This concept was inherited from the original Soviet design for T-72 and is both a strength and weakness of the tank. The M-84 uses an automatic loader, which enables it to sustain a firing rate of 8 rounds per minute.The cannon's ammunition is stowed underneath the turret (40 rounds) within the hull of the tank. The fume extractor positioned in the middle of the barrel is shielded with a thermal coating that minimizes deformation of the barrel from high temperatures and ensures it is cooled at the same rate during rapid firing. The disintegration of Yugoslavia in the 1990s prevented further exports of the M-84.Design Armament The M-84A is armed with a 125 mm smoothbore cannon derived from the Soviet 2A46. It is very similar to the Russian, both in appearance and in capability.About 150 M-84 tanks were exported to. It features a new fire control system, ERA armor, anti-tank missiles, Agava-2 thermal sight, and the defensive suite. The latest Serbian version of the M-84 is the M-84AS, unveiled in 2004. The improved M-84A version entered service a few years later.There were about 240 Yugoslav factories which directly participated in the production of the M-84 and about 1,000 others which participated indirectly. The M-84 entered service with the Yugoslav People's Army in 1984.
Contents.Development and production The M-84 is based on the Soviet but with several modifications, including a domestic fire-control system, improved composite armor, and a 1000- engine.