HT-90 Pružný

HT-90 Pružný
The HT-90 Pružný on static display
Type	Main battle tank
Place of origin	Holynia
Service history
In service	2002-present
Production history
Designed	1993-1999
Manufacturer	Kubeš Machine Building Design Bureau
Unit cost	HK 4.3 million
Produced	1999–present
No. built	381
Specifications
Weight	46 t (45 long tons; 51 short tons)
Length	Overall: 10.8 m (35 ft 5 in) Chassis : 7.5 metres (24 ft 7 in)
Width	3.7 m (12 ft 2 in)
Height	2.215 m (7 ft 3 in)
Crew	3 (commander, gunner and driver)
Armor	Steel, composite armor, ERA, with soft-kill and hard-kill anti-missile defense systems
Main armament	125mm smoothbore gun with ATGM capability
Secondary armament	7.62mm coax gun 12.7 commander gun
Engine	6-cylinder 16.3 litre diesel engine 1,200 hp
Power/weight	26 hp/tonne
Transmission	Automatic
Suspension	Torsion bar
Operational range	540 kilometres (340 mi)
Speed	70 km/h (43 mph)

The HT-90 Pružný is a Holyn main battle tank developed by Kubeš Machine Building Design Bureau. The HT-90 is a development of the HT-85/75, first introduced in 1975, the HT-90 introduced a number of new features such as a hard kill active protection system and new welded turret. The tank has been in service with the Royal Holyn Defence Force and its predecessor, the Holyn Armed Forces, since 1999. The HT-90 features a 6 cylinder, 1,200 hp engine with a power-to-weight ratio of 26 horssepower per tonne. This replaced the HT-85s gas-turbine engine following cost issues during development. An upgraded version the HT-90P was introduced in 2010 and is currently in production. The tank was designed and built by Kubeš Machine Building Design Bureau in Kubes, Holynia.

History

Development

In 1983, the HT-75 underwent an modernisation program aimed to improve reliability and situational awareness. The prototype model would be called Type 710. Type 710 started simply as a HT-75 chassis. During the course of development, Clona-2 (English: Shield-2) explosive reactive armour was developed by Slatnik State University School of Engineering. This armour was an improved variant of the Clona-1 explosive reactive armour found on the HT-75. A new gas-turbine engine was developed and installed on Type 710 in 1984. The new Clona-2 ERA was integrated into the design of the turret and hull. The Type 710 was further upgraded in 1985 with a new 125mm smoothbore gun and accompying fire control system. This new fire control system added a laser range finder and thermal imaging sights. Armor was added to the front rubber side skirts. In 1987, the Type 710 underwent acceptance trials by the Ministry of Defense. The tank received the designation, HT-85. Serial production began in 1989 and the first tanks were delivered the the Holyn Army by late 1989. Further improvements continued in the 1990s, with the HT-85 receiving a new thermal sight for the commander.

In 1992, Clona-3 explosive reactive armor was trialed. The promising results saw a new prototype tank, the Type 770 main battle tank begin development. A new welded turret was constructed to better fit the Clona-3 blocks. Other improvements were introduced including a soft kill active protection system with dazzlers, laser warning system and smoke grenades. An improved gas turbine engine was also installed, with over 1,500 horsepower and reduced fuel consumption. The Type 770 was well received by officials from the Ministry of Defence, however economic issues in Holynia prevented an order being placed in 1994. Funding for development continued, allowing further improvements to the Type 770. A Type 770 prototype was showcased in 1996 with a 1,200 horsepower diesel engine. The lower cost of the diesel engine versus the gas turbine engine pushed the Ministry of Defence to order 200 Type 700-D main battle tanks. The Type 770 was designated HT-90 Pružný by the Ministry of Defence. The first deliveries began in 1999, during the midst of the Bogorian War of Independence. The tanks saw their first combat use later that year.