Kontakt-5 is a type of second-generation[1] explosive reactive armour (ERA) originating in the Soviet Union. Due to the shortcomings of Kontakt-1, NII Stali further developed the reactive armor to Kontakt-5, so that it also repels APFSDS projectiles, which is not as effective in combat as stated. In addition, Kontakt-5 is not just additional armor, but is clearly integrated into the vehicle hull. The Kontakt-5 modules have a significantly thicker steel upper side. Depending on the module, they contain one or two 4S22 reactive elements. The explosive of a 4S22 element has the TNT equivalent of 330 g. It is so sensitive that even armor-piercing projectiles cause it to explode. Kontakt-5 produces a stronger defensive detonation than Kontakt-1 and the thicker layer of steel thrown at the arrow projectile breaks or bends it. The increase in defensive capability led to the development of reinforced arrow projectiles.
Kontakt-5 was first observed on a T-80U in 1985. Later, the T-72B, T-84 and T-90 tanks were also equipped with Kontakt-5. In addition, the T-55, T-62 and BMP-3 tank models can also be equipped or upgraded with Kontakt-5. According to the manufacturer, Kontakt-5 is the first type of reactive armor that effectively protects armored vehicles against tandem shaped charges.
Total mass of Kontakt-5 reactive armor: 2.8 - 3.0 t, Protective effect (RHA equivalent): against APFSDS: 200 mm, against shaped charges (HEAT): 600 mm,
Introduced on the T-80U tank in 1985, Kontakt-5 is made up of "bricks" of explosive sandwiched between two metal plates. The plates are arranged in such a way as to move sideways rapidly when the explosive detonates. This forces an incoming kinetic energy penetrator or shaped charge jet to cut through more armour than the thickness of the plating itself since "new" plating is constantly fed into the penetrating body. A kinetic energy penetrator is also subject to powerful sideways forces which may cut the rod into two or more pieces. This significantly reduces the penetrating capabilities of the penetrator, since the penetrating force will be dissipated over a larger volume of armour.
Newer KE penetrators like the US M829A3 were "driven by the need to counter KE-effective explosive reactive armor (ERA)".[2]
Relikt was designed by the Russian army in response to the new developments. Relikt is the 3rd generation of Russian ERA, and is claimed to be twice[3][4] as effective as Kontakt-5. It can be installed on T-72B and T-90 tanks and was adopted in 2006.[5][6] The Russian Army T-72B3M main battle tank incorporates Relikt.[7] Developed by NII Stali, Relikt uses a completely new composition of explosives to achieve dynamics protection. Unlike Kontakt-1, it works equally reliably against both low-velocity and high-velocity missiles, doubling protection against shaped charges and increasing anti-tank guided missile protection by 50 percent.[8] Relikt defends against tandem warheads and reduces penetration of APFSDS rounds by over 50 percent.[9]
Kontakt-5 armour is employed by Russia, Ukraine, India (T-90S) and Serbia (onM-84AS MBT), among others.
Monolith which is often confused with the "Malachit" that was used on the Objekt.187 is the latest (4th) generation Russian explosive reactive armor, mounted on Armata project vehicles.
Mongolia BMP-1 and few other tanks, vehicles
Russia
Ukraine
Serbia M-84AS
Algeria T-90 and T-72AG
Armenia T-90
Azerbaijan T-90
Belarus T-72B3
India T-90
Iran Relikt allegedly on Karrar and on a T-72M upgrade by the IRGC, dubbed T-72M Rakhsh. Kontakt-5 used on an unnamed T-72S upgrade.
Iraq T-90 and T-72M Rakhsh
South Korea T-80U and T-80UK[10][11]
Turkmenistan T-90
Uganda T-90
Vietnam T-90
Syria T-90 and T-72B3
