New information about the main tank T-14 "Armata"
The Armat’s unified heavy tracked platform project is one of the most interesting topics of recent years. Until recently, specialists and the interested public could only discuss fragmentary data published in various sources. However, a few months ago, the situation changed. A few weeks before the 9 Victory Parade in May, the first photos and videos appeared that featured a promising technique. Then the parade itself took place, and after that the defense industry continued to slowly publish information about the new project.
Last week, the TV channel "Star" made a huge gift to all lovers of military equipment. The first full-fledged TV program devoted to the promising line of military equipment was broadcast. In the new edition of the Military Acceptance program called Armata-Terra Incognita, representatives of the defense industry and journalists told about the new project and revealed some new information that was previously unavailable to the general public.
Unfortunately, most of the information about the project of the Armata platform and armored vehicles based on it remains under secrecy. Nevertheless, already declassified information admitted for publication is of great interest and can seriously complement the existing picture drawn up from previously published data. Thus, even under the conditions of secrecy, the Zvezda channel managed to make an extremely interesting program with which all professionals and amateurs of technology should familiarize themselves.
Tank T-14 "Armata". Photo of Wikimedia Commons
Before studying the new information, let us recall what data about the Armat project has already become public knowledge. The first mentions of the new project created by the Uralvagonzavod corporation appeared several years ago. Shortly thereafter, it became known that in the framework of the new project it is planned to create a unified heavy tracked platform, on the basis of which various types of military equipment will be developed. So, it was supposed to create and launch a main tank, a heavy infantry fighting vehicle, an armored repair and recovery vehicle and equipment of other classes into the series.
The public’s greatest interest was in the main combat project. tank based on the Armata platform, designated T-14. According to the developers of the project, this machine was supposed to have a number of promising features that had not yet found application in tanks. Using these new ideas, it was planned to significantly increase the level of protection of the crew, the firepower of weapons, mobility and, as a result, the overall combat effectiveness of the tank.
The well-known general layout of a tank based on the Armata platform became quite a long time ago. In order to improve the protection of the crew, it was decided to transfer the workplaces of all tankers to a common armored capsule placed inside the hull. Behind the crew capsule, therefore, there should be an uninhabited fighting compartment. The engine compartment, as in previous domestic tanks, remained in the stern. Rumors were circulating about the possible transfer of the engine and transmission to the front of the hull, but they were eventually refuted by official data.
Almost all the characteristics of the new T-14 tank remain a secret. However, the approximate values of some parameters have now become known. So, in different sources it was claimed that the armored vehicle will receive an engine with a capacity of more than 1500 hp. In addition, information was announced on the superiority of the new tank guns over existing weapons. However, other characteristics, even the most common, have not yet been announced.
The power unit of the platform "Armata". Frame from m / n "Military acceptance"
In their program, journalists from the Zvezda TV channel, with the permission of the military and defense industry, revealed some interesting features of the T-14 project. Without going into secret details, the authors of the program “Military Acceptance” told and showed many interesting things that complement or correct the already existing picture.
For example, the installation process of the power unit was shown. For the first time in domestic practice, a tracked armored vehicle received an engine and transmission, made in the form of a single unit. This feature of the power plant facilitates the assembly of machinery or repairs in the conditions of army workshops. Due to this know-how, the replacement of a power unit takes no more than a few hours, which should accordingly affect the rate of maintenance of equipment.
The main characteristics of the power plant has not yet been announced. Nevertheless, it was announced that the Armata platform was equipped with a multi-fuel X-shaped engine, superior in power to all existing domestic tank engines. This means that its power is at least 1500 hp. The available power makes it possible to compensate for the increase in the mass of equipment in comparison with previous machines and, as a result, to provide the possibility of overcoming all the obstacles introduced in the customer's technical task.
To improve the mobility characteristics, the T-14 tank and other vehicles based on the Armata platform receive an automatic reverse gearbox. This unit has 8 speeds forward and 8 rear. Thus, thanks to the new gearbox, the armored car can move forward or in reverse with the same speed indicators. In some situations, this possibility can significantly improve the efficiency of the machine, as well as ensure its survival in battle.
Assembling the undercarriage chassis, visible some features of the suspension. Frame from m / n "Military acceptance"
The unified platform “Armata” gets a tracked undercarriage with an individual suspension of seven track rollers on each side. The type of suspension has not yet been clarified, but the features shown in the car clearly hint at the use of torsions. In addition, the two front and rear pairs of road wheels are equipped with additional shock absorbers, apparently designed to compensate for some increased loads.
Also, the chassis of the T-14 has an uneven distribution of support rollers. It is easy to see that the distance between the first three pairs of rollers is greater than between the others. The rest of the chassis of the new tank is almost not different from the "classic" units of domestic tanks: front guides and rear drive wheels with pinching gear, as well as several support rollers.
The main characteristics of mobility are not yet subject to disclosure. Nevertheless, the authors of the program mentioned one curious fact that can help determine the approximate range of maximum speeds of the new technology. During the Victory Parade technique, passing on Red Square, goes to Vasilyevsky descent. In order to withstand operation, vehicles entering a corner with a large radius have to increase the speed, often to 100 km / h. The authors of the “Military Acceptance” remind that the drivers of the T-14 tanks during the parade did an excellent job with the task and kept the line on the turn.
In order to increase the level of protection of the crew and the entire machine as a whole, the main tank T-14 receives a set of special equipment that protects it from various threats. In this case, protection is provided in different ways and at different stages: both when preparing the enemy for a shot, and at the moment of hitting the projectile.
Computer simulation of the movement of the tank on rough terrain. Seen some features of the chassis. Frame from m / n "Military acceptance"
The first "boundary" of the protection of a promising tank are special materials and paint. It is alleged that due to their use, it was possible to drastically reduce the visibility of the combat vehicle for radar detection devices. Thus, the first way to increase the survivability of a tank on the battlefield is to reduce the likelihood of its detection by the enemy.
If it was not possible to avoid detection and the enemy is trying to put weapons in, an optoelectronic suppression system comes into play. When radiation is detected by an enemy laser rangefinder, special grenades are shot, forming a cloud of smoke with metal particles. A tank or other enemy combat vehicle will not be able to measure the distance to the target and, as a result, it will correct its weapons. In addition, grenade launchers can be used when an adversary uses weapons with a homing target.
The third means of protection is a complex of electronic warfare. A set of special electronic equipment must create around the tank an area protected from various enemy weapons. Such systems must protect T-14 from guided missiles and anti-tank mines with magnetic fuses. The principle of operation for the disruption of attacks using missiles has not yet been clarified.
Only having overcome the first three degrees of protection, the enemy’s ammunition will be able to hit the armor of a new domestic tank. However, in this case, the defeat of the machine is not guaranteed. The T-14 tank and other vehicles based on the Armata platform are equipped with a set of protective equipment in the form of their own armor and additional modules mounted on it. The composition and characteristics of the hull armor remain secret, but it can be assumed that, at a minimum, the frontal part of the hull is equipped with a combined multi-layer barrier. The side protection is obviously less complex and durable.
Tank T-14 during test shooting. Frame from m / n "Military acceptance"
To improve the characteristics of the tank is proposed to equip the blocks of dynamic protection. Such blocks cover the entire upper frontal part and side screens. Thus, the tank is protected from shelling from the entire front hemisphere not only by armor, but also by dynamic protection. The stern of the sides, in turn, is covered with lattice cutting screens. Such equipment allows you to protect the machine from various anti-tank ammunition, and does not impair the cooling of the aft hull and power plant.
A curious feature of the so-called. active means of protection of the new tank is their complete autonomy. Automation should independently monitor the environment and take the necessary measures. For example, her duties include working with laser radiation sensors and smoke grenade launchers. When radiation from a laser range finder is detected, the electronics should independently determine the location of its source and form an impenetrable cloud in the beam path. In fact, the crew’s only task when using active defenses is to activate them when entering the battlefield. Everything else they do on their own, allowing tankers to concentrate on the implementation of the combat mission.
One of the main tasks of the project was to ensure the maximum possible protection of the crew. That is why it was decided to abandon the traditional accommodation of the crew in the department of management and the tower, moving to a new layout. The entire crew of the T-14 tank, consisting of three people, is located in the total volume, made in the form of a so-called. armored capsules, thereby providing additional protection.
The crew capsule is located behind the upper frontal part and in front of the fighting compartment. Three tankers sit shoulder to shoulder and have all the necessary equipment to control the machine. On the left seat is a mechanic driver, on average - the gunner-operator of weapons, on the right - the commander. Access to the capsule is provided by two hatches in the roof, located above the driver and commander. The gunner must enter the tank through one of the "alien" hatches. All crew members at the same time have their own periscopic instruments to monitor the situation. The host of the Military Acceptance program, Alexey Egorov, noted the heavy weight of the hatches. Interestingly, was this a random comment or a kind of reference to recent disputes over the thickness and level of protection of the hatches?
The interior of the crew capsule. Visible jobs driver (in the background) and the gunner (in front). Frame from m / n "Military acceptance"
To reduce the size of the cabin and provide additional convenience of combat work, tankers' seats are installed with a backward tilt. In this case, the driver's seat can be raised, allowing him to look over the frontal part.
The driver's workplace is equipped with a steering wheel, adjustable in two planes for greater convenience of work. There are also a gearbox control lever, a set of screens and other devices for displaying information about the operation of various systems. Through the use of an automatic transmission, the driver works with only two pedals.
In front of the gunner and commander there are control panels with two LCD monitors on each. With the help of this equipment, the crew receives the video signal from the means of observation and can make the detection of targets with their subsequent attack. The control of armament is carried out with the help of two consoles, similar to those used on modern domestic tanks. Guidance weapons performed by turning the remote or tilting its side levers. If necessary, these consoles, apparently, can turn and fit under the dashboard.
The fire control system and associated equipment allows the crew to observe and search for targets at any time of the day and determine targets at distances up to several kilometers. Optical-electronic sighting equipment has the ability to zoom in over a wide range, making it easier to shoot at remote targets. Also as part of the OMS, an automatic target tracking system is provided that is capable of solving assigned tasks both day and night.
Jobs gunner (foreground) and commander (behind). Frame from m / n "Military acceptance"
The armament of the prospective domestic T-14 tank is installed in the turret. Due to the transfer of the crew into a single volume, an uninhabited fighting compartment was developed with a set of automation fully servicing the main gun. All operations for the preparation for the shooting are carried out without human participation, only on his commands.
Like the previous tanks of domestic development, T-14 is equipped with a smooth-bore gun caliber 125 mm. However, this gun (according to available data, denoted as 2А82) is made according to modern technologies with the use of new materials. This allowed to increase the maximum pressure in the bore, which led to the growth of some other characteristics. However, accurate data on the latest tank weapons have not yet been published.
Andrei Terlikov, chief designer of the Ural design bureau of transport engineering, notes that the modular design of the tank allows further use of larger-caliber weapons, as well as other upgrades of the fighting compartment. Thus, the talk about the possible installation of a new instrument of increased caliber has certain grounds.
As an additional weapon, a new tank based on the Armata platform uses a combat module with a machine gun. This system is installed on the roof of the tower and allows you to protect the tank from attack from any angle. The module has a remote control system and is fully controlled by the crew.
Preparing to shoot from the main gun. Frame from m / n "Military acceptance"
Already, the corporation "Uralvagonzavod" and the organizations included in its composition, have some thoughts about the further modernization of the new tank. In particular, the question of creating an unmanaged modification controlled from a remote control is being considered. For this, a number of research and design works should be carried out, which will take some time.
Most of the information about the Armat’s unified tracked platform project and the T-14 tank is not yet disclosed. Developers are still not in a hurry to disclose the details of new projects, which contributes to the emergence of various versions and conjectures, as well as fuel interest from the public. The recent program of the TV channel "Star" was able to answer some long-standing questions. In addition, thanks to her, there were new questions about the project, the answers to which will not appear soon. Therefore, you should wait news on the progress of the project and new reports on certain features of promising technology.
Last week, the TV channel "Star" made a huge gift to all lovers of military equipment. The first full-fledged TV program devoted to the promising line of military equipment was broadcast. In the new edition of the Military Acceptance program called Armata-Terra Incognita, representatives of the defense industry and journalists told about the new project and revealed some new information that was previously unavailable to the general public.
Unfortunately, most of the information about the project of the Armata platform and armored vehicles based on it remains under secrecy. Nevertheless, already declassified information admitted for publication is of great interest and can seriously complement the existing picture drawn up from previously published data. Thus, even under the conditions of secrecy, the Zvezda channel managed to make an extremely interesting program with which all professionals and amateurs of technology should familiarize themselves.
Tank T-14 "Armata". Photo of Wikimedia Commons
Before studying the new information, let us recall what data about the Armat project has already become public knowledge. The first mentions of the new project created by the Uralvagonzavod corporation appeared several years ago. Shortly thereafter, it became known that in the framework of the new project it is planned to create a unified heavy tracked platform, on the basis of which various types of military equipment will be developed. So, it was supposed to create and launch a main tank, a heavy infantry fighting vehicle, an armored repair and recovery vehicle and equipment of other classes into the series.
The public’s greatest interest was in the main combat project. tank based on the Armata platform, designated T-14. According to the developers of the project, this machine was supposed to have a number of promising features that had not yet found application in tanks. Using these new ideas, it was planned to significantly increase the level of protection of the crew, the firepower of weapons, mobility and, as a result, the overall combat effectiveness of the tank.
The well-known general layout of a tank based on the Armata platform became quite a long time ago. In order to improve the protection of the crew, it was decided to transfer the workplaces of all tankers to a common armored capsule placed inside the hull. Behind the crew capsule, therefore, there should be an uninhabited fighting compartment. The engine compartment, as in previous domestic tanks, remained in the stern. Rumors were circulating about the possible transfer of the engine and transmission to the front of the hull, but they were eventually refuted by official data.
Almost all the characteristics of the new T-14 tank remain a secret. However, the approximate values of some parameters have now become known. So, in different sources it was claimed that the armored vehicle will receive an engine with a capacity of more than 1500 hp. In addition, information was announced on the superiority of the new tank guns over existing weapons. However, other characteristics, even the most common, have not yet been announced.
The power unit of the platform "Armata". Frame from m / n "Military acceptance"
In their program, journalists from the Zvezda TV channel, with the permission of the military and defense industry, revealed some interesting features of the T-14 project. Without going into secret details, the authors of the program “Military Acceptance” told and showed many interesting things that complement or correct the already existing picture.
For example, the installation process of the power unit was shown. For the first time in domestic practice, a tracked armored vehicle received an engine and transmission, made in the form of a single unit. This feature of the power plant facilitates the assembly of machinery or repairs in the conditions of army workshops. Due to this know-how, the replacement of a power unit takes no more than a few hours, which should accordingly affect the rate of maintenance of equipment.
The main characteristics of the power plant has not yet been announced. Nevertheless, it was announced that the Armata platform was equipped with a multi-fuel X-shaped engine, superior in power to all existing domestic tank engines. This means that its power is at least 1500 hp. The available power makes it possible to compensate for the increase in the mass of equipment in comparison with previous machines and, as a result, to provide the possibility of overcoming all the obstacles introduced in the customer's technical task.
To improve the mobility characteristics, the T-14 tank and other vehicles based on the Armata platform receive an automatic reverse gearbox. This unit has 8 speeds forward and 8 rear. Thus, thanks to the new gearbox, the armored car can move forward or in reverse with the same speed indicators. In some situations, this possibility can significantly improve the efficiency of the machine, as well as ensure its survival in battle.
Assembling the undercarriage chassis, visible some features of the suspension. Frame from m / n "Military acceptance"
The unified platform “Armata” gets a tracked undercarriage with an individual suspension of seven track rollers on each side. The type of suspension has not yet been clarified, but the features shown in the car clearly hint at the use of torsions. In addition, the two front and rear pairs of road wheels are equipped with additional shock absorbers, apparently designed to compensate for some increased loads.
Also, the chassis of the T-14 has an uneven distribution of support rollers. It is easy to see that the distance between the first three pairs of rollers is greater than between the others. The rest of the chassis of the new tank is almost not different from the "classic" units of domestic tanks: front guides and rear drive wheels with pinching gear, as well as several support rollers.
The main characteristics of mobility are not yet subject to disclosure. Nevertheless, the authors of the program mentioned one curious fact that can help determine the approximate range of maximum speeds of the new technology. During the Victory Parade technique, passing on Red Square, goes to Vasilyevsky descent. In order to withstand operation, vehicles entering a corner with a large radius have to increase the speed, often to 100 km / h. The authors of the “Military Acceptance” remind that the drivers of the T-14 tanks during the parade did an excellent job with the task and kept the line on the turn.
In order to increase the level of protection of the crew and the entire machine as a whole, the main tank T-14 receives a set of special equipment that protects it from various threats. In this case, protection is provided in different ways and at different stages: both when preparing the enemy for a shot, and at the moment of hitting the projectile.
Computer simulation of the movement of the tank on rough terrain. Seen some features of the chassis. Frame from m / n "Military acceptance"
The first "boundary" of the protection of a promising tank are special materials and paint. It is alleged that due to their use, it was possible to drastically reduce the visibility of the combat vehicle for radar detection devices. Thus, the first way to increase the survivability of a tank on the battlefield is to reduce the likelihood of its detection by the enemy.
If it was not possible to avoid detection and the enemy is trying to put weapons in, an optoelectronic suppression system comes into play. When radiation is detected by an enemy laser rangefinder, special grenades are shot, forming a cloud of smoke with metal particles. A tank or other enemy combat vehicle will not be able to measure the distance to the target and, as a result, it will correct its weapons. In addition, grenade launchers can be used when an adversary uses weapons with a homing target.
The third means of protection is a complex of electronic warfare. A set of special electronic equipment must create around the tank an area protected from various enemy weapons. Such systems must protect T-14 from guided missiles and anti-tank mines with magnetic fuses. The principle of operation for the disruption of attacks using missiles has not yet been clarified.
Only having overcome the first three degrees of protection, the enemy’s ammunition will be able to hit the armor of a new domestic tank. However, in this case, the defeat of the machine is not guaranteed. The T-14 tank and other vehicles based on the Armata platform are equipped with a set of protective equipment in the form of their own armor and additional modules mounted on it. The composition and characteristics of the hull armor remain secret, but it can be assumed that, at a minimum, the frontal part of the hull is equipped with a combined multi-layer barrier. The side protection is obviously less complex and durable.
Tank T-14 during test shooting. Frame from m / n "Military acceptance"
To improve the characteristics of the tank is proposed to equip the blocks of dynamic protection. Such blocks cover the entire upper frontal part and side screens. Thus, the tank is protected from shelling from the entire front hemisphere not only by armor, but also by dynamic protection. The stern of the sides, in turn, is covered with lattice cutting screens. Such equipment allows you to protect the machine from various anti-tank ammunition, and does not impair the cooling of the aft hull and power plant.
A curious feature of the so-called. active means of protection of the new tank is their complete autonomy. Automation should independently monitor the environment and take the necessary measures. For example, her duties include working with laser radiation sensors and smoke grenade launchers. When radiation from a laser range finder is detected, the electronics should independently determine the location of its source and form an impenetrable cloud in the beam path. In fact, the crew’s only task when using active defenses is to activate them when entering the battlefield. Everything else they do on their own, allowing tankers to concentrate on the implementation of the combat mission.
One of the main tasks of the project was to ensure the maximum possible protection of the crew. That is why it was decided to abandon the traditional accommodation of the crew in the department of management and the tower, moving to a new layout. The entire crew of the T-14 tank, consisting of three people, is located in the total volume, made in the form of a so-called. armored capsules, thereby providing additional protection.
The crew capsule is located behind the upper frontal part and in front of the fighting compartment. Three tankers sit shoulder to shoulder and have all the necessary equipment to control the machine. On the left seat is a mechanic driver, on average - the gunner-operator of weapons, on the right - the commander. Access to the capsule is provided by two hatches in the roof, located above the driver and commander. The gunner must enter the tank through one of the "alien" hatches. All crew members at the same time have their own periscopic instruments to monitor the situation. The host of the Military Acceptance program, Alexey Egorov, noted the heavy weight of the hatches. Interestingly, was this a random comment or a kind of reference to recent disputes over the thickness and level of protection of the hatches?
The interior of the crew capsule. Visible jobs driver (in the background) and the gunner (in front). Frame from m / n "Military acceptance"
To reduce the size of the cabin and provide additional convenience of combat work, tankers' seats are installed with a backward tilt. In this case, the driver's seat can be raised, allowing him to look over the frontal part.
The driver's workplace is equipped with a steering wheel, adjustable in two planes for greater convenience of work. There are also a gearbox control lever, a set of screens and other devices for displaying information about the operation of various systems. Through the use of an automatic transmission, the driver works with only two pedals.
In front of the gunner and commander there are control panels with two LCD monitors on each. With the help of this equipment, the crew receives the video signal from the means of observation and can make the detection of targets with their subsequent attack. The control of armament is carried out with the help of two consoles, similar to those used on modern domestic tanks. Guidance weapons performed by turning the remote or tilting its side levers. If necessary, these consoles, apparently, can turn and fit under the dashboard.
The fire control system and associated equipment allows the crew to observe and search for targets at any time of the day and determine targets at distances up to several kilometers. Optical-electronic sighting equipment has the ability to zoom in over a wide range, making it easier to shoot at remote targets. Also as part of the OMS, an automatic target tracking system is provided that is capable of solving assigned tasks both day and night.
Jobs gunner (foreground) and commander (behind). Frame from m / n "Military acceptance"
The armament of the prospective domestic T-14 tank is installed in the turret. Due to the transfer of the crew into a single volume, an uninhabited fighting compartment was developed with a set of automation fully servicing the main gun. All operations for the preparation for the shooting are carried out without human participation, only on his commands.
Like the previous tanks of domestic development, T-14 is equipped with a smooth-bore gun caliber 125 mm. However, this gun (according to available data, denoted as 2А82) is made according to modern technologies with the use of new materials. This allowed to increase the maximum pressure in the bore, which led to the growth of some other characteristics. However, accurate data on the latest tank weapons have not yet been published.
Andrei Terlikov, chief designer of the Ural design bureau of transport engineering, notes that the modular design of the tank allows further use of larger-caliber weapons, as well as other upgrades of the fighting compartment. Thus, the talk about the possible installation of a new instrument of increased caliber has certain grounds.
As an additional weapon, a new tank based on the Armata platform uses a combat module with a machine gun. This system is installed on the roof of the tower and allows you to protect the tank from attack from any angle. The module has a remote control system and is fully controlled by the crew.
Preparing to shoot from the main gun. Frame from m / n "Military acceptance"
Already, the corporation "Uralvagonzavod" and the organizations included in its composition, have some thoughts about the further modernization of the new tank. In particular, the question of creating an unmanaged modification controlled from a remote control is being considered. For this, a number of research and design works should be carried out, which will take some time.
Most of the information about the Armat’s unified tracked platform project and the T-14 tank is not yet disclosed. Developers are still not in a hurry to disclose the details of new projects, which contributes to the emergence of various versions and conjectures, as well as fuel interest from the public. The recent program of the TV channel "Star" was able to answer some long-standing questions. In addition, thanks to her, there were new questions about the project, the answers to which will not appear soon. Therefore, you should wait news on the progress of the project and new reports on certain features of promising technology.
The program "Military Acceptance", the issue of "Armata -" terra incognita "
Information