T-80

Soviet tank

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

The T-80 was a Soviet tank introduced in the 1980s. It was powered by a gas turbine engine, a departure from the diesel engines common in most tanks of the era due to their greater fuel economy.1

Post-World War II tank development focused on well-armed vehicles capable of engaging enemy tanks. This led to increased gun calibers and improved ammunition. Soviet tanks saw a progression from 85-mm guns on the T-34/85 to 100-mm guns on the T-54/T-55, then 115-mm on the T-62, and finally 125-mm smoothbore guns on the T-64, T-72, and T-80. The Soviet army's emphasis on large armored forces, particularly during the Cold War, spurred continuous development in tank technology.21

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tank
Gun calibre
…by the T-64, T-72, and T-80, all with 125-mm smoothbore guns. The JS-3 and T-10 heavy tanks with their less powerful 122-mm guns had by then been withdrawn. This left the Soviet army in the same position as others of having a single type of battle tank as well-armed as…
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…by the T-64, T-72, and T-80, all with 125-mm smoothbore guns. The JS-3 and T-10 heavy tanks with their less powerful 122-mm guns had by then been withdrawn. This left the Soviet army in the same position as others of having a single type of battle tank as well-armed as…
Read More