PT-91 "Twardy" - the Polish medium tank

PT-91 "Twardy" - was not so long ago the main battle tank of Poland, the first prototypes of which were produced in 1991, serial production took place in two batches: in 1994-2002 (for the Polish Army) and in 2007-2009 (for Malaysia). Tanks are produced at the "Bumar-Łabędy" mechanical plant. About 350 PT-91 units were produced. The tank is armed with a 125 mm 2A46 gun and two machine guns: 7.62 mm PKT and 12.7 mm NSW. The PT-91 "Twardy" is designed as a far-reaching modernization of the T-72M1 tank, and the impetus for this work was the successful modernization of the T-55 tanks to the level of the T-55AM. "OBRUM" factories in Gliwice and "Bumar-Łabędy" were jointly responsible for the research part and implementation of the project. The scope of modernization works was very extensive. The main modernization included the replacement of the engine with a completely new one with more power - the S-12U, the power of which reached 850 h. p. New reactive armor, developed at the Military Institute of Armament Technology, called "ERAWA", was also fitted, and the bottom of the hull was reinforced to minimize damage from the explosion of anti-tank mines. A brand new "DRAWA" Fire Suppression System (FCS) and brand new monitoring devices were also added. After modernization, the PT-91 undoubtedly became a much more dangerous combat vehicle, than the tank of the standard version of the T-72, but it was still clearly inferior to Western third-generation combat vehicles such as the "Leopard II" or the M1 "Abrams". The only foreign user to purchase the PT-91 was Malaysia, which purchased around 50 of the PT-91M version of this type of tank. At the end of 2024 Poland decided to hand over all its "Twardy" tanks to the fighting with aggressor Ukraine in exchange for new "Leopard" 2A5 and "Abrams" tanks.

A large, well designed and very complex tank model for intermediate to advanced modelers. But they will also have a place to break their brain here, because the model has several fundamental errors and inaccuracies. However, overcoming them, makes a great exhibit for your collection. The model can be made with partial interior equipment - mechanic - driver's seat, engine and transmission sections. Although all this is simplified, it diversifies the model. But even without these additions, the model looks impressive, as shown by the images of my own model. Antique publication.