Modernization of the BMP-3
The intensity of modern combat operations, the high level of workload and the experience of using BMP-3 in the countries of the Persian Gulf have necessitated the revision of the machine in terms of improving ergonomic characteristics.Taking into account the experience of operating infantry combat vehicles in countries with a hot climate, as well as modern requirements for combat capabilities, Russian specialists developed a comprehensive program for upgrading the infantry fighting vehicle BMP-3. First of all, it is aimed at increasing combat effectiveness, increasing comfort and improving crew interaction with the machine itself, including its integration into the C4I control system.
The long-term practice of using the BMP-3 has shown that, in general, the failure of its components and assemblies is caused not by manufacturing defects or design flaws, but, as a rule, due to violation of the rules for servicing and operating the machine.
To solve this problem, as well as to integrate the BMP-3 into the C4I control system, an electronic assistant to the driver and operator is installed on the machine, which allows the crew to be informed about the functioning of the machine systems in audiovisual mode. In particular, it signals the status of the BMP-3 chassis systems, problems with the loading system or the rangefinder unit, the condition of the power supply circuits of the systems, unsafe weapon service modes, etc. (more than 100 messages). Only one function — automatic control of the readiness of the fire control system to launch a guided missile — helps prevent the inevitable loss of expensive ATGMs in the past.
Compact diesel power unit DEA-2.Ballistic calculator VBTs-88.
Using the integrated display of the driver installed on the upgraded car, the crew can receive instructions on how to carry out maintenance, troop repairs and other operational documentation. The driver’s monitor displays the image of the surveillance cameras, as well as cartographic information systems. The system is equipped with a non-volatile memory of events of the "black box" type to analyze the detected system malfunctions or incorrect crew actions.
The digital on-board equipment set of the EPHR of the upgraded BMP-3 allows you to collect and transmit in real time information on the expendable resources (ammunition, fuel, etc.) and the technical condition of the machine for the C4I control system.
The intensity of modern combat operations, the high level of workload and the experience of using BMP-3 in the countries of the Persian Gulf have necessitated the revision of the machine in terms of improving ergonomic characteristics. To ensure comfortable living conditions for the crew, the upgraded BMP-3 is equipped with an electric tower-driven air conditioner and an air-conditioner-power unit with a small diesel engine to separate the landing force and the driver.
Location of the air conditioner-power unit on the BMP-3
The air conditioner-power unit works independently of the standard systems of the machine and creates comfortable conditions for the operation of the crew at an ambient temperature above + 50 ° С. In addition, the electric power produced by the generator of the power unit with the main engine shut off ensures the operation of weapon systems, surveillance and communications equipment, as well as automatically charges the batteries. Air conditioning and power supply is carried out both on the move and in the parking lot. Afloat in case of failure of the main engine, the power unit ensures the operation of the bilge pumps, which allows maintaining the buoyancy of the machine for a long time, maintaining the life support systems until the approach of help, and if necessary, observe and fire at the enemy. At long stops and in the defense, the power unit reduces the visibility of the machine for enemy detection, saves the life of the main engine and minimizes fuel consumption.
For the purpose of cost-effective and low-noise power supply of signaling, communication and surveillance equipment, a portable diesel autonomous power unit with a power of 2 kW, which is installed outside the car at a distance from 15 m, can be used on the machine.
Driver's seat on the upgraded BMP-3.In addition to people in extreme conditions of a hot climate, technology also suffers. Thus, a significant number of diesel engine failures are due to its overheating due to the driver’s choice of the mode (transmission) for driving. When driving on sandy terrain at a temperature of + 50 ° C, it is necessary to maintain high engine speeds and close monitoring of its temperature, the excess of which disables the engine. And although all driver mechanics are well aware of this, it is not always possible to avoid overheating in the difficult course conditions. To solve this problem, as well as improve dynamic performance, the automatic gearbox APP-3 is installed on the BMP-688. It is designed to automatically shift gears depending on road conditions and the size of the engine load. This allows the engine to work in the zone of maximum efficiency with the optimum coolant temperature with average fuel consumption. If overheating occurs, the APP-688 algorithm optimizes the movement of the BMP-3 at higher engine speeds, thereby improving engine cooling.
The use of APP-688 greatly enhances the dynamics of the machine. Acceleration time to 60 km / h is reduced by an average of 16%, due to which the 400-meter stretch of the route the car runs 8% faster than in manual mode. In addition, in terms of the power reserve, the car in the automatic mode per kilometer traveled over rough terrain consumes less fuel by 7,5% than with manual gear shifting.
It should be noted that the design of the transmission, APP-688 and the controls of the BMP-3 allow the driver to change gears manually at any time with a lever located in front of the steering column.
The air conditioner is a power unit and automatic gear shift installed in the MTO on the BMP-3.As for firepower, it can be enhanced by upgrading the fire control system. Thus, the BMP-3 is equipped with a digital ballistic calculator VBC-88, designed to work with both existing and any new types of ammunition of Russian or foreign production. The powerful processor provides the calculation of aiming angles and lateral lead under various shooting conditions. When a calculator is connected to a digital meteorological station, corrections for aiming are determined automatically taking into account these weather conditions (air temperature and charge, atmospheric pressure, wind speed and direction).
The above design changes can be carried out both on newly ordered machines and on those already in use directly in the conditions of the customer repair shops.
In conclusion, it should be noted that the use of the new systems on the BMP-3, as well as the more powerful UTD-32 engine, the new panoramic sight of the commander, automatic target tracking, protective equipment and other innovations allows the Russian infantry fighting vehicle to have superiority over all foreign analogues.
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