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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