Actually, it is better than the T-90S in Indian service and in fact all Russian vehicles in service today (bar the latest Russian T-90 variant which just got revealed). Because the hull ammo (as your own picture shows) is stored in individual slots in a thick steel compartment (of which that pic shows the slots) each with an ammo access hatch. That area is also surrounded by the IFDSS (Integrated Fire Detection & Suppression System) to minimize the chances of a penetration setting of a fire, after which each round is in its own storage and separated from the others.
This is a spinoff of the Merkava style approach that if you cant implement bustle doors in the hull (they do provide weak points) then you go after the individual rounds and try to protect them, and armour them. Its not as perfect a solution as that of the Abrams but it allows enough time for the crew to escape, by lowering the risk of a complete ammunition cook off.

In contrast, the T-90 & T-72 rounds are all over the tank – and even the ones in the carousel cant be compared to those in the Arjun pics above. Reason I say that is because the rounds are packed next to each other exposed in the carousel. If I read this pic correctly (http://fofanov.armor.kiev.ua/Tanks/EQP/al-72.2.gif) the rounds have no individual separation between them with armour. Basically, one round blows up after the carousel is penetrated and the whole loader may go up.

Now, if we go by the arguement since the carousel is in the hull & hence automatically less likely to be hit, the rest of the rounds are still a real danger. You have exposed rounds (no containers) in the drivers cabin, in the turret. As a result, the chances of a penetration hitting these rounds & causing a sympathetic detonation is that much more.

In the latest T-90, they have moved some rounds to the bustle, but I don’t know where the rest are. I’d give it the benefit of the doubt though & assume they have been containerized probably? Do you know more? I really like the looks of this new beast & wish it had been available for India to procure instead of what it did procure. But I do think that in a NBC scenario, accessing that bustle will be a pain, and I wish they had redesigned the entire tank to get a new autoloader scheme in place. All canisterized. Probably cost too much to be worth it (without assured exports or orders).

The rounds in the carousel are in the strongest protected part of the tank. Ofc if penetration does occur, and hits the rounds, you are in trouble. But that is no different from Arjun/Leo2 hull ammo being hit. The crew is screwed either way I am afraid. Half hearted measures will not change that.
In Chechnya T-72Bs were penetrated by RPGs in some instances 14 times (!!!!) and no ammo detonation occurred, because the ammunition was in the carousel. The T-90MS is a compirmise solution (all tanks are ofc) but a pretty good one by the look of it. No ammo aside from in carousel, all of it is moved to the separate bustle. Very safe solution, though it lowers the number of combat ready rounds. Why not complete redesign? Russian army isn’t even interested in the tank, they have something brand new in the pipeline (Armata). I would like to see them place a modest number of orders until Armata is ready..but who knows. Makes more sense for India I think, given how many T-90s they are gunning for.

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?203498-Arjun-lining-up-to-be-world-s-most-expensive-tank!!

They had a good discussion about this on mp,net, in the interest of staying within the context of this thread, I am goign to leave it at that.

Only reason I even posted the pic is because I was told repeatedly here (not by you) that the Arjun had completely isolated ammunition. Clearly, not the case.

Another of my curious little questions, TR1. What is the purpose of the Su-34 today? I understand it is intended to succeed the Su-24 as a ground attack fighter, but in this era of multi-role aircraft what can it do that an Su-30MK/35BM can’t? Payload capacity is same(8 tonnes), range isn’t that much better that couldn’t be remedied with a drop tank, speed and aerodynamic performance are somewhat inferior to the Flanker.

But for what? The Su-34 had a distinct role in the era where the MiG-29 and Su-27 were just air-to-air fighters with limited air-to-ground capability. But now that they can carry the same munitions that it can….:confused:

You just opened up a can of worms :p.

My quick thinking on the subject (Su-30 vs Su-34)….IMO ofc, but the RuAF really seems to want the Su-34:
1.) Crew layout.
2.) Crew protection.
3.) Aircraft armor
4.) Payload is actually much more on Su-34. It takes off with 12 tons no problem.
5.) Range is better, thought what you said is ofc true. I guess they want it all internal and protected though, not taking up pylons.
6.) Sensor suit (both attack and defense) specifically tailored for ground attack. This was a painful process, but apparently is nearing completion. Totaly different system from the 90s.
7.) Su-34 can supposedly use BVR missiles already, though actual employment as a fighter would be pretty dumb.

The Su-34 program also has been underway forever. Su-30 caught up and overtook it because of the export demand. However, I suspect if the Su-30 was modified to RuAF specifications (in terms of Su-24 replacement) it would not be ready for years. Instead the RuAF is getting a superbly tuned aircraft today.

Your question is relevant though, and has been argued a lot on Russian forums. All the more curious now that the AF is actually buying the Su-30SM.

Ok fair enough let’s not take this too far OT. I made a fast edit btw.

Russian Armed forces are in for good times, Better fighters needing lesser workload, Mistal for the Navy with its roomy living quarters. !

Russian armed forces were in MUCH better times 20 years ago, let’s not make these absurd “adopting better western standards!” claims. Technology changes, that is the reason “glass cockpits” have been adapted, not some learning from the US.

Other German pilots have mentioned how hopeless the situation would be for the F-16 in a knife fight. Given the lack of BVR on the F-16, the same would apply for long distance engagements!

I suspect a Russian pilot would have a different view.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e290/sovietjet/FC/IMG_3709.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e290/sovietjet/FC/IMG_3659FC.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e290/sovietjet/FC/IMG_2780FC.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e290/sovietjet/FC/IMG_2693FC.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e290/sovietjet/FC/IMG_4491.jpg

Love seeing the old Beast that is the MiG-25….twilight of its service.

http://forums.airforce.ru/attachment.php?attachmentid=33706&d=1317232935

Bellorussian Fulcrums @ Union Shield-2011.

@ Union Shield 2011.

What a sight!