M-95 Degman

M-95 Degman is a prototype Croatian main battle tank, developed in the factory Đuro Đaković specijalna vozila d.d., located in Slavonski Brod, Croatia. The Đuro Đaković factory is best known for its principal role in the production of M-84, a Yugoslav version of the Soviet T-72 MBT produced under licence. M-95 Degman represents a further development on the M-84.

Innovation

The principal improvement over the M-84 is the application of explosive reactive armor on the turret, hull front and side skirts, offering more protection against HEAT shaped-charge munitions as well as separate ammunition compartment at the back of the turret a bustle which protects the crew if tank gets hit from behind. Đuro Đaković offers optional thermal imaging, which would allow enhanced night activity and optional 1,200 hp (890 kW) engine, which would raise the power to weight ratio to approximately 27 hp/t. There are also numerous smaller changes in fire control, communications equipment, track etc. The Degman has also a 15% faster auto loader meaning 9 shells per minute instead of 8 shells per minute.[1]

[edit] Production and modernization

The Degman M-95 has not entered serial production yet, however two prototypes were ordered by the Croatian Government, a M-95 model and the other M-84D sample. Đuro Đaković is going to be producing the export version of the M-95 under the designation M-84D, essentially a M-95 Degman with significant upgrades. The Kuwaiti Army has confirmed interest in modernizing its 150 dated M-84 to the new M-84D standard, as well as the procurement of an additional 66 new M-84D's.[2].

Altogether, new turret and new tracks are to replace existing turret and tracks; turret will be made of composite armor (most likely laminate of titanium steel, ceramics and tungsten). It will be powered by electric instead of hydraulic power source as it is the case now with the M-95. The new turret should provide minimum of 800 mm Against Kinetic Energy (RHAe) ATGs, however additional reactive armor will add substantial protection. The M84D among other will also get new tracks, production of which is planned with the cooperation of German track manufacturer Deihl somewhere in Croatia.

M-95 might be armed either with the improved Croatian-made 125 mm cannon or German Rheinmetall L55 120 mm cannon.

New optronic and sensors will also feature prominently in new improved M-95 (M-84D) tank. New Fire control, laser rangefinder, stabilized panoramic observation and targeting system are just some of the improvements. New thermal imaging camera for commander and driver so tank can operate at night and many more improvements including new 1,200 hp (890 kW) power plant enabling higher power to weight ratio.

With all upgrades to M95, weight of the tank will also increase from current 44.5 tons to 48.5 tons (excluding side skirts and reactive armor).