Hi all
I'm sorting out pictures I have on my HD but I have some problems to identify from the front the T-80U and the - UD. What are the best features for a positive ID?

TIA
Olivier

Cupola, UD can be operated from under cover with an anti aircraft sight in a separate rotating housing and uses large ammo boxes while U has a manually operated mount using smaller ammo boxes.

Sean

One major difference between between both variants is the engine. While the U is still powered by a gas turbine the ukrainian developed UD has a (2-stroke) diesel engine. Therefore the engine deck and the exhausts on the back differ visibly.

The major difference from the front is probably the different turret ERA configuration on the top. On the U it is straight, on th UD is is L shaped.

Sean, I knew about the NSVT different positions but was unsure about which variant had the remote controlled one.

Arpad, I'll have to check my numerous pictures to spot this different ERA lay-out. For sure I never noticed it before.

Bernd, I was aware of the different engine and engine deck. MY problem was to identify the variants from the front. Thank you for your input.

Olivier

https://thesovietarmourblog.blogspot.com/2016/02/t-80-gambol.html#aa

some detail on the different cupola / MG setups.

Sean

Thank you for the link. Very informative.

Olivier

From the front, the headlight guards are a good differentiator. They are wider and more complex on the UD. It also has the track securing fittings on both fenders, in the location that the U has extra track links.

Thank you Alex.

Olivier

The easiest way to distinguish a T-80U from a -UD is that the -U has the post-mounted AAMG that can be moved around the turret. The -UD have the remotely operated AAMG on the coupola. The 4 posts on the -U stick out as a quick and easy identifier.

Of course, from the rear, the engine deck and exhaust are completely different.