Heavy "Atom"
A few years ago, the domestic defense industry for the first time presented a prototype model of a promising heavy wheeled infantry fighting vehicle. In the future, the development of a new project was halted due to economic and political problems, but later it was continued. The result of continuing the required work in the foreseeable future should be the appearance of an updated version of the Atom BMP. After some downtime, domestic enterprises were able to continue working on a promising project.
The project of the wheeled infantry fighting vehicle "Atom" was originally a joint development of Russian and French industry, which further had a negative impact on its implementation. At the beginning of this decade, the Russian Petrel Research Institute, part of the Uralvagonzavod corporation, signed an agreement with the French company Renault Trucks Defense, whose goal was to work together on a promising model of heavy-duty wheeled armored vehicles. Soon, together, the two organizations developed a project that was later embodied as a prototype for demonstration at exhibitions.
The first demonstration of the BMP "Atom" in 2013 year. Photo of Wikimedia Commons
The first public demonstration of a promising wheeled BMP, dubbed “Atom,” was held in September 2013 of the year during the Russia Arms Expo 2013 exhibition in Nizhny Tagil. At the exhibition site, along with other models of equipment developed and manufactured by Uralvagonzavod Corporation and enterprises from its composition, a sample of a new wheeled combat vehicle was placed. The joint Russian-French development interested specialists and the general public, soon becoming one of the main topics of discussion at the time.
During the first demonstration, the main advantages of the presented project were noted. It was argued that the experience of Renault Trucks Defense French designers created a modern chassis with high mobility, protection, etc., and the Russian Petrel Research Institute Burevestnik created a unique combat module with an 57-mm automatic cannon that would ensure absolute superiority over other military technique of a similar class. It was expected that a full-fledged BMP of the new project would be able to solve the main tasks of transporting personnel and fire support of dismounted troops with increased efficiency.
Also, in the future, the new project implied the creation of a whole family of specialized equipment based on a common chassis. The characteristics of the Atom chassis made it possible to transport up to 7 tons of payload inside the cargo or passenger compartment with a volume of 10,7 cubic meters. Thanks to this, it was possible to create not only an infantry fighting vehicle or an armored personnel carrier on the basis of the basic design, but also other samples. In the promotional materials for the project mentioned anti-aircraft self-propelled unit with 57-mm gun, self-propelled gun with 120-mm gun, as well as repair and evacuation, command-staff, engineering and ambulance. From the BMP, they should have been different composition of special equipment and weapons.
Project information stand. Photo Bastion-karpenko.ru
Later, representatives of development companies revealed the prerequisites for the start of cooperation with foreign enterprises. One of the main reasons for the emergence of the joint Russian-French project "Atom" was the lack of domestic chassis with the required characteristics. A few years ago, the Russian defense industry could not provide the Petrel Research Institute with a wheeled chassis capable of carrying a promising combat module with an 57-mm automatic cannon. The French car from Renault Trucks Defense, in turn, met these requirements and could be used in a new project.
In early April, 2014 appeared news about events and decisions that could lead to a complete halt to work on the Atom project. According to French media, the company Renault Trucks Defense has decided to suspend collaboration with the corporation Uralvagonzavod. The official reason for this was the sanctions imposed by the French government on Russia in connection with the events of the beginning of 2014. However, there was no talk of a complete stop at work. At the same time there were certain risks associated with third countries. Among the subcontractors of the project was the Swedish company Volvo, which was planned to order the individual elements of the power plant and chassis. Stockholm’s official plans to join anti-Russian sanctions could damage the joint Russian-French project.
Model prototype of the joint Russian-French assembly. Photo of Wikimedia Commons
In June of the same year, the situation was somewhat cleared up. During the Eurosatory-2014 exhibition, held in France, Deputy General Director of Rosoboronexport Igor Sevostyanov made an important statement regarding the Atom project. According to him, the development of the project by the efforts of Russian and French specialists continues successfully. Development is now underway to offer new cars to potential customers in the face of foreign countries.
A few months later, in September 2014, Oleg Sienko, CEO of the Uralvagonzavod Corporation, once again raised the topic of the Atom project. At that time, it was claimed that at the nearest IDEX-2015 exhibition in the United Arab Emirates it was planned to show a new model of a promising BMP. Now the Russian industry was going to make a prototype on its own and without the help of foreign partners. There was also hope for an early demonstration of the new development on the go and at the shooting range.
Also in the first half of last year, representatives of the Russian side of the Atom project several times mentioned plans to continue work with a new partner. So, in June, there were reports about the possible beginning of cooperation with the United Arab Emirates. The general director of the corporation "Uralvagonzavod" did not rule out the beginning of joint work with the UAE, if the industry of this country will work with the preservation of the existing dynamics and pace. Soon these data were clarified. It was now claimed that the development of the Atom project was continued by Russian specialists independently. Cooperation with the UAE, in turn, is carried out using a foreign base platform.
Sample presented in 2014 year. Photo of Wikimedia Commons
In April, 2016, O. Sienko stated that now experts from the United Arab Emirates and Kazakhstan are involved in the Atom project. Particular success in the development of the project was achieved in the framework of cooperation with the United Arab Emirates in the face of Emirates Defense Technologies. The perspective version of the machine, which is the result of these works, is based on the overseas Enigma chassis. With the normal development of the project and the absence of serious difficulties already this year, a promising model could go on firing tests. In the case of Kazakhstan, the issue of creating another version of the project was considered, in which the platform acquired by the Kazakh industry from a foreign developer will be used.
The main goal of the own version of the Atom project created by Russian specialists is the development of a new chassis with high mobility, protection and firepower characteristics corresponding to the parameters of the original car of the French company Renault Trucks Defense. The latter, to date, has finally left the project, which is why the Russian corporation Uralvagonzavod has to complete the work independently or in cooperation with foreign companies.
Aft vehicle with ramp for landing. Photo Bastion-karpenko.ru
According to the estimates of the management of the Russian corporation, the development of a promising wheeled chassis designed to replace a French-made car should be completed next year. Until the end of next year, this car will be released for testing, the results of which will determine its further fate. Technical details of the project have not yet been clarified. It is asserted that it will be much better than the existing samples and will get higher characteristics.
The exact appearance and technical characteristics of the domestic chassis, created as a new basis for an infantry fighting vehicle and other machines of the Atom family, are still unknown. At the same time, a few years ago, the main data on the BMP of the joint Russian-French development were published, which allow us to imagine what the new wheeled platform should be. There is reason to believe that at certain points the new domestic project of the chassis will repeat the French, while other features will be determined in accordance with the experience and developments of domestic engineers.
The initial project proposed the creation of a heavy-duty infantry fighting vehicle on a wheeled chassis. In addition, the base chassis could later become the basis for new types of equipment for other purposes. The main element of the advanced model was to be a wheeled chassis, developed primarily by French specialists. It was proposed to mount a Russian combat module with increased power armament.
Assault unit BMP. In the background you can see the workplace of the commander. Photo of Wikimedia Commons
The Atom BMP chassis was proposed to be built using current ideas and solutions, as well as modern components with the required characteristics. It was proposed to manufacture the hull with a wedge-shaped profile of the frontal part, formed by large upper and lower, as well as narrow central armor details. Provided for the vertical lower part of the sides with fastener assemblies for the chassis. The upper part of the sides, forming a developed niche, was to consist of vertical and inclined parts. A horizontal roof and stern sheet, set backward, were also envisaged.
The hull of the supporting structure was proposed to be made of armor steel, as well as to equip with additional details for additional reservations. The protection of such a body, according to the authors of the project, corresponded to the 5 level of the standard STANAG 4569. In this case, the armor could withstand a hit of the 25-mm cannon or the 155-mm projectile that exploded at a distance of 25 m.
As an additional means of protection, the Atom project offered various solutions and devices. The possibility of equipping an infantry fighting vehicle with mounted screens to protect against cumulative ammunition, an active protection system, means of detecting laser irradiation, protection against weapons mass destruction, etc. Also as part of the chassis it was proposed to use tires suitable for use in a damaged condition. The composition of the protective equipment and the level of reservation could vary in accordance with the wishes of the customer.
The possible appearance of the BMP on the basis of the domestic chassis. Shot from video from Politrussia.com
The layout of the car body had to correspond to the current views on this issue. In front of the hull, on the right side of the hull, was placed the engine, coupled with some transmission units. To the left of the engine compartment there was a management compartment with driver and commander jobs placed one after another. The central compartment and the aft hull was a troop compartment. A separate compartment for the combat module was not foreseen by the initial project - the combat module was completely located outside the corps. The commander and driver had their own hatches. The troop compartment received a stern ramp and two hatches in the roof.
The engines of the Renault and Volvo firms with a power of about 600 hp were considered as the basis of the power plant. With the help of an automatic transmission, engine torque was to be distributed to all eight wheels of the chassis, as well as to jet propulsion. To move on land, it was proposed to use a chassis with the formula 8x8, equipped with independent wheel suspension. Also near the rear wheels on the sides of the hull were placed two jet propulsion to overcome water obstacles by swimming. To control the course in this mode, moving flaps are used, blocking the nozzles of the propellers.
The new "Atom" can carry the "Baikal" combat module. Shot from video from Politrussia.com
Own chassis length was 8,2 m, width - 3 m, height (on the roof) - 2,5 m. The combat weight of the equipment could vary within fairly wide limits, being associated with the equipment of the machine, primarily with the composition of the booking and other means of protection. The maximum combat weight was determined at the level of 32 t. At the same time, the specific power should have reached 18,75 hp. per ton, which allowed to show the maximum speed on the highway to 100 km / h. Estimated power reserve was 750 km.
The Russian Petroleum Research Institute "Petrel" developed a new combat module with increased-caliber weapons. This product was a remote-controlled tower with a reservation corresponding to the protection of the hull. On the frontal part of the tower was placed a large block of barrel armament, having in its composition an automatic gun of caliber 57 mm and a twin machine gun 7,62-mm. The design of the tower provided a circular horizontal guidance and vertical ranging from -8 ° to + 70 °. The “main caliber” of the combat vehicle could show the rate of fire up to 140 rounds per minute, and also had the ability to change the type of ammunition used. Full ammunition was 200 shells, ready to use - half. The effective firing range of the main gun was declared at the level of 6 km. Depending on the type of projectile used and the characteristics of the target, this parameter could be increased to 16 km.
It should be noted that, despite the use of similar weapons, the Atom combat module is not directly related to the AU-220M Baikal system, which is an important element of all recent exhibition exhibitions. The modules of the two types have a certain similarity, and also are based on common ideas, but a newer system, according to some data, is not a direct development of the previous one. However, in the future, an updated version of the heavy wheeled BMP can receive both the previously developed turret with weapons and the Baikal module.
It was proposed to use optical-electronic equipment located on the roof of a new tower to search for targets and aim the gun. This equipment had to work in conjunction with the control panel at the operator’s workplace. The operator had the opportunity to receive a video signal from the instruments of the tower, with its help to control the situation and search for targets, as well as perform guidance and shooting. All control over the operation of the combat module was to be carried out using the means of remote control. Direct human involvement was required only in some situations, such as the replenishment of ready-to-use ammunition.
Possible appearance of the car, view of the roof. Orange color highlighted hatches for the crew and landing. Shot from video from Politrussia.com
In the configuration of the heavy infantry fighting vehicle "Atom" was to be controlled by a crew of three. In front of the hull, to the left of the engine, were the driver’s (front) and commander’s (behind him) jobs, equipped with all the necessary control devices and controls. Behind the commander and driver was a place for the gunner-operator of weapons. With the help of available devices, he had to control the operation of the combat module. Aft hull was given under the troop compartment with places to accommodate fighters with weapons. Along the sides there were four landing chairs. The seats of the chairs could rise to a vertical position, facilitating dismounting or freeing the volume for the transport of certain goods.
According to the latest reports on the Atom project, published this spring, the domestic industry is currently developing its own version of the wheeled chassis, which is necessary for the further development of a promising military vehicle. Uralvagonzavod Corporation plans to complete the design, build a prototype and take it to the test in the next 2017 year.
Apparently, the Atom prototype will be demonstrated for the first time at one of the Russian military equipment and weapons exhibitions of the next year. If the works go without any serious difficulties, they will be able to show the car not only at a static parking lot, but also at demonstration events at the test site. Nevertheless, so far all this remains a matter of a rather distant perspective. In the meantime, design work continues.
BMP "Atom" on the ground. Shot from video from Politrussia.com
The current situation around the Atom project, namely the list of foreign partners of domestic enterprise developers, makes the prospects for new technology obvious. It is unlikely that the new model of the car or even a whole new family will be offered to domestic armed forces, for which another version of the wheel unified platform is already being created. But "Atom" in the configuration of the BMP or in the form of equipment for another purpose may be of interest to foreign customers. Thus, the United Arab Emirates and Kazakhstan have already shown interest in the proposed concept, although they wished to receive equipment on the basis of independently selected chassis. In the future we can expect a similar reaction from other states.
BMP "Atom" may be of interest to foreign armies for a variety of reasons tactical, technical, economic and operational nature. In this case, the main reason for interest, as shown by joint work with the United Arab Emirates and Kazakhstan, lies in the newest combat module with enhanced firepower characteristics. 57-mm automatic cannon sharply knocked out of the modern concepts of armored vehicles, differing from the "generally accepted" systems increased performance. As a result, the new gun can be a decisive advantage over other modern models of combat vehicles of various classes.
The project of promising armored vehicles “Atom”, presented a few years ago, during its development managed to face noticeable difficulties of a political and economic nature, but nevertheless it was not stopped. On the contrary, having lost a foreign partner represented by the French company Renault Trucks Defense, the Russian side continued to work, and also managed to interest other countries in the new proposal. Thanks to this, after a break, work on the promising Atom BMP was continued. At the same time, domestic specialists conduct work both independently and in cooperation with foreign colleagues. Thus, the project has lost some time, but still retained its commercial and combat potential. How successful this potential will be realized will become known later, when prototypes of the updated Atom machines pass tests, appear at exhibitions and contribute to the appearance of contracts.
On the materials of the sites:
http://burevestnik.com/
http://ria.ru/
http://tass.ru/
http://rg.ru/
http://politrussia.com/
http://otvaga2004.ru/
http://bastion-karpenko.ru/
The project of the wheeled infantry fighting vehicle "Atom" was originally a joint development of Russian and French industry, which further had a negative impact on its implementation. At the beginning of this decade, the Russian Petrel Research Institute, part of the Uralvagonzavod corporation, signed an agreement with the French company Renault Trucks Defense, whose goal was to work together on a promising model of heavy-duty wheeled armored vehicles. Soon, together, the two organizations developed a project that was later embodied as a prototype for demonstration at exhibitions.
The first demonstration of the BMP "Atom" in 2013 year. Photo of Wikimedia Commons
The first public demonstration of a promising wheeled BMP, dubbed “Atom,” was held in September 2013 of the year during the Russia Arms Expo 2013 exhibition in Nizhny Tagil. At the exhibition site, along with other models of equipment developed and manufactured by Uralvagonzavod Corporation and enterprises from its composition, a sample of a new wheeled combat vehicle was placed. The joint Russian-French development interested specialists and the general public, soon becoming one of the main topics of discussion at the time.
During the first demonstration, the main advantages of the presented project were noted. It was argued that the experience of Renault Trucks Defense French designers created a modern chassis with high mobility, protection, etc., and the Russian Petrel Research Institute Burevestnik created a unique combat module with an 57-mm automatic cannon that would ensure absolute superiority over other military technique of a similar class. It was expected that a full-fledged BMP of the new project would be able to solve the main tasks of transporting personnel and fire support of dismounted troops with increased efficiency.
Also, in the future, the new project implied the creation of a whole family of specialized equipment based on a common chassis. The characteristics of the Atom chassis made it possible to transport up to 7 tons of payload inside the cargo or passenger compartment with a volume of 10,7 cubic meters. Thanks to this, it was possible to create not only an infantry fighting vehicle or an armored personnel carrier on the basis of the basic design, but also other samples. In the promotional materials for the project mentioned anti-aircraft self-propelled unit with 57-mm gun, self-propelled gun with 120-mm gun, as well as repair and evacuation, command-staff, engineering and ambulance. From the BMP, they should have been different composition of special equipment and weapons.
Project information stand. Photo Bastion-karpenko.ru
Later, representatives of development companies revealed the prerequisites for the start of cooperation with foreign enterprises. One of the main reasons for the emergence of the joint Russian-French project "Atom" was the lack of domestic chassis with the required characteristics. A few years ago, the Russian defense industry could not provide the Petrel Research Institute with a wheeled chassis capable of carrying a promising combat module with an 57-mm automatic cannon. The French car from Renault Trucks Defense, in turn, met these requirements and could be used in a new project.
In early April, 2014 appeared news about events and decisions that could lead to a complete halt to work on the Atom project. According to French media, the company Renault Trucks Defense has decided to suspend collaboration with the corporation Uralvagonzavod. The official reason for this was the sanctions imposed by the French government on Russia in connection with the events of the beginning of 2014. However, there was no talk of a complete stop at work. At the same time there were certain risks associated with third countries. Among the subcontractors of the project was the Swedish company Volvo, which was planned to order the individual elements of the power plant and chassis. Stockholm’s official plans to join anti-Russian sanctions could damage the joint Russian-French project.
Model prototype of the joint Russian-French assembly. Photo of Wikimedia Commons
In June of the same year, the situation was somewhat cleared up. During the Eurosatory-2014 exhibition, held in France, Deputy General Director of Rosoboronexport Igor Sevostyanov made an important statement regarding the Atom project. According to him, the development of the project by the efforts of Russian and French specialists continues successfully. Development is now underway to offer new cars to potential customers in the face of foreign countries.
A few months later, in September 2014, Oleg Sienko, CEO of the Uralvagonzavod Corporation, once again raised the topic of the Atom project. At that time, it was claimed that at the nearest IDEX-2015 exhibition in the United Arab Emirates it was planned to show a new model of a promising BMP. Now the Russian industry was going to make a prototype on its own and without the help of foreign partners. There was also hope for an early demonstration of the new development on the go and at the shooting range.
Also in the first half of last year, representatives of the Russian side of the Atom project several times mentioned plans to continue work with a new partner. So, in June, there were reports about the possible beginning of cooperation with the United Arab Emirates. The general director of the corporation "Uralvagonzavod" did not rule out the beginning of joint work with the UAE, if the industry of this country will work with the preservation of the existing dynamics and pace. Soon these data were clarified. It was now claimed that the development of the Atom project was continued by Russian specialists independently. Cooperation with the UAE, in turn, is carried out using a foreign base platform.
Sample presented in 2014 year. Photo of Wikimedia Commons
In April, 2016, O. Sienko stated that now experts from the United Arab Emirates and Kazakhstan are involved in the Atom project. Particular success in the development of the project was achieved in the framework of cooperation with the United Arab Emirates in the face of Emirates Defense Technologies. The perspective version of the machine, which is the result of these works, is based on the overseas Enigma chassis. With the normal development of the project and the absence of serious difficulties already this year, a promising model could go on firing tests. In the case of Kazakhstan, the issue of creating another version of the project was considered, in which the platform acquired by the Kazakh industry from a foreign developer will be used.
The main goal of the own version of the Atom project created by Russian specialists is the development of a new chassis with high mobility, protection and firepower characteristics corresponding to the parameters of the original car of the French company Renault Trucks Defense. The latter, to date, has finally left the project, which is why the Russian corporation Uralvagonzavod has to complete the work independently or in cooperation with foreign companies.
Aft vehicle with ramp for landing. Photo Bastion-karpenko.ru
According to the estimates of the management of the Russian corporation, the development of a promising wheeled chassis designed to replace a French-made car should be completed next year. Until the end of next year, this car will be released for testing, the results of which will determine its further fate. Technical details of the project have not yet been clarified. It is asserted that it will be much better than the existing samples and will get higher characteristics.
The exact appearance and technical characteristics of the domestic chassis, created as a new basis for an infantry fighting vehicle and other machines of the Atom family, are still unknown. At the same time, a few years ago, the main data on the BMP of the joint Russian-French development were published, which allow us to imagine what the new wheeled platform should be. There is reason to believe that at certain points the new domestic project of the chassis will repeat the French, while other features will be determined in accordance with the experience and developments of domestic engineers.
The initial project proposed the creation of a heavy-duty infantry fighting vehicle on a wheeled chassis. In addition, the base chassis could later become the basis for new types of equipment for other purposes. The main element of the advanced model was to be a wheeled chassis, developed primarily by French specialists. It was proposed to mount a Russian combat module with increased power armament.
Assault unit BMP. In the background you can see the workplace of the commander. Photo of Wikimedia Commons
The Atom BMP chassis was proposed to be built using current ideas and solutions, as well as modern components with the required characteristics. It was proposed to manufacture the hull with a wedge-shaped profile of the frontal part, formed by large upper and lower, as well as narrow central armor details. Provided for the vertical lower part of the sides with fastener assemblies for the chassis. The upper part of the sides, forming a developed niche, was to consist of vertical and inclined parts. A horizontal roof and stern sheet, set backward, were also envisaged.
The hull of the supporting structure was proposed to be made of armor steel, as well as to equip with additional details for additional reservations. The protection of such a body, according to the authors of the project, corresponded to the 5 level of the standard STANAG 4569. In this case, the armor could withstand a hit of the 25-mm cannon or the 155-mm projectile that exploded at a distance of 25 m.
As an additional means of protection, the Atom project offered various solutions and devices. The possibility of equipping an infantry fighting vehicle with mounted screens to protect against cumulative ammunition, an active protection system, means of detecting laser irradiation, protection against weapons mass destruction, etc. Also as part of the chassis it was proposed to use tires suitable for use in a damaged condition. The composition of the protective equipment and the level of reservation could vary in accordance with the wishes of the customer.
The possible appearance of the BMP on the basis of the domestic chassis. Shot from video from Politrussia.com
The layout of the car body had to correspond to the current views on this issue. In front of the hull, on the right side of the hull, was placed the engine, coupled with some transmission units. To the left of the engine compartment there was a management compartment with driver and commander jobs placed one after another. The central compartment and the aft hull was a troop compartment. A separate compartment for the combat module was not foreseen by the initial project - the combat module was completely located outside the corps. The commander and driver had their own hatches. The troop compartment received a stern ramp and two hatches in the roof.
The engines of the Renault and Volvo firms with a power of about 600 hp were considered as the basis of the power plant. With the help of an automatic transmission, engine torque was to be distributed to all eight wheels of the chassis, as well as to jet propulsion. To move on land, it was proposed to use a chassis with the formula 8x8, equipped with independent wheel suspension. Also near the rear wheels on the sides of the hull were placed two jet propulsion to overcome water obstacles by swimming. To control the course in this mode, moving flaps are used, blocking the nozzles of the propellers.
The new "Atom" can carry the "Baikal" combat module. Shot from video from Politrussia.com
Own chassis length was 8,2 m, width - 3 m, height (on the roof) - 2,5 m. The combat weight of the equipment could vary within fairly wide limits, being associated with the equipment of the machine, primarily with the composition of the booking and other means of protection. The maximum combat weight was determined at the level of 32 t. At the same time, the specific power should have reached 18,75 hp. per ton, which allowed to show the maximum speed on the highway to 100 km / h. Estimated power reserve was 750 km.
The Russian Petroleum Research Institute "Petrel" developed a new combat module with increased-caliber weapons. This product was a remote-controlled tower with a reservation corresponding to the protection of the hull. On the frontal part of the tower was placed a large block of barrel armament, having in its composition an automatic gun of caliber 57 mm and a twin machine gun 7,62-mm. The design of the tower provided a circular horizontal guidance and vertical ranging from -8 ° to + 70 °. The “main caliber” of the combat vehicle could show the rate of fire up to 140 rounds per minute, and also had the ability to change the type of ammunition used. Full ammunition was 200 shells, ready to use - half. The effective firing range of the main gun was declared at the level of 6 km. Depending on the type of projectile used and the characteristics of the target, this parameter could be increased to 16 km.
It should be noted that, despite the use of similar weapons, the Atom combat module is not directly related to the AU-220M Baikal system, which is an important element of all recent exhibition exhibitions. The modules of the two types have a certain similarity, and also are based on common ideas, but a newer system, according to some data, is not a direct development of the previous one. However, in the future, an updated version of the heavy wheeled BMP can receive both the previously developed turret with weapons and the Baikal module.
It was proposed to use optical-electronic equipment located on the roof of a new tower to search for targets and aim the gun. This equipment had to work in conjunction with the control panel at the operator’s workplace. The operator had the opportunity to receive a video signal from the instruments of the tower, with its help to control the situation and search for targets, as well as perform guidance and shooting. All control over the operation of the combat module was to be carried out using the means of remote control. Direct human involvement was required only in some situations, such as the replenishment of ready-to-use ammunition.
Possible appearance of the car, view of the roof. Orange color highlighted hatches for the crew and landing. Shot from video from Politrussia.com
In the configuration of the heavy infantry fighting vehicle "Atom" was to be controlled by a crew of three. In front of the hull, to the left of the engine, were the driver’s (front) and commander’s (behind him) jobs, equipped with all the necessary control devices and controls. Behind the commander and driver was a place for the gunner-operator of weapons. With the help of available devices, he had to control the operation of the combat module. Aft hull was given under the troop compartment with places to accommodate fighters with weapons. Along the sides there were four landing chairs. The seats of the chairs could rise to a vertical position, facilitating dismounting or freeing the volume for the transport of certain goods.
According to the latest reports on the Atom project, published this spring, the domestic industry is currently developing its own version of the wheeled chassis, which is necessary for the further development of a promising military vehicle. Uralvagonzavod Corporation plans to complete the design, build a prototype and take it to the test in the next 2017 year.
Apparently, the Atom prototype will be demonstrated for the first time at one of the Russian military equipment and weapons exhibitions of the next year. If the works go without any serious difficulties, they will be able to show the car not only at a static parking lot, but also at demonstration events at the test site. Nevertheless, so far all this remains a matter of a rather distant perspective. In the meantime, design work continues.
BMP "Atom" on the ground. Shot from video from Politrussia.com
The current situation around the Atom project, namely the list of foreign partners of domestic enterprise developers, makes the prospects for new technology obvious. It is unlikely that the new model of the car or even a whole new family will be offered to domestic armed forces, for which another version of the wheel unified platform is already being created. But "Atom" in the configuration of the BMP or in the form of equipment for another purpose may be of interest to foreign customers. Thus, the United Arab Emirates and Kazakhstan have already shown interest in the proposed concept, although they wished to receive equipment on the basis of independently selected chassis. In the future we can expect a similar reaction from other states.
BMP "Atom" may be of interest to foreign armies for a variety of reasons tactical, technical, economic and operational nature. In this case, the main reason for interest, as shown by joint work with the United Arab Emirates and Kazakhstan, lies in the newest combat module with enhanced firepower characteristics. 57-mm automatic cannon sharply knocked out of the modern concepts of armored vehicles, differing from the "generally accepted" systems increased performance. As a result, the new gun can be a decisive advantage over other modern models of combat vehicles of various classes.
The project of promising armored vehicles “Atom”, presented a few years ago, during its development managed to face noticeable difficulties of a political and economic nature, but nevertheless it was not stopped. On the contrary, having lost a foreign partner represented by the French company Renault Trucks Defense, the Russian side continued to work, and also managed to interest other countries in the new proposal. Thanks to this, after a break, work on the promising Atom BMP was continued. At the same time, domestic specialists conduct work both independently and in cooperation with foreign colleagues. Thus, the project has lost some time, but still retained its commercial and combat potential. How successful this potential will be realized will become known later, when prototypes of the updated Atom machines pass tests, appear at exhibitions and contribute to the appearance of contracts.
On the materials of the sites:
http://burevestnik.com/
http://ria.ru/
http://tass.ru/
http://rg.ru/
http://politrussia.com/
http://otvaga2004.ru/
http://bastion-karpenko.ru/
Information