Please excuse my question. How exactly does the T-80U's massive air filter on the rear of the turret function? Is it only dropped in place when the turret is facing forward? If that is the case is it always in the "Raised" position when it is in a combat ready state? Many of you are much more in tune with the Russian/Ukrainian armor than I am and I would appreciate a response before I start work on SP Designs outstanding T-80U conversion (Thanks Jacques)

E.T.

It's not an air filter, but a part of a fording kit - and it is lowered only when tank is taking a bath.

Understood...I feel like an idiot for asking. Thanks for the "common sense" answer....

Don't worry for asking, it's better than BEING an idiot for not asking ! I think the right name in English for that device is wading trunk.

Olivier

Close but no cigar..........it is called a Snorkel.

After thinking about the replies, it now seems so obvious as to what it is....oh well. Anyone have their best or favorite T-80U reference material advice??

Try Mikhail Barityanskiy's T-80 MBT book, English ed., it not so comprehensive as, say, Militaria books, but is definitely better then Concord ones.

PM me (so I remember) and I will help you out with some resources.