"Hell's Chariot!"
An indispensable attribute of a truly modern military equipment is a remote-controlled combat module with machine-gun, cannon or rocket weapons. Such equipment allows to provide the required firepower, as well as simplify the operation of systems, which explains the great interest shown by the military all over the world to this class of equipment. The development of new combat modules is being carried out both by recognized leaders of the world market for armaments and equipment, and by countries that can hardly count on such a title. Among other such projects is engaged in the defense industry of Ukraine. One of the newest projects in this area was named “Viy”.
Apparently, the main goal of the project, named after the character of Little Russian folklore, was to increase the firepower of military equipment and increase the range of effective fire. In addition, the project shows some features that clearly indicate an attempt to create a universal system suitable for use on various chassis, including relatively light ones. For example, an armored car “Dozor-B” with the wheel formula 4х4 was chosen as a platform for testing the “Viy” system.
The armored vehicle "Dozor-B" with the combat module "Viy". Photo Bmpd.livejournal.com
About the existence of the project of the advanced combat module "Viy" became known about a year ago. During one of the Ukrainian exhibitions dedicated to the success of the military industry, Westan Group Associates presented its new project. Then some information about the project was disclosed, revealing the architecture and capabilities of the complex. Also, the authors of the project spoke about the possible scope of the promising system. Despite all the positive assessments, at that time the module “Viy” was not yet ready for adoption. It was necessary to conduct the whole complex of tests and refinements, after which it was possible to determine the real future of the system.
According to the developer, published by the Ukrainian media, the module "Viy" is intended for installation on the existing types of light and medium armored vehicles in order to increase their combat capabilities. The use of a double-barreled 23-mm automatic cannon allows an armed Viyom combat vehicle to fight manpower, unprotected or lightly armored equipment of the enemy, and also to destroy the enemy, who is under the shelter of various buildings. There are also certain possibilities for countering airborne targets, such as a helicopter in hover mode.
In April, 2016 was published information about the tests of new weapons. A prototype of the Viy combat module from Westan Group Associates was installed on the Dozor-B armored car built by the Kiev Armored Plant. In this configuration, the car went to the site to study the main characteristics, primarily the parameters of the fire. Shortly after the tests were published photos and video firing from the new weapons. These materials make it possible to approximately estimate the capabilities and prospects of the combat module.
The most recent references to the Viy project appeared just a couple of days ago. One of the Ukrainian TV channels showed a report on the new development of the military industry, which described the main features and prospects of the project. In particular, the designer of one of the enterprises involved in the project, Andrei Polikhin, noted the sustainability of the Dozor-B armored vehicle with a combat module, and also spoke about plans to modernize the Viya. It is planned to upgrade this complex by installing additional armament and new optical-electronic systems.
The general scheme of the module. Figure Strangernn.livejournal.com
A characteristic feature of the Viy project is the extensive use of ready-made components, which undergo some changes for use as part of a new combat module. Separately, it should be noted that the main components of the module were created a few decades ago, during the times of the Soviet Union. Now, thanks to the new ideas of the Ukrainian designers, these products have found a new unexpected use as components of the combat module. Obviously, this design approach has simplified and accelerated the development of the combat module, and can also have a positive impact on the cost of mass-produced items. Nevertheless, some fundamentally fatal flaws may be associated with it.
An existing product was chosen as the main element for the new type of combat module, which acts as the main platform with mounts for other units. They became the commander's hatch of the main tank T-64A, which retained the device for mounting machine-gun weapons, and also received some other components and assemblies. It is assumed that such a base of the combat module will to some extent facilitate the production and installation of serial products on customer equipment. In the front part of the hatch there are fastenings for the swinging cradle of the gun, and in the back there are mounting devices for the ammunition box.
Means for mounting the gun, apparently, were also borrowed from the existing tanks of the Soviet development, as evidenced by the units designed to hold the gun in the desired position. However, in the light of the need to simplify and reduce the cost of construction, such a step is logical and justified. The former commander's hatch, which became the basis of the combat module, and the means of fastening the gun are completed with electric pointing drives, which allow to carry out a tip-off without direct interaction of the operator with the module. The combat module is not equipped with stabilization systems, which is served as an additional way to reduce the cost of production.
The double-barreled automatic gun GSH-23L is currently used as the main and only weapon of the Viy combat module. The gun is proposed to be placed on the existing mount, placing the trunks in a horizontal plane. In order to protect the main devices of the gun, the receiver can be closed with a box-shaped armor cover. Its task is to protect the main parts of the weapon from various external influences, such as pollution, and bullets or fragments.
The automatic gun GSH-23 was developed by the specialists of the Tula Instrument Design Bureau in the late fifties. After all the necessary checks and improvements to the design, in 1965, the gun was adopted. Serial production was carried out by the weapons factory in the town of Kovrov. Initially, the gun GSH-23 was intended for use on aircraft of various classes and types. Thus, front-line aviation received guns as course weapons, while strategic bombers, military transport aircraft and other vehicles were equipped with cannon-feed installations. Also, similar weapons received helicopters of several types. In addition, suspended cannon containers with the GSH-23 were developed. At the same time, however, the use of a cannon on ground-based equipment was not envisaged by the project. Land combat vehicles had to carry small-caliber artillery of other types.
One of the main tasks of the GSH-23 project was to increase the rate of fire to the maximum possible values. To solve this problem was used so-called. Gast scheme with the use of two moving shafts, rollback of one of which provides recharge of the second. Despite the presence of some problems in the early prototypes, during the refinement, it was possible to achieve high reliability of work and fulfillment of the technical requirements of the customer. The gun GSH-23, having two barrels, was able to make up to 3400 rounds per minute, which made it an effective weapon for various aircraft. Also the gun GSH-23L was developed, which was distinguished by the use of localizers - devices for removal of powder gases in the right direction.
Product GSH-23 / GSH-23L has a total length of about 1,5 m and weighs 50 kg. Depending on the type of projectile (shot 23х115 mm), the initial speed is provided from 690 to 890 m / s. The effective range of shooting - up to 2 km. Descent control is carried out by an electrical system. For storage and supply of ammunition used loose metal tape, placed in boxes inside the carrier. To reduce recoil to an acceptable level, both barrels of the guns received an advanced muzzle brake.
As follows from the available data, when installed on the Viy combat module, the initial aviation instrument of the GSH-23L does not undergo any changes. The receiver box of the product is fixed on the existing installation, and the electrical trigger system is connected to the control equipment. Significant design improvements are not foreseen. Apparently, the design of the combat module was created "around" the existing gun and taking into account its features.
Early version of "Wii" during the checks. Frame from the video from the test
The Viy project envisages the use of original ammunition storage systems and the discharge of spent cartridges with tape links. To transport ready-to-use ammunition, it is proposed to use a shell box mounted on the rear of the tank hatch. To connect the box to the hatch, a bracket of the appropriate size and shape is used, which has three points of support on the base unit. The box is made in the form of a half ring and has a flip top cover, secured in place with a set of latches. To load ammunition, you need to open the lid and manually lay the tape with the shells. The dimensions of the used box, according to the project developers, allow us to transport up to 250 23 x115 mm shells.
There is a small window on the right side of the tool box, to which a flexible metal sleeve of rectangular section is attached. The sleeve connects with the second end to the guide placed on the gun installation. The tape is fed directly to the gun by means of a closed curved guide. The use of a flexible sleeve that connects the box and the guide near the gun, allows for the supply of ammunition when shooting with different elevation angles.
To the left of the gun on the installation is a box for collecting cartridges. In its upper lid provides a receiving opening, which includes a sleeve connected to the ejection window of the gun. However, if necessary, the ejection of the sleeves can be carried out. In this case, the sleeve flies forward and upward from the combat module.
To the left of the box for sleeves on a swinging base is placed armor cover with optical-electronic systems. In the existing version, the module “Wii” receives surveillance equipment of the type OTC-20.01, created by the Research Institute “Kvant”. The device includes a television camera and a thermal imager, which make it possible to observe and use weapons at any time of the day and under any meteorological conditions. The possibility of observing targets at distances to 4 km in the daytime and to 900-1100 m at night has been announced. As a backup aiming system, a periscopic ROM-5 sight, borrowed from the main tanks of older models, is used.
Armored car with an updated combat module. Frame from the video from the test
Control of the Viy combat module is carried out with the help of an operator console installed inside the base armored vehicle. Equipping the module itself and the console allows you to monitor at any time of the day, search for targets and fire at them. In this case, as shown by the video from the tests, in some cases, the operator of the complex has to manually interact with the internal units of the combat module. The shooting control system provides several modes, from full-fledged automatic fire to shooting with a cutoff of several shots. In this case, the operator can set the queue length from 4 to 32 shots.
According to recent reports, in the future, the combat module "Viy" may receive some new equipment. Thus, the issue of using a new type of thermal imaging equipment capable of improving the combat capabilities of technology is being considered. In addition, the presence of only 23-mm double-barreled gun has already become a pretext for claims to the versatility of the system. Because of this, in the foreseeable future, the module is planned to be equipped with a twin machine gun, which will be used to attack manpower or unprotected vehicles.
To date, the project of the remotely controlled combat module “Viy” has reached the stage of assembling and testing prototypes. At least one new-type module has already been manufactured and installed on the existing sample of equipment, which became the Dozor-B armored vehicle. At the same time, some features of equipment configuration and painting suggest that during the tests, which took place at least since last fall, the Viy system underwent some modifications and was improved. It is not known whether the existing prototype was improved or the second one was assembled with a new complete set.
According to reports, the Viy project is still at the stages of testing and refinement. Any information about the possible adoption of this system in service and the deployment of mass production has not yet been published. Moreover, there is every reason to believe that a promising combat module will not at all come to actual operation for economic, technical, bureaucratic, or other reasons. It is no secret that the current situation in Ukraine does not at all contribute to the mass production of various types of weapons and equipment. Thus, the real prospects of “Viya” are still questionable.
Late version of the combat module with a new gun cover. Photo Defense-ua.com
While the further fate of the new foreign combat module is not defined, you can try to deal with the pros and cons of this development. As always happens with new interesting projects, “Viy” has both advantages and disadvantages. At the same time, the balance of advantages and disadvantages can also have a noticeable impact on the future development. In its current form, the combat module has serious problems that can, at a minimum, limit the scope of its use, or make it unsuitable for full use.
The study of the new project will begin with the obvious advantages. First of all, it should be noted that the installation of small-caliber artillery on light armored vehicles has very great prospects and is capable of giving great advantages over competing developments. In comparison with the "traditional" machine-gun armament of such equipment, the effective range of fire increases, as well as its power when projectiles impact the target. As a result, an armored car with automatic guns can fight with an expanded range of targets, which accordingly affects its areas of application and the effectiveness of combat missions.
The proposed combat module concept also has an advantage in the form of potential compatibility with various carrier vehicles. Currently, only the Dozor-B armored vehicle is equipped with the Viy module, but in the future any other combat vehicles will be able to receive it. Probably, over time, there may even be a proposal to install the Viy on the main tanks, from which the commander’s hatch was previously borrowed. As a result, there are prospects associated with the wide distribution and unification of relatively powerful weapons.
The last advantage of the “Viy” system is the possible reduction of production costs due to the extensive use of finished components. The support device and tool for this module are borrowed from existing equipment or taken from warehouses, which reduces the list of parts that need to be manufactured from scratch. In the future, this may facilitate, speed up and cheapen the output of the required products.
The current state of an experienced armored car. Shot from 5 channel report
The proposed combat module "Wii" from the company Westan Group Associates has several advantages, but this development is not without negative features. All of them are able to complicate or make impossible the full operation of weapons for planned purposes.
First of all, we should recall the origin and purpose of the gun GSH-23L. It was developed for the armament of aviation technology, which affected some of the design features. In particular, the tool had to work at a certain height above the ground, which allowed developers to reduce the resistance to pollution. As a result, operation of the GSH-23L on ground-based equipment in appropriate conditions can lead to regular delays in shooting, "wedges" and other unpleasant consequences that interfere with shooting or exclude it.
The second feature of the aircraft gun, which makes it difficult to operate in a new role, is a high rate of fire. At the maximum rate of fire at the level of 3400 rounds per minute, each of the two barrels per second sends about 28 projectiles to the target. Thus, the ammunition from 250 shells enough for less than 4,5 with continuous shooting. By some adjustments, the rate of fire can be reduced, but even in this case the GSH-23L will not be able to show the required economy in terms of ammunition.
One of the advantages of the “Wii” module is the absence of a stabilizer, which reduces the cost of the product. But in fact this is not an advantage, but a serious drawback. Due to a sufficiently large recoil force, the combat module will not be able to hold the gun in the desired position. As a result, only the first few rounds of the missile will go in the direction of the target, while the rest are guaranteed to go to the side. We should also recall the videotape of tests, in which even single shots from a cannon make the base armored vehicle sway noticeably. You can imagine how the wheeled vehicle will react to a long line.
Experienced "Wii". You can clearly see the location of the trunks and the casing of the receiver. Shot from 5 channel report
Finally, it is necessary to pay attention to the lack of additional armament rifle caliber. The absence of a machine gun can either limit the combat capabilities of the module, or lead to an additional expenditure of ammunition for unprotected nearby targets, for which the power of the GSH-23L gun is excessive. This deficiency, however, is planned to be corrected with the further development of the project.
As we see, at the moment the project of the remotely controlled combat module “Viy” is an ambiguous development. At the level of the general concept and in terms of some design features, the module is of particular interest in the context of the development of armaments and military equipment. At the same time, the project has a number of characteristic flaws that cannot be eliminated without a radical reworking of all elements of the module. For example, a significant number of drawbacks are associated with the use of an aircraft gun, which is not very well adapted for ground use. To correct them, it is necessary to use other weapons, which the authors of the “Wii” project, apparently, simply do not have.
Since the first demonstration of the promising module "Wii" has been going for the second year. Since that time, the development has been tested and improved, as well as several times shown to the military, specialists and the general public. However, and after all this, the real prospects of the module remain in question. The difficult economic situation in Ukraine can close the road to mass production by stopping it at the testing stage. If this stage is successfully completed, then problems may arise later and at any time. Moreover, even a successful production of Viy in the series with the delivery of finished equipment to the troops may not give the expected results due to the presence of a number of technical problems associated with the peculiarities of combat use. Thus, in any case, the real prospects of a new development are very doubtful.
And yet, the project "Wii" is of particular interest. This interest is primarily associated with the technical features of the development. In addition, the module is indicative in the context of the use of unsuccessful and dubious decisions, since it vividly demonstrates how new weapons systems should not be made. Finally, not the most successful development of the Ukrainian industry attracted public attention with its name. This has already led to a mass of jokes based on the folklore and the work of the same name by N.V. Gogol.
* “Hell's Chariot!” - a phrase from the movie “Viy”
On the materials of the sites:
http://defence-ua.com/
http://ridus.ru/
http://airwar.ru/
http://andrei-bt.livejournal.com/
http://bmpd.livejournal.com/
http://strangernn.livejournal.com/
Apparently, the main goal of the project, named after the character of Little Russian folklore, was to increase the firepower of military equipment and increase the range of effective fire. In addition, the project shows some features that clearly indicate an attempt to create a universal system suitable for use on various chassis, including relatively light ones. For example, an armored car “Dozor-B” with the wheel formula 4х4 was chosen as a platform for testing the “Viy” system.
The armored vehicle "Dozor-B" with the combat module "Viy". Photo Bmpd.livejournal.com
About the existence of the project of the advanced combat module "Viy" became known about a year ago. During one of the Ukrainian exhibitions dedicated to the success of the military industry, Westan Group Associates presented its new project. Then some information about the project was disclosed, revealing the architecture and capabilities of the complex. Also, the authors of the project spoke about the possible scope of the promising system. Despite all the positive assessments, at that time the module “Viy” was not yet ready for adoption. It was necessary to conduct the whole complex of tests and refinements, after which it was possible to determine the real future of the system.
According to the developer, published by the Ukrainian media, the module "Viy" is intended for installation on the existing types of light and medium armored vehicles in order to increase their combat capabilities. The use of a double-barreled 23-mm automatic cannon allows an armed Viyom combat vehicle to fight manpower, unprotected or lightly armored equipment of the enemy, and also to destroy the enemy, who is under the shelter of various buildings. There are also certain possibilities for countering airborne targets, such as a helicopter in hover mode.
In April, 2016 was published information about the tests of new weapons. A prototype of the Viy combat module from Westan Group Associates was installed on the Dozor-B armored car built by the Kiev Armored Plant. In this configuration, the car went to the site to study the main characteristics, primarily the parameters of the fire. Shortly after the tests were published photos and video firing from the new weapons. These materials make it possible to approximately estimate the capabilities and prospects of the combat module.
The most recent references to the Viy project appeared just a couple of days ago. One of the Ukrainian TV channels showed a report on the new development of the military industry, which described the main features and prospects of the project. In particular, the designer of one of the enterprises involved in the project, Andrei Polikhin, noted the sustainability of the Dozor-B armored vehicle with a combat module, and also spoke about plans to modernize the Viya. It is planned to upgrade this complex by installing additional armament and new optical-electronic systems.
The general scheme of the module. Figure Strangernn.livejournal.com
A characteristic feature of the Viy project is the extensive use of ready-made components, which undergo some changes for use as part of a new combat module. Separately, it should be noted that the main components of the module were created a few decades ago, during the times of the Soviet Union. Now, thanks to the new ideas of the Ukrainian designers, these products have found a new unexpected use as components of the combat module. Obviously, this design approach has simplified and accelerated the development of the combat module, and can also have a positive impact on the cost of mass-produced items. Nevertheless, some fundamentally fatal flaws may be associated with it.
An existing product was chosen as the main element for the new type of combat module, which acts as the main platform with mounts for other units. They became the commander's hatch of the main tank T-64A, which retained the device for mounting machine-gun weapons, and also received some other components and assemblies. It is assumed that such a base of the combat module will to some extent facilitate the production and installation of serial products on customer equipment. In the front part of the hatch there are fastenings for the swinging cradle of the gun, and in the back there are mounting devices for the ammunition box.
Means for mounting the gun, apparently, were also borrowed from the existing tanks of the Soviet development, as evidenced by the units designed to hold the gun in the desired position. However, in the light of the need to simplify and reduce the cost of construction, such a step is logical and justified. The former commander's hatch, which became the basis of the combat module, and the means of fastening the gun are completed with electric pointing drives, which allow to carry out a tip-off without direct interaction of the operator with the module. The combat module is not equipped with stabilization systems, which is served as an additional way to reduce the cost of production.
The double-barreled automatic gun GSH-23L is currently used as the main and only weapon of the Viy combat module. The gun is proposed to be placed on the existing mount, placing the trunks in a horizontal plane. In order to protect the main devices of the gun, the receiver can be closed with a box-shaped armor cover. Its task is to protect the main parts of the weapon from various external influences, such as pollution, and bullets or fragments.
The automatic gun GSH-23 was developed by the specialists of the Tula Instrument Design Bureau in the late fifties. After all the necessary checks and improvements to the design, in 1965, the gun was adopted. Serial production was carried out by the weapons factory in the town of Kovrov. Initially, the gun GSH-23 was intended for use on aircraft of various classes and types. Thus, front-line aviation received guns as course weapons, while strategic bombers, military transport aircraft and other vehicles were equipped with cannon-feed installations. Also, similar weapons received helicopters of several types. In addition, suspended cannon containers with the GSH-23 were developed. At the same time, however, the use of a cannon on ground-based equipment was not envisaged by the project. Land combat vehicles had to carry small-caliber artillery of other types.
One of the main tasks of the GSH-23 project was to increase the rate of fire to the maximum possible values. To solve this problem was used so-called. Gast scheme with the use of two moving shafts, rollback of one of which provides recharge of the second. Despite the presence of some problems in the early prototypes, during the refinement, it was possible to achieve high reliability of work and fulfillment of the technical requirements of the customer. The gun GSH-23, having two barrels, was able to make up to 3400 rounds per minute, which made it an effective weapon for various aircraft. Also the gun GSH-23L was developed, which was distinguished by the use of localizers - devices for removal of powder gases in the right direction.
Product GSH-23 / GSH-23L has a total length of about 1,5 m and weighs 50 kg. Depending on the type of projectile (shot 23х115 mm), the initial speed is provided from 690 to 890 m / s. The effective range of shooting - up to 2 km. Descent control is carried out by an electrical system. For storage and supply of ammunition used loose metal tape, placed in boxes inside the carrier. To reduce recoil to an acceptable level, both barrels of the guns received an advanced muzzle brake.
As follows from the available data, when installed on the Viy combat module, the initial aviation instrument of the GSH-23L does not undergo any changes. The receiver box of the product is fixed on the existing installation, and the electrical trigger system is connected to the control equipment. Significant design improvements are not foreseen. Apparently, the design of the combat module was created "around" the existing gun and taking into account its features.
Early version of "Wii" during the checks. Frame from the video from the test
The Viy project envisages the use of original ammunition storage systems and the discharge of spent cartridges with tape links. To transport ready-to-use ammunition, it is proposed to use a shell box mounted on the rear of the tank hatch. To connect the box to the hatch, a bracket of the appropriate size and shape is used, which has three points of support on the base unit. The box is made in the form of a half ring and has a flip top cover, secured in place with a set of latches. To load ammunition, you need to open the lid and manually lay the tape with the shells. The dimensions of the used box, according to the project developers, allow us to transport up to 250 23 x115 mm shells.
There is a small window on the right side of the tool box, to which a flexible metal sleeve of rectangular section is attached. The sleeve connects with the second end to the guide placed on the gun installation. The tape is fed directly to the gun by means of a closed curved guide. The use of a flexible sleeve that connects the box and the guide near the gun, allows for the supply of ammunition when shooting with different elevation angles.
To the left of the gun on the installation is a box for collecting cartridges. In its upper lid provides a receiving opening, which includes a sleeve connected to the ejection window of the gun. However, if necessary, the ejection of the sleeves can be carried out. In this case, the sleeve flies forward and upward from the combat module.
To the left of the box for sleeves on a swinging base is placed armor cover with optical-electronic systems. In the existing version, the module “Wii” receives surveillance equipment of the type OTC-20.01, created by the Research Institute “Kvant”. The device includes a television camera and a thermal imager, which make it possible to observe and use weapons at any time of the day and under any meteorological conditions. The possibility of observing targets at distances to 4 km in the daytime and to 900-1100 m at night has been announced. As a backup aiming system, a periscopic ROM-5 sight, borrowed from the main tanks of older models, is used.
Armored car with an updated combat module. Frame from the video from the test
Control of the Viy combat module is carried out with the help of an operator console installed inside the base armored vehicle. Equipping the module itself and the console allows you to monitor at any time of the day, search for targets and fire at them. In this case, as shown by the video from the tests, in some cases, the operator of the complex has to manually interact with the internal units of the combat module. The shooting control system provides several modes, from full-fledged automatic fire to shooting with a cutoff of several shots. In this case, the operator can set the queue length from 4 to 32 shots.
According to recent reports, in the future, the combat module "Viy" may receive some new equipment. Thus, the issue of using a new type of thermal imaging equipment capable of improving the combat capabilities of technology is being considered. In addition, the presence of only 23-mm double-barreled gun has already become a pretext for claims to the versatility of the system. Because of this, in the foreseeable future, the module is planned to be equipped with a twin machine gun, which will be used to attack manpower or unprotected vehicles.
To date, the project of the remotely controlled combat module “Viy” has reached the stage of assembling and testing prototypes. At least one new-type module has already been manufactured and installed on the existing sample of equipment, which became the Dozor-B armored vehicle. At the same time, some features of equipment configuration and painting suggest that during the tests, which took place at least since last fall, the Viy system underwent some modifications and was improved. It is not known whether the existing prototype was improved or the second one was assembled with a new complete set.
According to reports, the Viy project is still at the stages of testing and refinement. Any information about the possible adoption of this system in service and the deployment of mass production has not yet been published. Moreover, there is every reason to believe that a promising combat module will not at all come to actual operation for economic, technical, bureaucratic, or other reasons. It is no secret that the current situation in Ukraine does not at all contribute to the mass production of various types of weapons and equipment. Thus, the real prospects of “Viya” are still questionable.
Late version of the combat module with a new gun cover. Photo Defense-ua.com
While the further fate of the new foreign combat module is not defined, you can try to deal with the pros and cons of this development. As always happens with new interesting projects, “Viy” has both advantages and disadvantages. At the same time, the balance of advantages and disadvantages can also have a noticeable impact on the future development. In its current form, the combat module has serious problems that can, at a minimum, limit the scope of its use, or make it unsuitable for full use.
The study of the new project will begin with the obvious advantages. First of all, it should be noted that the installation of small-caliber artillery on light armored vehicles has very great prospects and is capable of giving great advantages over competing developments. In comparison with the "traditional" machine-gun armament of such equipment, the effective range of fire increases, as well as its power when projectiles impact the target. As a result, an armored car with automatic guns can fight with an expanded range of targets, which accordingly affects its areas of application and the effectiveness of combat missions.
The proposed combat module concept also has an advantage in the form of potential compatibility with various carrier vehicles. Currently, only the Dozor-B armored vehicle is equipped with the Viy module, but in the future any other combat vehicles will be able to receive it. Probably, over time, there may even be a proposal to install the Viy on the main tanks, from which the commander’s hatch was previously borrowed. As a result, there are prospects associated with the wide distribution and unification of relatively powerful weapons.
The last advantage of the “Viy” system is the possible reduction of production costs due to the extensive use of finished components. The support device and tool for this module are borrowed from existing equipment or taken from warehouses, which reduces the list of parts that need to be manufactured from scratch. In the future, this may facilitate, speed up and cheapen the output of the required products.
The current state of an experienced armored car. Shot from 5 channel report
The proposed combat module "Wii" from the company Westan Group Associates has several advantages, but this development is not without negative features. All of them are able to complicate or make impossible the full operation of weapons for planned purposes.
First of all, we should recall the origin and purpose of the gun GSH-23L. It was developed for the armament of aviation technology, which affected some of the design features. In particular, the tool had to work at a certain height above the ground, which allowed developers to reduce the resistance to pollution. As a result, operation of the GSH-23L on ground-based equipment in appropriate conditions can lead to regular delays in shooting, "wedges" and other unpleasant consequences that interfere with shooting or exclude it.
The second feature of the aircraft gun, which makes it difficult to operate in a new role, is a high rate of fire. At the maximum rate of fire at the level of 3400 rounds per minute, each of the two barrels per second sends about 28 projectiles to the target. Thus, the ammunition from 250 shells enough for less than 4,5 with continuous shooting. By some adjustments, the rate of fire can be reduced, but even in this case the GSH-23L will not be able to show the required economy in terms of ammunition.
One of the advantages of the “Wii” module is the absence of a stabilizer, which reduces the cost of the product. But in fact this is not an advantage, but a serious drawback. Due to a sufficiently large recoil force, the combat module will not be able to hold the gun in the desired position. As a result, only the first few rounds of the missile will go in the direction of the target, while the rest are guaranteed to go to the side. We should also recall the videotape of tests, in which even single shots from a cannon make the base armored vehicle sway noticeably. You can imagine how the wheeled vehicle will react to a long line.
Experienced "Wii". You can clearly see the location of the trunks and the casing of the receiver. Shot from 5 channel report
Finally, it is necessary to pay attention to the lack of additional armament rifle caliber. The absence of a machine gun can either limit the combat capabilities of the module, or lead to an additional expenditure of ammunition for unprotected nearby targets, for which the power of the GSH-23L gun is excessive. This deficiency, however, is planned to be corrected with the further development of the project.
As we see, at the moment the project of the remotely controlled combat module “Viy” is an ambiguous development. At the level of the general concept and in terms of some design features, the module is of particular interest in the context of the development of armaments and military equipment. At the same time, the project has a number of characteristic flaws that cannot be eliminated without a radical reworking of all elements of the module. For example, a significant number of drawbacks are associated with the use of an aircraft gun, which is not very well adapted for ground use. To correct them, it is necessary to use other weapons, which the authors of the “Wii” project, apparently, simply do not have.
Since the first demonstration of the promising module "Wii" has been going for the second year. Since that time, the development has been tested and improved, as well as several times shown to the military, specialists and the general public. However, and after all this, the real prospects of the module remain in question. The difficult economic situation in Ukraine can close the road to mass production by stopping it at the testing stage. If this stage is successfully completed, then problems may arise later and at any time. Moreover, even a successful production of Viy in the series with the delivery of finished equipment to the troops may not give the expected results due to the presence of a number of technical problems associated with the peculiarities of combat use. Thus, in any case, the real prospects of a new development are very doubtful.
And yet, the project "Wii" is of particular interest. This interest is primarily associated with the technical features of the development. In addition, the module is indicative in the context of the use of unsuccessful and dubious decisions, since it vividly demonstrates how new weapons systems should not be made. Finally, not the most successful development of the Ukrainian industry attracted public attention with its name. This has already led to a mass of jokes based on the folklore and the work of the same name by N.V. Gogol.
* “Hell's Chariot!” - a phrase from the movie “Viy”
On the materials of the sites:
http://defence-ua.com/
http://ridus.ru/
http://airwar.ru/
http://andrei-bt.livejournal.com/
http://bmpd.livejournal.com/
http://strangernn.livejournal.com/
Tests of the combat module:
The latest 5 channel report:
The latest 5 channel report:
Information