monkey model

Noun

1. A downgraded version of a weapon for export or war-time mass production, which lacks many advanced functions of the original version.
   • But as Suvorov observes, the Soviets manufacture two variants of equipment: the standard model and the stripped-down “monkey” model for export, which is sold abroad as “latest” equipment. - 1983, Terry B. O’Rourke, “The...
   • 1974 […] Development of initial export ("monkey model") version of T-72 - 2013 February 5, “Military Vehicles Forecast: T-72”, in Forecast International:
   • Even if the Russia continues the “monkey model” policy for export gear, a downgrade T-14 could still stack up well against Western tanks, like the Abrams, Leopard 2, and Challenger 2. - 2015 May 22, Christian Beekman,...
2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see monkey, model.