Nuclear missile for "Almaty"
To effectively solve the assigned combat tasks, a modern or promising tank should be distinguished by high firepower. These parameters can be increased by various methods, including the most radical ones - for example, using shells with a nuclear warhead of low power. Projects of this kind have been repeatedly developed in the past and may be created in our time. For example, in the recent past, curious rumors circulated about the possibility of creating nuclear shells for promising tank on the Armata platform.
According to open sources, several types of nuclear artillery shells were in service with the Russian and Soviet armies at various times. Such products were produced in all major calibers from 152 mm and above and were intended for use by land, coastal and naval artillery. In the first place, they should have been used by special force artillery formations. Nuclear shells were considered as a supplement to the standard, necessary in extreme cases.
News and rumors about "Armata"
The issue of the use of tactical nuclear munitions in the armament complex of promising armored vehicles has been discussed for many years. It is quite natural that such products are also discussed in the context of the Armata program, which involves the creation of various types of armored vehicles. Last year, some interesting news about the latest Russian tanks and shells for them appeared in the domestic and foreign press.
MBT T-14 "Armata". Photo NPK "Uralvagonzavod" / uvz.ru
In early February, 2017, the management of the corporation "Uralvagonzavod" told about the current work on the creation of new ammunition. It was argued that new shots with enhanced characteristics were being developed, and the state corporation Rosatom was involved in their creation. From those reports, it follows that Uralvagonzavod and Rosatom are working on the creation of new armor-piercing shells with a uranium core.
Just a couple of months later, in April, more severe and frightening news appeared in the foreign media. With reference to sources in the Russian industry, it was asserted that the new modification of the Armata T-14 tank would receive a promising 152-mm gun, and with it a nuclear projectile. No technical details were given at that time.
A month later, more detailed data about the work of Rosatom appeared in the domestic press. So, Rossiyskaya Gazeta assumed that the participation of this corporation in the development of shells is connected with the presence of a number of necessary technologies and materials. To undermine the nuclear warhead of the implosive scheme, initiating charges of conventional explosives are used. In this case, initiating charges and standard high-explosive artillery shells are built on the basis of various explosives. It was assumed that the new ammunition for the guns will be used more powerful explosives, which are still used only in specific areas.
Unfortunately, open and accessible data do not yet allow us to establish how these assumptions are true. However, with their help, you can replenish the list of versions and forecasts for the further development of domestic nuclear weapons. From last year’s news, it followed that Uralvagonzavod and other large enterprises are busy creating new projectiles of all main classes: both armor-piercing and high-explosive fragmentation.
Atomic past
The development of nuclear artillery for artillery began in the fifties of the last century, and quickly brought the desired results. In the early stages, the main problem was to reduce the size of the product while achieving the desired characteristics. As a result story Soviet nuclear shells began with the largest caliber - 406 and 420 mm. In the future, the main design problems were solved, so that smaller products appeared.
According to open data, the least large and heavy tactical nuclear projectile of domestic development is the 3BB3 product. This ammunition is intended for howitzer artillery caliber 152 mm and has the dimensions of a standard projectile. Depending on the type of gun, the maximum firing range reaches 17-17,5 km. The power of a nuclear warhead - 2,5 CT. 3BB3 projectile could use towed and self-propelled guns of various types.
Curiously, the nuclear missile 3BB3 was the most compact, not only in the Soviet nomenclature of weapons. Due to the well-known difference of standard calibers, it still remains the smallest special ammunition in the world. Nevertheless, even with such characteristics, this product could provide a radical increase in the firepower of an artillery unit.
As far as is known, nuclear artillery shells with a caliber of less than 152 mm have not been developed in our country. Such projects were abandoned for a variety of technical and operational reasons. So, the development of 152-mm nuclear projectile was quite difficult, and further reduction in size led to the emergence of new problems. The decision of the latter was impossible or impractical. In addition, an 130 or 122 mm projectile must be distinguished by a reduced firing range, which increases the risk of a successful retaliatory strike.
Model of the projectile 3BB3. Picssr.com Photos
As a result, Soviet designers stopped the miniaturization of ammunition at a fairly large caliber. Further development of nuclear artillery went in other ways. Offered more advanced charges of different power, new methods of application, etc. In addition, there were projects of tanks adapted for the use of nuclear projectiles. However, in these cases it was decided to abandon the typical tank gauges of type 125 mm.
Potential "Almaty"
From a certain time, the process of reducing nuclear shells stopped, as a result of which tanks lost a real chance to get such ammunition. However, the further development of armored vehicles led to curious consequences: promising tanks again received a theoretical opportunity to become carriers of tactical nuclear weapons.
One way to increase the firepower of a tank is to increase the caliber of the gun. In the eighties, this concept was implemented in the form of several projects of guns and tanks. The most famous of these was an experienced tank "Object 292" with a gun LP-83 caliber 152 mm. The smooth-bore gun of the new type was slightly different from the 125-mm 2А46 in its dimensions, but at the same time it showed significant advantages in the main characteristics. Tests have shown that the "Object 292" at the expense of a powerful gun is capable of striking all existing and prospective tanks of the likely enemy.
Later, the “195 Object” tank was created and tested, also capable of showing the highest firing characteristics. His main weapon was also the 152-mm gun, supplemented by automatic loader. It was assumed that such weapons would effectively fire tanks of various types in an increased range of ranges. However, the “195 Object”, like its predecessor, was not out of the test stage.
It has long been known that the promising project of the main T-14 tank, built on the Armata platform, involves the use of different guns. In the basic version, such a tank should be equipped with a 2-82-1М “traditional” caliber 125 mm. This creates a new 152-mm gun 2-83 with enhanced performance. So, according to some information, with the help of a piercing projectile, she will be able to pierce up to 1 and armor. In addition, it can be used as a launcher for guided missiles with higher performance.
Over the past few years, the modification of the T-14 with a more powerful gun regularly appears in various statements and news, but information about the existence of a prototype is not yet available. However, it may appear in the near future and come to the test to demonstrate the new features.
The history of domestic tank building of the last decades shows the fundamental possibility of creating a modern main tank with an 152 caliber mm gun. First of all, the creation of such weapons and their carriers can significantly increase the firepower and combat qualities of tank units. In addition, there is a theoretical possibility of supplementing the existing ammunition with special shells. Depending on the task and the situation on the battlefield, the crew of the tank will be able to use armor-piercing, fragmentation or nuclear weapons.
Question of necessity
As we can see, the Russian defense industry has, at a minimum, a theoretical possibility of equipping prospective Armat tanks with increased-caliber guns capable of using nuclear ammunition. However, in this context there is a serious question: will the customer and the developer take advantage of this opportunity? It cannot be ruled out that the military and the designers will consider nuclear projectiles unnecessary and will not even launch their development.
"292 object". Photo by Vitalykuzmin.net
A nuclear projectile gives the tank an obvious advantage. A product with a power of about 1-2 kt can destroy not only a single target on the battlefield, but also a lot of other objects within a radius of tens to hundreds of meters. Thus, one tank will do the work of several artillery batteries with one shot. On it, however, all advantages of such weapon come to an end.
Problems and difficulties with nuclear shells for tanks begin almost at the design and production stages. Compact ammunition is not the most simple design task, and in the series it has a relatively high cost. In addition, such products can produce only individual enterprises, and only in small batches. Certain difficulties may arise during the transportation and storage of projectiles. In particular, there is a need for better storage facilities and appropriate protection.
Planning a tank strike with the possible use of nuclear projectiles presents a certain complexity. Such products cannot be applied to all targets in a row, and therefore it is necessary to determine who should be responsible for finding such objects and giving the command to defeat them. This should take into account the high power of the explosion and organize the shooting so that your troops do not fall into the danger zone. Finally, the 152-mm nuclear projectile — which may not be necessary during the battle — takes place in the tank laying and reduces the “normal” part of the ammunition set, exacerbating the characteristic problems of armored vehicles with heavy weapons.
It is also worth recalling the general problem of all tactical nuclear weapons. The use of such tools on the battlefield leads to the risk of a rapid escalation of the conflict. A pair of shots with nuclear projectiles can provoke a retaliatory strike by similar means, which increases the risk of a sharp deterioration of the situation and the subsequent exchange of full-scale nuclear missile strikes.
Assumptions and reality
At their core, nuclear artillery shells, regardless of the class of compatible guns, are specialized means of increasing firepower for solving specific tasks. Practice shows that in the overwhelming majority of situations, gunners or tank crews can do without such gain and use only regular projectiles of lesser power. Of course, a standard armor-piercing projectile cannot destroy an enemy tank company at one moment, like a nuclear weapon. However, it is much cheaper and easier to manufacture and operate, and is also unlikely to cause an escalation of the conflict with the most unpleasant consequences.
In general, the use of nuclear shells tank guns is not the best idea, which has many drawbacks. The feasibility of the creation and use of such weapons should be determined by military experts, taking into account the existing strategy and industry capabilities. It is possible that the Russian Ministry of Defense, having studied all the arguments, prospects and opportunities, will actually order the creation of new cannons and nuclear shells, or abandon them.
It is easy to see that last year's news about the participation of “Rosatom” in the development of new tank ammunition is not at all connected with the desire of the military to obtain nuclear projectiles. On the contrary, the experience and technologies of the nuclear industry are proposed to be used in the creation of conventional weapons. According to known data, nuclear scientists are involved in the development of armor-piercing shells with uranium cores and high-explosive ammunition based on new explosives for this field.
Thus, the development of domestic tank shells continues, thanks to which existing and advanced combat vehicles will be able to get modern and effective weapons. At the same time, the process of updating weapons is carried out without the use of radical ideas and solutions. It is worth recalling that the Russian Ministry of Defense did not officially announce its desire to create a nuclear projectile for a tank gun. At the same time, it did not speak about the absence of such plans.
On the materials of the sites:
http://tass.ru/
http://ria.ru/
https://rg.ru/
http://nvo.ng.ru/
http://janes.com/
https://globalsecurity.org/
http://btvt.info/
http://wio.ru/
According to open sources, several types of nuclear artillery shells were in service with the Russian and Soviet armies at various times. Such products were produced in all major calibers from 152 mm and above and were intended for use by land, coastal and naval artillery. In the first place, they should have been used by special force artillery formations. Nuclear shells were considered as a supplement to the standard, necessary in extreme cases.
News and rumors about "Armata"
The issue of the use of tactical nuclear munitions in the armament complex of promising armored vehicles has been discussed for many years. It is quite natural that such products are also discussed in the context of the Armata program, which involves the creation of various types of armored vehicles. Last year, some interesting news about the latest Russian tanks and shells for them appeared in the domestic and foreign press.
MBT T-14 "Armata". Photo NPK "Uralvagonzavod" / uvz.ru
In early February, 2017, the management of the corporation "Uralvagonzavod" told about the current work on the creation of new ammunition. It was argued that new shots with enhanced characteristics were being developed, and the state corporation Rosatom was involved in their creation. From those reports, it follows that Uralvagonzavod and Rosatom are working on the creation of new armor-piercing shells with a uranium core.
Just a couple of months later, in April, more severe and frightening news appeared in the foreign media. With reference to sources in the Russian industry, it was asserted that the new modification of the Armata T-14 tank would receive a promising 152-mm gun, and with it a nuclear projectile. No technical details were given at that time.
A month later, more detailed data about the work of Rosatom appeared in the domestic press. So, Rossiyskaya Gazeta assumed that the participation of this corporation in the development of shells is connected with the presence of a number of necessary technologies and materials. To undermine the nuclear warhead of the implosive scheme, initiating charges of conventional explosives are used. In this case, initiating charges and standard high-explosive artillery shells are built on the basis of various explosives. It was assumed that the new ammunition for the guns will be used more powerful explosives, which are still used only in specific areas.
Unfortunately, open and accessible data do not yet allow us to establish how these assumptions are true. However, with their help, you can replenish the list of versions and forecasts for the further development of domestic nuclear weapons. From last year’s news, it followed that Uralvagonzavod and other large enterprises are busy creating new projectiles of all main classes: both armor-piercing and high-explosive fragmentation.
Atomic past
The development of nuclear artillery for artillery began in the fifties of the last century, and quickly brought the desired results. In the early stages, the main problem was to reduce the size of the product while achieving the desired characteristics. As a result story Soviet nuclear shells began with the largest caliber - 406 and 420 mm. In the future, the main design problems were solved, so that smaller products appeared.
According to open data, the least large and heavy tactical nuclear projectile of domestic development is the 3BB3 product. This ammunition is intended for howitzer artillery caliber 152 mm and has the dimensions of a standard projectile. Depending on the type of gun, the maximum firing range reaches 17-17,5 km. The power of a nuclear warhead - 2,5 CT. 3BB3 projectile could use towed and self-propelled guns of various types.
Curiously, the nuclear missile 3BB3 was the most compact, not only in the Soviet nomenclature of weapons. Due to the well-known difference of standard calibers, it still remains the smallest special ammunition in the world. Nevertheless, even with such characteristics, this product could provide a radical increase in the firepower of an artillery unit.
As far as is known, nuclear artillery shells with a caliber of less than 152 mm have not been developed in our country. Such projects were abandoned for a variety of technical and operational reasons. So, the development of 152-mm nuclear projectile was quite difficult, and further reduction in size led to the emergence of new problems. The decision of the latter was impossible or impractical. In addition, an 130 or 122 mm projectile must be distinguished by a reduced firing range, which increases the risk of a successful retaliatory strike.
Model of the projectile 3BB3. Picssr.com Photos
As a result, Soviet designers stopped the miniaturization of ammunition at a fairly large caliber. Further development of nuclear artillery went in other ways. Offered more advanced charges of different power, new methods of application, etc. In addition, there were projects of tanks adapted for the use of nuclear projectiles. However, in these cases it was decided to abandon the typical tank gauges of type 125 mm.
Potential "Almaty"
From a certain time, the process of reducing nuclear shells stopped, as a result of which tanks lost a real chance to get such ammunition. However, the further development of armored vehicles led to curious consequences: promising tanks again received a theoretical opportunity to become carriers of tactical nuclear weapons.
One way to increase the firepower of a tank is to increase the caliber of the gun. In the eighties, this concept was implemented in the form of several projects of guns and tanks. The most famous of these was an experienced tank "Object 292" with a gun LP-83 caliber 152 mm. The smooth-bore gun of the new type was slightly different from the 125-mm 2А46 in its dimensions, but at the same time it showed significant advantages in the main characteristics. Tests have shown that the "Object 292" at the expense of a powerful gun is capable of striking all existing and prospective tanks of the likely enemy.
Later, the “195 Object” tank was created and tested, also capable of showing the highest firing characteristics. His main weapon was also the 152-mm gun, supplemented by automatic loader. It was assumed that such weapons would effectively fire tanks of various types in an increased range of ranges. However, the “195 Object”, like its predecessor, was not out of the test stage.
It has long been known that the promising project of the main T-14 tank, built on the Armata platform, involves the use of different guns. In the basic version, such a tank should be equipped with a 2-82-1М “traditional” caliber 125 mm. This creates a new 152-mm gun 2-83 with enhanced performance. So, according to some information, with the help of a piercing projectile, she will be able to pierce up to 1 and armor. In addition, it can be used as a launcher for guided missiles with higher performance.
Over the past few years, the modification of the T-14 with a more powerful gun regularly appears in various statements and news, but information about the existence of a prototype is not yet available. However, it may appear in the near future and come to the test to demonstrate the new features.
The history of domestic tank building of the last decades shows the fundamental possibility of creating a modern main tank with an 152 caliber mm gun. First of all, the creation of such weapons and their carriers can significantly increase the firepower and combat qualities of tank units. In addition, there is a theoretical possibility of supplementing the existing ammunition with special shells. Depending on the task and the situation on the battlefield, the crew of the tank will be able to use armor-piercing, fragmentation or nuclear weapons.
Question of necessity
As we can see, the Russian defense industry has, at a minimum, a theoretical possibility of equipping prospective Armat tanks with increased-caliber guns capable of using nuclear ammunition. However, in this context there is a serious question: will the customer and the developer take advantage of this opportunity? It cannot be ruled out that the military and the designers will consider nuclear projectiles unnecessary and will not even launch their development.
"292 object". Photo by Vitalykuzmin.net
A nuclear projectile gives the tank an obvious advantage. A product with a power of about 1-2 kt can destroy not only a single target on the battlefield, but also a lot of other objects within a radius of tens to hundreds of meters. Thus, one tank will do the work of several artillery batteries with one shot. On it, however, all advantages of such weapon come to an end.
Problems and difficulties with nuclear shells for tanks begin almost at the design and production stages. Compact ammunition is not the most simple design task, and in the series it has a relatively high cost. In addition, such products can produce only individual enterprises, and only in small batches. Certain difficulties may arise during the transportation and storage of projectiles. In particular, there is a need for better storage facilities and appropriate protection.
Planning a tank strike with the possible use of nuclear projectiles presents a certain complexity. Such products cannot be applied to all targets in a row, and therefore it is necessary to determine who should be responsible for finding such objects and giving the command to defeat them. This should take into account the high power of the explosion and organize the shooting so that your troops do not fall into the danger zone. Finally, the 152-mm nuclear projectile — which may not be necessary during the battle — takes place in the tank laying and reduces the “normal” part of the ammunition set, exacerbating the characteristic problems of armored vehicles with heavy weapons.
It is also worth recalling the general problem of all tactical nuclear weapons. The use of such tools on the battlefield leads to the risk of a rapid escalation of the conflict. A pair of shots with nuclear projectiles can provoke a retaliatory strike by similar means, which increases the risk of a sharp deterioration of the situation and the subsequent exchange of full-scale nuclear missile strikes.
Assumptions and reality
At their core, nuclear artillery shells, regardless of the class of compatible guns, are specialized means of increasing firepower for solving specific tasks. Practice shows that in the overwhelming majority of situations, gunners or tank crews can do without such gain and use only regular projectiles of lesser power. Of course, a standard armor-piercing projectile cannot destroy an enemy tank company at one moment, like a nuclear weapon. However, it is much cheaper and easier to manufacture and operate, and is also unlikely to cause an escalation of the conflict with the most unpleasant consequences.
In general, the use of nuclear shells tank guns is not the best idea, which has many drawbacks. The feasibility of the creation and use of such weapons should be determined by military experts, taking into account the existing strategy and industry capabilities. It is possible that the Russian Ministry of Defense, having studied all the arguments, prospects and opportunities, will actually order the creation of new cannons and nuclear shells, or abandon them.
It is easy to see that last year's news about the participation of “Rosatom” in the development of new tank ammunition is not at all connected with the desire of the military to obtain nuclear projectiles. On the contrary, the experience and technologies of the nuclear industry are proposed to be used in the creation of conventional weapons. According to known data, nuclear scientists are involved in the development of armor-piercing shells with uranium cores and high-explosive ammunition based on new explosives for this field.
Thus, the development of domestic tank shells continues, thanks to which existing and advanced combat vehicles will be able to get modern and effective weapons. At the same time, the process of updating weapons is carried out without the use of radical ideas and solutions. It is worth recalling that the Russian Ministry of Defense did not officially announce its desire to create a nuclear projectile for a tank gun. At the same time, it did not speak about the absence of such plans.
On the materials of the sites:
http://tass.ru/
http://ria.ru/
https://rg.ru/
http://nvo.ng.ru/
http://janes.com/
https://globalsecurity.org/
http://btvt.info/
http://wio.ru/
Information