Object 187 Version 5

Not long after the T-72B was introduced in 1985, work began at the Uralvagonzavod facility to improve upon its design. Designers including Vladimir Potkin developed a concept that featured a reconfigured hull with a lengthened nose that provided greater frontal protection; the tank would also mount the 125mm 2A66 gun. Six designs were produced as part of the Object 187 project, with the fifth model given an A-85-2 engine and mechanical transmission. Although the project was eventually canceled, its findings were applied to another project that had been developed almost in tandem: Object 188, which gave rise to the T-90.