Abstract
The Object 490 was a Soviet tank design project of the 1980s that produced two prototypes: the conventional Object 490 with a unique dual-track system, and the radical Object 490A featuring an externally mounted main gun and an unmanned turret. Both incorporated advanced features like automated fire control and composite armor. Despite its innovative approach, the project was abandoned due to insurmountable technical challenges, particularly in integrating the unmanned turret and complex fire control systems. This paper explores the Object 490 project, analyzing its design features, potential advantages, and the reasons for its failure. By examining this ambitious but ultimately unrealized design, we can gain insights into the complexities and limitations of revolutionary tank development.