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Unveiling the Soviet Army's Last Armored Champion: A Comprehensive Review of "The Soviet Army Last Armored Champion New Vanguard 152"

William Golding

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Published in T 80 Standard Tank: The Soviet Army S Last Armored Champion (New Vanguard 152)

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In the annals of military history, the Soviet Army has carved a formidable reputation for its armored might. From the thunderous roar of the T-34 during World War II to the menacing presence of the T-72 during the Cold War, Soviet tanks have played a pivotal role in shaping the course of modern warfare.

T 80 Standard Tank: The Soviet Army s Last Armored Champion (New Vanguard 152)

T-80 Standard Tank: The Soviet Army’s Last Armored Champion (New Vanguard Book 152)

by Cecily Hennessy

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16654 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	92 pages

However, as the 20th century drew to a close, the Soviet Army faced a significant challenge: the need to modernize its aging armored fleet. The T-72, while still a capable tank, was beginning to show its limitations against newer Western designs. A new tank was required, one that would combine the proven strengths of Soviet armor with the latest advancements in tank technology.

Enter the T-90, the Soviet Army's last armored champion. Developed in the early 1990s, the T-90 was a significant upgrade over the T-72, featuring a more powerful engine, improved armor, and a state-of-the-art fire control system. It was the culmination of decades of Soviet tank design and engineering, and it was intended to be the centerpiece of the Soviet Army's armored forces.

The T-90's into service marked a new era for Soviet armored warfare. It was the first Soviet tank to feature a laser rangefinder, thermal imaging, and explosive reactive armor, making it one of the most advanced tanks in the world. It also benefited from extensive experience gained during the Soviet-Afghan War, where Soviet tank crews had faced off against modern Western anti-tank weapons.

In "The Soviet Army Last Armored Champion New Vanguard 152," author Steven J. Zaloga provides a comprehensive and in-depth look at the T-90 tank. Drawing on extensive research and interviews with former Soviet tank commanders, Zaloga offers a detailed account of the tank's design, development, and combat performance.

The book is divided into six chapters, each of which explores a different aspect of the T-90's history and development. The first chapter provides a general overview of the tank, including its origins, design philosophy, and production history. The second chapter examines the T-90's armament, fire control system, and protection systems, while the third chapter focuses on its mobility and performance.

The fourth chapter examines the T-90's combat history, from its early deployments in Chechnya to its more recent use in the Syrian Civil War. The fifth chapter looks at the T-90's export history, and the final chapter discusses the tank's future prospects.

Throughout the book, Zaloga provides a wealth of technical detail and analysis, but he also manages to convey the human side of the T-90 story. He interviews former Soviet tank commanders who share their experiences operating the tank in combat, and he provides a fascinating glimpse into the training and tactics of the Soviet armored forces.

The book is lavishly illustrated with over 200 photographs and diagrams, providing a visual complement to Zaloga's insightful text. These images depict the T-90 in various stages of development and deployment, and they help to bring the tank's story to life.

Overall, "The Soviet Army Last Armored Champion New Vanguard 152" is a must-read for anyone interested in Soviet armor, military history, or tank design. It is a comprehensive and authoritative account of one of the most important tanks of the 20th century, and it provides a valuable insight into the development and evolution of Soviet armored warfare.

Whether you're a military historian, a modeler, or simply a fan of armored vehicles, "The Soviet Army Last Armored Champion New Vanguard 152" is a book that you won't want to miss.

T-80 Standard Tank: The Soviet Army’s Last Armored Champion (New Vanguard Book 152)

by Cecily Hennessy

4.7 out of 5