The Russian T-90 has a new version of the 125mm gun, a ballistics computer, sophisticated armor with improved reactive armor, advanced panoramic sights, new thermal imaging, encrypted digital communications & an embarrassing bug, ‘spinning turret syndrome’
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Jai Hind 🇮🇳🫡#Sikhs #Punjab #IndianArmy pic.twitter.com/0eC9xTBlCU
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Russia’s most advanced battle tank has encountered a significant technical issue that has earned it the nickname “disco head” due to its turret spinning uncontrollably. This glitch has been observed in the T-90 tank, which President Vladimir Putin has previously declared as the “best tank in the world.” The problem has manifested several times, particularly after the tank faced attacks from Ukrainian forces.
One of the most severe instances of this malfunction occurred in a confrontation in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. During this encounter, Ukrainian forces, operating two Bradley fighting vehicles provided by the US, engaged the Russian T-90. The Ukrainian troops fired at close range, using a 25mm Bushmaster chain gun, heavily bombarding the tank’s armor.
Quick guide How to destroy 🇷🇺 flagship tank -the T90 (cost ~$2.5 mil USD) with ~$2,500 USD. #UkraineWar pic.twitter.com/hKmk2JDxo5
— Jovian (@fuky0rign0rance) May 25, 2024
The conflict was recorded, showing the T-90’s turret losing control and spinning wildly before the tank collided with a tree. Following this, the tank crew was forced to abandon the vehicle on foot, and the tank itself was ultimately destroyed by a Ukrainian attack drone using a first-person view (FPV).
A similar issue was recorded in another incident involving a different T-90, which came under attack from a Ukrainian strike drone operated by the 47th mechanised brigade, known for its combat experience. The tank was hit from above while moving along a road, likely also in eastern Ukraine. After the second strike, which seemed to hit the rear part of the tank, the turret began spinning uncontrollably, with the operators appearing unable to stabilize it. The 47th Brigade speculated on social media that the drone strike might have damaged the tank’s guidance optics.
The Ukrainian army has successfully captured a rare Russian T-90 "Breakthrough" tank, which is valued at approximately $4.5 million.
💪🇺🇦✌️ pic.twitter.com/9plXWuAEL3— Dr. Khaled Alfaiomi (@Alfaiomi) May 27, 2024
The T-90 is equipped with a 125mm smoothbore cannon that includes an automatic targeting system. This system, responsive to laser warning sensors, automatically directs the gun toward the perceived threat, a feature somewhat similar to the hunter-killer systems found in the US-made Abrams and British Challenger 2 tanks.
Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a former British Army tank commander, suggested that the spinning issue might be due to a mix of inexperienced crew members and faulty electronics. He explained that it is easy for those unfamiliar with the operation of modern tanks to become disoriented, as the hull, turret, and commander’s sight can each be pointing in different directions. This disorientation, combined with potential electronic failures, could explain why the turret spins out of control.
Another T-90 death trap was destroyed!
The destruction of the Russian T-90M "Breakthrough" tank on the outskirts of Chasiv Yar, Bakhmut district, Donetsk region
Operators of attack drones of the 225th separate assault battalion are working pic.twitter.com/gvsz3Jhtft
— War_Watcher (@The_War_Watcher) May 26, 2024
De Bretton-Gordon also noted that the T-90’s electronics, which include components sourced from Western countries, might be adversely affected by international sanctions, further complicating the issue.
As the conflict continues, more T-90 tanks, each valued at approximately $4.5 million, are being deployed to Ukraine. This increase comes as Russia faces substantial losses of older tank models like the T-72 and T-80, which were designed over 40 years ago. Meanwhile, Russia’s most advanced tank, the T-14 Armata, which debuted in the 2015 Victory Day Parade in Moscow, has yet to be seen in Ukraine. There is speculation that Russia is reluctant to risk the Armata in combat due to potential significant damage to its reputation should it be lost.
Major Points
- Russia’s T-90 tank, praised by President Putin as the “best in the world,” is experiencing a severe malfunction known as the “disco head” glitch, causing its turret to spin uncontrollably.
- The issue has been documented during combat in Ukraine, including a notable incident where a T-90 collided with a tree after its turret spun wildly due to close-range fire from Ukrainian forces using Bradley fighting vehicles.
- Similar malfunctions were observed in other T-90s when targeted by Ukrainian drone strikes, suggesting potential damage to the tank’s guidance optics.
- Experts believe the glitch may be due to a combination of inexperienced crews and defective electronics, exacerbated by international sanctions affecting the availability of Western electronic components.
- Despite the introduction of more modern tanks like the T-14 Armata, Russia continues to deploy the T-90 to the Ukrainian front as it faces significant losses of older tank models.
Charles William III – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
