Development of the Object 195 next generation MBT began in 1988-1989 by a team led by V. Potkin. It represents the "high-end" component, with Object 640 being the "middle-end" component of future Soviet tanks. It was originally planned to be ready in 1994. However, the collapse of the USSR considerably slowed down development, and prototype tests began only in 1997. Several prototypes have been constructed, and the tank is now planned for production in 2007.
The three-man crew is seated in an armoured capsule inside the hull of the tank. This arrangement with an unmanned turret improves crew safety and allows reducing the height of the vehicle. A fourth crew member is located in the battalion support company. The crew can enter the tank from the back. The tank features an automatic self-diagnosis system. Outside view is provided by three sets of periscopes in front hull and three optical sensors on top of the turret. The fire-control system includes optical, imaging infrared and radar channels and a laser rangefinder. An IFF system is also included. Ammo is carried in the turret bustle and loaded by a new type of autoloader. The completely new rear mounted X-shaped Diesel engine delivers 1500 hp to a new transmission system. An unique drive train suspension system helps improve ride smoothness and the noise levels are lower than on previous Russian tanks. Measures for signature reduction (LO) have been incorporated into the design of the tank.
The Relikt defense suite is five times more effective than Kaktus. It detonates on command before the round hits based on information from radar. It can be installed on T-72B and T-90 tanks and is being tested in the Leningrad Military District.
The crew of two is seated in a capsule in the middle of the hull, with supplies and lavatory for 72 hours of combat operations. The sighting system includes periscopes and optical sensors, imaging infrared sight, and a laser range finder. Each crew member has three LCD displays in front of him. The engine is mounted in the front of the vehicle and the suspension is hydropneumatic. The base chassis can be used for self-propelled artillery, anti-tank missile launcher, reconnaissance, re-supply, and unmanned combat vehicles. The Ladoga reconnaissance and command and control vehicle based on the same chassis is in limited production. Chief designer N.S. Popov.
Design work of the Object 477 next generation MBT with an unmanned turret began in 1981. Draft design was completed in 1984, technical design in 1985, and the first prototype (mock-up) was constructed in 1987. The vehicles were handed over to Russia, where trials continued through the 1990s. The Argus sight combines LLTV and imaging infrared channels, and a radar system is located on top of the turret. The crew is seated in the hull of the tank. The 152 mm gun with an autoloader can reach a rate of fire of 14 shots per minute. The basic loading module contains 10 rounds, and it can be supplemented by two 12 round modules. The Object 477 represents what was known as FST-2 in the West during the late 1980s/early 1990s.
The Object 640 is being developed by a team led by Alexander Morozov. It was first unveiled in September 1997 at Omsk. The turret and gun of the first prototype that had been completed in 1994 were shrouded with camouflage netting. The vehicle was based on a T-80UM chassis with 6 road wheels and a mock-up of the turret. The second prototype completed in 1998 used a new chassis with 7 road wheels and had a 125 mm gun. It was unveiled in 1999, also at Omsk.
The driver is seated in the hull to the rear of the entry hatch, the commander and gunner being seated in the turret. The gunner has an optical sight and a laser rangefinder and the commander a panoramic thermal imaging sight. The front 120 degrees of the turret are protected by reactive armour. The turret bustle is a detachable Transport-Loading Module (TZM) that contains the horizontally stored ammunition and is separated from the crew by an armoured bulkhead. It can be replaced by a transloader without the crew having to exit the tank. Rate of fire is 10-12 rounds per minute. The hydropneumatic suspension is similar to the T-80UM, but the tracks are slightly wider. The "Black Eagle" is planned only for export. A new turret based on the Object 640 design is offered as an upgrade to older tanks.