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M-55 S Medium Tank [Upgrading of T-55]

The Russian, Polish and Slovak variants of T-55 are the most widely extended types of tanks in the world. At least 30,000 are still in use which makes this tank the most grateful subject for upgrading. Its combat capacities can be easily increased also up to 100%. Its robust construction and simple maintenance in a combination with upgrading provides an efficient and realiable combat vehicle which can handle the toughest tasks of modern comprehension of the use of armoured systems. As all mounted upgrading elements are of a modular design, to avoid additional alterations of a tank structure, they can be easily replaced with modern parts prolonging their life by at least ten to fifteen years, retaining the level typical for the second generation of tanks.

Many companies are now offering upgrade packages for the T-54/T-55. Many countries have carried out extensive modifications, including Egypt (105mm gun and new night vision equipment) and Israeli TI-67 (105mm gun, new fire-control system). Romania has upgraded many T-54 vehicles with side skirts, six road wheels and improved engine cooling. Some Iraqi T-54/T-55 MBTs have extra passive armor.

Slovenia has upgraded its T-55 MBTs to the M-55 S standard with new armor and 105mm gun. The M-55 S tank is a combat tracked vehicle characterized by reactive armour and powerful armament intended to destroy the adversary’s live force, armoured and other combat vehicles, artillery, anti-tank missiles, bunkers, fortified facilities, obstacles and other fortification facilities.

Key elements of upgrade