ISDM "Agriculture" in the Special Operation
ISDM "Agriculture" at the parade, 2021
In the current Special Military Operation, a number of the latest models recently adopted by the Russian army are being tested by real combat work. These include the engineering remote mining system (ISDM) "Agriculture". Recently, a video was published showing one of the first episodes of the combat use of such equipment.
"Agriculture" in position
The combat work of "Agriculture" at the firing position on March 26 was shown by the telegram channel "Parliament Z button". The video, lasting almost a minute and a half, was filmed on the territory of the Kharkiv region and shows the firing of remote mining ammunition. No details of the firing are given; their results are also unknown.
The video shows two self-propelled launchers ISDM "Agriculture" in combat position. Cars are lined up one behind the other, maintaining a safe distance. They are ready to fire in one sector, but the ammunition rail packs are set to different elevation angles. Perhaps, from one firing position, the forces of two vehicles carried out mining of two sections at once.
Volley firing of two installations
Shooting is shown (you can see it on our Telegram channel: The work of the Russian engineering remote mining system "Agriculture"). With a characteristic noise, the rocket engines turn on, and then the ammunition leaves the launch rails. Combat vehicles start launches synchronously and thus make several dozen shots. Then one of the installations stops firing, while the other continues to launch. Having used up her ammunition, she falls silent and lowers the guide package to the stowed position. Meanwhile, another ISDM resumes firing.
In less than a minute and a half, including breaks, the two Agriculturists fired a hundred rockets. This means that they have completely used up the ammunition they carry. However, after replacing the guide packages, which requires only a few minutes, the combat vehicles can again carry out mining.
The firing range, the type of mines used, the configuration of the obstacles and other details remained unknown. At the same time, it can be assumed that the barriers created by two ISDM "Agriculture" are fully consistent with the current situation on the site and should have the required effect on the enemy.
Other episodes of the combat use of "Agriculture" have not yet been reported, however news this kind of thing can happen at any time. Within the framework of the current Special Operation, such equipment will not be left without work, and they can be entrusted with solving various tasks in different areas.
New development
A promising system for remote mining, using the principles of rocket artillery, was developed over the tenth years at NPO Splav named after. A.N. Ganichev with the participation of other organizations and enterprises. All major design work and testing of new technology were completed by the end of the decade with all the required results.
On June 24, 2020, the first samples of "Agriculture" were shown at a parade on Red Square. Just a few weeks after that, the new ISDMs were activated as part of the exercises of the engineering troops. In parallel, the mass production of the systems themselves and ammunition for them was launched.
The first production systems "Agriculture" entered the combat units last year. The re-equipment of the engineering troops began with the formations of the Southern Military District. Next in line is the engineering brigade of the Central Military District. Apparently, then deliveries of new equipment to the Western and Eastern districts will follow. At the same time, exact plans for the production and supply of such equipment have not yet been called.
"Agriculture" at the exercises, 2021
Starting from 2020, a new type of equipment regularly participates in various maneuvers. Since last year, serial vehicles of combat units have been involved in such events. As part of the exercises, all the main characteristics and capabilities were confirmed, as well as new methods of using equipment were worked out. On the basis of "Agriculture", the so-called. mobile obstacle detachments are subunits designed for the operational mining of terrain on the enemy’s path or near his location.
Strengths
During the development of ISDM "Agriculture" a number of interesting ideas and solutions were used. It was due to them that a high level of performance was achieved and wide working and combat capabilities were obtained. In addition, significant advantages are provided over other domestic remote mining systems.
The main advantages of "Agriculture" are associated with the chosen architecture. In fact, this ISDM is a multiple launch rocket system for a special ammunition. It is capable of sending dozens of missiles with hundreds of mines on board to a given area in a minimum time. At the same time, the jet launch method gives a firing range of up to 15 km - several times higher than that of other mining systems.
A 122-mm rocket for "Agriculture" can carry a payload in the form of mines of various types and for various purposes. The exact types of products used have not yet been named, but it has been reported that only modern products equipped with a self-liquidator are used. Each projectile carries several mines and scatters them over a certain area.
Ready-to-use ammunition includes 50 shells, which simplifies the setting of large barriers. The missiles are placed in launch rails assembled in two transport and launch containers. The installation is recharged by replacing the TPK, which takes only a few minutes.
A new fire control system has been developed for Zemledeliya. It includes satellite navigation and weather sensors, a computer, aiming controls and other equipment. The FCS automatically calculates the data for firing, taking into account the task, the ammunition used, etc. It is possible to create minefields of different sizes and shapes with a given ammunition density. Mining maps are also automatically created and transmitted to the command post.
ISDM "Agriculture" is built on a four-axle truck chassis with high cross-country ability. Such a machine is able to quickly move on roads or off-road. This makes it easier to quickly reach a given position and leave it after firing. In addition, the carrying capacity of the selected chassis made it possible to place a significant ammunition load and all the necessary devices.
Thus, "Agriculture" combines high mobility and speed, a significant ammunition load of shells and mines, flexibility in creating minefields, etc. Both independently and in combination with other engineering equipment, this ISDM is capable of restricting enemy movements and reducing its operational capabilities, helping its troops to defend or attack.
Confirmed by practice
During the tests, the promising ISDM "Agriculture" showed and confirmed all its characteristics. Then, during the exercises, they began to work out the methods of its application for solving various combat missions. The crews of combat vehicles have acquired the necessary skills - and now they are demonstrating them in a real military operation.
Unfortunately, exact information about the use of "Agriculture" and the results of mining with its participation is not yet available. However, there is every reason to believe that the technology and its calculations fully cope with the tasks set and use the inherent potential. Suddenly appeared minefields have a negative impact on the capabilities of the enemy - and simplify its destruction.
Information