Romania is testing 13 modified TR85 tanks (known as TR85M1) before deciding how many of its 300+ TR85s it will upgrade to this new standard. The TR85 is basically a T55 variant with German chassis technology built in the 1970s. Improvements include increased armor on the turret front, a new fire control system and ballistic computer, an all-electric gun stabilization and control system, a laser rangefinder, new discarding sabot ammunition for the 100mm rifled gun, a laser warning system, new smoke grenade launchers, and new machineguns (7.62mm coax and 12.7mm on top of the turret). The turret is longer and has a large bustle carrying ammunition. The T85M1 weighs 50 tons and is powered by an 860hp diesel engine, giving it a speed of 60km/hr and a road range of 310km.--Stephen V Cole