T-80U(M) is a T-80U m88 with a new wind sensor, a new layout for the some of the stowage, and the LACK of the IR illuminator. This version is in service with the Russian Army in limited numbers (sorry, I do not know how many) and does NOT have the Shtora emitters.

Even I am getting screwed up with the designators: (Off the cuff)

T-80 - Original concept of a T-64A turret with a new chassis.

T-80B - T-64B turret with redesigned chassis.

T-80U - T-80B chassis with redesigned turret and K-5 ERA incorporated in the design.

T-80UD - Diesel engine version

T-80U(M) - Modernization of T-80U tanks withremoval of the IR illuminator and a new cross wind sensor being paramount.

T-80UK - T-80U with Shtora

T-80UM1 - T-80U with Arena Active defense system.

T-80UE - T-80U with a better engine. (I am not sure on this)

That should cover it. Even Sergej screwed up initially with his designator being T-80UE for his T-80UM1.

Hope that helps.

Hey Jon The picture you are looking at is a T-80 UD mod. 95

T-80U(M) - Modernization of T-80U tanks withremoval of the IR illuminator and a new cross wind sensor being paramount.

T-80UK - T-80U with Shtora

T-80UM1 - T-80U with Arena Active defense system.

T-80UE - T-80U with a better engine. (I am not sure on this)

I think the most current Russian tank is a T-95. The big temptation would be to build a Black Eagle!

I think the most current Russian tank is a T-95. The big temptation would be to build a Black Eagle!

T-95 program was cancelled, there will be new program for universal chassis for new MBT (new T-95), IFV's etc. but development phase will take another years. Object-640 (this is correct designation) or Black Eagle (facory marketing designation) was only demonstrator, to be more precise two demonstrators, one was simple T-80U hull with turret mockup, second was new, longer hull and turret prototype, but without internal systems.

The article I read was dated about the T-95. It said the project was still being developed so I thought it was probably done by now. I have a friend from Vladivistok but he has little interest in modern armor but helps me much with WWII AFVs. Modern armor is not my strong point.

I knew the 640 project number was the true name for the Black Eagle, but I like the sound of the Black Eagle name. I also knew it was a prototype/mock up turret on a T-80 hull and the other was an empty shell. It still has a very aggressive and modern look to it. What is the current most used and newest Russian main tank? Are there still many T-72s in service?

Didn't one of the T-80s have a turbine engine or something unique like that? I know when I was looking at the SP conversion kits for the T-80 there were about 3 or 4 of them, but not much information about the vehicle they were to represent. I ordered a couple books on the T-80s and a couple about other Russian armor earlier this evening from Amazon to help me when I am ready to build this model and the other WWII era Russian armor kits I have.

Do you know if the Chinese are currently using a Russian based main battle tank that they have modified? I seem to remember reading something like that while looking up information about the T-80. If they use their own tank do you know what it is called?