Small-scale control system of small arms "Serval"
Initiative development
The new M-SUO "Serval" was presented by Morinformsystem-Agat concern. The project is an initiative development of the plant "Izumrud", which is part of the concern.
As part of "Serval" there are several units designed for installation on different media. By changing the composition and number of elements of this system, you can equip cars of various types, armored vehicles or ships. The combat qualities of the M-SLA are determined by its own devices, but depend on the type of weapons installed.
It is alleged that M-CMS Serval has already been tested in the test site and then handed over for testing to one of the parts of the Pacific fleet. Checks were completed with very good results. So, during test firing a fire mission was set to defeat several targets. The Serval hit them with only three shots, while the shooter with the same weapons had to spend 20 rounds.
After the tests, the Pacific Fleet Command appealed to the Ministry of Defense with a proposal to adopt the Serval. In addition, the developer has received an export passport. This allows you to offer a new system to foreign customers.
Thus, by the time of the first public demonstration, the M-SUO Serval managed to go a certain way and get as close as possible to the stage of mass production and introduction into the troops.
Technical features
M-SUO "Serval" is a complex, which includes several tools for different purposes. First of all, it is the operator's remote control. The complex also includes a combat unit with a weapon and an optoelectronic device for observing and searching for targets. The minimum grade of the Serval includes separate facilities, while the maximum one includes the use of a console, an optical unit and four modules with weapons.
The optical-electronic device (OED) is built on the basis of a turntable and receives a swinging unit with optics. With its help, it is proposed to monitor the situation and search for targets, as well as generate data for firing. OEP is equipped with a gyrostabilizer and can be equipped with a video camera, thermal imager and laser range finder. It is curious that the layout of the EIA presented at IMDS-2019 differs markedly from the products appearing in promotional materials.
The combat module is designed as a support device with a rocking installation for weapons. The brochures show a simplified configuration module, while the exhibition layout received an additional cover with its own camera. Guidance weapons carried by electric drives with stabilization.
The EIA and the combat module can direct optics / weapons within the horizontal sector 160 ° wide to the right and left. Vertical guidance angles range from -20 ° to + 80 °. Perhaps automatic tracking of the selected target. Tracking speed - up to 60 degrees / sec.
The customer is offered a choice of several versions of the swinging part for the combat module, designed to work with different weapons. The Serval can be equipped with an AK-74 machine gun, a PC family machine gun, a cliff or a CPV product. Thus, M-SUO Serval is compatible with small arms with a caliber from 5,45 to 14,5 mm. Also declared the possibility of using weapons of foreign manufacture.
Serval's firing characteristics directly depend on the type of weapon installed. At the same time, the stabilizer and electronic control make it possible to increase the efficiency of the fire over the entire range of working ranges. Amount of ammunition is also determined by the characteristics of the weapons used.
Control is carried out with the help of an automated workplace operator. It is equipped with the necessary controls and a monitor for issuing information. One remote control can control up to four combat modules.
Each of the M-SUO Serval modules has a mass of not more than 50 kg. The control is carried out by the calculation of two people, and some of the tasks are solved by automation, which reduces the burden on the operators.
The task of "Serval" is called the fight against small ground, surface and air targets. Such a system can be used on different carriers and in different areas, which in a known way expands the range of tasks and the list of objects to be struck.
Benefits and potential
Many remotely controlled combat modules for various purposes have already been created in our country. M-SUO "Serval" from the concern "Morinformsystem-Agat" is similar to similar products, but has a number of characteristic differences. They highlight the new development against the background of other systems, and also give it a noticeable advantage over them. It is possible that "Serval" in the near future will be able to realize their potential and enter into service.
A characteristic feature and the main advantage of the Serval project is an integrated approach to architecture. The composition of the new M-MSA includes several tools for different purposes, which can be combined in accordance with the requirements and limitations of the carrier. Thus, on a lightweight platform, you can install a minimum set, while larger ones can carry all available systems.
Optoelectronic device
When using the minimum set of M-SUO "Serval" is an analogue of the existing DBMS. In another configuration, this system receives significant advantages and is able to solve more complex tasks. For example, four combat modules with large-caliber machine guns can be installed around the perimeter of a boat or a small ship, which will provide effective all-round protection against enemy light craft at significant ranges.
Of particular interest is the compatibility of the combat module with machine guns. Such weapons are not typical of modern SDMs, and they prefer other types of weapons. In this regard, the "Serval" is a unique system, but the real possibilities in this configuration are limited. Ammunition in the form of 30 cartridges in a detachable magazine may be insufficient for most tasks. However, it cannot be excluded that such a variant of the complex will find application in practice.
Commercial prospects
The development organization claims that M-SUO Serval has been tested at test sites and in parts of the Pacific Fleet. Representatives of the Navy were satisfied with the new model and took the initiative to adopt it. This shows that the new model, despite the proactive nature of the development, arranged the military and meets their requirements.
If the proposal of the Pacific Fleet will be accepted for implementation, the Serval can go into series and become the regular armament of some combat units. Such systems can be used on various boats and small ships. You can also expect the introduction of elements of M-MSA on land equipment. However, one should not expect that this will happen very soon.
M-SUO performed by “Serval-E” received an export passport, which allows the developer to bring it to the international market. There are a lot of developments in the area of the development of a Dubrovnik Railway and there is fierce competition, but the new Russian model may have serious commercial potential. Unlike many other systems, Serval-E offers not a specific device with weapons and remote control, but a full-fledged complex of modular architecture, adapted to specific tasks and needs.
Thus, the small-sized Serval small-arms control system can be considered a promising universal means of solving fire problems with good commercial prospects. The current status of the project suggests that new messages about its development and success will appear in the very near future.
- Ryabov Kirill
- Ria.ru, Bastion-karpenko.ru
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