Project "Storm". Loud sensation or pure theory?
Russian defense science and industry regularly offer new ideas, and many of them are implemented in practice. For obvious reasons, new developments are not told immediately and not all. This contributes to the appearance of messages with fragmentary data, rumors, ratings, etc. At the same time, quite often sensational press reports do not fully correspond to the real state of affairs. A similar situation could be observed the other day. The most interesting reports about the development of the new Sturm robotic complex, as it turned out, did not quite correspond to reality.
Sensational Tank Robot
Ambiguous story It began in the morning of August 8, when RBC's online publication published data on the existence of another promising project. According to an unnamed publication source in the Ministry of Defense, the research and production corporation Uralvagonzavod is currently developing a new heavy-duty assault robotic complex. Development work assigned the code "Sturm".
The possible appearance of the machine control of the research "Storm"
The main objective of the project is to reduce the loss of personnel in the conduct of hostilities in the city. The complex will include four variants of combat vehicles, differing from each other in weapons. The source claimed that by now the layout of the future machine with combat equipment has been created. With it, the mobility of the complex will be demonstrated.
RBC also provided basic data on the components of the robotic complex. Fighting vehicle №1 should have a mass of 50 t and carry armament in the form of 125-mm D-414 guns and a twin machine gun. The gun is planned to be equipped with an automatic loader on the 22 shot. The use of anti-tank anti-tank protection systems is also contemplated. weapons. Fighting vehicle №2 should be different from the first composition of weapons. It is planned to equip it with the Shmel-M RPO-2 jet flame thrower unit and the PKTM machine gun. Project №3 provides for the use of a combat module with a pair of 30-mm automatic cannons, machine guns and flamethrowers. The machine №4 must carry the launcher for the 16 unguided missiles MO.1.01.04М, taken from the TOC-1 flamethrower system.
A single point of remote control will control all means of the Sturm complex. It is proposed to build on the basis of tank T-72B3. On-board equipment of such a point will allow to control robotic equipment at distances up to 3 km. On the basis of the main tank, it is also proposed to create a heavy armored personnel carrier BTR-T, capable of transporting eight fighters with weapons.
According to RBC, the project “Sturm” provides for the provision of high mobility of equipment, including in urban areas. Machines should be protected from explosive devices. In addition, they must withstand the hit of 10-15 grenades by hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers. It should be possible to rotate the tower and free-pointing weapons, even in narrow aisles. The equipment needs artillery armament suitable for engaging manpower and unprotected equipment, as well as various structures.
Combat Robots should be able to quickly find and hit targets at all angles, including with a large excess over them. In this case, it is required to exclude damage to urban development. The source claims that the military demanded to provide for firing in a programmed mode. It is proposed to form a combat mission based on the results of reconnaissance and load it into the automation of armored vehicles.
The RBC article states that Uralvagonzavod Research and Production Corporation and the Ministry of Defense did not comment in any way on the data of an unnamed source. After the main data about the “Sturm”, the material contained a commentary by a well-known specialist in the field of military equipment, Viktor Murakhovsky, the history of similar projects of the distant past and the last newsrelated to the Armata project.
Doubtful sensation
On the same day, Alexey Khlopotov, a specialist in the field of armored vehicles, also known as Gur Khan, responded to the most interesting and promising messages of RBC. In his blog, he in sharp expressions criticized a publication about the experimental design work “Sturm”, and besides, he urged journalists to stop “feeding the people with fakes”. Further, the expert clearly explained why the news from RBC is not real news.
A. Khlopotov indicated that the RBC messages about “Sturm” are in fact a free retelling and interpretation of an already well-known document. In the middle of June, a presentation entitled “Problem issues of the development of military robotic complexes”, prepared by a senior researcher at the 3 Scientific Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense Andrei Anisimov, got into free access. The presentation was intended for demonstration at the XXI All-Russian scientific-practical conference "Actual problems of protection and safety."
The presentation was attended by a section called "Promising R & D". It mentioned only one development work (“Armata”) and three research works at once. One of them is called "Storm". The presentation also presented the possible appearance of promising robotic complexes, the organizational structures of the complexes, etc. Finally, the author of the presentation cited certain conclusions drawn from the results of the work already completed.
A. Khlopotov rightly noted that this presentation has long been studied and analyzed in the respective communities. After that, in his opinion, the authors of the “sensation” in the press had only to put together individual statements and add “insider flair”. And so there was an interesting message about the promising development of domestic industry.
The specialist also drew attention to the status of the project "Sturm" in the presentation and in a recent press publication. In the original document, it is listed as a research project, while RBC has designated it as development work. In domestic practice, these terms denote different stages of work, and such a “replacement” cannot be considered justified.
According to A. Khlopotov, the “Sturm” research and other works mentioned in the presentation from A. Anisimov have long been completed. Some of these proposals remained on paper, while others were used in real development work. However, the samples of equipment shown in the document are “nothing more than pictures”.
The expert drew attention to the findings of two published materials. Although the article in the press was based on the presentation of the 3 th Scientific Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense, its conclusion does not correspond to the conclusions of the original document. With this and all the previous points, A. Khlopotov calls the RBC article a fake.
Considering this "fake", A. Khlopotov noted his especially sad feature. The worthy and respected specialist V. Murakhovsky indirectly suffered from this article. He had to give a serious comment to a non-existent project.
The subject of the dispute
Having considered the above-mentioned presentation “Problematic issues of development of the RTK VN”, it is easy to see that both RBC and A. Khlopotov wrote about the same proposal of the national military science. From the available data, it follows that in the recent past, the 3 Scientific Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense conducted research with the code “Storm”. At the level of theory, the appearance of a whole family of armored combat vehicles with remote control and automation was worked out, after which experts studied its prospects and drew conclusions.
One of the variants of the heavy assault military vehicle "Sturm" - a functional analogue of a tank or self-propelled gun
According to the document, the purpose of the research project "Sturm" was the development of a new automated system of robotic weapons systems and equipment. It was supposed to ensure their joint coordinated work in solving combat missions. The system of complexes was considered in the context of the rearmament of the ground forces. With it, the troops could perform various tasks, including storming.
One of the presentation slides showed the possible structure of such a system of complexes. The organizational structure of the robotic system of functionally related RTKs provided for the presence of one robotic company, working together with the department of management. The company can include up to five platoons for various purposes, which have different equipment in service. The proposed structure includes heavy, medium and light platoons of robotic complexes, as well as a reconnaissance platoon and a special platoon.
A. Anisimov gave the possible options for arming different machines designed for such platoons. The technical appearance and characteristics of the chassis for them while not specified. The control compartment must operate well-protected tracked armored vehicles with the necessary equipment and weapons for self-defense.
A heavy platoon can be armed with equipment with 152 or 125 mm caliber guns, supplemented with an 7,62-mm machine gun. It is also possible to use the product with a pair of 30-mm guns, a machine gun and anti-tank missiles. For medium platoons, combat modules with 57-mm cannon, 7,62-mm machine gun and rockets were proposed. The 57-mm gun can be replaced with an 30 caliber mm gun. Also, instead of rockets and guns, you can install RPO products. For light RTK proposed machine gun and rockets. On-board reconnaissance robots should install ground reconnaissance devices and unmanned aerial vehicles. The equipment of a special platoon is determined by its tasks.
The presentation was attended by images showing the possible appearance of individual robots from the composition of the hypothetical system "Storm". The three samples shown are “built” on the basis of a similar tracked chassis with six track rollers on board. Obviously, the proposed classical tank layout with a feed engine layout and the allocation of the front compartments for the target equipment or jobs. A common feature of the three samples is the developed additional enclosure protection. Frontal and side projections are covered with dynamic protection units or latticed screens.
The management machine, according to the presentation, can have a distinctive silhouette formed by a large wheelhouse with crew and operator jobs. For self-defense, she is armed with a machine gun. Also presented are two variants of the appearance of heavy-class vehicles, which differ only in the combat module and armament. In both cases, the unified chassis has a complete set of additional protection and carries a dozer blade. In addition, in the existing figures one can notice the developed optoelectronic devices necessary for the operator to monitor the situation.
The first of the heavy robots was “equipped” with a relatively large uninhabited turret with a large caliber cannon, characterized by an average barrel length. The second sample received a different module with the pairing of 30-mm automatic guns, on the sides of which there are two units with rockets or rocket-throwers. In both cases, the towers are equipped with panoramic sights and optical-electronic devices for direct guidance.
Another option is RTK. In terms of weapons, it is similar to modern tank support vehicles.
Unfortunately, research work in the field of combat robotics has led to not the most joyful conclusions. In the relevant section of the “Problematic issues of development of the RTK HV” it is noted that the appearance of combat robots will not have a noticeable effect on the capabilities of the motorized rifle brigade. It was found that such equipment is controlled by the operator, and its real capabilities are directly related to a person’s ability to understand the environment and make the right tactical decisions. With highly maneuverable actions of combined-arms formations, all this makes the RTK ineffective.
This situation with the impossibility of effective use of robots in general combat will be maintained for the next 10-15 years. In this case, before the advent of technology with improved combat qualities of the RTK can be used in the assault of fortifications or other objects. It is advisable to use them together with other maneuverable melee weapons as a fire support tool. Independent work of the complex in certain situations can lead to the disruption of the combat mission.
There are also special requirements for the use of equipment in combat conditions. It makes sense short-term, quick and one-time use of robots in a given area. Moreover, as close as possible to the firing positions should be maintenance points. This will speed up machine maintenance and loading of ammunition before a new entry to the position.
Fortunately, domestic specialists are already seeing ways to solve the actual problems of military robotics. In the same presentation is a list of areas that should be given special attention in the future. The development of communications and control, surveillance equipment, etc. will provide a significant increase in tactical, technical and operational characteristics, allowing to solve the tasks.
A matter of the future
From the available information it follows that Russian scientists and designers conducted a number of research projects and studied several variants of robotic complexes of various types and purposes. Together with other proposals, the RTK system with the cipher "Sturm" was studied. Experts came to objective and fair conclusions, which, however, are not particularly optimistic.
R & D "Storm" and other studies have shown a very limited potential of robotic complexes created on the basis of modern technologies and the available element base. As a consequence, the further development of the Sturm ideas does not make sense, at least now or in the coming years. Promising R & D has not become a promising OCD, and industry and science have taken up the study of other issues. At the same time, it cannot be excluded that one or another idea of the latest R & D has found application in new real-world projects.
Russian scientists and designers are constantly proposing new ideas in the field of armaments and military equipment, and almost immediately their theoretical study begins. The most successful proposals will soon find application in full-fledged development work, the ultimate goal of which is the rearmament of the army. Others, in turn, never leave the stage of study. For objective reasons, many proposals in the field of robotics now risk not to go beyond the R & D stage, as happened with the recent Sturm. However, do not be upset. With the appearance of relevant opportunities, the ideas of this project may well be turned into design documentation and even into full-fledged experimental or production samples.
Based on:
https://rbc.ru/
https://ria.ru/
http://gurkhan.blogspot.com/
https://bmpd.livejournal.com/
http://otvaga2004.mybb.ru/
Sensational Tank Robot
Ambiguous story It began in the morning of August 8, when RBC's online publication published data on the existence of another promising project. According to an unnamed publication source in the Ministry of Defense, the research and production corporation Uralvagonzavod is currently developing a new heavy-duty assault robotic complex. Development work assigned the code "Sturm".
The possible appearance of the machine control of the research "Storm"
The main objective of the project is to reduce the loss of personnel in the conduct of hostilities in the city. The complex will include four variants of combat vehicles, differing from each other in weapons. The source claimed that by now the layout of the future machine with combat equipment has been created. With it, the mobility of the complex will be demonstrated.
RBC also provided basic data on the components of the robotic complex. Fighting vehicle №1 should have a mass of 50 t and carry armament in the form of 125-mm D-414 guns and a twin machine gun. The gun is planned to be equipped with an automatic loader on the 22 shot. The use of anti-tank anti-tank protection systems is also contemplated. weapons. Fighting vehicle №2 should be different from the first composition of weapons. It is planned to equip it with the Shmel-M RPO-2 jet flame thrower unit and the PKTM machine gun. Project №3 provides for the use of a combat module with a pair of 30-mm automatic cannons, machine guns and flamethrowers. The machine №4 must carry the launcher for the 16 unguided missiles MO.1.01.04М, taken from the TOC-1 flamethrower system.
A single point of remote control will control all means of the Sturm complex. It is proposed to build on the basis of tank T-72B3. On-board equipment of such a point will allow to control robotic equipment at distances up to 3 km. On the basis of the main tank, it is also proposed to create a heavy armored personnel carrier BTR-T, capable of transporting eight fighters with weapons.
According to RBC, the project “Sturm” provides for the provision of high mobility of equipment, including in urban areas. Machines should be protected from explosive devices. In addition, they must withstand the hit of 10-15 grenades by hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers. It should be possible to rotate the tower and free-pointing weapons, even in narrow aisles. The equipment needs artillery armament suitable for engaging manpower and unprotected equipment, as well as various structures.
Combat Robots should be able to quickly find and hit targets at all angles, including with a large excess over them. In this case, it is required to exclude damage to urban development. The source claims that the military demanded to provide for firing in a programmed mode. It is proposed to form a combat mission based on the results of reconnaissance and load it into the automation of armored vehicles.
The RBC article states that Uralvagonzavod Research and Production Corporation and the Ministry of Defense did not comment in any way on the data of an unnamed source. After the main data about the “Sturm”, the material contained a commentary by a well-known specialist in the field of military equipment, Viktor Murakhovsky, the history of similar projects of the distant past and the last newsrelated to the Armata project.
Doubtful sensation
On the same day, Alexey Khlopotov, a specialist in the field of armored vehicles, also known as Gur Khan, responded to the most interesting and promising messages of RBC. In his blog, he in sharp expressions criticized a publication about the experimental design work “Sturm”, and besides, he urged journalists to stop “feeding the people with fakes”. Further, the expert clearly explained why the news from RBC is not real news.
A. Khlopotov indicated that the RBC messages about “Sturm” are in fact a free retelling and interpretation of an already well-known document. In the middle of June, a presentation entitled “Problem issues of the development of military robotic complexes”, prepared by a senior researcher at the 3 Scientific Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense Andrei Anisimov, got into free access. The presentation was intended for demonstration at the XXI All-Russian scientific-practical conference "Actual problems of protection and safety."
The presentation was attended by a section called "Promising R & D". It mentioned only one development work (“Armata”) and three research works at once. One of them is called "Storm". The presentation also presented the possible appearance of promising robotic complexes, the organizational structures of the complexes, etc. Finally, the author of the presentation cited certain conclusions drawn from the results of the work already completed.
A. Khlopotov rightly noted that this presentation has long been studied and analyzed in the respective communities. After that, in his opinion, the authors of the “sensation” in the press had only to put together individual statements and add “insider flair”. And so there was an interesting message about the promising development of domestic industry.
The specialist also drew attention to the status of the project "Sturm" in the presentation and in a recent press publication. In the original document, it is listed as a research project, while RBC has designated it as development work. In domestic practice, these terms denote different stages of work, and such a “replacement” cannot be considered justified.
According to A. Khlopotov, the “Sturm” research and other works mentioned in the presentation from A. Anisimov have long been completed. Some of these proposals remained on paper, while others were used in real development work. However, the samples of equipment shown in the document are “nothing more than pictures”.
The expert drew attention to the findings of two published materials. Although the article in the press was based on the presentation of the 3 th Scientific Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense, its conclusion does not correspond to the conclusions of the original document. With this and all the previous points, A. Khlopotov calls the RBC article a fake.
Considering this "fake", A. Khlopotov noted his especially sad feature. The worthy and respected specialist V. Murakhovsky indirectly suffered from this article. He had to give a serious comment to a non-existent project.
The subject of the dispute
Having considered the above-mentioned presentation “Problematic issues of development of the RTK VN”, it is easy to see that both RBC and A. Khlopotov wrote about the same proposal of the national military science. From the available data, it follows that in the recent past, the 3 Scientific Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense conducted research with the code “Storm”. At the level of theory, the appearance of a whole family of armored combat vehicles with remote control and automation was worked out, after which experts studied its prospects and drew conclusions.
One of the variants of the heavy assault military vehicle "Sturm" - a functional analogue of a tank or self-propelled gun
According to the document, the purpose of the research project "Sturm" was the development of a new automated system of robotic weapons systems and equipment. It was supposed to ensure their joint coordinated work in solving combat missions. The system of complexes was considered in the context of the rearmament of the ground forces. With it, the troops could perform various tasks, including storming.
One of the presentation slides showed the possible structure of such a system of complexes. The organizational structure of the robotic system of functionally related RTKs provided for the presence of one robotic company, working together with the department of management. The company can include up to five platoons for various purposes, which have different equipment in service. The proposed structure includes heavy, medium and light platoons of robotic complexes, as well as a reconnaissance platoon and a special platoon.
A. Anisimov gave the possible options for arming different machines designed for such platoons. The technical appearance and characteristics of the chassis for them while not specified. The control compartment must operate well-protected tracked armored vehicles with the necessary equipment and weapons for self-defense.
A heavy platoon can be armed with equipment with 152 or 125 mm caliber guns, supplemented with an 7,62-mm machine gun. It is also possible to use the product with a pair of 30-mm guns, a machine gun and anti-tank missiles. For medium platoons, combat modules with 57-mm cannon, 7,62-mm machine gun and rockets were proposed. The 57-mm gun can be replaced with an 30 caliber mm gun. Also, instead of rockets and guns, you can install RPO products. For light RTK proposed machine gun and rockets. On-board reconnaissance robots should install ground reconnaissance devices and unmanned aerial vehicles. The equipment of a special platoon is determined by its tasks.
The presentation was attended by images showing the possible appearance of individual robots from the composition of the hypothetical system "Storm". The three samples shown are “built” on the basis of a similar tracked chassis with six track rollers on board. Obviously, the proposed classical tank layout with a feed engine layout and the allocation of the front compartments for the target equipment or jobs. A common feature of the three samples is the developed additional enclosure protection. Frontal and side projections are covered with dynamic protection units or latticed screens.
The management machine, according to the presentation, can have a distinctive silhouette formed by a large wheelhouse with crew and operator jobs. For self-defense, she is armed with a machine gun. Also presented are two variants of the appearance of heavy-class vehicles, which differ only in the combat module and armament. In both cases, the unified chassis has a complete set of additional protection and carries a dozer blade. In addition, in the existing figures one can notice the developed optoelectronic devices necessary for the operator to monitor the situation.
The first of the heavy robots was “equipped” with a relatively large uninhabited turret with a large caliber cannon, characterized by an average barrel length. The second sample received a different module with the pairing of 30-mm automatic guns, on the sides of which there are two units with rockets or rocket-throwers. In both cases, the towers are equipped with panoramic sights and optical-electronic devices for direct guidance.
Another option is RTK. In terms of weapons, it is similar to modern tank support vehicles.
Unfortunately, research work in the field of combat robotics has led to not the most joyful conclusions. In the relevant section of the “Problematic issues of development of the RTK HV” it is noted that the appearance of combat robots will not have a noticeable effect on the capabilities of the motorized rifle brigade. It was found that such equipment is controlled by the operator, and its real capabilities are directly related to a person’s ability to understand the environment and make the right tactical decisions. With highly maneuverable actions of combined-arms formations, all this makes the RTK ineffective.
This situation with the impossibility of effective use of robots in general combat will be maintained for the next 10-15 years. In this case, before the advent of technology with improved combat qualities of the RTK can be used in the assault of fortifications or other objects. It is advisable to use them together with other maneuverable melee weapons as a fire support tool. Independent work of the complex in certain situations can lead to the disruption of the combat mission.
There are also special requirements for the use of equipment in combat conditions. It makes sense short-term, quick and one-time use of robots in a given area. Moreover, as close as possible to the firing positions should be maintenance points. This will speed up machine maintenance and loading of ammunition before a new entry to the position.
Fortunately, domestic specialists are already seeing ways to solve the actual problems of military robotics. In the same presentation is a list of areas that should be given special attention in the future. The development of communications and control, surveillance equipment, etc. will provide a significant increase in tactical, technical and operational characteristics, allowing to solve the tasks.
A matter of the future
From the available information it follows that Russian scientists and designers conducted a number of research projects and studied several variants of robotic complexes of various types and purposes. Together with other proposals, the RTK system with the cipher "Sturm" was studied. Experts came to objective and fair conclusions, which, however, are not particularly optimistic.
R & D "Storm" and other studies have shown a very limited potential of robotic complexes created on the basis of modern technologies and the available element base. As a consequence, the further development of the Sturm ideas does not make sense, at least now or in the coming years. Promising R & D has not become a promising OCD, and industry and science have taken up the study of other issues. At the same time, it cannot be excluded that one or another idea of the latest R & D has found application in new real-world projects.
Russian scientists and designers are constantly proposing new ideas in the field of armaments and military equipment, and almost immediately their theoretical study begins. The most successful proposals will soon find application in full-fledged development work, the ultimate goal of which is the rearmament of the army. Others, in turn, never leave the stage of study. For objective reasons, many proposals in the field of robotics now risk not to go beyond the R & D stage, as happened with the recent Sturm. However, do not be upset. With the appearance of relevant opportunities, the ideas of this project may well be turned into design documentation and even into full-fledged experimental or production samples.
Based on:
https://rbc.ru/
https://ria.ru/
http://gurkhan.blogspot.com/
https://bmpd.livejournal.com/
http://otvaga2004.mybb.ru/
- Ryabov Kirill
- 3 th Scientific Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation / bmpd.livejournal.com, gurkhan.blogspot.com
Information