Type 72Z
| Type 72Z | |
|---|---|
Torsion bar | |
Operational range | 440 km |
| Maximum speed | 65 km/h |
The Type 72Z tank (also known as the T-72Z and the Safir-74,[5] and the Al-Zubair I in Sudan)[4] is a highly modernized version of the Type 59 and T-54/T-55 tanks,[5] with upgrades carried out by the Iranian Defense Industries Organization.[3]
The tank is not to be confused with an Iraqi modernization also known as T-72Z, said to carry a 125 mm gun.[6]
History
![[icon]](/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (June 2017) |
The Type 72Z was first announced by the
Iranian army.[3]
Upgrades
The 100mm gun of the T-55/Type 59 was replaced with an Iranian-produced derivative of the
smoke grenade dischargers were also added to provide concealment on top of the existing ability to create a smoke screen by injecting diesel fuel into the left exhaust outlet.[3][4][8]
Explosive reactive armor (ERA) developed by the Shahid Kolah Dooz Industrial Complex can be fitted to the Type 72Z, providing protection against projectiles and napalm-type weapons. Side track skirts similar to those on the Type 59 were added to T-54/T-55 tanks upgraded with ERA. [3]
The engine was replaced with a Ukrainian 780 hp V46-6 diesel engine,[4][5] together with the SPAT-1200 transmission system.[3] Air conditioning, power steering and a fire suppression system are also believed to have been installed.[8]
Variants
- Safir-74 - Iranian T-54/T-55 tanks which have gone through similar upgrades.[5] Safir means "messenger" in Persian.[9]
- Al-Zubair I - Sudanese variant of the Type 72Z manufactured by the Military Industry Corporation,[10] with the engine upgraded with a supercharger.[11]
Operators
Iran[5]
- Ground Forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps[2]
- Islamic Republic of Iran Army Ground Forces[2]
Sudan: First purchased in 2006.[12]
Non-state operators
See also
References
- ^ Brahy, Jérôme. "Sudanese Army continues to deploy Iranian-made T-72Z main battle tanks in the ongoing civil war". armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 11 April 2025.
- ^ a b c Galen Wright (15 March 2011) Iranian Military Capability 2011 - Ground Forces
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Pike, John. "T-72Z Safir-74". Globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 26 June 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Pike, John; Sherman, Robert (18 June 1999). "Type 59". fas.org. Federation of American Scientists Military Analysis Network. Retrieved 25 June 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Safir-74 / Type 72Z T-72Z main battle tank". armyrecognition.com. Army Recognition. 19 November 2011. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
- ^ "JED The Military Equipment Directory". Archived from the original on 10 October 2008. Retrieved 30 September 2008.
- ^ "Type 59 Main Battle Tank". Inetres.com. Retrieved 26 June 2017.
- ^ a b "DIO T-72Z (T-55) Main Battle Tank (MBT)". Militaryfactory.com. Retrieved 26 June 2017.
- ^ Cordesman, Anthony H. Iran's Military Forces in Transition: Conventional Threats and Weapons of Mass Destruction. p. 133.
- ^ "Safir-74 - Tank Encyclopedia". Tanks-encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 26 June 2017.
- ^ "Al-Zubair-I Main Battle Tank DAA02". Military Industry Corporation. Archived from the original on 17 July 2017. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
- ^ "Iran Memproduksi Senjata dan Peralatan Militer Canggih untuk Pasar Dalam dan Luar Negeri". Artileri.org. Retrieved 26 June 2017.
- ^ "Iran's Expanding Sphere of Influence: Iranian T-72 Tanks in Iraq". 13 March 2015.
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