Much of the trouble with the T-62 series can be traced to its engine. The T-62 has an extremely cramped engine compartment, and therefore the engine is mounted transversely. But the engine is simply underpowered for the weight of the vehicle (it had to be made small). The two photos show the engine compartment, with the powerplant removed. The transmission is clearly visible, and in the lower photo, the transfer gears can be easily seen.
The top photo was taken from the right side of the hull, looking back. the circular object at the back of the hull is a cooling unit. However, it was only effective in temperate climates (like central Russia or Europe) and was unsuited for the desert. When operated in hot climates, crews were often forced to drive with the rear deck hatches open to provide adequate ventilation. The lower photo was taken from the left hull, looking back.
One interesting feature of the T-62's engine compartment is the color-coded lines and fittings, making hook up a little easier. But this was absolutely necessary, since in order to connect some of the lines, it was necessary for crews to squeeze their arms along the side of the engine and transmission and reach inside to make the link ups.
The T-62 is armed with the 115mm U-5TS smoothbore main gun, firing APFSDS, HEAT and HE ammunition. The T-62 in several ways is a "cutting-edge" vehicle, particularly in the smoothbore main gun. The trajectory of the 115mm gun is virtually flat out to 1,600 meters, making a first round hit on a stationary target highly likely. However, beyond that range, the gun's accuracy drops off significantly. The 115mm would be a potent threat in central Europe, where engagement ranges rarely would exceed 1,200 m. However, in the Sinai desert, the gun was outclassed by American-built weapons, since engagement ranges often exceeded 2,500 m.
The loader serves the gun left-handed, and man-handling the 50+ pound rounds within the confines of the cramped turret is a challenge. To make matters worse, most of the floor does not rotate. Only a small plate near the turret center rotates. The loader can lean against the turret ring, with his feet on this plate, while still holding a round as the turret traverses. However, this is easier said than done, and the loader has to be alert as the turret moves around.
The gunnery system of the T-62 has some similarities to the older T-54/55. However, these have been refined and upgraded. Like the T-55, the commander ranges on another target as the gunner engages a previous one. He then hits a button which swings the turret into alignment with the commander's cupola (this is where the loader has to be quick on his feet!).
I had a photo here of a TC position... problem: it wasn't the T-62 (oops)! I hope to get one soon. Thanks to Stefan Kotsch for catching my error.
The gunner sits on the left side of the turret in a cramped position. Fire controls are generally similar to western tanks (in fact, elements of the sights were derived from U.S. tanks), with a twin-handled turret control system (at bottom), firing switches on the handles, and turret power switches below the main sight. Above the gunner's sight is a roof periscope.
The main sight is the TSh2B-41u with reticles set up for range finding for different types of ammunition. The ranging system is a stadia type where the gunner positions the target between lines on the reticle and "sizes it." After that, he lays the gun using the graduated range marking in the sight. However, for most engagements the gunner can fire directly on the target, due to the flat trajectory of the APFSDS round. The HEAT round is a little more tricky, since its muzzle velocity is significantly lower.
