RE: Soviet tanks and missiles....

> If I remember correctly, various models of soviet tanks were designed
to
> fire guided missiles from their main guns, like a standard round.

Yes, out of their 125mm guns fitted to T64s, 72s, 80s and 90s, plus the
various clones made elsewhere.	The ATGMs are the AT8 'Songster' and the

AT11 'Sniper' (Russian des. 9M119 Reflecks)
 
> What was the idea behind this and is the idea still in use or has it
been
> more or less phased out?

Most Western commentators seem to believe this is because the long range
gun accuracy is so poor.  Whether this is because of poor quality guns, 
ammunition or sighting I do not know.  I suspect they are lagging behind

the West in all these areas.

> I mean, with the range and power of more modern APDS and HEAT rounds,
why
> would you need a slower projectile, even if its guided?

I am not sure.	Basically, I think someone decided that thier tanks
would
have a better hit/kill probability with an ATGM than with a gun.  Not
being
a tank-nut I don't keep up with all the latest tank and ATGM specs, but 
you could probably find the information by using your search engine.

Cheers