Perspective armored repair and recovery vehicle based on the Kurganets-25 platform
Work continues on several promising projects of armored vehicles designed to solve combat and auxiliary tasks. According to the latest data, one of the projects of the equipment necessary for ensuring the operation of armored vehicles of other classes was brought to the testing stage. Not so long ago, a promising armored repair and recovery vehicle of the Kurganets-25 family was tested. In the future, she will have to help the war machines of her family.
On the current progress of one of the promising projects 5 September reported the publication "Izvestia" in the article "The Russian army will receive an armored tow truck." According to the newspaper, the Ministry of Defense and OJSC Special Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering (Kurgan) have begun testing an advanced armored repair and recovery vehicle (BREM), developed as part of a major project in recent years. According to the results of tests, which will take some time, the question of adopting a new model for service will be decided. The name of the prospective model of armored vehicles has not yet been announced.
BMP "Kurganets-25"
It is reported that a promising machine will have to solve a number of critical tasks necessary for the maintenance of equipment, as well as the repair of damaged samples. The main goal of the project was to create an armored vehicle capable of evacuating light and middle-class equipment from the battlefield. The project also provides for the use of various means necessary to ensure the repair of damaged machines in the field. Thus, from the point of view of the main objectives, the new BREM project does not differ from the previous ones, but in this case we are talking about the construction of such equipment on the basis of the newest unified tracked platform, which is associated with plans to re-equip the ground forces.
SKBM chief designer Sergey Abdulov told Izvestia about the current project prospects. According to him, the car is currently being tested. It should be expected that the BREM will be adopted at the same time as other models of the Kurganets-25 family.
An unnamed source of "Izvestia" in the Ministry of Defense, familiar with the current situation around the project of the recovery vehicle, revealed some plans of the military department. Prospective equipment is supposed to be delivered to motorized rifle battalions, as well as to the units of the marines. New BREM will serve in units equipped with combat vehicles of both new and old types. Their crews will service the Kurganets-25 and Boomerang family vehicles, as well as older BTR-80, BTR-82, BMP-2 and BMP-3 vehicles.
One of the reasons for the development and future adoption of a new vehicle for service by a source in the Ministry of Defense called the limited capabilities of the existing equipment of a similar purpose. According to him, the evacuation vehicles of the previous generation in service will not be able to work with the new models of the Kurganets-25 and Boomerang families. More accurate information about such problems were not given.
The new BREM on the Kurganets-25 platform should differ from the existing analogues by some design features and additional features. In particular, the source "Izvestia" noted the possibility of solving some problems with the reduction of the role of the crew. So, the system of quick evacuation of damaged equipment was introduced without the direct participation of the crew. When using it, the recovery vehicle must approach the damaged machinery, after which a special automated device will install the thimble of the cables on the towing hooks at the command of the crew. Previously, to solve such problems, the BREM crew had to leave the limits of the armored hull and were subject to serious risks.
BTR "Kurganets-25"
S. Abdulov revealed some technical details of the new project. The chassis in the form of a unified tracked platform as a whole remains without major changes. In particular, the same armor case with the original characteristics of protection is used. This advantageously distinguishes the technique of the Kurganets-25 platform from the BREM-L “Beglyanka” machine, created on the basis of the BMP-3. In the case of these samples, there was some deterioration in the protection of the recovery vehicle in comparison with the base sample. For self-defense, BREM must carry a remote-controlled combat module with a large-caliber machine gun. From the BREM-L the new model should also differ in the increased characteristics of the crane and the winch.
According to reports, the development of an armored repair and recovery vehicle based on the unified tracked platform "Kurganets-25" started at the beginning of the current decade, almost simultaneously with the design work on the platform itself and the combat vehicles of the family. The main objective of the project was initially the creation of equipment capable of evacuating damaged armored vehicles, as well as carrying out small and medium repairs in the field. For this, the platform should be equipped with a set of special additional equipment.
Until a certain time, information about the appearance of the new BREM was absent. Only last year, at the Russian Arms Expo-2015 exhibition, a model of a similar machine of the Kurganets-25 family was shown. This product made it possible to understand the overall appearance and main features of the project. The layout showed the use of the existing chassis, which is proposed to be additionally equipped with special equipment. In this case, probably, we are talking about the minimum necessary modifications of the base chassis. Cardinal designs are not required.
BREM based on the Kurganets-25 platform should retain all the main features of the chassis. The basis of the machine is an armored body with protection against small-caliber artillery and rifle artillery. weapons. The layout remains with the front-mounted engine compartment, behind which is the control compartment. The central and aft hulls are still allocated to accommodate the crew and some special equipment. In connection with the range of tasks to be solved, the stern compartment probably should contain the tools and spare parts necessary for repair work.
Model BREM based platform "Kurganets-25"
It is known that when creating a promising unified platform, the need to increase the level of protection was taken into account. For this, the most modern technologies and materials are used. In addition, the machine is equipped with large side screens, providing additional protection against various threats. Measures have been taken to increase protection against possible explosive devices.
The most important features of the original project, concerning the convenience of the crew and the management of equipment, remain. Around the perimeter of the hull should be located blocks of opto-electronic equipment, with which the crew can monitor the environment. This equipment is necessary both for driving, and for performance of the main tasks. Naturally, used and viewing devices of traditional design.
As the model of the Kurganets-25 BREM, shown last year, shows, the car received means of protection against various threats. Self-defense when working at the forefront should be carried out using a remote-controlled combat module. A complex similar to that used as part of an armored personnel carrier of a new family is proposed for use. This module is equipped with a set of necessary opto-electronic equipment, and also carries a PKT rifle caliber machine gun. Perhaps in the future, the composition of the weapons may be changed. The module is installed above the hull aft compartment and is positioned with a shift to the starboard side. An additional weapon of the repair and recovery vehicle, which is necessary for solving basic tasks, is a set of smoke grenade launchers. With their help, work should be masking.
"Last year's" layout demonstrated the composition of the special equipment proposed by the project. From the point of view of such equipment promising development is almost not different from existing samples. A set of various equipment allows you to pull out the stuck equipment, as well as take it in tow and evacuate to collection sites. After the evacuation, the machine can help repairmen in rebuilding equipment, using existing devices and spare parts.
BREM-L "Beglyanka"
A bulldozer blade is used to make passes in the rubble, to prepare the site for work, and also, probably, to stabilize the machine during work. The blade body width is hinged on the lower front plate and is equipped with actuators for moving to the desired position. In the stowed position, the blade rises up and is located at the level of the upper frontal sheet. In the working position, this device is lowered down and held at the desired height or with the required depth in the ground.
Inside the case there is a winch, which is necessary for pulling out the stuck equipment. Through the appropriate window in the case should be issued a cable that can be used both independently and as part of a polyspast, together with a set of blocks. The characteristics of the winch are unknown, but the available information makes some assumptions. It is known that the winch machine BREM-L could develop tractive effort at the level of 14-16 tf. According to the chief designer of JSC SKBM, the new model of equipment surpasses the existing analogue in winch power. Thus, the Kurgants-25-based BREM is capable of displaying a winch pull of at least 16 tf.
An important element of the special equipment of any repair and recovery vehicles is a crane. The new project of the Kurganets-25 family is no exception to this rule. On the roof of the hull at the left side, next to the combat module, it is proposed to mount a pivoting boom of a crane. An arrow is hinged on it. In the stowed position, the boom rotates at a certain angle to the longitudinal axis of the machine and descends to the lowest position. In this case, its head is above the right side of the frontal hull sheet. In this state, the crane hook is held by fasteners on the body.
The design of the crane allows you to rotate the boom to the desired angles within a wide enough sector, as well as change the angle of ascent and, as a result, the boom reach. The characteristics of the promising BREM crane are still unknown, but it was reported that it differs from the equipment of the Beglyanka machine with increased characteristics. Recall, the equipment of the machine based on the BMP-3 allows you to lift loads weighing up to 5 or 11 t. In the first case, only a winch is used, in the second - a double polyspast. From the latest statements by the management of the Special Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering, it follows that the maximum capacity of the crane of the new BREM will be at least 11-12 t.
Evacuation of damaged equipment should be carried out using a towing device. The BREM model, shown last year, carried a rigid system on the stern, consisting of several rods and fixtures for connecting the towing vehicle and damaged equipment. In recent reports it is mentioned that the new project uses more advanced equipment, which includes drives to feed towing devices to the hooks of the evacuated car. Such automated tools allow the crew to work with damaged machines without significant risks associated with going beyond the protected volume.
New family car
One of the tasks of repair-evacuation machines is to promote the repair of equipment. To do this, they must have on board various tools, spare parts, etc. A part of the stock of spare parts should be transported inside the hull, probably inside the former troop compartment. Space is also provided to accommodate such a load outside the protected space. On the stern of the roof, behind the combat module and crane, a special box should be placed to transport the necessary cargo. In addition, special fastenings can be placed on the roof of the car for transporting blocks, cables and other devices necessary for working with damaged equipment.
The maximum possible unification of all armored vehicles of the Kurganets-25 family should lead to obtaining similar basic characteristics. First of all, the BREM should not differ from the BMP and BTR in terms of mobility. Among other things, the possibility of crossing water barriers by swimming with the help of feed propulsion can be maintained. We should also expect certain advantages associated with the features of the operation of unified technology.
The model of a promising repair and recovery vehicle on the basis of the newest unified platform shown at last year's exhibition shows the general features of the new project, and also shows the possible features of a real machine. However, in 2015, it was only a demo layout that was being discussed, while the actual project could have been changed in one way or another. This means that a real model of BREM may have significant differences from the previously shown model.
According to the latest data, not so long ago, a promising armored repair and recovery vehicle of the Kurganets-25 family was put to the test. It will take some time for the organization and the military department to carry out all the necessary checks. Over the next months or even years, representatives of the customer and the contractor will check the work of individual systems and the entire machine as a whole. According to recently published information from unnamed sources in the Ministry of Defense, the new BREM should be put into service with other equipment of the Kurganets-25 family. Earlier it was reported that equipment based on the new platform will be released for state tests in 2017, after which it will be decided to adopt it. Thus, all the necessary checks of BREM will last about a year.
The result of all current work, both for individual projects, and for the entire Kurganets-25 program, in the foreseeable future should be the beginning of army re-equipment using the latest models of armored vehicles of various classes and different purposes. First of all, combat vehicles of different classes with different configuration are developed. Simultaneously with them, it is planned to adopt an armored repair and recovery vehicle, which will take on the tasks of servicing both the latest technology and existing samples. The development of new technology troops will begin in the next few years.
On the materials of the sites:
http://izvestia.ru/
http://tass.ru/
http://otvaga2004.ru/
http://vpk.name/
Photo review of models of the Kurganets-25 family of vehicles, including BREM:
http://otvaga2004.ru/fotoreportazhi/vystavki-vooruzheniya/brem-kurganec-25/
On the current progress of one of the promising projects 5 September reported the publication "Izvestia" in the article "The Russian army will receive an armored tow truck." According to the newspaper, the Ministry of Defense and OJSC Special Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering (Kurgan) have begun testing an advanced armored repair and recovery vehicle (BREM), developed as part of a major project in recent years. According to the results of tests, which will take some time, the question of adopting a new model for service will be decided. The name of the prospective model of armored vehicles has not yet been announced.
BMP "Kurganets-25"
It is reported that a promising machine will have to solve a number of critical tasks necessary for the maintenance of equipment, as well as the repair of damaged samples. The main goal of the project was to create an armored vehicle capable of evacuating light and middle-class equipment from the battlefield. The project also provides for the use of various means necessary to ensure the repair of damaged machines in the field. Thus, from the point of view of the main objectives, the new BREM project does not differ from the previous ones, but in this case we are talking about the construction of such equipment on the basis of the newest unified tracked platform, which is associated with plans to re-equip the ground forces.
SKBM chief designer Sergey Abdulov told Izvestia about the current project prospects. According to him, the car is currently being tested. It should be expected that the BREM will be adopted at the same time as other models of the Kurganets-25 family.
An unnamed source of "Izvestia" in the Ministry of Defense, familiar with the current situation around the project of the recovery vehicle, revealed some plans of the military department. Prospective equipment is supposed to be delivered to motorized rifle battalions, as well as to the units of the marines. New BREM will serve in units equipped with combat vehicles of both new and old types. Their crews will service the Kurganets-25 and Boomerang family vehicles, as well as older BTR-80, BTR-82, BMP-2 and BMP-3 vehicles.
One of the reasons for the development and future adoption of a new vehicle for service by a source in the Ministry of Defense called the limited capabilities of the existing equipment of a similar purpose. According to him, the evacuation vehicles of the previous generation in service will not be able to work with the new models of the Kurganets-25 and Boomerang families. More accurate information about such problems were not given.
The new BREM on the Kurganets-25 platform should differ from the existing analogues by some design features and additional features. In particular, the source "Izvestia" noted the possibility of solving some problems with the reduction of the role of the crew. So, the system of quick evacuation of damaged equipment was introduced without the direct participation of the crew. When using it, the recovery vehicle must approach the damaged machinery, after which a special automated device will install the thimble of the cables on the towing hooks at the command of the crew. Previously, to solve such problems, the BREM crew had to leave the limits of the armored hull and were subject to serious risks.
BTR "Kurganets-25"
S. Abdulov revealed some technical details of the new project. The chassis in the form of a unified tracked platform as a whole remains without major changes. In particular, the same armor case with the original characteristics of protection is used. This advantageously distinguishes the technique of the Kurganets-25 platform from the BREM-L “Beglyanka” machine, created on the basis of the BMP-3. In the case of these samples, there was some deterioration in the protection of the recovery vehicle in comparison with the base sample. For self-defense, BREM must carry a remote-controlled combat module with a large-caliber machine gun. From the BREM-L the new model should also differ in the increased characteristics of the crane and the winch.
According to reports, the development of an armored repair and recovery vehicle based on the unified tracked platform "Kurganets-25" started at the beginning of the current decade, almost simultaneously with the design work on the platform itself and the combat vehicles of the family. The main objective of the project was initially the creation of equipment capable of evacuating damaged armored vehicles, as well as carrying out small and medium repairs in the field. For this, the platform should be equipped with a set of special additional equipment.
Until a certain time, information about the appearance of the new BREM was absent. Only last year, at the Russian Arms Expo-2015 exhibition, a model of a similar machine of the Kurganets-25 family was shown. This product made it possible to understand the overall appearance and main features of the project. The layout showed the use of the existing chassis, which is proposed to be additionally equipped with special equipment. In this case, probably, we are talking about the minimum necessary modifications of the base chassis. Cardinal designs are not required.
BREM based on the Kurganets-25 platform should retain all the main features of the chassis. The basis of the machine is an armored body with protection against small-caliber artillery and rifle artillery. weapons. The layout remains with the front-mounted engine compartment, behind which is the control compartment. The central and aft hulls are still allocated to accommodate the crew and some special equipment. In connection with the range of tasks to be solved, the stern compartment probably should contain the tools and spare parts necessary for repair work.
Model BREM based platform "Kurganets-25"
It is known that when creating a promising unified platform, the need to increase the level of protection was taken into account. For this, the most modern technologies and materials are used. In addition, the machine is equipped with large side screens, providing additional protection against various threats. Measures have been taken to increase protection against possible explosive devices.
The most important features of the original project, concerning the convenience of the crew and the management of equipment, remain. Around the perimeter of the hull should be located blocks of opto-electronic equipment, with which the crew can monitor the environment. This equipment is necessary both for driving, and for performance of the main tasks. Naturally, used and viewing devices of traditional design.
As the model of the Kurganets-25 BREM, shown last year, shows, the car received means of protection against various threats. Self-defense when working at the forefront should be carried out using a remote-controlled combat module. A complex similar to that used as part of an armored personnel carrier of a new family is proposed for use. This module is equipped with a set of necessary opto-electronic equipment, and also carries a PKT rifle caliber machine gun. Perhaps in the future, the composition of the weapons may be changed. The module is installed above the hull aft compartment and is positioned with a shift to the starboard side. An additional weapon of the repair and recovery vehicle, which is necessary for solving basic tasks, is a set of smoke grenade launchers. With their help, work should be masking.
"Last year's" layout demonstrated the composition of the special equipment proposed by the project. From the point of view of such equipment promising development is almost not different from existing samples. A set of various equipment allows you to pull out the stuck equipment, as well as take it in tow and evacuate to collection sites. After the evacuation, the machine can help repairmen in rebuilding equipment, using existing devices and spare parts.
BREM-L "Beglyanka"
A bulldozer blade is used to make passes in the rubble, to prepare the site for work, and also, probably, to stabilize the machine during work. The blade body width is hinged on the lower front plate and is equipped with actuators for moving to the desired position. In the stowed position, the blade rises up and is located at the level of the upper frontal sheet. In the working position, this device is lowered down and held at the desired height or with the required depth in the ground.
Inside the case there is a winch, which is necessary for pulling out the stuck equipment. Through the appropriate window in the case should be issued a cable that can be used both independently and as part of a polyspast, together with a set of blocks. The characteristics of the winch are unknown, but the available information makes some assumptions. It is known that the winch machine BREM-L could develop tractive effort at the level of 14-16 tf. According to the chief designer of JSC SKBM, the new model of equipment surpasses the existing analogue in winch power. Thus, the Kurgants-25-based BREM is capable of displaying a winch pull of at least 16 tf.
An important element of the special equipment of any repair and recovery vehicles is a crane. The new project of the Kurganets-25 family is no exception to this rule. On the roof of the hull at the left side, next to the combat module, it is proposed to mount a pivoting boom of a crane. An arrow is hinged on it. In the stowed position, the boom rotates at a certain angle to the longitudinal axis of the machine and descends to the lowest position. In this case, its head is above the right side of the frontal hull sheet. In this state, the crane hook is held by fasteners on the body.
The design of the crane allows you to rotate the boom to the desired angles within a wide enough sector, as well as change the angle of ascent and, as a result, the boom reach. The characteristics of the promising BREM crane are still unknown, but it was reported that it differs from the equipment of the Beglyanka machine with increased characteristics. Recall, the equipment of the machine based on the BMP-3 allows you to lift loads weighing up to 5 or 11 t. In the first case, only a winch is used, in the second - a double polyspast. From the latest statements by the management of the Special Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering, it follows that the maximum capacity of the crane of the new BREM will be at least 11-12 t.
Evacuation of damaged equipment should be carried out using a towing device. The BREM model, shown last year, carried a rigid system on the stern, consisting of several rods and fixtures for connecting the towing vehicle and damaged equipment. In recent reports it is mentioned that the new project uses more advanced equipment, which includes drives to feed towing devices to the hooks of the evacuated car. Such automated tools allow the crew to work with damaged machines without significant risks associated with going beyond the protected volume.
New family car
One of the tasks of repair-evacuation machines is to promote the repair of equipment. To do this, they must have on board various tools, spare parts, etc. A part of the stock of spare parts should be transported inside the hull, probably inside the former troop compartment. Space is also provided to accommodate such a load outside the protected space. On the stern of the roof, behind the combat module and crane, a special box should be placed to transport the necessary cargo. In addition, special fastenings can be placed on the roof of the car for transporting blocks, cables and other devices necessary for working with damaged equipment.
The maximum possible unification of all armored vehicles of the Kurganets-25 family should lead to obtaining similar basic characteristics. First of all, the BREM should not differ from the BMP and BTR in terms of mobility. Among other things, the possibility of crossing water barriers by swimming with the help of feed propulsion can be maintained. We should also expect certain advantages associated with the features of the operation of unified technology.
The model of a promising repair and recovery vehicle on the basis of the newest unified platform shown at last year's exhibition shows the general features of the new project, and also shows the possible features of a real machine. However, in 2015, it was only a demo layout that was being discussed, while the actual project could have been changed in one way or another. This means that a real model of BREM may have significant differences from the previously shown model.
According to the latest data, not so long ago, a promising armored repair and recovery vehicle of the Kurganets-25 family was put to the test. It will take some time for the organization and the military department to carry out all the necessary checks. Over the next months or even years, representatives of the customer and the contractor will check the work of individual systems and the entire machine as a whole. According to recently published information from unnamed sources in the Ministry of Defense, the new BREM should be put into service with other equipment of the Kurganets-25 family. Earlier it was reported that equipment based on the new platform will be released for state tests in 2017, after which it will be decided to adopt it. Thus, all the necessary checks of BREM will last about a year.
The result of all current work, both for individual projects, and for the entire Kurganets-25 program, in the foreseeable future should be the beginning of army re-equipment using the latest models of armored vehicles of various classes and different purposes. First of all, combat vehicles of different classes with different configuration are developed. Simultaneously with them, it is planned to adopt an armored repair and recovery vehicle, which will take on the tasks of servicing both the latest technology and existing samples. The development of new technology troops will begin in the next few years.
On the materials of the sites:
http://izvestia.ru/
http://tass.ru/
http://otvaga2004.ru/
http://vpk.name/
Photo review of models of the Kurganets-25 family of vehicles, including BREM:
http://otvaga2004.ru/fotoreportazhi/vystavki-vooruzheniya/brem-kurganec-25/
Information