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Tank T-55/54

The medium tank T-55/54 is a combat track vehicle, originally of the Russian make. The system was developed and produced in series in former USSR since 1955. From 1964, this tank was produced in Poland under the licence, a year later the production was launched also in Czechoslovakia.

This medium tank T-55/54 was (and in many cases still is) in equipment of former Warsaw Pact countries. Thanks to a long-term use within armed forces, a huge number of versions and modifications was developed. It was done not only by the original manufacturer, but later also by licence producers. Types of the most popular versions follow: T-54, T-54/55K, OT-54/55, T-54A, T-54B, T-54M, T-55, T-55A, T-55M, T-55AD, and T-55MV. It is designed to fight tanks, combat vehicles, armored carriers and other enemy armored tagets.

Recasting the Soviet licensing documentation on the manufacturing conditions of Czechoslovakia took place between the years 1962 to 1963. In 1964 he was made the test series, comprising 10 pieces. Serial production of the basic version of the T-55 in Czechoslovakia took place between 1965 and 1981. Production T-55 CSLA ran until 1967, when the Czechoslovak Army took the last of a total of 687 specimens of type T-55. Production for export user ran until the early eighties. The construction of these tanks have already included some version of the modernization of the T-55A . A total of 3,377 units (including 10 pieces of test series) basic version of the T-55.

Serial production of the successor type T-55A was launched in 1967. Recasting the Soviet licensing documentation for Czechoslovak production conditions it was carried out between 1965 and 1966. Production at the plant ZTS Martin ran between the years 1967-1982 and gave a total of 3,820 pieces. The main feature of modernization was the development of Czechoslovak hammer fire control system, which was developed in ECS 060 Prague. It was also at the rear portion of the tower includes a system of detection and indication of laser irradiation means adversary.

The T-54AM1 is an upgraded version of tanks T-54M (T-54AM). Development of the fire control system Hammer took place between the years 1981 and 1983. The accuracy of the interventions during the shooting of place compared to the non-upgraded tanks has increased 6.4 times and 3.6 times short stops. Development of Hammer forced reduction ammunition for 38 pieces (of which 18 were jerky high explosive, armor-piercing 4, 6 and 10 prupalných podkaliberních). Adjusting tanks on standard T-54AM1 / T-55AM1 in VOP 025 Novy Jicin was conducted since 1981. The first tanks were modified CSLA probably delivered in 1982.

T-54AM1 served in the Czechoslovak Army in motorized rifle divisions, while T-55AM1 were included in the armament of tank divisions. Tanks were on a larger scale for the first time deployed on exercises shield 84, when 10 vehicles were operating in a report Tank Battalion 3rd motostreleckého regiment.

Tank T-55AM2 was modernized tank T-55A, an upgraded version of tanks T-54M (T-54AM). Modernization of tanks T-54M / T-55A to the standard T-54AM2 / T-55AM2 was in VOP 025 Novy Jicin launched in 1985. Their introduction into the armament of CSLA took place in 1987. In the 8th (1986-1990) and 9. (1991 - 1995) Five Year Plan should be upgraded to this standard of 620 pieces of T-55A and 630 pieces of T-54M (T-54AM).

The modernization systems enhanced the overall combat value of the tank. The most fundamental modifications include using fire control system hammer, installation of detection and indication of laser irradiation SDIO and installation of additional armor hull and turret. It included upgraded stabilizer cannon, and a new thermal protection mainly (TOH).

Some of the tanks were equipped with anti-tank rocket with set 9K116 possessing five missiles 9M117. The distinguishing feature of these machines was the lack of targeting thermal imager TKN-1M-22, on the site (before the turret commander) was installed laser designator goals 1K13BOM. Of the total number of upgraded tanks T-54AM2 / T-55AM2 was complete of 9K116 is provided only 27 vehicles.

Thanks to gradual modernisations, the use of the tank was being upgraded in terms of its mobility and immediate protection not only of the vehicle itself, but also of its crew. The T-55/54 can be equipped with 100mm cannon, two pieces of 7.62mm machine gun of SGMT or PKT (Russian system) type, or anti-aircraft 12.7mm machine gun of NSV type, all in accordance to the version developed or the grade of modernisation achieved. It crosses water obstacles by fording or an under water ride. In making way in the mine field, the tank can use a hanged demining KMT-6 device and a towed explosive deminer of TRAL type.

According to official figures, 31 December 1997 at the ACR, a total of 394 "modernized" tanks T-54 and T-55. Their phasing out began at the turn of the millennium. All tanks T-54 and T-55 from 31 December 2002 were withdrawn from combat units in predetermined areas, where he was to follow their divestment or physical liquidation. Unlike other additional technique that was first postponed to the base Logistics Command, the tanks T-54AM2 and T-55AM2 sold off directly from combat units, and subsequently delivered to African and Asian countries.