Fact check: The T-14 Armata was largely designed around the A-85-3 engine. Which has been a problem, as the A-85-3 engine is a massive pile of shit.

1. Summary of the results

The original statement is largely accurate based on multiple corroborating sources. The T-14 Armata was indeed specifically designed around the A-85-3 engine (also known as ChTZ 12N360) ^[1]. The engine has proven to be problematic, with multiple sources confirming it is "far too complex and hard to maintain" ^{[2] [2]}. The engine can theoretically produce up to 1,500 kW (2,000 hp), though operating at this level would significantly reduce its service life ^[3].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several crucial pieces of context are missing from the original statement:

• The A-85-3 engine was originally designed for compressor oil and gas pumping stations, not tanks ^[4]
• The engine has a long development history dating back to the 1970s ^[1]
• A simpler alternative engine (V-92S2F) exists, but cannot be used because the tank was specifically designed around the A-85-3's dimensions ^[5]
• The Russians "defied all logic behind engineering tanks" by designing the platform around the engine instead of finding an appropriate engine for the platform ^[2]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

While the statement's core message aligns with the sources, its informal language ("massive pile of shit") oversimplifies a complex engineering situation. The sources provide more specific technical critiques:

• The engine failed commercially due to its complexity and maintenance issues ^[4]
• The design choice has created significant engineering constraints ^[6]
• The engine's theoretical capabilities are actually quite impressive (1,500 hp), but practical limitations prevent utilizing its full potential ^[3]

This situation benefits:

• Competing tank manufacturers who can point to these design flaws
• Defense analysts and military procurement officials who advocated against the T-14 platform
• Alternative engine manufacturers, particularly those producing simpler, more reliable designs