Overview

The T-64B was perhaps the most significant of several upgrades made to the T-64 design during its production run. Dispensing with the outdated coincidence rangefinder sight, and adding a full-featured, state-of-the art fire control system with laser rangefinder and guided missile support, this tank catapulted the Soviet forces toward modern gunnery capabilities. Its 1A33 fire control system was also used in the T-80B package, which emerged shortly after the T-64B.

Externally, the T-64B can be distinguished from earlier versions by the absence of a coincidence rangefinder rib across the turret roof, the addition of the GTN-12 missile guidance antenna box on the right side of the turret roof, the larger gunner's sight housing on the left side, and rearranged smoke grenade launchers.

Compared with the ubiquitous T-64A, T-80B, and even the aging T-62 (which was in the process of being replaced), the T-64B did not have a large presence in the central region of Germany in 1985. Nevertheless, its significance as a step in the evolution of Soviet armor grants it a place in GHPC. It features in a small number of missions and (in diminished numbers) in the campaign system.

Fire control system and gunnery

Due to the virtually identical nature of the T-64B's fire control complex and ammunition load to those of the T-80B, the T-80B gunnery guide will serve as a resource for understanding how to use the T-64B's weapon systems effectively.

Armor protection

The T-64B has identical armor protection to a late-model T-64A, with one exception: in GHPC, we have chosen to depict the T-64B with the applique glacis plate upgrade. A 16mm high-hardness steel plate welded onto the original upper plate attempts to reinforce the hull against emerging APFSDS threats.

Other than this change, the rest of the protection and layout characteristics of the tank are essentially the same as the T-64A. For that reason, it is best to refer to the T-64A gunnery guide for more detailed information.