Overhauled T90 Bhishma from Vajirao & Reddy Institute

OVERHAULED T90 BHISHMA

The Indian Army has taken a significant step towards enhancing its operational capabilities with the rollout of its first overhauled T-90 Bhishma tank. This move is part of a broader initiative to achieve self-reliance and enhance military readiness. BACKGROUND

• Introduction: The T-90 Bhishma has been the Indian Army's main battle tank since 2003, recognized for its superior firepower, speed, and protection.
• Operational Significance: The tank's overhaul aims to increase its lethality and effectiveness in various combat scenarios, aligning with the Army's ongoing “Decade of Transformation.”

OVERHAUL PROCESS

• Complexity: The overhaul involves a comprehensive disassembly of the tank, allowing for the replacement of damaged parts and upgrades to enhance performance.
• Location: This specific overhaul was conducted at the 505 Army Base Workshop, part of the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers in Delhi
• Indigenous Skills: The process shows India's growing indigenous maintenance and technical capabilities in defense manufacturing.

KEY FEATURES

• Physical Specifications:
  • Weight: Approximately 47 tonnes.
  • Dimensions: 9.6 meters long and 2.8 meters wide.
  • Maneuverability: Its compact size allows for quick movement through diverse terrains, including forests, mountains, and marshy areas, with a maximum speed of 60 kilometers per hour.
• Firepower:
  • Armament: Equipped with a 125 mm smoothbore gun, capable of firing various types of shells.
  • Anti-Aircraft Capability: Features an anti-aircraft gun that can engage aerial targets within a two-kilometer range and fire up to 800 shells per minute.
  • Crew Coordination: Operated by a crew of three (commander, gunner, and driver) who work in concert to identify and eliminate targets.
• Advanced Technology:
  • Thermal Sighting System: Enhances target detection capabilities, allowing the tank to identify targets up to 8 kilometers away in both day and night conditions.

WHAT IS AN ANTICRAFT AIRGUN?

• Definition: An anti-aircraft gun is a weapon designed to combat aerial threats from ground or shipboard positions.
• Historical Context: The development of anti-aircraft weapons began in the early 20th century, coinciding with the rise of military aviation.

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