It has little to do with Russian ground forces, and so I figured it might merit its own thread.
For those who don't know, the Tank Biathlon was started in 2013, with teams from Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus. It was repeated in 2014 with more participants, although the only foreign tank present was the Chinese ZTZ-96 (the other teams participated on the T-72B provided by Russia). Russia won by a wide margin, with the Chinese performance being unimpressive. However, Russian crews used a special souped up T-72B3, with a new engine, new FCS, panoramic sights, and other upgrades. So they realistically had by far the most modern tank. This was likely done in preparation for western tanks that were originally supposed to participate (it was cancelled due to the war in Ukraine).
This year Russia is providing the T-72B3 to all participants. It remains a question whether the Russian team will compete on a regular T-72B3, or on the souped up "sports tanks" they used last year.
There's a couple photos of the color schemes for this year, and a photo of the Indians with the T-72B3. To be honest, this might also be a sales bid. A chance for the tankers of various countries to take an up close look at the modern T-72.
Gur Khan attacks!: "Танковый биатлон" - в Ñтот раз вÑе по-чеÑтному!
China is once again bringing the ZTZ-96A that did so poorly last year. Interestingly enough they're also participating in a whole bunch of other Russian competitions, including they very interesting Air Darts (ground-attack VS MANPADS), and Suvorov's Push for mech infantry (for which they've brought the ZDB-03 IFV which is a BMP-1 with a new turret).
bmpd - Танки и БМП ÐОÐК приехали на "Танковый биатлон" и "СуворовÑкий натиÑк"
It looks like the rules are being adjusted this year. The rules may allow for two first place contestants this year.
Минобороны: правила "Танкового биатлона" будут ÑущеÑтвенно доработаны | Ð*732;Ð ÐовоÑти
The rules booklet from last year is available here.
[ame=http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=b57_1391583359]LiveLeak.com - Tank Biathlon 2014 World Championship rules and invitation.[/ame]
For those who don't know, the Tank Biathlon was started in 2013, with teams from Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus. It was repeated in 2014 with more participants, although the only foreign tank present was the Chinese ZTZ-96 (the other teams participated on the T-72B provided by Russia). Russia won by a wide margin, with the Chinese performance being unimpressive. However, Russian crews used a special souped up T-72B3, with a new engine, new FCS, panoramic sights, and other upgrades. So they realistically had by far the most modern tank. This was likely done in preparation for western tanks that were originally supposed to participate (it was cancelled due to the war in Ukraine).
This year Russia is providing the T-72B3 to all participants. It remains a question whether the Russian team will compete on a regular T-72B3, or on the souped up "sports tanks" they used last year.
There's a couple photos of the color schemes for this year, and a photo of the Indians with the T-72B3. To be honest, this might also be a sales bid. A chance for the tankers of various countries to take an up close look at the modern T-72.
Gur Khan attacks!: "Танковый биатлон" - в Ñтот раз вÑе по-чеÑтному!
China is once again bringing the ZTZ-96A that did so poorly last year. Interestingly enough they're also participating in a whole bunch of other Russian competitions, including they very interesting Air Darts (ground-attack VS MANPADS), and Suvorov's Push for mech infantry (for which they've brought the ZDB-03 IFV which is a BMP-1 with a new turret).
bmpd - Танки и БМП ÐОÐК приехали на "Танковый биатлон" и "СуворовÑкий натиÑк"
It looks like the rules are being adjusted this year. The rules may allow for two first place contestants this year.
Минобороны: правила "Танкового биатлона" будут ÑущеÑтвенно доработаны | Ð*732;Ð ÐовоÑти
The rules booklet from last year is available here.
[ame=http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=b57_1391583359]LiveLeak.com - Tank Biathlon 2014 World Championship rules and invitation.[/ame]