capabilities.  
Specifications
• Crew: 4
(commander, gunner, loader, driver)
• Weight: Approximately 40 metric tons
• Dimensions:
• Length: 6.63 meters (21.7 feet)
• Width: 3.3 meters (10.8 feet)
• Height: 2.39 meters (7.8 feet)
• Engine: V-55 12-cylinder diesel engine producing 580 horsepower
• Speed: Up to 50 km/h (31 mph)
• Operational Range: Approximately 450 km (279 miles)  
Armament
• Main Gun: 115 mm U-5TS (2A20) smoothbore cannon
• First tank to feature a smoothbore gun capable of firing APFSDS rounds
• Carries 40 rounds of ammunition
• Secondary Armament:
• 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun
• 12.7 mm DShKM anti-aircraft machine gun mounted on the turret   
Armor
• Turret Front: Approximately 242 mm
• Hull Front: Approximately 102 mm angled at 60°
• Side and Rear Armor: Varies between 15 mm to 79 mm
• Roof and Bottom: Ranging from 20 mm to 40 mm 
Operational History
• Service Entry: 1961
• Production: Approximately 20,000 units produced until 1975
• Combat Use:
• First saw combat during the 1969 Sino-Soviet border conflict
• Extensively used in the Soviet–Afghan War
• Deployed by various nations in conflicts across the Middle East and Africa
• Current Use:
• While largely retired from frontline service in Russia, upgraded versions like the T-62M remain in use
• North Korea operates a significant number of T-62s, including domestically produced variants   
Variants
• T-62 (1972): Added 12.7 mm DShKM machine gun mount over the loader’s position
• T-62 (1975): Equipped with KTD-1 laser rangefinder to enhance firing accuracy
• T-62M: Upgraded with “Sheksna” (AT-10) missile system, improved armor, and modernized fire control
• T-62D: Fitted with Drozd active protection system and enhanced communication equipment  
The T-62 represented a significant step in tank development during the Cold War, introducing features that influenced future designs.
Despite being surpassed by more modern tanks, its various upgrades have allowed it to remain in service in several countries.
If you would like more detailed information on specific variants, operational history in particular conflicts, or comparisons with other tanks of its era, feel free to ask!
#115mm
