Procurement: September 25, 2001

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Russia's OZTM factory is desperate to find export customers for its T-80 and its T-55 upgrades. Without sales, the factory may go out of business. Sales are slow due to the high fuel and maintenance costs of its turbine engine. While this engine allows the T-80 to run at high speeds for extended periods and to use many different kinds of fuels, these capabilities are rarely needed in regional conflicts.--Stephen V Cole