The FAP 172U Fahrausbildungspanzer, also referred to as the FAB 172M, FAP-172UK or UK 172M, was a East German conversion carried out as part of the BLP-72 bridge tank project, serving as a training vehicle for driver training. The conversion of a total of three units was carried out at Panzerwerkstatte 2 in Grossenhein. Polish-made T-72 tank chassis were used as the basis. The commander/instructor and driver/driver sat next to each other in a glazed cab, above which was a tubular structure to protect the crew in the event of the vehicle overturning. Up to this point, the sources basically agree. However, opinions differ as to the purpose of the conversions.
Steven Zaloga states in his book that two chassis from the BLP-72 programme were used for the conversion carried out in 1989, and that one of the converted machines was even to be put into service just before the break-up of the GDR.
The Russian source below, on the other hand, claims that this was not a conversion of what was originally a bridge tank, but a special vehicle produced in 1986, primarily intended for the training of drivers of the bridge tanks tested alongside it under the BLP-72 programme.
The TTD of the vehicle is not known to me. What is certain is that at least one machine has survived to the present day. It is owned by a German company operating a private tank yard.
sources:
Zaloga, S., Sarson, P.: T-72 Main Battle Tank 1974-1993, Osprey 1993, ISBN 185532 338 9, p. 43,
Tankodrom No.5, p. 20,
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zdroj: Zaloga,S., Sarson, P.: T-72 Main Battle Tank 1974-1993, Osprey 1993, ISBN 185532 338 9, str. 44
Steven Zaloga states in his book that two chassis from the BLP-72 programme were used for the conversion carried out in 1989, and that one of the converted machines was even to be put into service just before the break-up of the GDR.
The Russian source below, on the other hand, claims that this was not a conversion of what was originally a bridge tank, but a special vehicle produced in 1986, primarily intended for the training of drivers of the bridge tanks tested alongside it under the BLP-72 programme.
The TTD of the vehicle is not known to me. What is certain is that at least one machine has survived to the present day. It is owned by a German company operating a private tank yard.
sources:
Zaloga, S., Sarson, P.: T-72 Main Battle Tank 1974-1993, Osprey 1993, ISBN 185532 338 9, p. 43,
Tankodrom No.5, p. 20,
en.wikipedia.org
http://www.panzer-power.de/index.html
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zdroj: Zaloga,S., Sarson, P.: T-72 Main Battle Tank 1974-1993, Osprey 1993, ISBN 185532 338 9, str. 44