[Coming Soon] T-72A Platoon: forward, only forward!

T-72A Platoon (Rank IX)

Historical note

The T-72A modification was the first serial modernization of the Soviet T-72 main battle tank. This variant included replacing the main armament, receiving a more accurate 125 mm gun and a modern fire control system with a laser rangefinder. Lots of work was done on its protection — additional armor elements were added to the hull and turret, including those with non-metallic fillers. Rubber fabric screens were placed on the sides of the hull. The engine was also replaced with a new one, and the running gear was improved. The modernized T-72A tank became the basis for further modifications such as the T-72M export version and the T-72AV with “Kontakt-1” explosive reactive armor.

Т-72А

T-72A will arrive at rank IX of the USSR armored vehicle line in the upcoming seasonal update in War Thunder Mobile. This is a great, versatile tank! You’ll feel confident while using it in any battle on any type of location. Let’s study the strengths and weaknesses of the T-72A and consider the most successful tactics for playing with it.

The T-72A has some of the best armor protection values at its rank. The design of this tank makes extensive use of both traditional homogeneous armor steel and combined protection using composite armor elements. All armor elements at the front have excellent protection characteristics, and additionally are arranged at good angles, further increasing protection. It is really a tough nut to crack! However, you should be aware of the weakened areas at the hull sides, turret side, driver’s hatch and the lower hull at the front. Hidden behind a small rock or building debris, the T-72A can be very successfully played when only exposing the turret. Only a few of the most advanced and lucky opponents will be able to penetrate its front armor, especially at long ranges.

The well-protected T-72A is supported by great firepower — the 125 mm smoothbore gun with excellent ballistics has in its arsenal three types of APFSDS, as well as HE and HEAT shells. An important feature of this tank is the automatic carousel-type loader, which provides a high rate of fire.

The main disadvantage of this tank is its mobility. When moving forward, it is fast enough, although it slightly loses to Western designed MBTs. But there is one important issue of the T-72 series and most Soviet tanks, and that’s its very slow reverse speed. This unfortunate issue can play a cruel joke with you at crucial moments in battle, therefore commanders of the T-72 series have to learn the tactics of firefights in a new way. For example, in cities you can shoot on the move, moving from cover to cover, from building to building. In open terrain, it might be enough to turn the hull slightly to protect vulnerable areas — thanks to its excellent protection, it has a good chance of surviving several hits without any problems.

The T-72A is one of the most anticipated vehicles coming to the game for a reason: powerful, well-protected, practically versatile! Its platoon mates will be excellent vehicles that will easily turn the tide of battle in your favor.

T-64A (1971)

The first Soviet MBT, the T-64A is very similar in gameplay to its platoon mate, the T-72A. Decent forward but very low reverse speed, excellent armor protection at the front, a destructive cannon and an automatic loader. One unusual feature of the T-64A is its side flaps (called gill skirts) located on the sides of the hull, which reduce the effectiveness of HEAT rounds. A tough, versatile warrior that will easily fulfill any task in combat!

BMP-2

New to War Thunder Mobile, but well known to experienced commanders! The BMP-2 is an IFV with a 30 mm automatic cannon and the “Konkurs” ATGM. This vehicle is ideal for flanking the enemy team and for setting up anti-tank ambushes. Try to avoid enemy fire as much as possible, as the BMP-2 has very little armor.

“Shturm-S”

An MT-LB with ATGMs? Why not! This maneuverable and low tracked vehicle based on the MT-LB allows you to hide behind low buildings and safely fire guided missiles — four types of them are available, including those with tandem warheads. The perfect tank hunter!

*Commanders, the platoon units, characteristics and camouflages of vehicles are preliminary and may differ from those given in the article.

The Т-72А Platoon (Rank IX) becomes accessible once you reach level 18 of the tank campaign. You have the option to instantly upgrade your campaign level using Golden Eagles to gain faster access to this platoon compared to other players, or you can progress through battles to level up.

Please remember that as soon as Campaign Level 19 becomes available, Level 18 and 18* platoons will merge into a single Level 18. Vehicles purchased for Golden Eagles will remain as a premium even after the levels are merged. The final coefficients on the three vehicles will be the same as the level 18 vehicles.