1G46TT – a chimera sight for domestic tanks
1G46 reticle
Generally speaking, the range of mass-produced products tank We don't have a huge selection of gunner's sights right now. Essentially, we only have the good old Sosna-U, which has become an essential feature of all T-72B3 tank modifications, as well as the T-80BVM and T-90M, and the simple 1PN-96MT-02, which is installed on the modernized T-62M tanks.
There's nothing else, but another product may soon be added to this list. It has been patented as an industrial design by JSC Vologda Optical and Mechanical Plant, or simply VOMZ. It's worth noting that this scope, while being considered a novelty if it goes into production, will have certain limitations.
1Г46
The fact is that the 1G46 sight was used as a basis for it - an old "base" for T-80U tanks and their modifications, as well as the T-90 and T-90A. The sight is Soviet, optical, with a laser rangefinder and a laser channel for controlling anti-tank missiles. rocketsThis thing is pretty good even by today's standards.
But its internals were significantly modified. And they assigned it a corresponding index—1G46TT, where TT is an abbreviation for "tele-thermal imaging" or "television-thermal imaging." The result was a sort of chimera with the body of a hare and the antlers of a deer.
Images from the patent
The patent contains no text description of the prototype. There are only images, which allow for quite clear conclusions. First and foremost, it's noticeable that the scope lacks a conventional eyepiece. This means that the standard, and previously only, optical observation/aiming channel is no longer provided.
Essentially, they decided to turn what was once an optical sight into an electronic sight.
Source: Patent No. RU 154483 S
To achieve this, most of the optical path, including the lens, light filters, zoom system, scale illumination optics, plates with movable and fixed grids, and other components necessary for reproducing the image in the eyepiece, was apparently removed.
Instead, they plan to install a television and thermal imaging matrix, receiving images from the standard 1G46 stabilized mirror system. The former is designed for observation and targeting during daylight conditions (at least at dusk) with good visibility. The latter is for nighttime and daytime operation in poor visibility conditions.
The image from these devices is displayed on a multifunctional display, which is installed in place of the standard 1G46 eyepiece. Its frame contains buttons for controlling viewing modes (TV or thermal imaging), brightness, contrast, and other settings.
Source: Patent No. RU 154483 S
Judging by the images from the patent, the 1G46TT sight retains the ability to measure range using a laser rangefinder and guide anti-tank guided missiles launched through the gun barrel - the laser rangefinder unit and the information and control unit of the guided weapons system are in place.
Strengths and Weaknesses
It's hard to say why such a "mutant" was developed. But it's likely due to the cost of modernizing older tanks being taken out of storage. The Sosna-U is still quite expensive, but there are already sights on hand that can be relatively inexpensively retrofitted, installing a thermal imager and television sight on an existing stabilized platform. So, that seems to be a plus.
Another advantage is the location of the sight display directly in front of the gunner's eyes; on the Sosna-U, for example, it is located rather inconveniently to the side, requiring one to turn one's head to operate the thermal imager.
However, the display location of the 1G46TT can also be considered a disadvantage, since it will be located almost right next to the gunner’s face, making it quite straining for the eyes.
The main drawback of the sight is its relative simplicity. Considering that if such a sight goes into production, it will replace the Sosna-U. This means the gunner will lose the optical observation/aiming channel. At the same time, he will no longer have the full range of automated shot preparation functions available on the Sosna-U.
Information