Mobile reconnaissance point PRP-4A "Argus"
Artillery cannot fully accomplish combat missions without accurate data on the location of the target and the adjustment of fire. The reconnaissance of targets and the determination of shooting results can be carried out by various methods and means. A few decades ago, so-called appeared in our army. Mobile reconnaissance points are special armored vehicles capable of exploring the battlefield, searching for targets and helping the work of artillerymen. The newest model of military equipment of this class at the moment is the Argus PRP-4A machine.
Until recently, the main mobile reconnaissance points of the ground forces of Russia were the Nard and PRP-4 “Deuterium” armored vehicles, which were created in the times of the Soviet Union. Over the past decades, the requirements for such equipment have changed, with the result that a new project of a special reconnaissance vehicle was developed. By processing the chassis and other units, as well as by replacing part of the target equipment, we were able to transfer the machine to the modern element base, as well as significantly improve its performance in comparison with its predecessors.
General view of the machine PRP-XNUMHA "Argus". Photo Rubtsovsk branch of NPK "Uralvagonzavod" / Uvzrmz.ru
The project of the improved intelligence unit PRP-4A was developed by the designers of the Rubtsovsk machine-building plant (since 2011, the Rubtsovsk branch of the Uralvagonzavod research and production corporation). Previously, this company engaged in mass production of similar equipment of previous models, and now he was entrusted with the creation of a new model. The main work was completed in the middle of the last decade. After the required tests, in 2008, the new reconnaissance point was put into service with the official designation PDP-4A "Argus".
It should be noted that the general public did not immediately know about the latest domestic development. Information about the project "Argus" appeared earlier, but the first official demonstration of such equipment took place only in 2013 year. Subsequently, mobile reconnaissance points of the new model participated in several domestic military-technical exhibitions as exhibits at a static station.
At its core, the new PRP-4A armored vehicle represents a further development of existing samples of a similar purpose. Technical and operational characteristics were increased by replacing special equipment, while protection, powerplant, weapons, etc. remained the same. As a result, the modern model and its predecessors have minimal external differences with a noticeable difference in capabilities.
Like its predecessors, reconnaissance "Argus" is built on the chassis of an infantry fighting vehicle BMP-1 / 2. Due to a different role on the battlefield, the existing pattern undergoes some changes. Thus, the central compartment with the fighting compartment is being finalized in order to install new equipment. In addition, a feed amphibious unit is released, part of the volume of which is also used as a hardware compartment. The presence of a large number of large-sized devices led to a sharp reduction in the weapons complex. For self-defense, the crew can only use relatively low power weapon.
The body of the base infantry vehicle is used without any major changes and modifications. It retains a bulletproof reservation that protects only against small arms. Remains the same layout with the front engine compartment, next to which is the control compartment. The central part of the body carries a tower with a set of special tools, and under it and in the stern there is free space used in one way or another.
"Argus" at RAE-2013. Photo by Vitalykuzmin.net
A diesel engine UTD-20С1 with a power 300 hp, coupled with a manual transmission, is located in the front of the case. Chassis design is saved. On each board is placed on six road wheels with individual torsion bar suspension. Part of the rollers is completed with additional hydraulic shock absorbers. In front of the hull drive wheels are placed in the stern - guides. The upper branch of the caterpillar lies on the supporting rollers. The mobile reconnaissance point retains the possibility of navigation, for which the rewinding of the tracks and special grids above their rear part are used.
The existing tower of conical shape, differing in small height, received the updated equipment. A large number of optical, radio electronic and other devices for various purposes are installed both inside the fighting compartment and on the outer surface of the tower. With their help, the crew can conduct reconnaissance, observe the terrain, search for targets and determine their coordinates. Through the use of various means PRP-4A can monitor objects at a distance of direct visibility or at a great distance.
The simplest means of observing the terrain are a few periscope instruments located on the roof of the tower. Two such devices are mounted in the front of the roof and provide monitoring of the front hemisphere. The main periscopes are complemented by several similar devices of simplified design, located on the roof and on the hatches. With the help of all these instruments, the crew can monitor large sectors of the surrounding terrain, however, to observe certain parts of the space, a turn of the tower is required.
Large armored casings are fixed on the sides of the tower, which are necessary to accommodate additional optoelectronic equipment. For a visual search for targets, it is proposed to use the 1PN125 active-pulse device and the 1PN126 thermal imager. These products are placed in protected covers with movable front covers. Hard fixing devices allows you to monitor only a certain sector of the front hemisphere.
Intelligence point in the exhibition Army-2013. Photo by Vitalykuzmin.net
To increase the range of visibility and detection of enemy objects at any time of the day and under any weather conditions, the onboard equipment includes its own X-NUMXL1-120 type radar. In the aft part of the tower, it is planned to install an additional protected box, inside of which an antenna device with a hydraulic lift is placed. When preparing the radar for operation, the outer cover is lifted, after which the hydraulics raise the antenna and bring it to the working position.
If necessary, the crew of the mobile reconnaissance point can monitor the terrain with the help of remote means. On board the car there are several optical instruments in a portable version, with the help of which a stationary observation point is quickly organized.
Data from all devices, including the video signal from optoelectronic devices, goes to a computer system equipped with two crew workstations. With the help of the latest intelligence operators can explore the terrain and look for various enemy targets, including disguised ones. The onboard equipment includes navigation tools necessary for determining the vehicle’s own coordinates and calculating the location of targets. There are communication tools that allow you to transfer data about the objects found to one or another consumer. Communication range - 50 km. There are also facilities for storing the collected information.
Reconnaissance point PRP-4A Argus has the ability to fully operate at any time of the day and does not depend on weather conditions. Nevertheless, airborne surveillance devices differ from each other in their characteristics. When using optoelectronic devices, the crew can notice the enemy tank at distances of up to 8 km during the day and at ranges of up to 3 km at night. If the adversary uses masking tools in the visible and infrared ranges, the detection range tank drops to 2 km. The use of the 1L120-1 radar station allows you to search for armored vehicles in any conditions at ranges up to 16 km. The foot soldier can be seen from 7 km.
The direction to the target, which is necessary for calculating its coordinates, is determined by the turn angle of the tower with optical instruments or according to the corresponding data from the radar station. To calculate the distance it is proposed to use a laser rangefinder or radar. When using a laser rangefinder, the distance to the enemy’s armored vehicle is determined at distances up to 10 km. The median error in determining the coordinates - 20 m. Measuring the distance to large objects, such as elements of the landscape or building, can be made at distances up to 25 km. The radar is able to determine the distance to the object up to the maximum detection distance. The average error of the product 1Л120-1 - 40 m.
Tower with special equipment. Photo by Vitalykuzmin.net
The PRP-4A machine should work at the forefront, because of which it needs effective means of protection. In the event of a meeting with the enemy reconnaissance point carries one PKTM machine gun. Weapons caliber 7,62 mm is placed in the frontal installation of the tower and has ammunition 1000 ammunition. There are also seven smoke grenade launchers on the front of the tower; At the stern, six more are to be installed. Grenade launchers are controlled by an optical-electronic countermeasures system "Curtain". Along the perimeter of the armored vehicle is a set of sensors that capture the laser radiation of the enemy systems. When signs of attack are detected, a grenade with a masking aerosol is shot. There is a thermal smoke equipment.
All systems are controlled by the crew located in the hull and in the tower. The workplace of the driver remained in its place and is located in front of the hull. Under the tower there are two operators of onboard systems, at the disposal of which there are automated workstations. For access to the car is proposed to use the hatches in the roof of the hull and the tower.
In its dimensions, the PDP-4M, in general, corresponds to a basic infantry fighting vehicle. The length of the reconnaissance exceeds 6,7 m, width - 2,94 m, height - less than 2,2 m. The combat weight is determined at the level of 13,8 t. The use of the finished power unit resulted in the preservation of acceptable mobility parameters at the BMP-1 / 2 level. On the highway, an armored car can accelerate to a speed of 65 km / h, the cruising range is 550 km. Water barriers are overcome by swimming at speeds up to 7 km / h.
According to reports, a new type of experimental equipment was manufactured at the beginning of the second half of the last decade. After all the necessary tests and inspections were carried out, the newest mobile reconnaissance point was recommended for adoption. The corresponding order was issued in 2008 year. However, the mass production of machines "Argus" began only a few years. The site for the assembly of such equipment was the company in Rubtsovsk, which developed a new project.
The first serial PDP-4А were transferred to the combat troops of the ground forces in 2012 year. The following year, the artillerymen of the Southern Military District received the new equipment. Having mastered the machines, the intelligence officers took part in the exercises of the rocket forces and artillery, during which they tested their skills in conducting reconnaissance and adjusting fire in various conditions. In the future, deliveries of serial armored vehicles were continued. They were transferred to the Southern, Western and Central Military Districts. The equipment was repeatedly involved in maneuvers, and its crews successfully accomplished the assigned tasks.
Until a certain time, the PRP-4A reconnaissance points worked only at the test sites as part of combat training activities inaccessible to the general public. During the Russian Expo Arms 2015 exhibition, the combat work of such equipment was first shown to the public. The exhibition program was attended by demonstration shooting self-propelled artillery. For the defeat of the conditional enemy, self-propelled 2C19 “Msta-S” installations were responsible, and their work was ensured by the crews of the Argus vehicles. The scouts conducted a search for targets, determined their coordinates and issued target designation to the gunners. After the shooting, they controlled the effectiveness of the shelling.
"Argus" on the teachings. Photo of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
The reconnaissance vehicles PRP-4A "Argus" already available in the troops have proven themselves well, which was noted by the military and political leadership of the country. It was previously announced that according to the results of tests, military operation and use of equipment in the framework of the exercise, it was decided to make the Argus the main means of observation and reconnaissance in artillery troops. To this end, the serial production of equipment will continue for some time. According to existing plans, in the future, new PRP-4A will have to supplement and then replace all existing mobile reconnaissance points of old models.
For the successful development of a new model of military equipment, the specialists of the Rubtsovsk branch of NPK Uralvagonzavod were awarded the Prize of the Government of the Russian Federation in the field of science and technology for 2016 a year. Alexander Bodyansky, deputy director of the production company, Alexander Sankov, head of the production department No. XXUM, Alexander Kurkin, former director and project manager, and Vladimir Shtekhman, former deputy chief designer, were awarded for the creation and development of the PRP-4А industrial production. As noted during the awards ceremony, held in early February, 1 works in various fields were submitted for government awards. The Argus project, along with two dozen other works, was awarded a prize.
According to various sources, to date, at least 15-20 machines of a new type have been built and transferred to the troops. In the foreseeable future, construction should continue, with the result that the army will receive new "Argus". Taking into account the goals set in the form of a complete replacement of the intelligence points of the previous models, at least several dozen vehicles are required to be built and put into operation. The implementation of such plans will take several years.
The idea of developing armored vehicles with special equipment capable of conducting reconnaissance in the interests of artillery formations appeared a few decades ago. The first domestic model of such technology was adopted in 1970 year. In the future, the original concept was developed, as a result of which several new special machines appeared. The newest model of this class, which has the highest characteristics, is currently the PRP-4A “Argus” scout. In the foreseeable future, it should oust obsolete vehicles, becoming the main model of its class in the Russian armed forces.
On the materials of the sites:
http://mil.ru/
http://arsenal-otechestva.ru/
http://vestnik-rm.ru/
http://bastion-opk.ru/
http://otvaga2004.ru/
http://uvzrmz.ru/
Photo review PRP-4A:
http://otvaga2004.ru/fotoreportazhi/vystavki-vooruzheniya/podvizhnyj-razvedyvatelnyj-punkt-prp-4a-argus-fotodetalizaciya/
Until recently, the main mobile reconnaissance points of the ground forces of Russia were the Nard and PRP-4 “Deuterium” armored vehicles, which were created in the times of the Soviet Union. Over the past decades, the requirements for such equipment have changed, with the result that a new project of a special reconnaissance vehicle was developed. By processing the chassis and other units, as well as by replacing part of the target equipment, we were able to transfer the machine to the modern element base, as well as significantly improve its performance in comparison with its predecessors.
General view of the machine PRP-XNUMHA "Argus". Photo Rubtsovsk branch of NPK "Uralvagonzavod" / Uvzrmz.ru
The project of the improved intelligence unit PRP-4A was developed by the designers of the Rubtsovsk machine-building plant (since 2011, the Rubtsovsk branch of the Uralvagonzavod research and production corporation). Previously, this company engaged in mass production of similar equipment of previous models, and now he was entrusted with the creation of a new model. The main work was completed in the middle of the last decade. After the required tests, in 2008, the new reconnaissance point was put into service with the official designation PDP-4A "Argus".
It should be noted that the general public did not immediately know about the latest domestic development. Information about the project "Argus" appeared earlier, but the first official demonstration of such equipment took place only in 2013 year. Subsequently, mobile reconnaissance points of the new model participated in several domestic military-technical exhibitions as exhibits at a static station.
At its core, the new PRP-4A armored vehicle represents a further development of existing samples of a similar purpose. Technical and operational characteristics were increased by replacing special equipment, while protection, powerplant, weapons, etc. remained the same. As a result, the modern model and its predecessors have minimal external differences with a noticeable difference in capabilities.
Like its predecessors, reconnaissance "Argus" is built on the chassis of an infantry fighting vehicle BMP-1 / 2. Due to a different role on the battlefield, the existing pattern undergoes some changes. Thus, the central compartment with the fighting compartment is being finalized in order to install new equipment. In addition, a feed amphibious unit is released, part of the volume of which is also used as a hardware compartment. The presence of a large number of large-sized devices led to a sharp reduction in the weapons complex. For self-defense, the crew can only use relatively low power weapon.
The body of the base infantry vehicle is used without any major changes and modifications. It retains a bulletproof reservation that protects only against small arms. Remains the same layout with the front engine compartment, next to which is the control compartment. The central part of the body carries a tower with a set of special tools, and under it and in the stern there is free space used in one way or another.
"Argus" at RAE-2013. Photo by Vitalykuzmin.net
A diesel engine UTD-20С1 with a power 300 hp, coupled with a manual transmission, is located in the front of the case. Chassis design is saved. On each board is placed on six road wheels with individual torsion bar suspension. Part of the rollers is completed with additional hydraulic shock absorbers. In front of the hull drive wheels are placed in the stern - guides. The upper branch of the caterpillar lies on the supporting rollers. The mobile reconnaissance point retains the possibility of navigation, for which the rewinding of the tracks and special grids above their rear part are used.
The existing tower of conical shape, differing in small height, received the updated equipment. A large number of optical, radio electronic and other devices for various purposes are installed both inside the fighting compartment and on the outer surface of the tower. With their help, the crew can conduct reconnaissance, observe the terrain, search for targets and determine their coordinates. Through the use of various means PRP-4A can monitor objects at a distance of direct visibility or at a great distance.
The simplest means of observing the terrain are a few periscope instruments located on the roof of the tower. Two such devices are mounted in the front of the roof and provide monitoring of the front hemisphere. The main periscopes are complemented by several similar devices of simplified design, located on the roof and on the hatches. With the help of all these instruments, the crew can monitor large sectors of the surrounding terrain, however, to observe certain parts of the space, a turn of the tower is required.
Large armored casings are fixed on the sides of the tower, which are necessary to accommodate additional optoelectronic equipment. For a visual search for targets, it is proposed to use the 1PN125 active-pulse device and the 1PN126 thermal imager. These products are placed in protected covers with movable front covers. Hard fixing devices allows you to monitor only a certain sector of the front hemisphere.
Intelligence point in the exhibition Army-2013. Photo by Vitalykuzmin.net
To increase the range of visibility and detection of enemy objects at any time of the day and under any weather conditions, the onboard equipment includes its own X-NUMXL1-120 type radar. In the aft part of the tower, it is planned to install an additional protected box, inside of which an antenna device with a hydraulic lift is placed. When preparing the radar for operation, the outer cover is lifted, after which the hydraulics raise the antenna and bring it to the working position.
If necessary, the crew of the mobile reconnaissance point can monitor the terrain with the help of remote means. On board the car there are several optical instruments in a portable version, with the help of which a stationary observation point is quickly organized.
Data from all devices, including the video signal from optoelectronic devices, goes to a computer system equipped with two crew workstations. With the help of the latest intelligence operators can explore the terrain and look for various enemy targets, including disguised ones. The onboard equipment includes navigation tools necessary for determining the vehicle’s own coordinates and calculating the location of targets. There are communication tools that allow you to transfer data about the objects found to one or another consumer. Communication range - 50 km. There are also facilities for storing the collected information.
Reconnaissance point PRP-4A Argus has the ability to fully operate at any time of the day and does not depend on weather conditions. Nevertheless, airborne surveillance devices differ from each other in their characteristics. When using optoelectronic devices, the crew can notice the enemy tank at distances of up to 8 km during the day and at ranges of up to 3 km at night. If the adversary uses masking tools in the visible and infrared ranges, the detection range tank drops to 2 km. The use of the 1L120-1 radar station allows you to search for armored vehicles in any conditions at ranges up to 16 km. The foot soldier can be seen from 7 km.
The direction to the target, which is necessary for calculating its coordinates, is determined by the turn angle of the tower with optical instruments or according to the corresponding data from the radar station. To calculate the distance it is proposed to use a laser rangefinder or radar. When using a laser rangefinder, the distance to the enemy’s armored vehicle is determined at distances up to 10 km. The median error in determining the coordinates - 20 m. Measuring the distance to large objects, such as elements of the landscape or building, can be made at distances up to 25 km. The radar is able to determine the distance to the object up to the maximum detection distance. The average error of the product 1Л120-1 - 40 m.
Tower with special equipment. Photo by Vitalykuzmin.net
The PRP-4A machine should work at the forefront, because of which it needs effective means of protection. In the event of a meeting with the enemy reconnaissance point carries one PKTM machine gun. Weapons caliber 7,62 mm is placed in the frontal installation of the tower and has ammunition 1000 ammunition. There are also seven smoke grenade launchers on the front of the tower; At the stern, six more are to be installed. Grenade launchers are controlled by an optical-electronic countermeasures system "Curtain". Along the perimeter of the armored vehicle is a set of sensors that capture the laser radiation of the enemy systems. When signs of attack are detected, a grenade with a masking aerosol is shot. There is a thermal smoke equipment.
All systems are controlled by the crew located in the hull and in the tower. The workplace of the driver remained in its place and is located in front of the hull. Under the tower there are two operators of onboard systems, at the disposal of which there are automated workstations. For access to the car is proposed to use the hatches in the roof of the hull and the tower.
In its dimensions, the PDP-4M, in general, corresponds to a basic infantry fighting vehicle. The length of the reconnaissance exceeds 6,7 m, width - 2,94 m, height - less than 2,2 m. The combat weight is determined at the level of 13,8 t. The use of the finished power unit resulted in the preservation of acceptable mobility parameters at the BMP-1 / 2 level. On the highway, an armored car can accelerate to a speed of 65 km / h, the cruising range is 550 km. Water barriers are overcome by swimming at speeds up to 7 km / h.
According to reports, a new type of experimental equipment was manufactured at the beginning of the second half of the last decade. After all the necessary tests and inspections were carried out, the newest mobile reconnaissance point was recommended for adoption. The corresponding order was issued in 2008 year. However, the mass production of machines "Argus" began only a few years. The site for the assembly of such equipment was the company in Rubtsovsk, which developed a new project.
The first serial PDP-4А were transferred to the combat troops of the ground forces in 2012 year. The following year, the artillerymen of the Southern Military District received the new equipment. Having mastered the machines, the intelligence officers took part in the exercises of the rocket forces and artillery, during which they tested their skills in conducting reconnaissance and adjusting fire in various conditions. In the future, deliveries of serial armored vehicles were continued. They were transferred to the Southern, Western and Central Military Districts. The equipment was repeatedly involved in maneuvers, and its crews successfully accomplished the assigned tasks.
Until a certain time, the PRP-4A reconnaissance points worked only at the test sites as part of combat training activities inaccessible to the general public. During the Russian Expo Arms 2015 exhibition, the combat work of such equipment was first shown to the public. The exhibition program was attended by demonstration shooting self-propelled artillery. For the defeat of the conditional enemy, self-propelled 2C19 “Msta-S” installations were responsible, and their work was ensured by the crews of the Argus vehicles. The scouts conducted a search for targets, determined their coordinates and issued target designation to the gunners. After the shooting, they controlled the effectiveness of the shelling.
"Argus" on the teachings. Photo of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
The reconnaissance vehicles PRP-4A "Argus" already available in the troops have proven themselves well, which was noted by the military and political leadership of the country. It was previously announced that according to the results of tests, military operation and use of equipment in the framework of the exercise, it was decided to make the Argus the main means of observation and reconnaissance in artillery troops. To this end, the serial production of equipment will continue for some time. According to existing plans, in the future, new PRP-4A will have to supplement and then replace all existing mobile reconnaissance points of old models.
For the successful development of a new model of military equipment, the specialists of the Rubtsovsk branch of NPK Uralvagonzavod were awarded the Prize of the Government of the Russian Federation in the field of science and technology for 2016 a year. Alexander Bodyansky, deputy director of the production company, Alexander Sankov, head of the production department No. XXUM, Alexander Kurkin, former director and project manager, and Vladimir Shtekhman, former deputy chief designer, were awarded for the creation and development of the PRP-4А industrial production. As noted during the awards ceremony, held in early February, 1 works in various fields were submitted for government awards. The Argus project, along with two dozen other works, was awarded a prize.
According to various sources, to date, at least 15-20 machines of a new type have been built and transferred to the troops. In the foreseeable future, construction should continue, with the result that the army will receive new "Argus". Taking into account the goals set in the form of a complete replacement of the intelligence points of the previous models, at least several dozen vehicles are required to be built and put into operation. The implementation of such plans will take several years.
The idea of developing armored vehicles with special equipment capable of conducting reconnaissance in the interests of artillery formations appeared a few decades ago. The first domestic model of such technology was adopted in 1970 year. In the future, the original concept was developed, as a result of which several new special machines appeared. The newest model of this class, which has the highest characteristics, is currently the PRP-4A “Argus” scout. In the foreseeable future, it should oust obsolete vehicles, becoming the main model of its class in the Russian armed forces.
On the materials of the sites:
http://mil.ru/
http://arsenal-otechestva.ru/
http://vestnik-rm.ru/
http://bastion-opk.ru/
http://otvaga2004.ru/
http://uvzrmz.ru/
Photo review PRP-4A:
http://otvaga2004.ru/fotoreportazhi/vystavki-vooruzheniya/podvizhnyj-razvedyvatelnyj-punkt-prp-4a-argus-fotodetalizaciya/
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