BREM T-16 during transportation. The boom of the crane-manipulator and the combat module are clearly visible
One of the most interesting domestic developments of recent times is the Armata unified tracked platform and equipment based on it. Each appearance of such machines invariably attracts the attention of specialists and the public. A few days ago, promising armored vehicles again hit the lens, and this time, together with tanks - after a long break - one could see the T-16 recovery vehicle.
Technique in the frame
In early March, a new curious video showing promising armored vehicles was distributed on specialized resources and blogs. An unknown operator filmed a whole echelon with vehicles on the Armata platform. The date and location of the shooting, for obvious reasons, are not specified - and even measures have been taken to prevent them from being determined.
Several railway platforms with T-14 Armata tanks got into the lens - there are 10 such vehicles in the short video. At least one T-16 armored recovery vehicle was transported along with the MBT. The equipment stood on the platforms in the open; only individual units were covered with covers. On the sides of all cars there was a railway marking "H2300", applied by hand.
Where the echelon with armored vehicles was heading is unknown. Three versions can be offered. First, tanks and armored vehicles were taken to some military unit for development or to a training ground for practical activities. It can also be assumed that promising vehicles have already been decided to be sent to the Special Operations area for testing in real conditions.
Finally, you should pay attention to the calendar. March has begun, and soon the preparations for the future parade on May 9 on Red Square should start. Removed MBT and BREM could go to the Moscow region to participate in training, and then in the parade itself.
Tank T-14 and BREM T-16 (in the background, partially closed by "censorship")
It should be noted that in a recent video, it is the new BREM of the T-16 type that is of greatest interest. The T-14 tank does not appear too often in official materials and open publications, but is already well known to specialists and the public. In turn, the unified recovery vehicle has not received such attention over the years. Obviously, her supporting role and the lack of breakthrough technologies related to combat use affected her fame.
On a unified platform
The unified platform "Armata" has been developed by enterprises from the NPK "Uralvagonzavod" since the end of the XNUMXs. On its basis, in the future it was planned to create a number of armored vehicles of different classes - a tank, self-propelled guns, heavy infantry fighting vehicles, engineering equipment, etc. In particular, to work with the new MBT and TBMP, an BREM project with the appropriate characteristics was being developed.
In 2013-15 the first prototypes were built for testing. In 2015, several machines of the Armata family were shown to the public for the first time, and at the same time the main technical features of the projects were revealed. Also at that time, approximate plans for the future production and operation of equipment in the troops were mentioned. In the future, such data was repeatedly refined taking into account the current situation.
So, at the very end of 2020, Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko announced that in 2022 the development of a number of new models of armored vehicles, including several vehicles on the Armata platform, would be completed. A few months later, in March 2021, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu spoke about plans to supply new MBTs, TBMPs and ARVs to the troops. A pilot batch of such equipment was expected in 2022.
Probably, the industry produced the required batches of new armored vehicles on time and handed over the equipment to customers. If so, then the MBT and BREM from the recent video could have been built precisely within the framework of the pilot batch. In addition, it can no longer be ruled out that Uralvagonzavod has begun shipping armored vehicles of full-fledged serial production.
One way or another, the T-16 BREM should reach the series and enter the troops. The production of such equipment will be carried out in parallel with other samples on a unified chassis. Machines of the new family should come in one connection, which will not only improve the performance of the parts, but also make it possible to realize the full potential of the unification of equipment.
General view of the T-16
With special equipment
T-16 is an armored recovery vehicle on a tracked chassis of a unified design. Due to special equipment, it is able to provide assistance to stuck, damaged or wrecked armored vehicles of all classes. At the same time, the unified platform gives the BREM high technical and performance characteristics.
The BREM is built on the Armata chassis in its "tank" version with the aft placement of the engine compartment. The front half of the hull received a large superstructure-cabin, shifted to the port side. The cabin is made of armor and carries overhead modules. Inside it are the crew jobs and part of the target equipment. It was reported that ballistic and dynamic protection is supplemented by an on-board electronic warfare system that covers the car from high-precision systems.
Like unified vehicles, the T-16 BREM receives a 12N360 multi-fuel engine with variable maximum power - 1200 or 1500 hp. The automatic transmission is interlocked with the engine. Also, units that ensure the operation of the target equipment are attached to it. The seven-wheel running gear with active hydropneumatic suspension has been retained.
On the frontal part of the body of the BREM is a bulldozer blade with a hydraulic drive. When pulling out the equipment, it is used as a stop, and when the crane-manipulator is running, it performs the functions of an additional support-jack. To the left of the wheelhouse is the main crane, capable of lifting loads weighing at least 2 tons. In the stern, on the starboard side, there is another crane with a lower capacity. The main winch is placed inside the hull to work with stuck equipment.
The crew has a set of various tools and devices necessary for minor repairs in the field. Repair is carried out incl. due to the transported set of spare parts.
The exact performance characteristics of the T-16 equipment have not yet been disclosed. The full composition of the functions provided by the onboard equipment is also unknown. However, it is clear that such an BREM is capable of performing all the same tasks as its predecessors, and could also receive new functions. At the same time, the technical and performance characteristics have grown - primarily due to the parameters of the unified platform.
BREM T-16 is not intended for active combat, but can protect itself. To do this, the machine has a set of smoke grenade launchers. In addition, a remote-controlled combat module with a heavy machine gun is placed on the roof of the cabin.
The crew of the T-16 includes three people. From the previous domestic BREM, the new one differs in increased internal volumes, due to which it was possible to improve the working conditions of the crew. The economy of the habitable compartment has been optimized, there is a full-fledged climate control. For extended duty and/or work, there is a kitchenette with appliances for boiling water and heating food.
For the benefit of the army
For obvious reasons, auxiliary armored vehicles, such as the T-16 ARV, do not receive the same attention as combat vehicles - tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, etc. However, it is also of great importance for the troops. Repair and recovery vehicles make a great contribution to the timely restoration of military equipment and its subsequent return to service.
As a result of the Armata program, the Russian ground forces will have to receive several new armored vehicles for various purposes. They will differ from the current technology not only in higher performance characteristics, but also in other requirements for maintenance and repair. In this regard, not only combat, but also auxiliary equipment is being created on the new platform.
Official information from the recent past and the latest evidence from the field hint that the T-16 ARVs are already being produced by industry and are entering the troops. This means that the program for rearmament of armored units has started and is gradually being implemented. And samples of auxiliary purposes, not the most noticeable against the background of combat vehicles, take their place in it and help the further development of the army.