Armored vehicles "Spartak"

Armored cars "VPK-Ural" at the parade, May 9, 2023. Photo of the Russian Ministry of Defense

The Russian defense industry offers the armed forces and other government agencies a number of different armored vehicles with various features. One of the latest innovations in this area is the Spartak armored car, developed by the Military Industrial Company. It is built on the basis of available components and shows high tactical and technical characteristics. In addition, the design has potential for development and modernization.

New line

In the recent past, the Moscow Military-Industrial Company developed and presented a “multi-purpose vehicle” AMN-590951, also called “VPK-Ural”. It was a two-axle armored car capable of carrying up to nine people and supporting them with fire. As far as we know, this vehicle was tested and delivered to Russian army units.

In August 2022, at the international military-technical forum "Army", an updated version of the VPK-Ural armored car with the same index and new name "Spartak" was demonstrated for the first time. The new vehicle differed from the basic model in the design of its armored hull and additional protection for individual elements.

Just a few months later, in November, it became known that AMN-590951 armored vehicles were used during the Special Operation to protect Donbass. According to media reports citing sources in the army, VPK-Ural vehicles with additional protection are in operation. Perhaps they were talking about the newer Spartak. Details of operation and combat use were not reported.

Two-axle "Spartak" at the Army-2022 forum. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

In March 2023, the Spartak armored car became an exhibit at the specialized exhibition “Expotechnoguard-2023”. Interestingly, this time the car was demonstrated not in camouflage, but in the gray color of the Russian Guard. Probably, they wanted to show the possibility of using new equipment not only in the armed forces.

Soon, armored cars "VPK-Ural" and/or "Spartak" took part in parades on the occasion of Victory Day for the first time. Such equipment and other modern armored cars were shown to the public in several cities at once.

For the Army 2023 forum, the development company has prepared another new product, also named “Spartak” and indexed AMN-59097. It was a three-axle vehicle with a loading platform, based on the units of an existing armored car. As a payload, the exhibition model received an artillery mount with a 57-mm automatic cannon. In this case, installation of other equipment is possible.

On finished units

Armored cars of the VPK-Ural / Spartak series differ significantly from each other in appearance and design, but have a lot of common features and are maximally unified. At the same time, they are built with extensive use of components from commercial vehicles of the Ural brand, which should reduce the cost and labor intensity of production, as well as simplify the operation of serial equipment.

"Spartak" in the colors of the Russian Guard. Photo Vitalykuzmin.net

The first version of Spartak, shown in 2022, is a two-axle armored vehicle with a monocoque body and an all-wheel drive chassis. The length of the vehicle reaches 6,5 m with a width of 2,5 m and a height (on the roof) of 2,8 m. The curb weight is 14,5 tons.

A welded armored hull with an engine compartment and a total volume to accommodate the crew and passengers is used. Some of the hull units are covered with additional armor sheets. The frontal projection of the habitable compartment of the hull is protected from 14,5 mm bullets; other projections can withstand fire from 12,7 mm systems. The engine compartment and chassis components are protected against armor-piercing incendiary 7,62 mm bullets. Mine protection is provided in the form of an armored V-shaped bottom. Resistance to explosion of 8 kg of TNT under a wheel or body is declared.

The armored car is equipped with a turbocharged diesel engine producing 312 hp. and a 5-speed manual transmission. The transmission distributes torque to all wheels. The maximum speed on the highway reaches 100 km/h, the range is 1000 km. The machine is capable of climbing a 400 mm wall and overcoming other obstacles. Water obstacles are crossed only by fords.

The habitable compartment of the hull accommodates 10 seats. In its front part, there are two rows of seats for the driver and three passengers, facing forward in the direction of travel. Access to these places is provided by its own doors in the sides. Six more seats are installed in the stern along the sides; boarding is carried out through the stern door.

Armored car with the Tablet-M-IR artillery control system. Photo Vitalykusmin.net

There is a hatch on the roof of the hull with a seat for weapons. It is proposed to install a protected turret under a machine gun, equipped with bulletproof armor and glazing. Installation of other devices is possible, incl. remotely controlled modules. Embrasures are installed in the side glazing for personal use. weapons crew and troops.

The Spartak version shown last year with the AMN-59097 index is distinguished by an extended chassis and the presence of a third drive axle. The front hull compartments with the engine compartment and a four-seat double-row cabin have been preserved. Instead of a rear volume with seats, a platform was installed to accommodate add-ons or cargo. The engine and gearbox remained the same, but the transmission added a third axle drive.

The three-axle AMN-59097 grew heavier to 22,5 tons. The increase in weight while maintaining a 312-horsepower engine led to a slight deterioration in mobility. However, mobility and maneuverability on off-road and rough terrain remained at an acceptable level.

"Spartak" on an extended chassis can serve as a truck or a weapons carrier. Thus, the prototype for Army 2023 was equipped with an AZP-57 artillery mount with an S-60 automatic cannon of 57 mm caliber. The gun is serviced by a crew of 3-4 people working on a loading platform. They are protected from fire from the front corners by the standard shield cover of the installation. Ammunition - 144 rounds in 36 clips for quick loading.

AMN-59097 at Army-2023. Photo Vitalykuzmin.net

Visible benefits

During its existence, the Military-Industrial Company has developed a large number of armored vehicles for various purposes, and some of these vehicles have reached series production and adoption. The latest developments in this area were the VPK-Ural and Spartak armored vehicles in different versions and modifications.

In general, the products of the Spartak series have several positive features that can interest a potential customer. Armored cars should be relatively simple to manufacture and operate, as well as effective in terms of use for various tasks.

The main advantage of the Spartak and VPK-Ural projects should be considered the widespread use of ready-made units and components borrowed from commercial automotive equipment. With all the advantages of production and operational nature, such units provide the required level of technical characteristics. In addition, two vehicles with different chassis and operating parameters were built on the same base.

The first version of the VPK-Ural product received bulletproof and anti-fragmentation protection at the level of other modern armored cars. The next Spartak project involves restructuring the hull and increasing the level of protection, both ballistic and mine-resistant. At the same time, the safety of not only the crew, but also vital units is increased.

Three-axle "Spartak" with a 57-mm cannon, rear view. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

“Spartak” is capable of solving various problems. In its basic version, it is a protected transport for personnel with fire support capabilities. It is also possible to install special equipment of suitable dimensions. For example, an armored car-artillery command post has already been shown. The three-axle “cargo” modification can carry heavier loads, including artillery systems.

As far as we know, the AMN-590951 “VPK-Ural” armored vehicle has already reached the troops and is even being used in the Special Operation zone. Positive experience in its operation may influence the Ministry of Defense’s interest in the next armored vehicles of this series and lead to the start of their production. In addition, positive results of the application will be good advertising for the promotion of armored cars on the international market.

Choice and competition

To date, the Russian defense industry has well mastered the development and construction of armored vehicles. New samples of this class with certain features are regularly demonstrated. Moscow "VPK" is one of the leaders in this direction, and in 2022-23. once again presented interesting and promising developments.

All versions of the newly developed Spartak have strong points and can find their place in the army or law enforcement agencies. However, to do this they will have to bypass similar developments from other manufacturers, the number of which is constantly growing. Whether they can cope with such competition, time will tell.

Comments

[Vladimir_2U]

Armor is always better than no armor. It would be nice to include standard, if not visors, then at least places for their attachment in the kit.

[Civil]

Even the “Wings of the Soviets”, even the “Pakhtakor” - has long been entangled in this zoo of armored vehicles, BUT give the army thousands of them.

[antivirus]

The Basmachi came down from the mountains - this is a society of neftchi.
They write about 3 tanks (and here) that they are difficult to maintain.
And this is a zoo.
Unification only with Lukoil and Gazprom.
All 3 pieces.

[VicktorVR]

The Urals are, of course, the backbone of the state, and the plant must be supported so that Kamaz does not devour it, but it is time to move from “blind together from what we had” to equipment developed specifically for specific tasks, taking into account the specifics of the application and the requirements of the Customer.

It will of course be much more expensive (and longer, yes), but the technology will also be much more effective

[Blackgrifon]

It’s just important to remember that Kamaz is a state company, and Ural is a private company.

Quote: VicktorVR

already move from “blind together from what was” to technology

No. Spartak is a mass-produced box, the more technologically advanced, the better. And an attempt to sculpt Typhoon-2 will now cost a drawdown in the supply of light wheel armor. Which is now almost more effective than a classic armored personnel carrier.
In addition, it is worth remembering how much Typhoons from Kamaz and Ural cost - at a price of 2 BTR-82 apiece. And where are they now? But Spartakov and Z-STS made several hundred cars of each type in a year.
Further, VPK-Ural is available in several versions (including those exported): 10 revenge, 9 (Spartak), 5 (pickup), 6x6. It’s better to put the Spartak BDUM with an advanced fire control system for self-defense, or to stuff the Cinderella/ZPUshka pickup version with an OLS to fight drones - now a massive anti-drone vehicle is more than needed.

[Blue fox]

In addition, it is worth remembering how much Typhoons from Kamaz and Ural cost - at a price of 2 BTR-82 apiece.

Colleague, for the sake of objectivity, I would like to note that these are machines of varying degrees of security and purposes. Frankly speaking, in the Typhoon you feel safer when moving or coming under fire, and it’s simply more convenient and more comfortable to sit in. But, of course, the BTR-82 has more serious firepower.

And where are they now?

They are working. Of course, repairing them is more difficult than with an armored personnel carrier, but, for example, when you need to transport someone important, they send a Typhoon, not an armored personnel carrier.
Although, where it can fly with a high probability, for the purpose of camouflage, you can climb into a loaf and fly in the on-board Urals on potholes in the back.

[Amateur]

"Spartak" in the colors of the Russian Guard.

The armored cars of the Russian Guard should wear a white and blue coloring and the name “Zenith”, and not the white and red “Spartak”.

[Vladimir_2U]

Quote: Amateur

The armored cars of the Russian Guard should wear a white and blue coloring and the name “Zenith”, and not the white and red “Spartak”.

However, the vests of the Russian Guard are red and white.
And they’re not Pentas, but Vovans, if you know what I mean...

[Alexey RA]

Quote: Vladimir_2U

Yes, and they are not Pentas, but Vovans

Not all. Operational formations and security units - yes, Vovans. And here quick response и special purpose - these are pentas.

[Vladimir_2U]

Quote: Alexey RA

Not all. Operational formations and security units - yes, Vovans. But quick response and special purpose are penta.

In general, everything is complicated...

[Catfish]

Aha
Although I don’t give a damn about all these football passions.

[Alexey RA]

Quote: Amateur

Armored cars of the Russian Guard should wear white and blue colors and the name "Zenith"

"Dynamo"!
For RG are Vovans and SOBR with riot police.

[Sergey Aleksandrovich]

The main problem with almost all armored vehicles was the lack of combat modules capable of fighting enemy drones. Not only small FPV kamikazes are annoying, but also high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft targeting enemy artillery.
The machine gun turret, although protected, is of little use in modern conditions.

[Zaurbek]

These are cars for the Russian Guard

[Blackgrifon]

No. RG mainly uses Patrols.

If you mean the song “this is not for the army, but for the police,” then no. Such an armored car is much more effective than a classic armored personnel carrier due to greater ergonomics, a wider range of tasks, a longer service life, an equal (or even higher) level of protection, lower cost and greater manufacturability.
In reality, the 80ke is inferior only in cross-country ability. And a combat module with OLS would not hurt.

In general, my personal opinion is that such armored cars are preferable to classic armored personnel carriers, which are inferior in every way to infantry fighting vehicles and infantry fighting vehicles.

[Zaurbek]

It is necessary to separate the car, which needs to move through the trench and which needs to drive on the roads.
There are clear requirements for axle load and weight distribution along the axles for the cross-country ability required by the troops. So the BTR 80-82 has the same Diesel, but it has different requirements for cross-country ability, and all modern armored personnel carriers of the Boxer, Namer, Kurganets type all have 8x8. There is no need to confuse MRAP and armored personnel carrier. As close as possible to the MPAP 8x8 armored personnel carrier.

[Radical]

Quote: Sergey Alexandrovich

The main problem with almost all armored vehicles was the lack of combat modules capable of fighting enemy drones. Not only small FPV kamikazes are annoying, but also high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft targeting enemy artillery.
The machine gun turret, although protected, is of little use in modern conditions.

The combat module does not provide the same overview of the environment as a soldier in a machine gun turret.

[Catfish]

I have already lost count of the number of armored cars developed and their modifications.
Has anyone tried to do model counting?

[Tests]

Alexey RA (Alexey), dear, for some reason you forgot about “Grom”, which the FSVNG wrested from the Ministry of Internal Affairs last year. Separate the pentas from the heavy ones completely and, it seems, irrevocably. Bureaucracy is everything to us. The main thing now is coordination, coordination, coordination and interdepartmental interaction. Those who thought of this would rip their heads off...

[Mikhail Maslov]

What is the dispute about? The army needs armored vehicles of different levels of security and level of protection. The only question is their quantity. At the moment, completely unprotected Urals and KamAZs are driving along the roads of war, we even have the Tiger in minimal quantities. Our Defense Ministry did not deal with this in any way before the war issue and now there is no general concept of development in this direction, hence all the troubles.

[AlOrg]

We have not dealt with a single important issue of military development. We didn’t deal with armored MRAPs, we didn’t deal with adjustable and planned bombs, we didn’t deal with long-range artillery. But we dealt with Poseidons, petrels and overexposures and other useless exotics

[Demon]

There seems to be such diversity, but the differences are minimal. At the same time, transferring something significant from one vehicle to another is practically impossible, maximum wheels, Akum and ammunition, subject to compatibility. Until now I have not seen a truly modular platform. What prevents you from making a transport trolley with a motor, transmission and mine protection, on which a container-type crew module is placed on quick releases and a transport module of your choice (combat, cargo, passenger, etc.) Quick releases have long been invented in container transportation, controls without mechanical connection there is also. I installed the cabin, secured it, connected the control connector, installed the required module and went to perform the tasks.
Why such difficulties, you ask? In the classical scheme, if the engine, transmission, cockpit or combat module is damaged, the entire unit is unable to perform any tasks and requires repair. In the scheme described above, modules can be changed in any combination. Let’s say a combat vehicle has an engine, and there is a non-armored truck, replacing the engine is a long process and is subject to their identity. And then we swap the chassis and you can continue to carry out combat missions. Another example, a hit to the combat module, which resulted in destruction, was replaced with a cargo platform and ammunition or personnel can be transported. Maintenance can also be divided: technicians work with a cart, gunsmiths work with a combat module, each in their own specialized room.
Yes, the development and first batches are somewhat more expensive, this has always been the case in any production. Further reduction in cost due to mass production and ease of modernization. For example, there was a cart with 300 hp, they brought it with 500 hp and immediately drove off. There was a machine gun turret, now there is an automatic cannon.