Intelligence for armored vehicles
Does the Russian army need smart war machines?
In general, the forum “Technologies in mechanical engineering-2010”, which united four exhibitions that previously existed separately from each other - Intermash, AIFM, Aerospace and UVS-TECH, left a somewhat dual impression. On the one hand, a number of very interesting domestic new products were shown here, and on the other, representatives of development companies, talking about their products, repeated too often: “Our Ministry of Defense doesn’t need this, it’s not at all clear what it needs now.”
The salon “Technologies in Mechanical Engineering”, which will now be held every two years, was conceived as a platform that would allow Russia to present new domestic products to interested foreign partners, become familiar with advanced Western technologies and, possibly, purchase some of them. Logically, this process should resemble a two-way street. However, now the exchange of technologies takes the form of two non-intersecting multidirectional flows, because most of the domestic innovations in the field of defense industry do not arouse interest inside the country.
This, in particular, applies to the "highlight" of the past exhibition - the modernized tank T-80U, equipped with an automated weapons control system and network-centric equipment, linking the linear and command armored vehicles in the tactical level automated control system.
For network-centric fighting
The new equipment T-80U consists of two main parts: the 45М armament control complex and the TPK-T-1 software and computing complex.
The first one is completely digital, this is the first time that such work has been done in relation to equipment of armored vehicles in Russia. It consists of the 1-46М sight rangefinder, the Agat-M commander (or Agat-MDT) complex, the weapon stabilizer, the information control system and a number of sensors. 45M combines the control of a gun stabilizer, a loading mechanism, a Blind curtain system into a single system. By taking into account the parameters of the atmosphere and compensating for its own progress, it improves the accuracy of shooting, automatically compensates for the departures of the field of vision stabilizer, remembers the parameters when loading projectiles.
In general, the installation of the 80М complex on the T-45U allows to drastically improve the accuracy of fire and the rate of fire, and due to the presence in it of an information management system (I & C) it can increase combat readiness. Firstly, the I & C system carries out constant operational control of all systems and in the event of a malfunction detection, the display shows relevant information prompting the crew with the options for actions necessary to accomplish the combat mission. Secondly, the I & C system monitors the work of the crew and, in case of incorrect, erroneous actions, gives recommendations to remedy the situation. The presence of a built-in control system allows for self-diagnosis of complex components: computing, laser, optoelectronic equipment, work with which for a recruiter serving one year and having a secondary education at best is too complicated. In addition, the number of controls and, accordingly, the actions that need to be carried out by the crew are reduced by half. That is, electronics took over the basic intellectual functions, simplifying the work of tankers both in combat and during maintenance of the vehicle.
A digital exchange has been organized between the weapons control and software and hardware complexes, which dramatically increases not only the combat capability of the tank, but also the command control parameter.
PTK-T-1 is installed on the commander’s tanks at the level from a battalion commander to a division commander. As a result, the commander is given the opportunity to send messages to his subordinates - from a linear tank to a company commander and receive reports on the execution of the task. It is possible to work with the operational-tactical situation on the display, that is, a situation map is attached to the task, which displays the position of its troops and enemy troops and the formulation of the task. The structure of the PTK-T-1 includes an automated workplace of the commander, a computer, a display device, a set of communications, a navigation system.
Communication facilities are represented by two VHF and one HF radio stations (all three are of the Aqueduct family). Shortwave radio station with the help of a mast, which is installed next to the tank, allows you to reach the transmission distance of messages up to 300 km. It provides both voice communication and transmission of information texts, including formalized ones, through a closed channel. The intercom of the crew in the tank is designed with the equipment AVSK-1U, which allows all crew members to enter the VHF radio station.
The commander receives all the information on his tank on the display device. The data on the state of the system, the location of the vehicle, as well as information from the I & C system are displayed - the number and type of projectiles in the loading mechanism, installation, fuel level, information from the fire control complex: the coordinates of the enemy object are automatically calculated, which can be transferred as down to commanders divisions and tanks, and up - to the higher command. That is, the battalion commander has the ability to issue target designations to subordinates, and on their machines these target designations are processed in automatic mode.
Navigation equipment allows you to navigate both by satellite signals, and (if they are not available) by self-orienting according to the course and roll indications, starting from the initial coordinates.
The TPK-T-2 complex is installed on linear tanks and cars of platoon and company commanders. It made inaccessible some of the functions of the exchange with the higher command and there is no HF radio station.
As a result, the battalion commander always has full information about what tasks need to be performed, where the tanks of his units are located, about the personnel, the number of shells and fuel in the vehicles, constant communication with the higher command. He can make a fully informed decision on the combat effectiveness of the battalion, subunits and individual vehicles.
Through the battalion KShM information about the life and health of tank crew members, the availability of ammunition and fuel enters the brigade's rear units, facilitating medical support and supply.
The modernization of T-80U was carried out by the St. Petersburg Special Design Bureau of Transport Engineering (SKBTM), which is the lead executor of the project, in collaboration with the Krasnogorsk and Vologda OMZ, Central Design Bureau of the IUS. The developer of the software and hardware complex is the Gorky plant of communications equipment named after A. Popov.
During this exhibition, several foreign delegations showed keen interest in this development, which was originally commissioned by GABTU. The Russian Ministry of Defense somehow cooled to it.
While the integrated fire control system is a prototype, extensive tests have been conducted with a large number of shots. According to the chief designer of SKBTM, Alexander Umansky, after bringing the modernization to a productive end, the new equipment can be used not only on T-80U, but also on all other domestic machines. The overall layout solutions of this complex make it possible to simply change old units to new ones, both during the modernization of existing tanks and in the production of new ones. According to Umansky, it is also important that the system is implemented entirely on the domestic element base, taking into account the available technologies. That is, for the development of mass production of complexes does not require special preparation of production.
Development potential
The on-board equipment as part of the 45M and TPK complex allows the third post-war generation tank to be built in, conceived and created in the era of analog devices and computers that occupied separate rooms in terms of volume, into modern electronic war space. Apparently, it is necessary to carry out work on the modernization of the “iron” itself. We asked the head of the new design department of the Ural Transport Engineering Design Bureau, Vladimir Nevolin, to talk about the directions of such improvement.
According to him, the modernization of the T-90 is underway, this is a very serious and deep work, although it’s not time to speak about its results. The export modification of the T-90C is gradually improving. In particular, more advanced tanks are destined for Algeria than those ordered by India. Algerian T-90С has two new functions: a thermal imaging system for automatic tracking of a target and a complex of optical-electronic suppression.
Negotiations are continuing on the installation of an automatic transmission of western production on T-90С, but so far it hasn’t come to real work. In order for such a variant of the tank to be in demand on the market, the power plant in accordance with the Western "fashion" must be a monoblock, allowing, if necessary, to quickly restore the combat capability of the machine with the failed unit. This solution has both advantages and disadvantages. The latter include the overall significant increase in the cost of the tank. In the existing version of the T-90 design allows you to quickly get to the main components and repair them in field conditions without the need to dismantle the power plant and transmission. A monoblock repaired only at the factory. So, we need a supply of expensive power units for replacement. In addition, for the operation of withdrawing a monoblock from a tank and installing a spare, it is necessary to have BREM in virtually every platoon, which also does not reduce the cost of operating vehicles with such a transmission.
According to Vladimir Nevolin, the removal of ammunition and automatic loader from the tank hull is not planned yet, but certain measures are being taken to improve the protection of the BC.
At present, the transition to a larger caliber gun can also be considered premature. 125-mm armor-piercing sub-caliber shells so far have the potential for development. The fact is that the goals for tanks are becoming more diverse and defeating the enemy’s MBT is no longer the top priority. According to Nevolin, it is necessary to develop ammunition designed to destroy manpower, for conducting combat operations in urban environments. New projectiles with a remote detonation are needed, with various equipment options, perhaps similar to projectiles created abroad with submunitions of individual detonation. At the same time, it is worthwhile to improve the manufacturing technology of the guns themselves - to carry out more accurate processing of the barrels to increase the accuracy of the fire, to work on a more correct arrangement of the recoil devices, in order to eliminate disturbances arising during the shot.
"Wolf" goes on the warpath
Another armored novelty of the Technologies in Mechanical Engineering-2010 forum turned out to be the Volk family of protected modular cars developed by the Military Industrial Company. "Wolf" was created taking into account the operating experience and combat use of the "Tiger" and its Western counterparts. The Russian version has several distinctive features, the combination of which makes it in many ways unique. The main feature of the machine is an independent hydropneumatic suspension of all wheels, allowing you to change the clearance from 250 to 550 mm. This solution is aimed at reducing the negative effects of an explosion under the wheel, since the impact of the blast wave on the hydropneumatic suspension creates other disturbing actions than in the version with the traditional suspension on elastic elements - springs or springs. In addition, with an explosion, the power of the shock wave going up decreases exponentially, therefore the higher the body above ground level, the safer it is for people inside. And in the maximum elevated version, the “clearance” of the “Wolf” is greater than that of all its Western counterparts, which were considered by engineers when creating a new car.
In addition, the variable ground clearance allows you to improve the car’s permeability on rough terrain, and on asphalt - to maintain good handling. Suspension stiffness can be adjusted depending on the type of soil.
To increase the security of the crew and the assault force from the explosion, a double bottom with an insulated lower element and an interlayer was used on the vehicle. The seats are suspended from the roof, both in the cockpit and in a functional module designed to transport people.
In the basic version, the car has a relatively easy booking, the level of which, depending on the need, is increased by hanging additional ceramic protective elements, this is easily done in the field. The design used armored glass of the highest grade resistance with a thickness of 68 mm without changing the optical parameters.
The machine is equipped with an on-board information management system. It allows you to perform diagnostics, controls the parameters of the main units and components, does not allow the driver to make erroneous actions. This leads to a reduction in maintenance and increase the service life of the machine.
The base two-axle version has an armored module with a capacity of 10 people, carrying capacity - tons of 1,5. In the version with a cargo platform, it is possible to transport up to 2,5 tons, the same capacity in the three-axle version with an armored module. In the basic booking version, the total weight of the two-axle vehicle is 7,5 tons.
The Wolf is completed with a diesel engine of the YMZ-5347 family with power up to 300 l. with., all other components and assemblies of the machine are also of domestic production. It should be noted that the premiere of "The Wolf" in Zhukovsky caused an increased interest of the forum participants, some of which, apparently, could become its potential customers. But whether the Russian Ministry of Defense will be among them, carried away by the idea of licensed production of the Italian BBM IVECO LMV, is unknown.
By the way, shortly before the start of the forum “Technologies in mechanical engineering-2010”, tests of the BTR-80 were conducted at the testing ground of the Arzamas machine-building plant, during which under one of the wheels of the car the explosive device with a power of 4 kg in TNT was exploded. In this case, an armored personnel carrier, whose gross mass is 13,5 tons, threw up a meter up and five meters back. One can imagine that in such a situation expects IVECO LMV tons of 6,5 tonnes, and in fact its developers promise to save the lives of people inside when a landfill weighing 8 kg is blown up!
Forgotten Caliber
Among other, smaller in terms of mass and size characteristics of the new forum, the silent 82-mm mortar 2B25, developed in Nizhny Novgorod Central Research Institute Burevestnik, can be noted for the first time. Noiselessness, flamelessness and smokelessness of the shot are achieved due to the fact that the process of initiation of the expelling charge and its burning occur inside the long shank of the mine. The shank is a pipe at the end of which a charge is fixed, and in front of it is a sleeve, which, when the charge ignites, moves along a rod fixed in the mortar barrel. When loading mine falls on this stock. At the end of the expelling charge burning process, the sleeve wedges at the end of the shank of the mine. The barrel in this case is just a guide tube, which is not subjected to stress when fired, so it can be made as light as possible. Mortar plate - composite. For shooting from soft soils, most of it is used, and from asphalt and other hard surfaces it is possible to shoot only from a small thrust bearing. Mortar weight - 13 kg. The calculation consists of two people, one of whom carries a mortar, and the second - laying with two mines (the mass of each is 3,3 kg).
The maximum firing range of this mortar is 1200 meters, the minimum - 100. Rate of Fire - 15 shots per minute. The mass of the warhead mines - 1,9 kg. The mortar is designed for special forces in order to ensure the secrecy and surprise of combat use. When firing from it, the sound in volume is similar to a shot from a machine gun with a silencer.
Idea of such weapons already not new. Similar developments in our country began in the 30-40-s. However, now the 2B25 mortar has been brought to the state of mass production, and this year its supplies to the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have already begun.
Among other relative novelties of the “Petrel” one can mention the updated 82-mm mortar 2B24 and the universal 57-mm automatic combat module.
2B24 has a new plate, which allows you to shoot without preparing a position. On any type of soil after the first shot, the plate takes the desired position and allows circular firing, without changing its position, only by rearranging the bipod. For the use of more powerful ammunition at the mortar barrel strengthened, on its breech part made cutting, which increases heat transfer. An advanced double-loading fuse is installed. Weight increased by only 2,5 kg, the weight of the mortar is 45 kg. There is a version located on the MT-LB chassis. The 2B24 is a new 3-0-26 ammunition with a 4,4 kg mass, the range of which is increased to 6 thousands of meters (the range of a conventional 82-mm mine - 4 thousands of meters). True, the development of this ammunition has not yet been completed.
The 57-mm module, based on the C-60 naval anti-aircraft gun, was originally developed by order of Vietnam for the modernization of the PT-76 tanks. But then, due to the economic difficulties of the customer, the work stopped. Further development was carried out at the expense of its own funds, which so far do not allow to start building prototypes and conducting their field tests. Currently, the module is being developed in the form of a ZSU for ground forces, as well as a family of combat compartments for light armored vehicles. The latter option would probably be quite interesting, since the base cannon has excellent ballistic characteristics, and 57-mm caliber shells are more than twice as effective as 30-millimeters. In particular, at a distance of a kilometer, an armor-piercing projectile of such caliber pierces a brick barrier 1 meter thick. The maximum firing range of the 57-mm gun is 17 kilometers.
The modules intended for armored vehicles weigh from 2,5 to 4 tons and are suitable for installation on all existing domestic armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles. True, for full use as a land weapon, it is necessary to develop a new fuse for a high-explosive fragmentation projectile, but in Russia, unfortunately, no one is doing this yet. And in general, our military does not show any interest in this caliber. Although in the West, options for increasing the caliber of automatic cannons installed on lightly armored vehicles are currently being worked out. Perhaps the situation will move from dead center after Vietnam resumes financing the project - there are prerequisites for this, as well as after the start of construction in Kazakhstan missile boats of the Russian project 20970 "Katran", which are intended to be armed with a 57-mm automatic artillery A-220M installation based on the same S-60 cannon.
In general, the forum “Technologies in mechanical engineering-2010”, which united four exhibitions that previously existed separately from each other - Intermash, AIFM, Aerospace and UVS-TECH, left a somewhat dual impression. On the one hand, a number of very interesting domestic new products were shown here, and on the other, representatives of development companies, talking about their products, repeated too often: “Our Ministry of Defense doesn’t need this, it’s not at all clear what it needs now.”
The salon “Technologies in Mechanical Engineering”, which will now be held every two years, was conceived as a platform that would allow Russia to present new domestic products to interested foreign partners, become familiar with advanced Western technologies and, possibly, purchase some of them. Logically, this process should resemble a two-way street. However, now the exchange of technologies takes the form of two non-intersecting multidirectional flows, because most of the domestic innovations in the field of defense industry do not arouse interest inside the country.
This, in particular, applies to the "highlight" of the past exhibition - the modernized tank T-80U, equipped with an automated weapons control system and network-centric equipment, linking the linear and command armored vehicles in the tactical level automated control system.
For network-centric fighting
The new equipment T-80U consists of two main parts: the 45М armament control complex and the TPK-T-1 software and computing complex.
The first one is completely digital, this is the first time that such work has been done in relation to equipment of armored vehicles in Russia. It consists of the 1-46М sight rangefinder, the Agat-M commander (or Agat-MDT) complex, the weapon stabilizer, the information control system and a number of sensors. 45M combines the control of a gun stabilizer, a loading mechanism, a Blind curtain system into a single system. By taking into account the parameters of the atmosphere and compensating for its own progress, it improves the accuracy of shooting, automatically compensates for the departures of the field of vision stabilizer, remembers the parameters when loading projectiles.
In general, the installation of the 80М complex on the T-45U allows to drastically improve the accuracy of fire and the rate of fire, and due to the presence in it of an information management system (I & C) it can increase combat readiness. Firstly, the I & C system carries out constant operational control of all systems and in the event of a malfunction detection, the display shows relevant information prompting the crew with the options for actions necessary to accomplish the combat mission. Secondly, the I & C system monitors the work of the crew and, in case of incorrect, erroneous actions, gives recommendations to remedy the situation. The presence of a built-in control system allows for self-diagnosis of complex components: computing, laser, optoelectronic equipment, work with which for a recruiter serving one year and having a secondary education at best is too complicated. In addition, the number of controls and, accordingly, the actions that need to be carried out by the crew are reduced by half. That is, electronics took over the basic intellectual functions, simplifying the work of tankers both in combat and during maintenance of the vehicle.
A digital exchange has been organized between the weapons control and software and hardware complexes, which dramatically increases not only the combat capability of the tank, but also the command control parameter.
PTK-T-1 is installed on the commander’s tanks at the level from a battalion commander to a division commander. As a result, the commander is given the opportunity to send messages to his subordinates - from a linear tank to a company commander and receive reports on the execution of the task. It is possible to work with the operational-tactical situation on the display, that is, a situation map is attached to the task, which displays the position of its troops and enemy troops and the formulation of the task. The structure of the PTK-T-1 includes an automated workplace of the commander, a computer, a display device, a set of communications, a navigation system.
Communication facilities are represented by two VHF and one HF radio stations (all three are of the Aqueduct family). Shortwave radio station with the help of a mast, which is installed next to the tank, allows you to reach the transmission distance of messages up to 300 km. It provides both voice communication and transmission of information texts, including formalized ones, through a closed channel. The intercom of the crew in the tank is designed with the equipment AVSK-1U, which allows all crew members to enter the VHF radio station.
The commander receives all the information on his tank on the display device. The data on the state of the system, the location of the vehicle, as well as information from the I & C system are displayed - the number and type of projectiles in the loading mechanism, installation, fuel level, information from the fire control complex: the coordinates of the enemy object are automatically calculated, which can be transferred as down to commanders divisions and tanks, and up - to the higher command. That is, the battalion commander has the ability to issue target designations to subordinates, and on their machines these target designations are processed in automatic mode.
Navigation equipment allows you to navigate both by satellite signals, and (if they are not available) by self-orienting according to the course and roll indications, starting from the initial coordinates.
The TPK-T-2 complex is installed on linear tanks and cars of platoon and company commanders. It made inaccessible some of the functions of the exchange with the higher command and there is no HF radio station.
As a result, the battalion commander always has full information about what tasks need to be performed, where the tanks of his units are located, about the personnel, the number of shells and fuel in the vehicles, constant communication with the higher command. He can make a fully informed decision on the combat effectiveness of the battalion, subunits and individual vehicles.
Through the battalion KShM information about the life and health of tank crew members, the availability of ammunition and fuel enters the brigade's rear units, facilitating medical support and supply.
The modernization of T-80U was carried out by the St. Petersburg Special Design Bureau of Transport Engineering (SKBTM), which is the lead executor of the project, in collaboration with the Krasnogorsk and Vologda OMZ, Central Design Bureau of the IUS. The developer of the software and hardware complex is the Gorky plant of communications equipment named after A. Popov.
During this exhibition, several foreign delegations showed keen interest in this development, which was originally commissioned by GABTU. The Russian Ministry of Defense somehow cooled to it.
While the integrated fire control system is a prototype, extensive tests have been conducted with a large number of shots. According to the chief designer of SKBTM, Alexander Umansky, after bringing the modernization to a productive end, the new equipment can be used not only on T-80U, but also on all other domestic machines. The overall layout solutions of this complex make it possible to simply change old units to new ones, both during the modernization of existing tanks and in the production of new ones. According to Umansky, it is also important that the system is implemented entirely on the domestic element base, taking into account the available technologies. That is, for the development of mass production of complexes does not require special preparation of production.
Development potential
The on-board equipment as part of the 45M and TPK complex allows the third post-war generation tank to be built in, conceived and created in the era of analog devices and computers that occupied separate rooms in terms of volume, into modern electronic war space. Apparently, it is necessary to carry out work on the modernization of the “iron” itself. We asked the head of the new design department of the Ural Transport Engineering Design Bureau, Vladimir Nevolin, to talk about the directions of such improvement.
According to him, the modernization of the T-90 is underway, this is a very serious and deep work, although it’s not time to speak about its results. The export modification of the T-90C is gradually improving. In particular, more advanced tanks are destined for Algeria than those ordered by India. Algerian T-90С has two new functions: a thermal imaging system for automatic tracking of a target and a complex of optical-electronic suppression.
Negotiations are continuing on the installation of an automatic transmission of western production on T-90С, but so far it hasn’t come to real work. In order for such a variant of the tank to be in demand on the market, the power plant in accordance with the Western "fashion" must be a monoblock, allowing, if necessary, to quickly restore the combat capability of the machine with the failed unit. This solution has both advantages and disadvantages. The latter include the overall significant increase in the cost of the tank. In the existing version of the T-90 design allows you to quickly get to the main components and repair them in field conditions without the need to dismantle the power plant and transmission. A monoblock repaired only at the factory. So, we need a supply of expensive power units for replacement. In addition, for the operation of withdrawing a monoblock from a tank and installing a spare, it is necessary to have BREM in virtually every platoon, which also does not reduce the cost of operating vehicles with such a transmission.
According to Vladimir Nevolin, the removal of ammunition and automatic loader from the tank hull is not planned yet, but certain measures are being taken to improve the protection of the BC.
At present, the transition to a larger caliber gun can also be considered premature. 125-mm armor-piercing sub-caliber shells so far have the potential for development. The fact is that the goals for tanks are becoming more diverse and defeating the enemy’s MBT is no longer the top priority. According to Nevolin, it is necessary to develop ammunition designed to destroy manpower, for conducting combat operations in urban environments. New projectiles with a remote detonation are needed, with various equipment options, perhaps similar to projectiles created abroad with submunitions of individual detonation. At the same time, it is worthwhile to improve the manufacturing technology of the guns themselves - to carry out more accurate processing of the barrels to increase the accuracy of the fire, to work on a more correct arrangement of the recoil devices, in order to eliminate disturbances arising during the shot.
"Wolf" goes on the warpath
Another armored novelty of the Technologies in Mechanical Engineering-2010 forum turned out to be the Volk family of protected modular cars developed by the Military Industrial Company. "Wolf" was created taking into account the operating experience and combat use of the "Tiger" and its Western counterparts. The Russian version has several distinctive features, the combination of which makes it in many ways unique. The main feature of the machine is an independent hydropneumatic suspension of all wheels, allowing you to change the clearance from 250 to 550 mm. This solution is aimed at reducing the negative effects of an explosion under the wheel, since the impact of the blast wave on the hydropneumatic suspension creates other disturbing actions than in the version with the traditional suspension on elastic elements - springs or springs. In addition, with an explosion, the power of the shock wave going up decreases exponentially, therefore the higher the body above ground level, the safer it is for people inside. And in the maximum elevated version, the “clearance” of the “Wolf” is greater than that of all its Western counterparts, which were considered by engineers when creating a new car.
In addition, the variable ground clearance allows you to improve the car’s permeability on rough terrain, and on asphalt - to maintain good handling. Suspension stiffness can be adjusted depending on the type of soil.
To increase the security of the crew and the assault force from the explosion, a double bottom with an insulated lower element and an interlayer was used on the vehicle. The seats are suspended from the roof, both in the cockpit and in a functional module designed to transport people.
In the basic version, the car has a relatively easy booking, the level of which, depending on the need, is increased by hanging additional ceramic protective elements, this is easily done in the field. The design used armored glass of the highest grade resistance with a thickness of 68 mm without changing the optical parameters.
The machine is equipped with an on-board information management system. It allows you to perform diagnostics, controls the parameters of the main units and components, does not allow the driver to make erroneous actions. This leads to a reduction in maintenance and increase the service life of the machine.
The base two-axle version has an armored module with a capacity of 10 people, carrying capacity - tons of 1,5. In the version with a cargo platform, it is possible to transport up to 2,5 tons, the same capacity in the three-axle version with an armored module. In the basic booking version, the total weight of the two-axle vehicle is 7,5 tons.
The Wolf is completed with a diesel engine of the YMZ-5347 family with power up to 300 l. with., all other components and assemblies of the machine are also of domestic production. It should be noted that the premiere of "The Wolf" in Zhukovsky caused an increased interest of the forum participants, some of which, apparently, could become its potential customers. But whether the Russian Ministry of Defense will be among them, carried away by the idea of licensed production of the Italian BBM IVECO LMV, is unknown.
By the way, shortly before the start of the forum “Technologies in mechanical engineering-2010”, tests of the BTR-80 were conducted at the testing ground of the Arzamas machine-building plant, during which under one of the wheels of the car the explosive device with a power of 4 kg in TNT was exploded. In this case, an armored personnel carrier, whose gross mass is 13,5 tons, threw up a meter up and five meters back. One can imagine that in such a situation expects IVECO LMV tons of 6,5 tonnes, and in fact its developers promise to save the lives of people inside when a landfill weighing 8 kg is blown up!
Forgotten Caliber
Among other, smaller in terms of mass and size characteristics of the new forum, the silent 82-mm mortar 2B25, developed in Nizhny Novgorod Central Research Institute Burevestnik, can be noted for the first time. Noiselessness, flamelessness and smokelessness of the shot are achieved due to the fact that the process of initiation of the expelling charge and its burning occur inside the long shank of the mine. The shank is a pipe at the end of which a charge is fixed, and in front of it is a sleeve, which, when the charge ignites, moves along a rod fixed in the mortar barrel. When loading mine falls on this stock. At the end of the expelling charge burning process, the sleeve wedges at the end of the shank of the mine. The barrel in this case is just a guide tube, which is not subjected to stress when fired, so it can be made as light as possible. Mortar plate - composite. For shooting from soft soils, most of it is used, and from asphalt and other hard surfaces it is possible to shoot only from a small thrust bearing. Mortar weight - 13 kg. The calculation consists of two people, one of whom carries a mortar, and the second - laying with two mines (the mass of each is 3,3 kg).
The maximum firing range of this mortar is 1200 meters, the minimum - 100. Rate of Fire - 15 shots per minute. The mass of the warhead mines - 1,9 kg. The mortar is designed for special forces in order to ensure the secrecy and surprise of combat use. When firing from it, the sound in volume is similar to a shot from a machine gun with a silencer.
Idea of such weapons already not new. Similar developments in our country began in the 30-40-s. However, now the 2B25 mortar has been brought to the state of mass production, and this year its supplies to the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have already begun.
Among other relative novelties of the “Petrel” one can mention the updated 82-mm mortar 2B24 and the universal 57-mm automatic combat module.
2B24 has a new plate, which allows you to shoot without preparing a position. On any type of soil after the first shot, the plate takes the desired position and allows circular firing, without changing its position, only by rearranging the bipod. For the use of more powerful ammunition at the mortar barrel strengthened, on its breech part made cutting, which increases heat transfer. An advanced double-loading fuse is installed. Weight increased by only 2,5 kg, the weight of the mortar is 45 kg. There is a version located on the MT-LB chassis. The 2B24 is a new 3-0-26 ammunition with a 4,4 kg mass, the range of which is increased to 6 thousands of meters (the range of a conventional 82-mm mine - 4 thousands of meters). True, the development of this ammunition has not yet been completed.
The 57-mm module, based on the C-60 naval anti-aircraft gun, was originally developed by order of Vietnam for the modernization of the PT-76 tanks. But then, due to the economic difficulties of the customer, the work stopped. Further development was carried out at the expense of its own funds, which so far do not allow to start building prototypes and conducting their field tests. Currently, the module is being developed in the form of a ZSU for ground forces, as well as a family of combat compartments for light armored vehicles. The latter option would probably be quite interesting, since the base cannon has excellent ballistic characteristics, and 57-mm caliber shells are more than twice as effective as 30-millimeters. In particular, at a distance of a kilometer, an armor-piercing projectile of such caliber pierces a brick barrier 1 meter thick. The maximum firing range of the 57-mm gun is 17 kilometers.
The modules intended for armored vehicles weigh from 2,5 to 4 tons and are suitable for installation on all existing domestic armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles. True, for full use as a land weapon, it is necessary to develop a new fuse for a high-explosive fragmentation projectile, but in Russia, unfortunately, no one is doing this yet. And in general, our military does not show any interest in this caliber. Although in the West, options for increasing the caliber of automatic cannons installed on lightly armored vehicles are currently being worked out. Perhaps the situation will move from dead center after Vietnam resumes financing the project - there are prerequisites for this, as well as after the start of construction in Kazakhstan missile boats of the Russian project 20970 "Katran", which are intended to be armed with a 57-mm automatic artillery A-220M installation based on the same S-60 cannon.
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