Prototype Information: T-80 Soviet Army Main Battle Tank The T-80 was first introduced with the Soviet army in 1985 and is considered to be one of the most advanced tanks in the world. Like the American M1A1 Abrams, the T-80 is powered by a gas turbine engine instead of the more conventional diesel. The tank is also fitted with a 125mm main gun and has a top speed of 50 mph.