So it's about those crazy half tanks on Indian T72's...

[ColemanCollector]

Working on my Indian Army T72 Ajeya and many of them have the external fuel tanks, but they are cut in half horizontally. The fuel line connections are on the end of the tanks but I can't find a decent photo or diagram showing how each external tank is plumbed, or the routing of the fuel lines.

T-72-Ajeya-Mk1.png (156.27 KiB) Viewed 751 times

I did find one photo showing the end connection, but the lines immediately disappear out of view.

Like most tanks, good photos of the back end are lacking, and in the case of these external 1/2 fuel tanks where they are used by just one country, the hunt is even harder. Anybody have some sweet pics of the backside of a T72 Ajeya?!

Thanks,
Mike.

[Ecam]

You sure it's is not a BBQ?

[Tiger6]

best I could find:
https://www.punjcorp.com/t-72-ajeya.php

[ColemanCollector]

Maybe a tandoor...and if it's churning out garlic naans I'll follow it into battle!

Mike.

[Pavel]

These barrels are called “distillation barrels”; they are not used in battle, only for moving the tank over long distances, so as not to refuel on the march.
It is VERY difficult to shoot backwards with these barrels, and when you turn the turret you can tear them off.
India found the optimal solution, getting more fuel and maintaining the functionality of the weapon!

[ColemanCollector]

best I could find:
https://www.punjcorp.com/t-72-ajeya.php

Thanks for that. I'll add to the reference notes!

Mike.

[ColemanCollector]

These barrels are called “distillation barrels”; they are not used in battle, only for moving the tank over long distances, so as not to refuel on the march.
It is VERY difficult to shoot backwards with these barrels, and when you turn the turret you can tear them off.
India found the optimal solution, getting more fuel and maintaining the functionality of the weapon!

Yes, a great idea to stop wanging your gun off the barrels, and that's one of the photos that got me wanting the half tank setup.

Here's a screenshot of the best detail photo I've found so far.

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Photo credit: Miyataka_JP flickr

At least I can get the main hookup point fairly accurate, but after that I'll be winging it. One of my T72 reference books has a another useful photo but not really hi-res enough for details.

Interesting to see Indian T-72s with both 2 and 3 external tank configurations. Fortunately, I've got a set of spare add on parts so the three tank version it is!

The hunt continues!

Mike.

[Herr Dr. Professor]

ColemanCollector, you have chosen an interesting rebuild for the T72. Although I wonder about the effectiveness of the Indian camouflage scheme, it sure is sharp looking. That color will make your T72 sharp! In fact, from what I see in the photos, you could even add to your paint scheme a final coat of clear satin or even a light gloss and be accurate. I'd be tempted to do so, just so the T72 could be dramatically different.
Pavel, thank you for confirming from your knowledge and photos that the half-barrels are, indeed, to allow the gun more clearance. I guessed that was so, but my guesses are often too simplistic.

[ColemanCollector]

Too gaudy?

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It will ultimately have a pointillist scheme, exact one not firmed up yet, but something along these lines.

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I like the colour combo in that first one, but really like the busy-ness of the last. Thinking

Mike.

[Herr Dr. Professor]

Well, that top one in the photos immediately above sure would be fun.