Introduced in 1985, the T-80 BV features blocks of explosive reactive armour (ERA) which are fitted to the vehicle´s front end, the sides and to the turret. When a vehicle is hit by HEAT projectile, that particular ERA block explodes to minimize the effect of penetration. In addition to more conventional ammunition, the 125 mm 2A46 main gun of the T80 BV is also capable of firing 9M112 Kobra (AT-8) missiles. The 12.7 mm NSVT anti-aircraft machine gun fitted to the commander´s cupola is used for air defence. Weighing roughly 12.5 t the vehicle is powered by a gas turbine which develops some 1050hp. Max. speed 80 km/h.