Gavin-Phillips

Thank you. Its all making more sense now.

And here I thought that there was finally proof that the Black Eagle might still exist in some form or other. Many thanks for the information Stefan.

That's intriguing, regarding the box with ammunition and loading mechanism. Can you by any chance confirm if this is some kind of parallel project with the Black Eagle then, using a T-72 as a base rather than a T-80 chassis?

I know that I don't exactly post much on here anymore but I found something rather surprising on a random Youtube wander this morning. It seems as though if this footage is recent (and I'm not saying it is), that the original Obj.640 Black Eagle tank tech demonstrator actually still survives. Take a look at 2:50 onwards. Its only a fleeting glimpse but the turret checks out and there are 7 roadwheels per side as well. I always wondered what actually happened to it and if it still survived or not. Additionally, I did often wonder about why the ARV's I've seen pictures and videos of were always seemingly T-72/T-90 variants and not T-80-based. Is that just because of sheer production numbers making more hulls available for conversion to ARV's or is there more to it than that?

Good afternoon everyone. I've just found this video on the "suggested for you" feed. Part of India's push for self-reliance in the production of AFV's.

I suppose it remains to be seen how many of these BTR-U vehicles are built (if any) and how many actually end up serving with the armed forces. Many thanks to Damian for the link on the BTR-U, interesting to read that the production of the Msta (assuming Msta-S?) has been discontinued?

Could it be an alternative to the much-vaunted T-15 Armata HAPC/HIFV based on a T-72/T-80/T-90 chassis instead?

I found this very interesting to be honest and one thing that always surprises me is the actual size of the shells. But is there any truth to the mention on the video that the S-60 was inspired by foreign designs (WW2 German 50mm flak)? Weapon Detective; S-60 documentary

I wouldn't blame Nick in the slightest if he wasn't looking forward to it at all. Some of the tight squeezes he has put himself through to make these videos really makes me cringe at times! Utmost respect from me for continuing to do this though. I'm wondering how they even managed to fit 25 rounds of 90mm within the interior of the AML-90. 🤔

Just watched part 1 of the AML-60 and really enjoyed it, the humour is always greatly appreciated too. I was very surprised to learn that the 60mm could be muzzle-loaded! Did that require alot of re-design to get the 60mm ordnance suitable for both muzzle and breech loading? Fascinating stuff, keep up the great work and looking forward to seeing part 2. I must admit that even for a 3-man crew, the AML does look really cramped. No doubt a comparison between the AML-60 and AML-90 in that regard would be a very interesting one.

Just found this by chance on Youtube this morning; posted by the Youtube channel WWII Metal Detecting, they are attempting to open the turret rear hatch of the KV-2 displayed at what I believe is called the Central Armed Forces Museum in Moscow? Sadly this video is only part 1 and I'm hoping for a part 2 coming soon! I will be curious to see if pictures I have seen before of a KV-2 turret interior are from this actual example or are misidentified and from another vehicle. I seem to recall it was in a book written in Polish text and there wasn't any information as to where the vehicle was located. I bet the turret rear hatch is a heavy lump of steel! The KV-2, always a favourite of mine.

I'm not sure just how much interchangeability there is between a T-80BV and T-80U? Plus there is the fact that production numbers of T-80U is far lower than that of T-80BV. Is it possible that sights/FCS of T-80U could be updated to the level of T-80BVM (model 2023)? Valid question in any event.

Thank you for the update. It appears that the T-80's life story isn't over yet then.

Well, when we go into battle, we like to play music very loud. It kind of....calms us down. Oh Oddball would be proud! If its good enough for a Sherman, it should work well enough with a T-72!

Good grief, is all of that EW equipment actually effective? Must make entering and exiting the turret rather awkward even though it seems to be attached to the top of the "cope cage".