Late in 1994, Romania released details of the TM-800 MBT which, in many respects, is similar to the TR-580 MBT and may well be an export version of this vehicle.

Like the TR-580 MBT, the TM-800 has six roadwheels either side with the upper part of the suspension being covered by a light steel skirt.

Recent information has indicated that this vehicle remains at the prototype stage and has not yet entered volume production.

Description

The overall layout of the TM-800 is similar to that of the TR-580 and TR-85 MBTs with the driver seated at the front left with some ammunition stowed to his right. The driver has a single-piece hatch cover with periscopes for forward observation.

The cast turret is in the centre of the vehicle with the commander and gunner on the left and loader on the right as in the Russian T-54/T-55 MBT on which this vehicle is based.

Both commander and loader have a cupola with a single-piece hatch cover with the loader manning the 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun. Boxes of ready use machine gun ammunition are stowed on either side of the turret.

The engine compartment is at the rear of the hull. On the Soviet T-54/T-55/T-62/T-72 MBTs there is a distinct exhaust outlet on the left side of the hull above the last roadwheel station. The TM-800 MBT lacks this exhaust outlet. Mounted at the rear of the hull is an unditching beam.

Main armament comprises a 100 mm D-10 series rifled gun fitted with a fume extractor which is stabilised in both elevation and traverse. In addition, the gunner has an independently stabilised telescope. A 7.62 mm machine gun is mounted coaxially with the main armament.

The integrated fire-control system includes a ballistic computer and a laser range-finder to enable targets to be engaged at ranges from 150 to 4,000 m.

Standard equipment includes infra-red night vision equipment for the commander, gunner and driver, an NBC system, a fire detection and suppression system, the ability to mount mineclearing systems at the front of the hull, an anti-radiation lining, radios, internal communications equipment and a deep fording capability.

Although the TM-800 is similar to the older Russian T-54/T-55 MBTs it is some 9,000 kg heavier. According to the Romanians the hull and turret incorporate sandwich armour for improved battlefield survivability and this armour, together with the longer engine compartment, could account for the overall weight increase of the vehicle.

• TER-800 ARV

The TER-800 (Pentru Evacuare Si Reparatti) is based on the chassis of the TM-800 MBT but has a new superstructure enabling it to carry out different missions. Standard equipment includes a winch, crane and specialised tools and specialist equipment. Loaded weight is quoted at 45.50 tonnes.

• TR-125 MBT

This is similar in some respects to the Russian T-72 but never entered volume production. Details were given in Jane's Armour and Artillery 1995-96, page 102.

Development complete. Ready for production. As of early 1999 there are no known export customers for the TM-800 MBT.