Layout module BM-30-D arr. 2016 Photo by Central Research Institute Burevestnik
Domestic armored vehicles and other protected equipment can be equipped with weapons and combat modules of various types. In particular, for the armament of light-class armored cars, a remote-controlled combat module 32V01 or BM-30-D, also known under the code “Spoke”, was created several years ago. To date, it has gone into series, is installed on regular carriers and is operated by the troops.
Unified module
The future remotely controlled combat module (DUBM) 32V01 has been developed by the Nizhny Novgorod Central Research Institute Burevestnik since 2015 by order of the Ministry of Defense. The product premiered at the Army-2016 forum. Then for the first time they talked about the existence of the project, and also showed the layout of the DBM and revealed some of its characteristics. In the future, the product was repeatedly demonstrated at domestic and foreign events.
At Army-2017, the BM-30-D module was shown for the first time together with a regular carrier. The platform for its installation was the two-axle armored car K-4386 "Typhoon-VDV". DBM placed on the roof of the building; the turret part of the module was inside the cab. It was reported that by the time of the first show, the armored car with the new module managed to pass part of the tests and confirm some of the characteristics.
It is noteworthy that the project continued to develop. The existing module has undergone the necessary improvements that have affected both its design and appearance. "Typhoons-VDV" with an updated product 32B01 began to show at the turn of the decade. Later it became clear that this was the serial appearance of the module.
Serial appearance of the product. Photo "Rosoboronexport"
BM-30-D was developed for use on various carriers, both domestic and foreign. Similar capabilities of the module are already being demonstrated, at least in the form of experimental exhibition samples.
In May last year, at the parade in Nizhny Novgorod, the KamAZ-43269 “Shot” armored car with the “Spoke” module was shown for the first time. As far as is known, at that time it was only a prototype. He was tested, and the project as a whole was preparing for mass production.
In October, the military-technical exhibition "Partner-2021" was held in Serbia. At this event, the Yugoimport company for the first time showed the Lazar III wheeled armored personnel carrier equipped with the Russian DUBM 32V01. Such armament, as reported, dramatically increases the firepower of a combat vehicle and actually transfers it from the BTR category to the BMP class.
Production and operation
Central Research Institute Burevestnik launched mass production of BM-30-D modules in 2019-20. These products were intended for installation on Typhoon-VDV armored vehicles. To date, a significant number of armored cars have been built in this configuration, and they are available in a number of units and formations of the airborne troops.
In May 2022, Burevestnik announced the launch of mass production of a new modification of 32V01 modules. Products of this series were planned to be installed on the Shot armored cars. It is curious that by that time the manufacturer not only launched work, but also managed to assemble the first batch of DBMS. A workshop was demonstrated with a large number of such products awaiting installation on armored carriers.
"Spoke" module for the "Shot" armored car - an additional grenade launcher is used. Photo by Central Research Institute "Burevestnik"
Armored vehicles "Typhoon-VDV" with the "Spice" module have been mass-produced for several years and are supplied to the airborne troops. They are actively exploited, incl. within the framework of various teachings, as well as being involved in public events.
Now it has become known about the participation of such equipment in the Special Operation for the Protection of Donbass. At the very end of September, a short video appeared showing the passage of Typhoons-Airborne Forces somewhere in the combat zone. Probably, these armored cars will have to participate in battles or provide protection for the rear.
A few days later, already in early October, information appeared about the second carrier of the "Spokes". In an unknown place on the railway, a train with military equipment was filmed, incl. with several Shot armored vehicles equipped with a new type of DBMS. This suggests that the Burevestnik Central Research Institute and related enterprises completed the assembly of at least the first batch of armored vehicles with new weapons and handed it over to the customer. Where this technique went is unknown.
Thus, the new domestic combat module has been successfully brought to mass production and operation in the army. Moreover, plans for the unification of weapons are being implemented, and the 32B01 product is already used with two wheeled platforms. It is quite possible that the project will not stop there, and other domestic or foreign armored vehicles will also receive similar DBMS.
With cannon and machine gun
The product BM-30-D / 32V01 / "Spoke" is a combat module for mounting on different chassis. The existing set of equipment and weapons allows you to monitor, search for and attack ground or air targets at ranges up to 1-2 km. Such a DBM ensures the fight against manpower, lightly armored vehicles and unfortified buildings.
"Typhoon-VDV" with module 32V01. Photo by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
The Spoke module itself is a tower mounted on the roof of the carrier. The main units are placed in an armored hull; under the shoulder strap is a basket with a part of the devices. The module is also equipped with an automated gunner-operator workstation. The control devices and the remote control are placed in any accessible place inside the carrier machine. The total mass of all elements of the complex (without ammunition) is up to 1,2 tons.
The basic one weapons The BM-30-D is a 30 mm 2A42 automatic cannon with 300 rounds of ammunition. A PKTM machine gun with an ammunition load of at least 1000 rounds is paired with the cannon. The tower provides circular guidance horizontally; vertical guidance - from -10 ° to + 60 °. The installation of smoke grenade launchers is envisaged. An updated version of the module for the Shot armored car is distinguished by the presence of a 30-mm AG-30 automatic grenade launcher.
On the forehead of the DUBM there is an optical-electronic station with a daylight and thermal imaging channel, as well as a laser rangefinder. The video signal and other information are displayed on the screen of the operator's workstation. The fire control system includes a ballistic computer and a two-plane stabilizer.
According to the developer organization, "Spice" allows you to deal with different targets at ranges up to 2 km. So, openly located manpower is affected at distances up to 1 km with the help of a machine gun and an automatic grenade launcher. A gun with a high-explosive fragmentation projectile can be used against tank-dangerous manpower. In this case, the range of fire reaches 2 km. At the same range, the gun, using armor-piercing ammunition, hits unprotected and lightly armored vehicles.
Modular benefits
DUBM 32V01 has a number of important features, due to which important operational capabilities are provided and high performance is achieved. In this regard, the module is of great interest to customers, and not only to the Russian army.
"Shot" with the "Spoke" module, May 9, 2021. Photo by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
The "Spice" project provides compatibility with different platforms. The possibility of mounting the module on three different carriers with different characteristics has already been shown, and two of them have been brought to series. It is quite possible that new projects of this kind will appear in the future. The advantages of such unification are obvious.
You should pay attention to the selected composition of weapons. Research and practice show that a cannon-machine gun complex is now needed to solve most fire tasks. Armament BM-30-D meets these requirements. The module is capable of firing and hitting all intended targets within a sufficient range. At the same time, modern LMS helps to obtain high accuracy at any time of the day.
From design to production
Thus, in just a few years, the Central Research Institute "Burevestnik" and related organizations carried out all the necessary work and received the required result. They developed a new combat module, tested it, improved its design and launched mass production. At the same time, two modifications of the DBM with different capabilities are already being produced.
A few years ago, the army began to master the BM-30-D module on Typhoon-VDV armored vehicles. Now deliveries of serial "Shots" with similar equipment begin. In addition, it is reported that such equipment is involved in the Special Operation. This means that the armed forces get the opportunity to test new equipment in different conditions and re-affirm its characteristics.