Tank Museum's archive manuals help firm replenish armoured vehicle tracks for Ukraine

The Tank Museum in Bovington has helped to restore Soviet-era military vehicles that were donated to Ukraine's war effort.

In collaboration with William Cook Defence Limited, a company that specialises in tracks for armoured vehicles, the museum supported an urgent request from the Ministry of Defence to provide tracks to Ukraine in support of its fleet of Soviet-era vehicles.

"We are very pleased to hear the reproduced track is now arriving in Ukraine," said museum curator David Willey.

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"The Tank Museum's collections are used for many purposes," he added.

"The museum tells the story of the Royal Armoured Corps story to the public, teaching soldiers, and helping 'corporate memory' on the subject is also a core function.

"When we can help industry and our allies, of course we should."

Guided by resources provided by the museum, including Soviet-era drawings, manuals and specimens, William Cook Defence Limited was able to reverse-engineer the tracks and drive sprockets for the MT-LB and BMP armoured troop transports, as well as the T-72 main battle tank.

Despite being around since the 1970s, the T-72 has remained an effective weapon in modern warfare. 

All three vehicles have been deployed in combat during the conflict in Ukraine.

As part of the project, the company was required to develop new steel alloys to match the original Soviet-era specifications, and re-design several components for castings.

William Cook Defence Limited has provided the British Armed Forces with tracks since 1941 and is currently producing tracks for the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank.

Bovington Tank Museum is home to 300 military vehicles, including the famous Tiger 131 tank.