Self-propelled gun "Sprut-SDM1" gets a new projectile
A 2A75 launcher on a 2S25M combat vehicle. Photo "Rosoboronexport"
Recently, state tests of the modernized 2S25M Sprut-SDM1 self-propelled anti-tank gun have been successfully completed. During the update, the self-propelled gun improved its characteristics and received new features. In particular, it is reported about the addition of ammunition with new ammunition. To combat unprotected and lightly armored targets, it is proposed to use a newly developed high-explosive fragmentation projectile with remote detonation.
New projectile
The upgraded SPTP 2S25M has been demonstrated at various exhibitions over the past few years. At the same time, it was repeatedly mentioned that the armament complex of the vehicle is undergoing a major update and will receive new features. However, the details of such works were not disclosed until recently.
October 18 RIA News announced the creation of a new projectile for the Octopus-SDM1. Bekhan Ozdoev, industrial director of the armaments complex of the state corporation Rostec, told the agency about this development. According to him, a new 125-mm high-explosive fragmentation projectile with a remote detonation function has been created.
Shots for 125 mm guns. Far right - high-explosive fragmentation projectile of one of the common types. Photo by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
The new ammunition is intended to combat manpower and light enemy fortifications. Undermining at a given point in time significantly increases the effectiveness of such a product in comparison with shells that have a contact fuse.
The designation of the new projectile has not yet been disclosed. Also, even its main characteristics and features remain unknown. However, certain design features and parameters are obvious - the new ammunition to a certain extent should be similar to the existing ones.
The projectile with remote detonation complements the existing range of shots for the SPTP 2S25M. The 2A75 gun, as before, will be able to use high-explosive fragmentation, cumulative and sub-caliber shells of various types, as well as guided missiles. The firing range, depending on the ammunition used, reaches 5 km.
No technical details
The basis of the 2S25M self-propelled armament complex is the 125-mm smooth-bore gun-launcher 2A75. This is a lightweight version of the 2A46M product used on modern domestic MBTs. Guns of both types use separate-sleeve loading. The use of an automatic loader is envisaged.
Split layouts tank shots. The second from the left and the far right are high-explosive fragmentation shells. Photo Vitalykuzmin.net
It is obvious that the new ammunition for the Sprut-SDM1 does not fundamentally differ from the existing ones in terms of its design and dimensions. This is a 125mm split-loader shot that meets the requirements and limitations of the 2A46/2A75 guns. It includes a projectile with a new function and a partially burning cartridge case with a powder charge.
The SPTP 2S25 ammunition load includes several shots with high-explosive fragmentation shells. These are products weighing 36 kg, of which approx. 23 kg falls on the projectile itself. The warhead of the projectile contains 5 kg of explosive and carries an impact fuse. Probably, the new ammunition is similar in design and main indicators to the existing ones.
The main difference between the new shot is the use of a fuse with a remote detonation function. Such a device ensures that the warhead is not detonated when it touches the target, but at a given point in the trajectory. Due to this, the defeat of "soft" targets in shelters, for example, infantry in the trenches, is greatly simplified.
On what principle the new domestic fuse works is not reported. In general, two basic principles of remote detonation are known and used. So, programmable fuses are very popular. In this case, the fire control system before the shot calculates the required detonation distance and enters it into the fuse through a special programmer. Having flown a predetermined distance, the projectile is independently undermined.
"Octopus-SDM1" on trials. Photo "Rosoboronexport"
The second principle provides for undermining by remote control. The SLA, using standard means, monitors the flight of the projectile and at the right time sends it a command to undermine it. Projectile tracking can be performed using radar or optics. Management - by radio or laser.
Both principles have their pros and cons. So, a programmable fuse can show higher accuracy, and a radio-controlled fuse is less expensive. What approach the Russian Ministry of Defense chose and the industry implemented is unknown.
Great promise
The latest news from Rostec is of great interest. The creation of domestic ammunition with remote detonation was previously reported, but now we are talking about the completion of such a project and the possible adoption of the projectile into service. In addition, the chosen 125 mm caliber gives the new development a great future.
First of all, the new projectile is interesting in the context of the development of the 2S25(M) self-propelled gun. With its help, this combat vehicle receives new important combat capabilities. Now she is able to more effectively deal with manpower, unprotected equipment and some buildings. At the same time, the Octopus crew will be able to choose a “normal” high-explosive fragmentation projectile or remote detonation ammunition, depending on the current situation and the characteristics of the target.
2S25M on the water. Photo "Rosoboronexport"
The 2A75 and 2A46M guns are completely unified in terms of ammunition. This means that in the future, a projectile with remote detonation may also enter the ammunition load of domestic MBTs. To use such a shot, some upgrade of the SLA will be required, but it should not be difficult. In addition, the results of such modernization will fully justify all costs.
It makes sense to further develop technology. The new type of fuse can be adapted to shells of other calibers - primarily 100 and 57 mm. In these calibers, it will be possible to obtain the best combination of technical and combat characteristics. In addition, this corresponds to the current state of the armored vehicle fleet and plans for its further development.
What will eventually be the range of projectiles with remote detonation is unknown. It cannot be ruled out that development organizations will find a way to reduce the fuse down to the limits of 30mm projectiles.
Weapons in the army
It should be expected that a new projectile with remote detonation will appear in our army in the near future. So, in mid-August, it was reported that the SPTP 2S25M Sprut-SDM1 successfully passed state tests. Over the next few months, it is planned to carry out the remaining procedures, according to the results of which the self-propelled gun will officially go into service.
Shore exit. Photo "Rosoboronexport"
Apparently, along with the updated Sprut, the army will also receive a new high-explosive fragmentation projectile with remote detonation. Self-propelled guns will be supplied to the airborne troops and will significantly increase their potential. The new projectile will also contribute to their strengthening.
For some time, the Sprut-SDM1 will be the only armored vehicle capable of using the new round. However, in the future we should expect similar upgrades to other equipment, both with 125-mm guns and with weapons other calibers. As a result, the fire capabilities of armored vehicles will increase significantly.
New opportunities
Thus, the Russian defense industry continues to work on a promising direction in the field of ammunition and is already ready to present the first real results. In the near future, the upgraded SPTP 2S25M will go into service, and it will have significant advantages over the base Octopus.
Obviously, the development of remote detonation projectiles will not stop. We should expect the emergence of new shots in different calibers, as well as based on different principles and technologies. Such ammunition provides important advantages and is therefore needed by armies. The necessary technologies and solutions already exist, and now the only thing is the timing of the development of new shells.
Information