Self-propelled anti-tank gun 2С25М "Sprut-SDM1"

As part of the creation and development of technology for the airborne troops, a new modification of the Sprut-SD self-propelled anti-tank gun was developed. To date, the updated machine called "Sprut-SDM1" came to the test and passes all the necessary checks. In the foreseeable future, this self-propelled gun may be put into service, followed by serial construction and supply of equipment by the troops.

The existing 2S25 Sprut-SD armored vehicle was developed from the mid-eighties, however, for various reasons, it was adopted only in 2006. The project involved the use of the existing Object 934 tracked chassis, on which a new fighting compartment was to be mounted. The self-propelled guns / SPTP "Sprut-SD" is equipped with a 2A75 smooth-bore gun of 125 mm caliber, which makes it possible to use the same ammunition as in the case of existing weapons tanks. Relatively small dimensions and weight allow parachute landing of equipment.

Serial production of the Sprut-SD cars was conducted from 2005 to 2010 year. After that, it was decided to suspend the assembly of new equipment until the new draft of the modernized self-propelled gun appeared. The new draft of the updated self-propelled gun received the symbol 2C25М Sprut-SDM1. It was developed by specialists from several enterprises of the Tractor Plants concern. The objective of this project was to increase the main combat characteristics through the use of a number of new equipment, primarily, other sighting devices and fire control devices. In addition, it was proposed to refine the existing chassis with the extensive use of existing components and assemblies, aimed at maximum unification with other equipment of the airborne troops.

SPTP "Sprut-SDM1" at the exhibition "Army-2015". Photo Bmpd.livejournal.com

As part of the modernization of self-propelled guns, it was decided to keep the existing armored units. The hull and the tower of the original and the modernized machine almost do not have differences. The applied improvements have touched only some details and are associated only with the need to use new nodes. The overall architecture, layout and other features of the machine, however, did not change.

The most noticeable external difference of the Sprut-SDM1 SPTP from the base Sprut-SD is the use of the new running gear. In order to simplify and reduce the cost of simultaneous production of several samples of equipment for the airborne forces, it was decided to equip the self-propelled gun with a chassis based on the units of the BMD-4M airborne combat vehicle. It is noteworthy that such a unification does not have a significant impact on the overall parameters of the chassis of a new car. After the update, the self-propelled gun gets seven small diameter road wheels with an individual torsion bar suspension and hydraulic shock absorbers on each side. Saved ability to change the clearance by adjusting the parameters of the suspension.

Also included in the chassis are stern drive wheels for tsevochnogo gearing, front guides with a tension mechanism and several supporting rollers of small diameter, designed to hold the upper branch of the caterpillar in the correct position.

The unification of the latest technology for the airborne troops also affected the power plant and transmission of the new self-propelled anti-tank gun. The Sprut-SDM1 machine receives a new UTD-29 type diesel engine with an 500 horsepower. instead of the original 450-strong 2B-06-2. Also, the self-propelled gun gets a transmission borrowed from the existing airborne assault vehicle. Such improvements to some extent increase the power density of self-propelled guns and, as a result, should have a positive impact on its mobility.

Significant improvements in the modernization project has undergone combat compartment. According to reports, the Sprut-SDM1 ACS / SPTP receives an updated fire control system with a number of new systems and sighting equipment with enhanced characteristics. Now the machine has a combination of sights with television and thermal channels, allowing the use of weapons at any time of the day. It also provides automatic target tracking, which increases the overall combat performance.

The new electronic equipment of the updated machine includes communications equipment integrated into a single tactical level control system, which allows the crew to transmit data on various targets to other machines, as well as receive target designation and other information. Such equipment is designed to improve the efficiency of joint combat work of several self-propelled guns.

Due to the updated fire control system "Sprut-SDM1" retains the ability to use the existing range of ammunition. In addition, compatibility with programmable fuses of remote blasting on the specified part of the trajectory is ensured. Self-propelled guns can also use several types of guided missiles, launched from the trunk of the main gun.

The “main caliber” of the vehicle remained the same - the 125-mm gun 2А75, which represents the development of the tank system 2А46. A gun with a barrel length 48 calibers mounted on a stabilized system and can be induced in the horizontal plane in any direction. Elevation angles vary from -5 ° to + 15 °. The gun is equipped with an automatic loader, which independently feeds into the chamber a separate-loading ammunition of the required type. The “Sprut-SDM1” ammunition, like its predecessor, consists of 40 shells of various types.

Updated self-propelled tower. Photo Bastion-karpenko.ru

The new project involves the strengthening of additional machine gun weapons. One more similar is added to the 7,62 mm caliber mounted to the PKT caliber; weaponmounted on a remotely controlled combat module. The module is proposed to be mounted in the aft part of the tower; it should be controlled from the control panels of the fighting compartment. The boxes for ammunition combat module fits 1000 cartridges. The presence of an additional machine gun allows you to improve the ability of vehicles to self-defense against infantry and unprotected enemy vehicles, and the deployment of such weapons on a remotely controlled combat module, in turn, drastically reduces the risks to the crew.

The modernized self-propelled gun "Sprut-SDM1" has a combat weight at the level of 18 t. The dimensions of the machine in comparison with the basic version have not changed. Mobility also remained at the current level. The maximum speed on the highway is 70 km / h. With the help of feed water jets, self-propelled guns can cross water barriers by swimming at speeds up to 7 km / h. The car should be driven by a crew of three: driver, commander and gunner operator.

The first prototype of the new ACS / CTP 2C25М Sprut-SDM1 was built last year. Concern "Tractor Plants" for the first time introduced this machine to the public at the exhibition "Army-2015". At the same time, the main features of the new project were announced and some characteristics of the updated car were named. At that time, upgraded armored vehicles were considered as a replacement for existing vehicles.

A few days ago, a collection of airborne command and control personnel was held at the Struga Krasny (Pskov Region) training ground. Airborne commanders were able to share experiences and learn the latest news in the field of artillery. In addition, during the gathering, a demonstration show of the new Sprut-SDM1 demonstration took place with shooting. The press service of the Ministry reports that during the demonstration shooting not only the new self-propelled gun was used, but also some aids. Thus, unmanned aerial vehicles "Orlan", as well as the radar stations "Aistenok" and "Sobolyatnik" took part in ensuring the firing with the help of target designation and fire adjustments.

According to reports, a new type of self-propelled anti-tank gun is undergoing tests and is not yet ready to start serial production in the interests of the airborne troops. Nevertheless, the authors of the project are already making plans. According to the domestic press, the Sprut-SDM1 machines should go into series in the 2018 year. Soon after, the troops will be able to get new armored vehicles with enhanced combat performance. According to recent reports, representatives of the Airborne Forces have already familiarized themselves with the new self-propelled gun. This event, as well as the continuation of work on a new project in one way or another, is accelerating the adoption of new technology.


On the materials of the sites:
https://rg.ru/
http://tass.ru/
http://ria.ru/
http://vestnik-rm.ru/
http://bastion-karpenko.ru/

Comments

[Tsoy]

In the United States, a lightweight stingray tank can be called a competitor to the Sprut. True, the gun is smaller, but airborne and can easily fight with enemy armored vehicles. Engine power is also about the same. Only heavier on 4,5 tons. True, only a hundred of them were released, and then not for themselves.

[EvilLion]

A direct counterpart to the M8 Bufford series.

[Come on]

Quote: EvilLion

A direct analogue that did not go into the M8 Bufford series

Only the M8 has a rather greasy, hinged DZ, which takes it to a different level of security. Do Octopus, as I understand it, have armor at the BMD-4 level?

[ibirus]

And what's so terrible about that? Superpower - over-spending and over-responsibility. We must do quietly what the country needs. And your "Eat, potsreoty!" betrays you a weakly cultured and stupid person.

[Now we are free]

Air transportable, with a full-fledged tank gun, tracked, variable ground clearance, floating. Yes, the phrase "Has no analogues in the world" has already set the teeth on edge for many, but this is exactly the case. I am glad that the car was unified with the BMD-4M, which was pushed for so long for the Airborne Forces by Shamans, this will greatly facilitate the repair and operation of the SPRUT as it will actually reduce the cost / speed up its production. Congratulations to the Airborne Forces and the early launch in the series!

P.S. After all, they can, they can, when they want to put a remote control system! Finally, put a remotely controlled ZPU on the main T-72BZ tanks (do not sculpt birdhouses ala AMERIKANTSYVIRAKE, do not disgrace yourself). On the ZPU of the new SPRUT, I would still put the "KORD" 12,7 because the large-caliber machine gun of the PT ACS of the Airborne Forces will have more than enough work, such as: the destruction of lightly armored vehicles, air enemies, UAVs, suppression of the enemy in field / city fortifications (+ so as not to spend tank shells), all the more so in the CONDITIONS OF RETURNING FROM THE MAIN SUPPLY BASES. For "small jobs" there is already a coaxial 7,62 machine gun with a gun.

[Alexey RA]

Quote: Now we are free

Finally, put the remotely controlled ZPU on the main T-72BZ tanks (do not sculpt birdhouses ala AMERIKANTSYVIRAKE, do not disgrace).

He-he-he ... if you put a remotely controlled ZPU, then the "birdhouse" will still have to be installed. Because in urban conditions the commander needs a normal view in the sector of 360 degrees horizontally and from 0 to 90 degrees vertically, which so far can only be provided by leaning out of the hatch. Because the commander must look after the enemy, and behind the surrounding obstacles, and behind his tank, and behind the attached infantry - and, preferably, at the same time.

That is why the Yankees, in the presence of all kinds of video devices, still put a birdhouse for the commander on the Abram turret in the "infantry support" modification, and even installed an armored glass shield for the loader.

[ermak.sidorov]

Finally, put a remotely controlled ZPU on the main T-72BZ tanks (do not sculpt birdhouses ala AMERIKANTSYVIRAKE, do not disgrace yourself). On the ZPU of the new SPRUT, I would still put "KORD" 12,7

AAAMIN !!!

... also got a kick out of the "remote turret"

[Vanossimo]

What about striker m1128?

[BEECH 1972]

Quote: Choi

In the United States, a lightweight stingray tank can be called a competitor to the Sprut. True, the gun is smaller, but airborne and can easily fight with enemy armored vehicles. Engine power is also about the same. Only heavier on 4,5 tons. True, only a hundred of them were released, and then not for themselves.

Well no. The reservation of the case provides circular protection against 7,62 mm armor-piercing bullets and shell fragments. Frontal projection can withstand shelling of 14,5 mm armor-piercing bullets. And for self-propelled guns / SPTP 2S25M "Octopus-SDM1" protection should be a little more reliable. After all, it is produced on the basis of the BMD-4M, which in turn is an option with nodal unification with the BMP-3. That is, with the possibility of installing security elements removable during airborne landing that provide frontal protection against shells with caliber 30 mm BT / 2A42 from a distance of 200 meters. And the roof and sides withstand a B-32 bullet of 12,7 mm caliber from a distance of 100-200 meters. Unless with installed modules of invoice armor, taking into account modules and dynamic protection, the mass increases to 22,7 tons, which does not affect the reliability of the chassis, but slightly reduces its resource. But unlike the “LT Stingray,” she also swims excellently.

[Red_Hamer]

Good self-propelled gun, right!

[inkass_98]

In the light of recent events, this is not at all superfluous. And taking into account the introduction of tank units into the Airborne Forces, it’s a completely useful thing as support artillery and PTA.

[qwert]

Quote: Choi

True, they released only a hundred, and then not for themselves.

Probably no more octopuses. By the way, 18 tons is not too much for the Airborne Forces? The rest of the car is certainly great, especially for the landing. And the ammunition load in 40 shells is impressive. It’s solid ...

[Aleksandr72]

As of 2014, the Russian Airborne Forces had 36 2S25 "Sprut" -DS vehicles in service. These are figures from the official report of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation on the state of the armed forces of the Russian Federation for 2014. Now "Octopus" may have increased.
The Stingray light tank was developed in 1983-1984 by the American company Cadillac Gage Textron for export supplies and for participation in the AGS program (development of a promising light tank for the US Army and Marine Corps). This tank was supplied only to the Thai army in the amount of 106 pieces. This car can hardly be called modern. Yes, and for me it will still be worse than the "Octopus".
This is the canonical photo of Stingray:

[EvilLion]

Octopus 24 pcs. And it is unlikely because of money, or rather, money, and so there is where to spend, the land pilots have full tanks, but the airborne forces, as it were, are not very many. If you do 24 per division, then 120 pcs will be released. But they had the ancient BMD-2, there was also the 124 BMD-3 of the 80, this all needs to be changed. And also means of landing.

[Prapor-527]

Quote: EvilLion

the ground crews have full tanks, but the airborne forces, as it were, are not very many.

Where did you get the idea that "Octopus" is a tank, and even "defective"?

[Xpyct89]

Americans have a 105mm Armored Gun System (AGS), the M-8 is an experienced US light airborne tank, also somewhere in the 80s.

[Forest]

Quote: Xpyct89

Americans have 105mm Armored Gun System (AGS), M-8 - experienced the light airborne tank of the USA is also somewhere around 80x.

All the salt is just experienced in the word — something may be in the project, but not yet in the army — it makes no sense to talk about competition with the production car.

[Verdun]

The existing 2S25 Sprut-SD armored vehicle was developed from the mid-eighties, however, for various reasons, it was adopted only in 2006.

How many different equipment developed in the mid-eighties and later, due to the situation in the country, did not reach real production then! And now we are starting to pull something into the light, as if from a dusty closet. But these self-propelled guns could be armed with hundreds of units. ((

[wanderer_032]

Nevertheless, the authors of the project are already making appropriate plans. According to the domestic press, the machines "Octopus-SDM1" should go into series in the 2018 year.

All this is good, but when does something like this appear on the wheelbase for the ground forces? There are armored personnel carriers on a wheelbase, there are already infantry fighting vehicles. But this is not enough for a complete set of a family of wheeled BBMs.
We need wheeled tank destroyers or wheeled light tanks. The Italians won the tank 120-mm cannon on the wheeled chassis. And here we have a big gap.

[Mikado]

Quote: wanderer_032

[b] Need wheeled tank destroyers or wheeled light tanks. There the Italians already put a tank 120-mm cannon on a wheeled chassis. And here we have a big gap.

The Italian "Centaur" was tested under Serdyukov, but the results were negative, the cars were returned. Not for our conditions. To drive the Papuans - yes. I find it difficult to say whether such vehicles are needed in SV - light armor, cross-country ability less than that of tracked vehicles, high profile. I wonder how she fires sideways. "Sprut" was adopted for the Airborne Forces, because it was necessary to increase the firepower airborne machine, only from this agreed to a similar "ersatz". Ground units are equipped with tanks for this purpose. Best regards to you

Author: Cyril, another good article! Thank!

[wanderer_032]

Quote: Mikado

The Italian "Centaur" was tested under Serdyukov, but the results were negative, the cars were returned.

We don't need the Centaur. We need our own car. Which is suitable for our conditions.

Quote: Mikado

Difficult to say whether such machines are needed in the NE

Need - definitely. Because they have higher mobility than tracked vehicles. They can take longer marches on their own, while consuming less fuel and the technical resource of their undercarriage. And they can do it faster than any tracked vehicle. Any relatively hard surface will do for them, but even in off-road conditions they will pass. Four-wheel drive and a wheel inflation system to help.

In addition, wheeled vehicles are not as attached to railways as tracked vehicles, which are transported over long distances in this way.

Here is a video of the topic:



As for the negative results, a very dubious statement. Wheeled armored personnel carriers and army trucks do not change anything for tracked vehicles. They continue to be actively exploited in all the armies of the world. And no one complains.

By the way, ammunition, fuel and other material equipment for tank and motorized rifle units to the front line are delivered by army trucks. Which have a wheel drive. And something no one screams about the negative experience. This is the standard equipment of all support units in tank and motorized rifle units. And she rides in the same conditions as the tracked vehicles.

Somehow it turns out strange. So wheeled trucks can be driven off-road, and wheeled military equipment - no way. Some kind of nonsense is obtained.

[wanderer_032]

Supplement about the great height.

The machine can be designed and built in a special armored corps. And to deliver the units already unified with commercially available equipment.

[gringo]

if we talk about anti-tank wheeled vehicles there is a tiger with a cornet. why come up with another one, right now again they’ll come up with a hundred different models, they’ll do three with a mustache.

[wanderer_032]

Quote: gringo

tiger with cornet

The tiger is poorly suited for a full-fledged BBM of this class.

For reasons:

1. ATGMs are much more expensive than shells.

2. The car itself has limited maneuvering capabilities because it is not amphibious and has worse cross-country ability than the 8x8 wheeled vehicle. As well as lower combat survivability.

3. The machine has a very limited BC - 8 ATGM, after their consumption the car becomes useless and must move to the rear - for reloading.

4. He cannot provide such effective fire support to motorized rifles, since a wheeled light tank can provide it. it does not have high-explosive fragmentation shells in its BC.

General conclusion. The armored car Tiger is well suited for conducting police (counter-terrorist) operations and is weakly suited for the role of a full-fledged combat vehicle for combined-arms combat operations.

The ceiling of its most effective combat use is operations of the internal troops (national guard). In the ground forces, its use is very limited.

[Mikado]

So, damn it, no one says anything about trucks (unless it's the Arctic). As well as the fact that we need our car, and not foreign junk for exorbitant prices!
Naturally, the wheeled chassis is seductive, and certainly cheaper.
And the thickness of the armor? ..
I think we need to wait for the actual running-in of such vehicles in real combat. "Centaur" (I'm just talking for an example) where did they run in? Africa and Iraq? There is another theater of action and a weak enemy. Any equipment is ordered based on what kind of wars the state is going to wage. Italians - if only colonial in alliance with impudent American calolids. The French, like, too. That is, a war with a conditionally weak enemy. Our doctrine is probably a bit different. Let's wait, time will judge. Thank you for the video!

[wanderer_032]

Quote: Mikado

And the thickness of the armor? ..

The thickness of the armor is important only in assault operations and in battles in large settlements. For operations on operational space, you need a more mobile technique.

In addition, there are now modern developments that can significantly increase the security of military equipment of this class. This is a composite ballistic defense, as well as active defense complexes of various actions.

In terms of armaments, I want to add that if you make a wheeled armored infantry fighting vehicle of this type, equipped with an 125-mm tank gun, then in addition to armor-piercing, cumulative and high-explosive fragmentation shells, you can use a complex of guided weapons in its ammunition. Exactly the same as on the T-72 or T-90 tanks, i.e. tank guided missiles with the launch through the barrel of the gun.
In addition, the machine can be equipped with a coaxial and anti-aircraft machine gun.

On the Tiger with ATGM Cornet - no longer put any weapons.

[Vlad.by]

For this, Zauralets is being developed, with a mortar howitzer.
Why do I need a wheeled gun? Wait for tank attacks on the pavement and roadside?

[Mikado]

I am also ambiguous about them. After all, it seems that this is more a car of the Papuans to drive through the desert. It's stupid to use it as a tank against a serious enemy. Although the Americans highly appreciated the Stryker for its protection (it also has modifications of fire support with a 105-mm cannon), again, the Arabs fought against them with RPGs.

[wanderer_032]

Quote: Vlad.by

Why do I need a wheeled gun? Wait for tank attacks on the pavement and roadside?

To effectively interact with motorized rifle units that are equipped with wheeled military equipment. Those. move with them at the same pace on long marches.

About the asphalt and roadside. Do you seriously believe that, for example, a motorized rifle unit that marchs along an asphalt (or any other) road cannot attack enemy tanks? And they do not need to repel this attack?

[Alexey RA]

Quote: wanderer_032

We don't need the Centaur. We need our own car. Which is suitable for our conditions.

So you can’t deceive physics. If we want a protected wheel carrier of a powerful gun, then we get a heavy car with eight wheels. And problems begin with off-road patency. An 8-wheeled chassis with an 85 mm gun and minimal armor crawled out at 12,5 tons (2C14 "Sting-C").

Plus problems with stability in motion due to the high location of the rather heavy weapon. Plus problems with stability when firing - the same tank destroyer "Sting" jumped when fired.

[Mikado]

Quote: Alexey RA

Plus problems with stability in motion due to the high location of the rather heavy weapon. Plus problems with stability when firing - the same tank destroyer "Sting" jumped when fired.

Alexey, I'm talking about the same thing. To you +. In principle, as usual

[wanderer_032]

Quote: Alexey RA

An 8-wheeled chassis with an 85-mm gun and minimal armor crawled out in 12,5 tons (2С14 “Sting-C”).

And the base machine, i.e. BTR-70 weighs - 11,5 tons. Just two carburetor engines from GAZ-66 with a total power of 230 l / s were rather weak for such a machine.

On machines of the BTR-82 family, there is 300-t strong KAMAZ diesel. And on machines of the BTR-90 and Boomerang family there are diesel engines with a capacity of more than 500-t l / s. The traction characteristics of such engines are quite sufficient to maintain high mobility characteristics, with good protection and such armaments as the 125-mm tank gun.

Quote: Alexey RA

Plus, problems with stability in motion due to the high location of a rather heavy gun.

This is all nonsense. for example, the self-propelled gun M-1128, perfectly shoots on the go - from the side. You can watch it at the end of the short - "War on Wheels". In the part where the "Stryker" is told. In addition, no one bothers to make the car not in the basic armored hull from the armored personnel carrier, but in a special one.
Just like the Japanese did:



And no high location. The machine has a fairly low center of gravity.

Another example is the South African Ruikat:



The machine also has a specialized armored hull, but it contains the same components and assemblies that are used in serial armored personnel carriers manufactured in South Africa.

[Skubudu]

In the conditions of widespread flood of ATGM of different generations ...
18 tons, consider almost no armor.

[Arktidianets]

A good machine, the caliber speaks for itself, plus guided missiles. To strengthen the shock potential in the rear of the enemy is the thing.

[gallville]

I point blank do not understand this papelats.
Striking power is excessive behind enemy lines. Moreover, in the presence of a BMD-4M, Nona (they seem to be making a new one), S-ATGM (so far nothing is known, but there was a BTR-D "robot").
To plug the "breakthroughs" weak armor, even in defense, during the preparation of the assault on the positions of the BTT will be identified and destroyed. There, wearable ATGMs, BTTs firing from closed positions (BMD-4M, Nona, to some extent S-ATGM) look more adequate.
So what is this daddy called to do? It seems that there is a lot of firepower, so there is nowhere to use it, and mobility seems to be nothing but armor is missing. Controversial car. It would be better if they invested in St. Petersburg and forced a new nona (Zauralets-d).

[Zaurbek]

I alone noticed that our armored vehicles switched to a 7,62mm machine gun module? On all the latest technology is. 12,7mm module does not stand?

[gallville]

Quote: Zaurbek

12,7mm module does not stand?

I understand the rejection of the fight against air targets. Therefore, the victim in caliber for the sake of size and ammunition. What is this right. Only 12,7mm pierces brickwork, unlike 7,62. Hence the dubious advantages of the 7,62 module.

[Vlad.by]

For brickwork there is a tool - 30 or 100mm

[gallville]

Quote: Vlad.by

For brickwork there is a tool - 30 or 100mm

On the tank?)))
12,7mm for a brick wall if the accompanying BMP misses the target.

[Mooh]

An interesting upgrade came out. The result was a lightweight vehicle in electronics and armament superior to the T-90 and quite comparable to the T-14. To know its price and planned output volumes.

[Mountain shooter]

As a former anti-tank gunner, I can only welcome such a machine. It should not be compared with a tank, but with a transported gun. Do you think the Rapier battery deployed in a tank-hazardous direction will be more stable in defense than the Octopus battery? They also have ATGMs in ammunition, with a range of 5 km (or maybe more)! Against a direct hit from a tank gun, he is completely helpless, but against shrapnel, machine-gun fire and small-caliber guns - quite. There will hardly be many main battle tanks in the rear of the enemy troops, and against everything else - "Octopus" is an all-crushing kid. Also floating. It is hard to believe that in a modern "big" war, anyone will carry out massive drops behind enemy lines, but a fast and global amphibious operation against the sortie of ISIS somewhere in Kazakhstan - there such "boxes" will be very appropriate. The Barmaley will definitely not have MBT.

[wanderer_032]

Quote: Mountain Shooter

It is hard to believe that in a modern "big" war, anyone will carry out massive drops behind enemy lines, but a fast and global amphibious operation against the ISIS sortie somewhere in Kazakhstan - such "boxes" will be very appropriate there. The Barmaley will definitely not have MBT.

And if you put such a box on a wheel drive - in general there would be beauty. Complete. For the ground forces - for sure. Because long marches, you can make faster. And as you know: whoever got up - that and slippers.

[Zaurbek]

But the barmaley will have RPG-7 and ATGM ... but I agree. When tanks appear, you need to dig in, disguise yourself. Advantages over the MT-12 125mm caliber and fire control system, which gives hope with one hit to stop the tank and push the line of fire to 2km, as well as maneuverability and protection against fragments.