September 17, 2026

Preview: The Russian T-72B3M w/Roof-Mounted Slat Armour from Meng in 72nd scale...

Meng has upgraded its 72nd scale T-72B3M with some nice "copium"! We look at the real thing & the CADs in our preview...

Preview: The Russian T-72B3M w/Roof-Mounted Slat Armour from Meng in 72nd scale...

Russian T-72B3M w/Roof-Mounted Slat Armour
From Meng Models
1/72nd scale
Kit No #​​72-015
136mm L, 55mm W, 43mm H.
Available in: October 2026
The Subject: The T-72B3M
The T-72B3M equipped with roof-mounted slat armour represents a significant evolutionary step in armored warfare, driven by the intense demands of modern high-intensity conflict. This specific configuration addresses a critical vulnerability found in almost all traditional main battle tanks: the relatively thin armor plating on top of the turret. By mounting a rigid steel framework—often called a canopy or "cope cage"—above the fighting compartment, military engineers have attempted to create a physical barrier against modern top-attack weapons. This adaptation highlights a rapid shift in battlefield dynamics, where threats are as likely to come from directly overhead as they are from the front line.
Beneath this distinctive protective cage, the vehicle retains the robust core upgrades of the standard T-72B3M modernization program. The tank is powered by a potent 1,130-horsepower V-92S2F diesel engine and features the highly capable 2A46M-5 125mm smoothbore main gun, which is integrated with an automated ammunition loader. Gunner targeting capabilities are heavily upgraded through the Sosna-U multi-channel thermal sight, allowing for effective day-and-night engagement at long ranges. For foundational hull protection, the platform relies on advanced Relikt explosive reactive armour (ERA) modules along the sides and front glacis to counter conventional kinetic energy penetrators and tandem-charge anti-tank guided missiles.

T-72B3M w/Roof-Mounted Slat Armour ont he firing practice range.
The implementation of the roof-mounted slat armour specifically targets the ubiquitous threat of First-Person View (FPV) kamikaze drones and commercial quadcopters carrying dropped munitions. When an aerial threat impacts the elevated steel slats, the mesh grid either crushes the fuse mechanism to prevent detonation or forces the explosive shaped charge to fire prematurely at a distance, severely diminishing its penetration capability before it reaches the actual turret roof. What began as a series of improvised, crude field modifications by frontline crews has since been formalized into standardized, factory-installed kits by Russian defense manufacturers, signaling a permanent shift in how armored vehicles are outfitted for drone-dominated environments.

Damaged and captured Russian T-72B3 tank with a roof screen couldn't cope with a kamikaze attack!

The Kit:
Once assembled, this MENG 1/72 scale Russian T-72B3M main battle tank model measures 136mm long, 55mm wide, and 43mm high. Building on the success of MENG's previous 1/72nd scale releases, the kit features a modular design engineered for a smoother, more enjoyable assembly process. Key highlights include a detailed overhead slat armour piece and two optional gun mantlets, giving modelers the flexibility to display the main gun barrel in either a horizontal or an elevated position.
The CADs showing the kit and the features.
This kit accurately replicates the exterior features of the Russian Main Battle Tank T-72B3M with roof-mounted slat armor.
The kit features a modular fast-assembly design, which simplifies the complexity of assembly while maintaining the details.
This kit recreates the realistic textures of soft case explosive reactive armor, gun mantlet canvas cover, and the ballistic shield.
The slat armor and engine grilles are precisely represented.
The gun barrel can be built in the elevated or horizontal position.
The turret & the commander's cupola can rotate.
This kit includes easy-to-assemble wheels, and link and length tracks.
You can see more info on this kit and others from Meng on the Meng Models Website...