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Al-Khalid tank (Type 90-IIM / MBT-2000) Information Pool

Most ERA blocks are manufactured as per the user requirements, NOZH cannot be necessarily be small, neither ERA must always be meduim sized. Your argument is simply mute and you are on an ego shot. I ca show you AK with K-5 ERA blocks, similar to what is standard ERA on most AK-1, but later all were removed and local ERA are modified. The prototype AK also had various ERA versions for different trials.
Now when your bubble is totally busted, go to sleep...or i will give you more nightmares :)

Each ERA has its own size... yes small but smaller in thickness means reduced ability against HEAT and equivalent to no ability against tandem and certainly no ability against APFSDS.
How will that one inch of explosive cut a tungsten rod travelling at 1600m/s ?

ERA shape or I should say dimension depends on the places it needs to cover on the tank... there are 2-3 different sets of dimension which are made by the manufacturer... I showed you the export version of Nozh on a T-64E in some earlier photo... thats still thicker than any ERA Pakistani tanks are having.

I would like to see your different ERA versions... on Al Khalid.
 
This should put an end to the Nozh debate.......Here is the complete version of the article i posted in reply to Darky's post.....


© 2004 The British Broadcasting Corporation [date of publication]. All Rights Reserved. No material may be reproduced except with the express permission of The British Broadcasting Corporation.

Ukrainian military designer Col Vasyl Khytryk has said the Ukrainian tank protection system Nizh is superior to all foreign analogues, including Russian ones. In an interview with the English-language version of the Ukrainian Defense-Express military journal, Khytryk said the system was developed after Ukraine had secured a big contract for tank deliveries to Pakistan. Describing the system, he said it could be installed on a variety of foreign tanks. Ukraine is looking for potential customers both for the Nizh and a similar system called Zaslin. The following is the text of an interview with Khytryk in English, entitled "Why Nizh is necessary to the tank", and published in the No 1-2 issue of the Defense-Express journal on 31 January; subheadings inserted editorially:

The explosive reactive armour (ERA) system called Nizh [Russian: Nozh, English: Knife] allows protection against every type of antitank ordnance, in the first place armour-piercing sub-calibre shells and striking-nucleus-type impact rounds that attack tanks from the upper hemisphere. Previously, that kind of effect had been beyond the capabilities of any of the off-the-shelf examples of ERA systems. How was the Nizh developed? What makes it so unique? What kind of new tank protection technologies are Ukrainian military designers working on now?

Answers to those and more questions were given in an interview with the Defense-Express military news agency by Col Vasyl Khytryk, chief designer at the Microtech base centre for critical technologies, and once an employee with the armoured equipment research and testing centre in [Russia's] Kubinka.

Nizh developed to pull off Pakistani tank deal

[Khytryk] The project to develop an explosive reactive armour system that is now known as Nizh (Knife) was launched in 1997-98 as part of an effort to supply a consignment of T-80UD tanks under a contract with Pakistan. Russia, in the person of the Moscow-based Scientific Research Institute of Steel had reservations about that contract, saying the tanks being supplied to Pakistan were equipped with an ERA system one of whose elements, the 4C22, was of Russian design. For that system the Russian side demanded a huge sum in royalties that would equal almost 10 per cent of the entire contract value. By that time Ukraine had accumulated enough ideas of its own. So a decision was taken to create an explosive reactive armour system that would be of entirely Ukrainian design. To order from the Defence Ministry of Ukraine and in partnership with the Morozov design bureau in Kharkiv (who in fact came out as customers in that project), a fundamentally new ERA system had been developed within a very short period of time. In 2003, by the defence minister's decree, the ERA system that we designed was commissioned and commercialized by a factory near Kiev.

[Correspondent] How much money did it take to develop that system?

[Khytryk] The Defence Ministry only covered half of the costs. The remainder came from designer companies involved in the project, first and foremost the Morozov design bureau. Interdepartmental trials, too, had to be conducted at the cost of participating companies.

Nizh profiled

[Correspondent] What makes this system so unique?

[Khytryk] The system works on the principle of the directed concentrated effect of individual speciality charges contained by the Nizh module on an antitank projectile that hits tank armour. Once the projectile hits an ERA module, a pin-point blasting of individual charges takes place to destroy the projectile. Employing the principle of directed destructive effect allowed the creation of an explosive reactive armour system that efficiently destroys incoming ordnance, no matter what type of charge it may carry - armour-piercing rounds or hollow-charge shells or striking-nucleus-type impact shells. The ERA system that we've designed is equally efficacious against Soviet-era-vintage projectiles and Western-designed ones. On top of that, the new-generation Nizh ERA modules that are accommodated in specialized Morozov-designed sections mounted on the outside of the tank allow it to keep adjacent ERA modules intact, thereby increasing the entire system's survival by 200 to 300 per cent. In case of earlier versions of ERA systems, subject to destruction were considerable numbers of adjacent modules that were not directly hit by an incoming projectile. There were occasions of about 50 per cent of ERA modules on the given side of the tank being destroyed by an explosion resulting from a projectile hitting just one module on the same side of the tank. That meant to say that, for that side of the tank (tank body or front or turret), the protection system was nonrecoverable.

Russian competitors lagging behind

[Correspondent] Is the Ukrainian-designed ERA system better than Russia's?

[Khytryk] At the present time, Russia employs ERA systems with 4C20 and 4C22 elements that provide reliable protection against non-tandem-type hollow-charge projectiles. But in case of armour-piercing sub-calibre rounds, that system is impotent. Neither does it save from striking-nucleus-type impact rounds. As far as we know, the Scientific Research Institute of Steel is conducting research and development on a general-purpose ERA system to be known as KontaktV. That system would provide reliable protection against armour-piercing sub-calibre shells, like the 105-mm M833 or 120-mm M829, as well as hollow-charge rounds T0W-2 and T0W-2A. The Russian institute offers us cooperation in research and development on a general-purpose second-generation ERA system that would be highly efficacious against armour-piercing sub-calibre shells (120-mm M829A2) and hollow-charge rounds (HOT-3 or SADARM). We have achieved this level already, and manufacture the ERA system Nizh in commercial quantities. We also are working on a project to develop a multi-layer built-in ERA system that would provide protection against prospective types of shells. In that effort we are at least five years ahead of our Russian counterparts.

[Correspondent] Have the Russians showed any interest in acquiring the Nizh?

[Khytryk] No official suggestions or requests have come from Russia. Though, in private conversations some degree of interest has been shown indeed. They apparently consider themselves pioneers in that type of work, and therefore, do not deem it necessary to communicate with others working in this field. As for us, we equip the T-84 tank with an ERA system that provides parameters that they (the Russians) are so far from attaining that they are just offering cooperation in developing an equivalent system to foreign partners.

Foreign analogues

[Correspondent] How efficient is the Ukrainian system compared with foreign-designed equivalents?

[Khytryk] Neither the German Leopard-2, nor the American Abrams M1A2, nor the British Challenger 2 are comparable with the ERA system. The French have an ERA system of their own. It is worse noting that the French Leclerc that is in service in the army of the United Arab Emirates has been adjusted to carry an ERA system, yet the system as such is yet to be installed on the tank. We estimate that by its performance parameters the French-designed ERA system is no better than the Soviet-designed system with the 4C20 element.

[Correspondent] What about the Merkava tank of Israel?

[Khytryk] The Israelis were the first to put an explosive reactive armour system onto a tank and test it in combat operations in the early 1980s. The result surpassed all expectations. Development work on ERA systems were pioneered by the Soviet Union. Yet, die to some subjective reasons, ERA systems had never emerged on Soviet tanks: there were some high-ranking commanders in the Soviet armed forces who warned they would never tolerate a tank in a shell of explosive. For that matter it should be pointed out that the ERA system for tanks in Israel, and subsequently in more countries, was only designed to provide protection against hollow-charge shells, as at the time that kind of ordnance was the most powerful anti-tank weapon. But the situation changed in the mid-1980s with the emergence of box-frame armour-piercing sub-calibre kinetic energy (KE) rounds (like DM-23 or M-111). Those projectiles - which over time have become the principal anti-tank weapon - pierce the tank armour to a depth that is practically equal to their own core. Besides, tandem-type hollow-charge shells have come to be employed to counter ERA protection. This brought about a challenge to provide protection against that type of rounds. And that challenge has been successfully handled in Ukraine.

Commercial prospects

[Correspondent] Is the Nizh fit for mounting onto the Polish tank PT-91 that is bound for export to Malaysia?

[Khytryk] Yes, it is. We had meetings with Polish officials, and conducted a few rounds of negotiations. They have their own ERA system with its own parameters. But the thing is that the Polish do not believe it practicable to create an ERA system that would be potent enough to protect against an armour-piercing sub-calibre projectile. During a trial conducted at a proving ground in Ukraine in April 2002, we "neutralized" a Mango-type Soviet-made 125-mm sub-calibre shell fired from 100 meters, and in May 2003 we demonstrated our system in the United Arab Emirates in a duel with a 120-mm French-made armour-piercing sub-calibre round.

[Correspondent] What is the demand for the Nizh?

[Khytryk] You know, the road is long from advertising to selling. We demonstrated that system to Turkish military commanders at a firing ground here in Ukraine in 2002, during a competition for a contract to supply tanks to Turkey. Though, for the time being, talks on the sale of the system as such and the Ukrainian tank as a whole have been rather difficult. We received inquiries from the UAE about the possibility of installing the ERA system onto the Leclerc tank which they have in their inventory. That tank has already been adjusted to carry an ERA protective system. So no trouble is bound to crop up there. But there is one but: installing an ERA system on the Leclerc previously requires getting the go-ahead from the French. The Leclerc tanks operated by the UAE's army are with an indefinite guarantee of free service. That means that the tank cannot have any of its parts, even a bolt, replaced. There is fear the French will never agree to the Leclerc's being fitted out with our ERA system.

A certain amount of interest is being shown in a project to develop an ERA system for light-weight armoured combat vehicles. The challenge is to provide protection against 20-30-mm gun shells and anti-tank grenades. One of the subtypes of the Nizh system provides efficient protection against 23-mm and 30-mm rounds called MAR as well as PG-7 and PG-9 grenades.

[Correspondent] Does that mean that we are now able to offer our ERA systems for installation onto Soviet-designed armoured infantry fighting vehicles RMP-3?

[Khytryk] Yes, that's true. But first we have to work out a concept of protection for light-weight armoured combat vehicles and test it. For the time being, such a concept in pure form is nonexistent. We are looking for investors, conducting negotiations on creating that variant of protective system. We have some ideas, and are going to solve that problem within the next 12 months.

[Correspondent] Are you going go supply the Nizh to Pakistan?

[Khytryk] Negotiations are in progress with many countries. As far as Pakistan is concerned, they have recently bought new tanks, and, from our perspective, it now does not make economic sense to replace existing ERA systems on the vehicles. An enhanced version of the T-55 tank with the Nizh ERA protective system has recently been demonstrated in Turkey.

Domestic demand

[Correspondent] Is an explosive active armour system for tanks available to Ukraine?

[Khytryk] Not yet. The explosive active armour called Zaslin [Russian: Zaslon, English: Barrier] is now being developed to order from the Ukrinmash firm with funds provided by the Immersion company. That system is designed to protect stationary facilities or entities in motion from anti-tank projectiles with flat or diving trajectories fired using whatever type of sighting systems or guns. That system is without an analogue in the world. Most importantly, in contrast to the existing Russian-designed explosive active armour systems Drozd and Arena, the Zaslin provides protection against artillery shells with velocities of up to 1,200 metres per second. One more very important defining feature of the Zaslin is that is can be interfaced with an explosive reactive armour system. Neither the Drozd nor the Arena is capable of that, as they both are designed for accommodation on the tank turret, leaving no room for an ERA system there. Because those two systems are impotent in providing protection against armour-piercing shells, the vehicle, instead of obtaining better protection as designed, becomes even more vulnerable.

[Correspondent] When will the work on the Zaslin be finished?

[Khytryk] Now we are in serious preparations for testing that system in field conditions. We estimate that the Zaslin would be ready for full-rate production in the not very distant future. Elements comprising the system will be of entirely Ukrainian make.

[Correspondent] Are there any orders for the technology from the Defence Ministry of Ukraine?

[Khytryk] Thus far, there are no orders. But they at the Defence Ministry are thinking seriously about advancing research work in this field. Much interest in the Zaslin system is being shown on the part of the Americans. The military of China want to obtain that technology as well, yet in parts. They are working with a number of Ukrainian companies, meaning to obtain a radar. There have been no contacts with the Chinese thus far concerning the explosive active armour system. China is known to have been engaged with Pakistan in a large-scale project for the manufacture of the Al-Khalid tank there. We might be able to penetrate the Chinese market precisely by way of that project. The more so because that project already involves Ukrainian-made products in big enough amounts (engine-transmission blocs, optics). So issues of common concern and common interest are already there to stay.


http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2...6-20245068_ITM

]

Mate how strong is Pakistan-Ukraine military to military relations would it be able to withstand any would-be sanctions imposed on us by the US after 2014 ?


While our military industry has come of an age and designing/ producing our own AFVs with sophisticated technologies, Pakistan Ukraine military relations are quite deep, remember it was Pakistan that gave them their largest military sale and a respectable recognition in global arms market. Ukrainians respect this deeply so they are ever ready to co-operate with us most of the times. In fact, we have been co-operating for last 12-15 years! Lastly, we got the T-80uds during the sanction period.
 
This should put an end to the Nozh debate.......Here is the complete version of the article i posted in reply to Darky's post.....

http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2...6-20245068_ITM

Good I would like to see improved Al Khalid with a much better ERA... If possible equivalent to Nozh at present it too-exposed against Kinetic rounds aswell as tandem warhead rounds... aswell as a bustle mounted auto-loader large enough to fire long rod penetrators... and some more punch in the Gun.
 
Buddy, i tell you that the gun which is a Pakistani modified version of Ukrainian KBA-3 gun, developed with French assistance is already too powerful to drill through many famous.....u know:)

here is more co-operation, most likely for AK-2....



Modernisation of Al-Khalid tank: Ukraine to provide technical cooperation to Pakistan: envoy | Business Recorder

Whats th chamber pressure of the gun.. and are trying to increase the barrel length on next variant(may be 50cal as in Type-99 later variants)
Longer gun would have far better muzzle speed... but something has to be done with accuracy factor of Al Khalid... good mobility but not as accurate.
 
Whats th chamber pressure of the gun.. and are trying to increase the barrel length on next variant(may be 50cal as in Type-99 later variants)
Longer gun would have far better muzzle speed... but something has to be done with accuracy factor of Al Khalid... good mobility but not as accurate.

How did you come to conclusion that AK gun has poor accuracy? It is not based on 2a46/ m series, rather, on the KBA series which has very good accuracy. it is too early to speculate on gun calibre but it could be 50 or even 52 cal, however, current gun has shown pretty good accuracy and sufficient pressure to hit targets as far as 4km with minimum effect on barrel quality so i think they might even retain the 48 cal as well. Just speculation on gun calibre though.
 
How did you come to conclusion that AK gun has poor accuracy? It is not based on 2a46/ m series, rather, on the KBA series which has very good accuracy. it is too early to speculate on gun calibre but it could be 50 or even 52 cal, however, current gun has shown pretty good accuracy and sufficient pressure to hit targets as far as 4km with minimum effect on barrel quality so i think they might even retain the 48 cal as well. Just speculation on gun calibre though.

I saw it in some trail video... some time back... It was missing targets by quiet some distances.. both wile stationary aswell as moving.
Besides the gun, the FCS and gun stabilization system is also important.. suspension also matters in this case.
Al Khalid turret is small so I doubt It can handle the recoil of a 52 cal. gun and shoot accurately enough....(ARDE Gun on Arjun is 52 cal.).. rather It should go for 50 cal. gun as is the case with Newer Chinese Type-99 tanks... Leo2A6 I must say is very accurate while in stationary mode... while T-90 has shown better accuracy while on move.. (If you see the Saudi tests where T-90S beat all the others in flying colors).
 
Dr AQ Khan Research Laboratories AORAK Mk 1 Explosive Reactive Armour
Date Posted: 22-May-2003

Development / Description

The Dr AQ Khan Research Laboratories, well known for the design, development and production of missile and rocket systems, have developed the AORAK Mk 1 explosive reactive armour (ERA) system to improve the combat survivability of tanks and armoured fighting vehicles against attack from Chemical Energy (CE) projectiles.
So far, the Dr AQ Khan Research Laboratories have developed three different sizes of ERA modules to meet different user requirements.
They are known as Type A, B and C and differ only in their size. Each module consists of two thin steel plates between which the explosive is inserted. This in turn is inserted in a box which is then bolted on to the hull or turret of the vehicle.
Efforts have also been made ​​to reduce the risk of accidental detonation of the ERA modules by small arms fire, shell fragments and lightning strikes as well as reducing the sympathetic detonation of surrounding ERA modules.
This armour system is claimed to have a shelf-life of 10 years and an operational temperature range of -40 to +52 º C.


Specifications

Type A
Type B
Type C

Size
305 × 305 mm
229 × 229 mm
152 × 152 mm

Weight
16 kg
9 kg
8 kg

Weight of explosive sheet
1.2 kg
0.75 kg
0.35 kg

Status

Development complete. Believed to be in low-rate production for the Pakistan Army for installation on Type 59, 69 and 85 series MBTs. Late in 2000, Pakistan showed the Al Khalid and Al Zarra MBTs fitted with ERA over their frontal arc. At this stage, the source of this ERA is not known. Al Khalid is now entering production for Pakistan with 315 to be built over a three year period.
 
Really feeling good to see that KRL is doing R&D and I hope that they will do more n more in Materials as well. INSHA ALLAH.
 
Buddy, i tell you that the gun which is a Pakistani modified version of Ukrainian KBA-3 gun, developed with French assistance is already too powerful to drill through many famous.....u know:)

here is more co-operation, most likely for AK-2....



Modernisation of Al-Khalid tank: Ukraine to provide technical cooperation to Pakistan: envoy | Business Recorder

the Gun is being locally produced now at HMC and the PA and HIT are very much satisfied with its performance in terms of accuracy and life.
here are some details:
http://www.defence.pk/forums/pakist...-mbt-2000-information-pool-3.html#post2112089
http://www.defence.pk/forums/pakist...-type-90-iim-mbt-2000-information-pool-3.html

after the mentioned first batch of 50, the second batch have also been delivered and the third will be delivered in a months time.

regards!
 

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