While a tank is in position and only preparing to start its engine, it can already give itself away to the enemy. The reason is the operation of the pre-heater, which expels hot gases outwards and creates a thermal signature for thermal imagers and drones. Andrey Kozlov, a designer from Omsk, proposed a solution to the problem.
The main idea is not in screens or special coatings, but in redirecting hot gases inside the tank.
On T-72 and T-90 family tanks, the pre-heater expels combustion products through a separate pipe. It is this flow that becomes a noticeable heat source on the battlefield.
Kozlov proposed directing the exhaust gas flow not outwards, but into the engine-transmission compartment through a special heat-dissipating channel. Inside it are flame arresters that reduce the risk of ignition and distribute heat.
As a result, hot gases continue to perform their main task – heating the engine and components. According to the developer's plan, this should significantly reduce the thermal visibility of the vehicle during pre-heater operation.