The armored industry is one of the main branches of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex. The glorious traditions of the creators of the legendary Soviet T-34 tanks, as well as the world's most massive post-war T-54 and revolutionary T-64, continue to live in the transforming conditions of modern political realities. However, this material is devoted exclusively to a review and analysis of technical advances over the past decade, and I will try to distance myself from politics as much as possible.
History
Historically, Kharkiv, along with Leningrad, became the cradle of domestic tank building. Kharkov plant them. Malysheva traces its history back to 1895 as a steam locomotive. As you know, in the first years of the existence of the USSR, it did not have its own tank industry. Therefore, the Kharkov Comintern Steam Locomotive Plant was entrusted with the organization of work on tank building, and in the future, the development of designs for domestic tanks. This was due to the production of Kommunar tracked tractors established there, which was a good basis for the development of tank building at the plant.
The official document defining the start of work on the production of tanks at the plant is the Decree of a permanent meeting of December 1, 1927, when the Main Directorate of the Metal Industry (letter No. at the KhPZ for the production of tanks and tractors …"
In 1927, when the development of the tank began, which had the designation 1-12-32, which later received the designation T-12, the development of which was completed by the end of 1929. production.
Thus, along with the Leningrad plant "Bolshevik", another center of tank production in the USSR appeared.
In the 30s, the designers of the Kharkov plant were working on wheeled-tracked tanks of the BT type, which were produced in large quantities. Subsequently, the Kharkov tank builders created such tanks as the heavy multi-turret T-35, the legendary T-34, the production of which began at other large enterprises in the country. At the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, the Kharkov Design Bureau was evacuated to Nizhny Tagil, where the modernized T-34-85 tank and completely new T-44 and T-54 tanks were created. After returning to Kharkov, the reorganized design bureau began work on innovative solutions in tank building, which eventually culminated in the creation of the first domestic tank of a new generation - the T-64. And do not forget that it was the Kharkov Design Bureau that the leadership was entrusted with the creation of a promising tank, which made the same revolution in world tank building as the legendary T-34. Subsequently, on the basis of developments on this tank, other domestic tanks were created - the T-72, the development of the UKBTM, the T-80, the development of the Spetsmash design bureau. However, this variety of tanks in general, similar in their military-technical level, which had little compatibility with each other, laid a heavy burden on the economy of the Soviet Union. The events that produced after the adoption of the T-64 and eventually led to the serial production in the USSR of three main battle tanks (although the word "Basic" in this context has lost its meaning) goes beyond the scope of this material and is described in more detail in the material History of domestic tank building in the post-war period.
At the end of the USSR, work was underway in Kharkov on a promising new generation tank, which was supposed to replace the T-64B, T-80U / T-80UD, T-72B, which were then produced in production. The first samples of the promising tank "Object 477" (Hammer) were manufactured in the late 80s, the development of the tank continued in the 90s (not without cooperation with Russia) but due to the changed political situation, financial difficulties and problems arising from interstate production cooperation, work on a promising tank became more and more protracted. Unfortunately, practically nothing is known about this page of domestic tank building.
Half-life
After the collapse of the USSR, the Ukrainian defense industry found itself not only in a state of crisis, but on the brink of survival. The new intoxicated elite was no longer interested in the development of defense, the main interest of the government of both "independent" Ukraine and "democratic" Russia in those years was only how to steal a fatty piece of the national property acquired over 70 years. The production of tanks at the Kirov plant in Leningrad ceased, the development of armored vehicles at the Leningrad Design Bureau "Spetsmash" was reduced to a minimum, the Omsk "Transmash" was also in a critical situation, and "Uralvagonzavod" and the Kharkov plant them. Malyshev, as well as the design bureaus at these factories.
However, an unexpected chance that saved both Kharkov and later Russian (this will be explained later) tank builders was presented by a foreign customer. In 1994 - 1995, the T-80UD tank was sent to Pakistan for testing, where it was highly praised by the local military. Wishing to shift the balance of power in its permanent confrontation with India, Pakistan in 1996 signed a contract with Ukraine for the supply of 320 T-80UD tanks.
This contract largely saved the domestic tank builders, forgotten by their own government, which, however, realizing the possible benefit from the sale of military equipment to the foreign market, paid them attention, which, in other ways, did not mean concern about the country's defense capability.
However, at that time, there was no closed cycle for the production of armored vehicles in Ukraine, the wounded leadership of the GABTU of the Russian Federation refused to help (however, later, as a result of some intergovernmental agreements and personnel changes, some assistance was provided).
Therefore, it was decided to establish a closed production cycle for armored vehicles, this primarily included:
production of tank guns and ammunition for them (produced and developed in Russia - NIMI, NIITM, plant number 9, KBP, etc.)
production of fire control systems - sighting systems (Zverev Plant)
production of protective equipment for armored vehicles - dynamic protection systems (DZ), active protection systems (KAZ), optical-electronic countermeasures (KOEP) complexes, etc. were developed in Russia (Research Institute of Steel, KBP, NIITM, etc.).
To create a closed production cycle, Ukrainian tank builders were forced to create the entire chain of products, which will be discussed in more detail below:
Production of tank guns
In the shortest possible time, Ukraine mastered the production of the necessary modern artillery systems for equipping tanks. It was possible to deploy production in a short time, because in Ukraine there was an enterprise that produced heavy pipes for oil and gas production - the plant named after I. Frunze (Sumy). The factory was, in fact, 95 percent equipped with the necessary equipment to manufacture cannon barrels. It was also necessary to purchase some additional equipment for specific operations. The production of guns was launched in March 1998.
Thus, the production of guns was established, previously produced only in Russia (Perm), the guns are assembled at the Kharkov plant, the barrels come from Sumy. The Ukrainian KBA3 cannon is a close equivalent of the Soviet 2A46M-1 cannon. gun variants have also been developed to equip the upgraded T-55 (KBA3K) and T-72 (KBM1M) tanks, as well as a version of the 120 mm cannon (KBM2). The design of the KBM2 cannon meets the requirements of NATO standards and is operated with all types of 120 mm ammunition of the NATO standard.
Another interesting development of the KMDB is the bicaliber (the design of the barrel and breech elements allows quick installation of barrels of different calibers 120 and 140 mm). Taking into account the developed AZ, which is located in the turret niche, this will make it possible to create a tank with great modernization potential. The military trials of 30-mm automatic cannons ZTM1 and ZTM2 (similar in their basic characteristics to the Russian 2A72 and 2A42) have also passed successfully.
Fire control systems
For tanks are serially produced at Ukrainian enterprises, where the production of improved sighting systems 1A43-U "Ros" with a sight 1Г46М "PROMIN", an improved sighting and observation complex of the commander PNK-5 "AGAT-SM" with a built-in laser rangefinder and a device for entering lateral lead angles (UVBU) produced by NPK Photopribor, PNK-5 increases the effectiveness of the commander's firing by 20-50% and halves the time for preparing a shot. To replace the Buran sighting system, there is a Buran-Katrin thermal imaging sighting system with an imported FPU. The Kiev Research Institute "Kvant" has developed a fire control system using OTP-20 optical-television sights, which is installed on the combat modules "Shkval", "Ingul" and others. Also, the production of a full range of components necessary for a closed production cycle of armored vehicles has been established, such as stabilizers (2E42M), systems for recording the thermal bending of the gun barrel (SUIT-1), navigation equipment (LIO-N), wind sensors (DVE-BS) and much more. … Components for T-54, T-55, T-62, T-72 tanks are also produced for the modernization of the Volna, Bastion, Recruit, etc., which are manufactured at the Feodosia Optical Plant.
Production of tank shots of increased power
For the period of the collapse of the USSR, obsolete shots for tank guns were in service with Ukraine and Russia - BM32 BOPS with a uranium core and BM44 with a tungsten alloy core;, along with the advantages of the low weight of the leading device and, accordingly, a very high initial speed at a distance of more than two kilometers, they turn into disadvantages - a large loss of speed due to air resistance, accuracy decreases at long distances). The shells are equipped with a composite core.
At the same time, Russian developers (NIMI) could offer a more advanced Lead projectile of large elongation with a new guidance scheme, which is up to 1.4 times more effective than the standard Mango BPS, which was put into service in 1991. The development of improved shots with a core of ultra-dense single-component and composite materials and improved ballistic characteristics also continued.
Ukrainian enterprises have also developed a modern BM44U1 armor-piercing sub-caliber projectile with increased aspect ratio and a new master device. In 2006, in accordance with the state armaments program, it is planned to adopt a new round with a sub-caliber projectile.
Production of guided missiles ("Kombat" and "Stugna", etc.)
Tank guided missiles of 100, 120 and 125 mm caliber were developed by the specialists of the Kiev design bureau "Luch". The control system is semi-automatic (similar to the Russian KUV "Reflex" and "Svir"), providing teleorientation in the beam of a quantum generator with a wavelength of 1, 06 microns, accompanied by a gunner from the sight control panel. Noise immunity from active and passive interference is provided. Due to the modularity of construction on the basis of this design, a number of guided missiles were developed for weapons, both tanks and infantry fighting vehicles (T-55 / Type-69, T-72, T-80UD, "Yatagan" and MT-12 guns, and BMP-3), as well as ATGM.
The main purpose of the "Combat" - destruction of targets beyond the reach of a conventional smooth-bore 125-millimeter cannon, as well as helicopters. The projectile has a tandem warhead. Sighting range - 5 kilometers, this distance "Kombat" overcomes in 16 seconds, the total weight of the projectile - 30 kilograms. According to observers, a batch of such shots could have been delivered to Pakistan.
Naturally, the Kombat guided missile (as well as its Russian counterparts), no matter how presented it by the press, cannot be considered a weapon of the future. Firstly, armor penetration even in 900-1000 mm does not give the required probability in case of defeat of promising modernized tanks of leading tank-building countries (M1A2, Leclerc, Leopard-2A6, T-90), and secondly, missiles do not provide overcoming of active protection complexes (KAZ).
Blow from above
The armor penetration of the modern tandem warhead (warhead) of the improved 9M119M1 missile, according to the developers, is 900 mm in terms of armor protection, not equipped with a remote sensing device. It is noted that this is not the limiting possibility of armor penetration within the caliber of 125 mm, however, the creation of a warhead with armor penetration rates of 10-12 calibers is a difficult task. In addition, the development of active protection systems (KAZ) abroad, which can successfully hit incoming guided missiles, is becoming widespread. A possible way out of the situation is the development of ammunition for attacking the tank from above or in flight with the help of a "shock core" (without entering the KAZ coverage area from a height of up to 20 m without descent over the target). Such developments were proposed by the specialists of the Kiev Design Bureau "Luch". The use of such a development is also very economically justified (in comparison with complexes with autonomous homing), since the creation of a new rocket is carried out on the basis of already worked out and serially produced elements and does not require changes to the fire control system.
Variants of such ammunition are the placement of two warheads with "shock cores" located at an angle of 180 degrees. one relative to the other. During the flight, the defeat of the tank is ensured by at least one warhead.
The second option is the execution of the warhead suspended on the axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis of the projectile with minimal friction in the supports and providing two degrees of freedom (installing the warhead on the axis of rotation on bearings allows it to remain practically motionless when the projectile rotates).
The use of this development provides the following advantages:
excludes the possibility of collision of the projectile with natural and artificial obstacles between the gunner and the target, eliminates the influence of dust and smoke on the battlefield;
neutralize the actions of the active protection systems of the tank;
will make it possible to hit tanks that have a frontal booking of more than 1000 mm of homogeneous steel armor with dynamic and multilayer protection due to the destruction of the tank from above, where the booking is much less;
to reduce the actions of countermeasures by eliminating target irradiation with the guidance beam;
will make it possible to hit modern tanks using non-tandem warheads;
neutralize the harmful effect of the rotation of the projectile around the longitudinal axis on the armor penetration of the cumulative warhead by placing it practically at an angle of 90 ° to the longitudinal axis of the projectile (or increasing the likelihood of hitting a target when using several warheads).
Complexes of dynamic protection (DZ)
Cumulative protection "Knife" (HSCHKV)
The development of the Knife complex began in 97-98 after problems arose with the supply of T-80UD tanks with UDZ 4S22 developed by the Research Institute of Steel to Pakistan. Research Institute of Steel demanded an exorbitant price for the possibility of using the technology (up to 10% of the contract value). In 2003, the "Knife" was put into service.
To the advantages of the "Knife" experts consider the possibility of affective influence on armor-piercing sub-caliber shells, as well as ammunition of the "shock core" type. In addition, in contrast to the "Contact-5", a feature of the complex is that when triggered, the transfer of detonation to containers that are not involved in the impact on the attacking ammunition is excluded.
The UDZ showed great interest abroad, so in 2003, 3 T-80UD (T-84) tanks with the "Knife" complex were purchased by the United States. Representatives of the United Arab Emirates (installation at Leclerc) showed interest in the complex. The potential of the complex was also studied by representatives of France and China.
Now a modification of the "Knife" has been developed for installation on light combat vehicles. The "knife" provides protection not only against anti-tank grenades and light ATGMs, but also against AP shells of 30 mm caliber (including feathered subcaliber ones).
Cumulative protection "Knife" was developed by SKTB IPP NASU jointly with SE BTsKT "MICROTEK", Research Center "Material processing by explosion" Paton National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and KMDB them. Morozov.
"Knife" provides protection of tanks or other combat vehicles from armor-piercing-subcaliber shells, cumulative weapons and shock-cumulative ammunition of the "shock core" type. The main difference between the "Knife" and similar existing types of reactive armor is the impact on the attacking means of destruction with a cumulative jet, as opposed to throwing plates in the direction of the attacking ammunition, which in some versions is the principle of the action of analogs. The use of a flat cumulative jet to destroy an attacking ammunition and deviate it from the initial trajectory, giving an angle of attack, at which the depth of penetration into the protected object is reduced, has a number of advantages - speed of reaction, high efficiency, reliability, the possibility of execution, which will provide equal protection when meeting under right angle, etc.
It should be noted that all kinds of analysts, for example Rastopshin, in his article “realism is needed in assessing the potential of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex and the policy of official Kiev,” published in the military-industrial complex No. 4 (21) on February 4-10, 2004, not only give absolutely incorrect assessments of the general situation, but they also carry blatant misinformation on technical issues. For example, what is the scheme given in the above article entitled "Interaction of the BPS with the Ukrainian Knife protection module", where he claims that when fired by small-caliber artillery during the battle, the Knife modules are disabled, after which the BPS will easily hit tanks. At the same time, the conclusion was made on the basis of Rastopshin's fantasies about the presence in the modules of the "knife" of plates-contacts, which closes an electric circuit with their body, after which a flat shaped charge is undermined, which has nothing to do with reality - the "Knife" works instantly without special means initiation, does not require preparation for use and maintenance. Authors like Rastopshin, before writing, need to study what they write about, and if they have no information, not fantasize, but simply remain silent.
Installation of the complex using the Knife modules increases the level of protection of the tank against cumulative and kinetic projectiles by 2-3 times.
KNOZH modules are distinguished by: high reliability (100% operation and protection against all types of anti-tank weapons), safety when firing from small arms, no detonation from fragments and incendiary mixtures, interchangeability with elements of the built-in DZ 4S20 or 4S22 (made in the Russian Federation) in the ratio 1: 2, increased by 1, 8-2, 7 times (in relation to 4S22) efficiency, reduced value of the behind-barrier action on armor, ease of installation, low cost. In 2003, the "Knife" passed state tests and was adopted by the Ukrainian army. The production of UDZ (dynamic protection devices) "Knife" has already been established at several Kiev enterprises. For more details see - Cumulative protection "Knife"
Modular armor - new developments in bonnet protection designs
The subsequent increase in the protection of tanks, according to experts, is associated with the use of a modular design of armor protection for the hull and turret of the tank. The modular design of the armor makes it possible to increase the projectile resistance without changing the thickness and weight of the armor, provides the possibility of improving the armor throughout the life cycle of the tank and the possibility of replacing old modules with new ones made of armor created taking into account the latest technological advances. Protective modules can be quickly replaced if damaged. Moreover, these works can be performed in the field. In addition, it is possible to manufacture protective modules in mass production, which significantly reduces their cost.
Complexes of active protection (KAZ)
The active protection complex (KAZ) "Zaslon" is designed to protect objects from anti-tank weapons with a flat and diving trajectory, regardless of the guidance systems used in them and the type of warhead.
For the first time, a new complex of active protection of the Zaslon tank, along with other innovations of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex, was demonstrated at the IDEX-2003 exhibition in Abu Dhabi. The complex is produced and offered for export by Ukrinmash (a subsidiary of the state company Ukrspetsexport), in 2006 the complex must undergo state tests, and, based on their results, it was adopted by the Ukrainian army (the developers do not hide the fact that the adoption and equipping of Ukrainian tanks with this active protection complex, first of all, it has a commercial background, hardly any of the foreign customers will buy such a high-tech complex, which is not even in service at home).
The Zaslon complex was created in order to eliminate the shortcomings of the existing active protection systems for the Drozd and Arena tanks. Unlike the Arena or Drozd, the dangerous zone for the infantry is much smaller, the sensors are placed outside the tank, as a result of which the speed of intercepted targets is increased to 1,200 m / s (700 m / s at the Arena), protection is provided against ammunition attacking from above and, possibly in the future and BOPS.
The impact on the attacking ammunition differs from the "Thrush" and "Arena", cumulative ammunition detonates or changes its trajectory under the influence of a blast wave and high-speed fragments, attacking ammunition with a solid metal body changes its trajectory under the influence of the ammunition and either leaves the zone of the protected object, or occurs with basic booking at a disadvantageous angle.
State tests of the complex are planned for October 2006, after which the complex can be installed on the Bulat and Oplot tanks. Work is also underway on a complex that provides full protection against kinetic ammunition (BOPS).
It is also worth pointing out that in the Russian press - the military-industrial complex magazine (MIC # 4 (21) of 2004), which is the mouthpiece of such analysts as M. Rastopshin, wrote about this complex, this is the Ukrainian version of active defense (AZ) "Zaslon "demonstrates Ukraine's 30-year lag in this area. Probably Rastopshin believes that all KAZ are the same, and demonstrates his complete ignorance of KAZ "Zaslon". Compared to the "Arena", it has a number of advantages, in fact, these are completely different complexes. Firstly, the KAZ "Zaslon" has an autonomous modular structure and without significant modifications to the design can be installed on any tanks, light and heavy armored vehicles and stationary objects, and secondly, in comparison with the "Arena", the "Zaslon" has a much larger range of speeds PTS - 1200 m / s. against 700 m / s. at the "Arena" and speed (0.001, 0.005 against 0.07 s.).
Complexes of optical-electronic countermeasures (KOEP)
For the first time in the world tank building, on serial domestic tanks T-80UK and T-90 were installed KOEP TSHU-1-7 "Shtora-1" the range of 0.7-2.5 microns and provides active jamming of anti-tank complexes with a semi-automatic guidance system by setting up multispectral aerosol curtains that suppress laser radiation.
However, now this complex cannot meet the assigned tasks, since the spectral range of wavelengths currently used in range finders is 0.63-10.6 microns (erbium-neodymium lasers with Romanov shift, carbon dioxide lasers). A new generation of the complex is being developed now. A possible direction may also be the development of complexes that include an active jammer for laser ranging devices.
Ukrainian developers have already created an improved complex, the optical elements of which are made on the basis of zinc selenide (ZnSe) and including coordinate-sensitive photodetectors of the detector heads, which provide sufficient sensitivity in a wide spectral range of wavelengths from 0.6 to 14 microns. This is due to the optical transparency of zinc selenide lenses in this operating range.
To equip new and modernized armored vehicles, the "Guard" (Warta) and "Kolos" complexes have been developed. The complex is based on precise and rough heads for detecting the fact of laser irradiation, which are used in the improved complex of optical-electronic suppression "Guard" (complete with searchlights) and "Kolos" (Linkey / SPZ), as well as as part of shipborne optical-electronic suppression systems "Gyurza", "Owl".
The complex provides detection of laser irradiation of the tank within 360 ° in the horizontal plane and 20 ° in the vertical. The accuracy of determining the direction to the source of irradiation by the front (Precise) receivers is not less than the head of 3 ° 27 'in the 90 ° sector. Two precision heads mounted at the front of the tower roof and two rough heads mounted aft of the tower roof.
Means of reducing the visibility - "Contrast"
A camouflage structure for the protection of military equipment "Contrast" was developed by the Kharkiv National University. Karazin and the Institute of Automated Systems.
The intensive development of high-precision means of destruction considers the factor of protection of weapons facilities to be among the key problems that determine the further development of military equipment. Moreover, the peculiarity of the use of modern weapons is that they ensure the defeat of armored vehicles practically over the entire depth of the operational-tactical formation of troops, up to 300 km, regardless of the time of day and weather conditions.
In 2002, the "Contrast" design passed state tests on samples of military equipment: the T-84 tank, the Buk air defense system and the Grif project border boat. Measurements made during the tests showed that the "Contrast" camouflage structures can reduce the target acquisition range by high-precision weapons by 9 times. In particular, it was found that the T-84 tank, equipped with a "Contrast" camouflage net, was not recognized by means of visual observation from a distance of more than 500 meters. Tests have confirmed that "Contrast" can significantly reduce the visibility of weapons and military equipment in the infrared, thermal and radar ranges and can be used for mobile weapons and military equipment.
The set is resistant to fuels and lubricants and is self-extinguishing.
Based on the results of state tests. The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has adopted the "Contrast" camouflage kit for service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In turn, the commission that conducted the tests, taking into account the high technical characteristics, low cost and manufacturability of "Contrast" KMS, recommended to organize its industrial production, which by now is organized in two cities of Ukraine. Now the production of "Contrast" has been established at several enterprises, which produced about a hundred sets.
The issue of reducing the visibility requires an integrated approach at the design level of the sample. KMDB them. OO Morozova changed the methodology for designing samples of armored vehicles for tanks, taking into account the reduction of their visibility. On tanks developed by KMDB, the following means of reducing visibility are implemented: thermal shielding of the roof of the power compartment and the chassis, ventilation of the roof of the power compartment, improved architecture of the sample, which reduces the effective scattering surface (ESR), corner radar reflectors, etc.
New products offered by KMDB
Main tank T-80UD (Object 478B / 478BE)
Under the terms of the contract, which is estimated at $ 650 million, Ukraine pledged to supply Islamabad with 320 tanks and spare parts for them within four years, as well as train personnel and provide technical service.
The Pakistani military's interest in Ukrainian vehicles arose during the IDEX-95 exhibition in the United Arab Emirates, where a new, hitherto unknown market participant Ukrspetsexport showed the public three tanks. In the summer of 1996, the contract was signed. Almost immediately, Ukraine received $ 68 million in advance payment.
The first batch of 15 T-80UD tanks was delivered to Pakistan in March 1997, 35 more tanks were delivered in the middle of the same year. The first batch of tanks consisted of tanks produced by the plant. Malyshev after the collapse of the Union, but not delivered to the customer. In total, according to some reports, 145 T-80UD Object 478B tanks were left to Pakistan from the stocks of the enchanted forces of Ukraine and 175 new vehicles with the 478BE Object welded turret.
175 vehicles of this type were delivered to Pakistan (the remaining 145 tanks under the contract for 320 units were supplied from the stocks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine).
Main tank T-84 "Oplot" (Object 478DU4 "Kern")
Created in 1994 on the basis of the T-80UD tank. It mainly differs from the latter in its increased weight (48 tons instead of 46 tons), elongated, by about 10%, hull, welded turret, 6TD-2 engine with an object capacity of 1, 2 thousand liters. with. instead of 6TD-1 with a capacity of 1,000 hp, higher speed, including in reverse (75 and 35 km / h), the presence of the Shtora-1 or Varta optical-electronic suppression system and Ukrainian-made weapons (125-mm tank gun - KBA-3 launcher, KT-12, 7 and KT-7, 62 machine guns).
The fire control complex consists of a 1G46M gunner's day sight, a Buran-Katrin-E thermal imaging sight (configuration option), a PNK-5 commander's sighting and observation complex, a PZU-7 anti-aircraft sight, a LIO-V ballistic computer with input information sensors, improved stabilizer 2E42M, sensor for measuring the initial velocity of the projectile (configuration option). The commander's sight has a built-in laser rangefinder, which provides the commander with the ability to measure the range to the target independently of the gunner, as well as a lateral lead input device. On the whole, on Opot, in comparison with the T-80U, T-80UD, T-90, the commander has the best capabilities to search for and independently defeat targets in DOUBLE mode. The TKN-5 sight has a built-in laser rangefinder and a lateral lead angle input device (UVBU).
Armor protection of the tank "Oplot" is provided by a modern welded-rolled turret made using advanced technology and high quality materials. A highly efficient cellular filler is placed in the tower cavities. The roof of the tower is made of one-piece stamped, which increased its rigidity, ensured manufacturability and stable quality under conditions of mass production.
The turret and hull are equipped with a new-generation universal explosive reactive armor system "KNOZH", which provides the tank with an increased level of survivability on the battlefield.
In the latest developments of Ukrainian tanks, the designers decided to reduce the ammunition load in order to increase the safety of the tank in order to increase its survivability in the event of penetration of the main armor. On the T-80U, for example, the BC consists of 45 rounds placed in the fighting compartment and the control compartment without additional protection. On the T-84, the ammunition load has been reduced to 40 shots, 28 of which are located in the loading mechanism, and the rest in the armored compartments in the hull and turret.
In 2000, 10 vehicles were purchased by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. In 2006, funds were allocated for the purchase of new Oplot tanks, along with the ongoing modernization of the T-64B to the BM Bulat standard (article 113 of the state budget for 2006).
Tanks pass through the center of Kiev during the military parade in honor of the Independence Day on Friday, August 24, 2001. On this day, Ukraine celebrated the 10th anniversary of its independence. Photo by UNIAN.
Main tank T-84-120 "Yatagan" (KERN-2 120)
This tank was created in 2000. During its development, technical solutions were used that were tested during the modernization of the T-72-120 tank, on which a new automatic loader for the gun was first used, located in an isolated autonomous compartment in the rear of the tower. The tank is armed with a 120mm cannon - a launcher complying with NATO standards, it is also possible to install a new 140mm cannon. This upgrade option is worth considering in more detail below.
Tank "Yatagan" with an automatic loader for the gun located in an isolated autonomous compartment in the rear of the tower. Photo by Anna Gin.
Rearrangement of domestic tanks using AZ in an autonomous module behind the turret.
KMKBM named after A. A. Morozova developed a version of modernization of serial tanks of domestic and foreign production (T-54/55, T-62, T-72, M60, etc.), as well as when creating new Yatagan tanks. It is possible to install 120-140 mm cannons without making significant structural changes.
The automatic loader is located in the rear of the turret and is designed as an autonomous armored module. The module is mounted on a tower with the ability to rotate around a horizontal, vertical, or inclined axis. To access the nimble power plant, it is enough to return the module to the automatic charger around the axis at a sufficient angle and fix it in this state. If the automatic loader ammunition is hit, the risk of fire spread is reduced.
Ammunition for the cannon is forty shots (22 shots are placed in the automatic loader conveyor in the tower, 16 shots are placed in the auxiliary ammunition rack - the hull conveyor, 2 shots are in the fighting compartment).
This placement of ammunition is a significant advantage, significantly reducing the likelihood of hitting ammunition both in comparison with domestic tanks and foreign ones ("Leopard-2", "Leclerc", etc.)
The use of this automatic loader will improve maintainability, reduce irrecoverable losses on the battlefield and provide the possibility of re-equipment for shells of different calibers.
A hydraulic cylinder is placed in one of the tanks, with the help of which it is lifted and rotated relative to the upper edge of the tower sheet. Electrical equipment is placed in another armored container.
Protection of the armored module is provided with the ability to provide a ricochet during shelling within the course angle of ± 25 °, which complies with the NATO standard. The level of reservation of the autonomous compartment of the automatic loader is similar to the level of the main battle tanks of foreign countries ("Abrams", Leopard-2 ", Leclerc").
An additional advantage of the technical solution is ease of use. This is stipulated, firstly, by the fact that if it is necessary to carry out repair work on MTV (repair of the engine, transmission, etc.).
the armored sheepskin coat rises and returns on hinges relative to the edge of the armor plate, while opening up free access to the blocks and MTO units.
Heavy infantry fighting vehicle BTMP-84. It was developed in 2001. It is a hybrid of a full-fledged main tank "Oplot" that has no analogues in the world, while retaining its full armament with a troop compartment. A design feature of the vehicle is the presence in the rear of the hull of the troop compartment, designed to accommodate 5 infantrymen. The door in the rear of the vehicle hull opens to the left, the ladder extends downward, and the hatch in the chassis roof above the door rises up, which allows the infantrymen to quickly leave the vehicle. BTMP-84 is designed to conduct all types of combat operations in conjunction with tanks. It is believed that the vehicle provides units with mobility, security and firepower similar to tank units. The disadvantage of the BMP created in Kharkov based on the tank is the small capacity of the troop compartment, insufficient visibility from it and the difficulty of leaving the vehicle under fire (in the case of BMT-72, which will be discussed below).
Armored recovery vehicle BREM-84. Created in 1997 on the basis of the T-84 tank and is intended for the evacuation of damaged and stuck armored and other vehicles, their field repairs, sapper work and transportation of goods on the battlefield.
The main tank "Al Khalid". After the delivery of a batch of Ukrainian T-80UDs, the Pakistani military continued to develop their national Al-Khalid tank. The Chinese tank Type-85 was taken as a basis, which was mass-produced in Pakistan, but could no longer meet modern requirements. China did not produce the engine of the required power and therefore it was planned to install a diesel engine with a capacity of 1200 hp for the tank. domestic or western production. Along with the Ukrainian 6TD-1 engine, three more prototypes of the tank with different power plants were tested in Pakistan. Among them were MTO with British 1200 hp Perkins Condor diesel engine, German MTU-871 / MTU-396 and TCM AVDS-1790. All of the above foreign engines did not withstand the tests of the harsh hot climate of southern Pakistan. However, preference was given to the Ukrainian MTO with a 6TD-1 engine (hereinafter referred to as 6TD-2). The Pakistani military was pleased with the reliability of the T-80UD power plant, in which a number of improvements were introduced. The power plant of the tank showed excellent reliability in the extreme desert climate of eastern Pakistan.
MTO with 6TD-2 engine
The production of a pilot batch of Al-Khalid tanks was carried out at the Heavy Industries Texila in Pakistan. The first of the cars of the installation batch was assembled in March 2001, and the rest - by July of the same year. The tanks of the following series use an engine-transmission compartment with a 6TD-2 engine with a capacity of 1200 hp. By 2007, it is planned to produce 300 Al-Khalid tanks. Thus, the entire fleet of modern Pakistani tanks (T-80UD and Al-Khalid) are unified according to MTO. For the supply of engines, Ukrainian tank builders received another 150 million US dollars. In the period of 2009, a contract was signed for the supply of MTO to the PRC, in addition, the modernized MTO is planned to be delivered to Pakistan in 2009.
A distinctive feature of the MTO with the 6TD-2 engine in comparison with other Russian and Ukrainian developments is that the transmission provides 7 forward and 5 reverse gears (BPs provide an additional four reverse gears and can be installed during the modernization of MTOs of other tanks). This enables high reversing speeds of up to 35 km / h.
Modernization proposals
Main tank T-64BM "Bulat"
In the period from 1991 to 1999, the KMDB developed a number of technical projects to enhance the security and modernize the fire control system of the T-64BV and T-64BV-1 tanks to the level of the Oplot tank. At the same time, three options for modernization were worked out.
The first option was to install a universal modular explosive reactive armor of Ukrainian design on the T-64BV and T-64BV-1 serial tanks. Six T-64BV-1 tanks overhauled at the 115th Tank Repair Plant in the city of Kharkov with a model of built-in explosive reactive armor were demonstrated at the parade in honor of the independence of Ukraine on August 24, 1999.
Upgraded T-64BM2.
The second version of the modernization included, along with the installation of reactive armor, also the modernization of the fire control system. A distinctive feature of the tank was the preservation of the L-4 searchlight of the TO1-KO1 sighting complex. Two modernized tanks produced by KhZTM were also demonstrated at the parade on August 24, 1999.
The third option, according to which it was decided to upgrade the T-64 tanks to the BM "Bulat" standard, is to install on them a universal dynamic protection "Knife" complete with additional passive armor, a 1A45 fire control system similar to that installed on T-80U, T tanks -80UD and T-90 and Oplot. A prototype of the tank was demonstrated at the parade in Kiev on August 24, 1999. Thus, in terms of firepower and protection, the tank caught up with the best foreign counterparts.
In 2005, the armed forces were transferred 17 tanks (manufactured in accordance with government orders for 2004, in 2005 the order for the BM "Bulat" was disrupted for political reasons), received in the 1st tank brigade of the 8th Army Corps, another 19 will be modernized in 2006. In 2006, from the budget for the modernization of tanks to the plant. Malyshev is allocated about UAH 100 million. (about 20 million USD). According to data for 2005, the cost of modernizing one tank was 2 million 300 thousand. grv.
Upgrading the T-64 to the "Bulat" standard is the first large state defense order for the plant named after V. I. Malyshev, since 1992.
Tank T-64B in the shops of the plant. Malysheva expects modernization. May 22, 2006. On the right is a tank upgraded to the BM "Bulat" standard.
Photo of KP "Plant named after Malysheva ".
The upgraded T-64B tank (BM "Bulat") in terms of its main technical characteristics is comparable to the Russian T-90 and is approaching the Ukrainian "Oplot" and has prospects for further modernization by installing a more powerful power plant with a 6TD-1 or 6TD- engine. 2., improved sighting devices, active protection systems, more modern communication and navigation systems. The service life of the upgraded T-64B tank was extended by 15 years, and the service life of the tank was increased to 11 thousand km. (as for a new tank).
Tanks BM "Bulat", manufactured by order of 2004 before being sent to the troops. Photo by Anna Gin.
In light of the entry into service of the Ukrainian army of the modernized BM Bulat tank, it is worth briefly considering some of the materials that appeared about him in the press. For example, one cannot but comment on the article “Patches for Bulat, or Shabby Armor for the Ukrainian Army,” which appeared in the OBKOM online edition, where Pavel Volnov, who is clearly not burdened with technical knowledge, tries to talk about this tank.
For example, the author claims that the "sixty-fours" were considered hopelessly outdated and certainly did not strengthen the country's combat power. And further informs that in fact he is just "one of". At the same Kharkov plant, a much more efficient T-84 "Oplot" was created.
First of all, the author of the above lines should understand that "strongholds" are not produced at all not because they do not want to, but because. That the cost of upgrading the T-64 to the "Bulat" standard is 4 times cheaper than the production of a new BM "Oplot" tank ("Oplot" costs 1.684 million e). At the same time, the tank in terms of the main characteristics of firepower, protection and mobility is only slightly inferior to the new Oplot tank. Modernization is the main direction in the development of tanks, both abroad and in Russia and Ukraine, for example, in Germany, the Leopard-2 tanks have undergone several upgrades. The last of them - "Leopard-2A6", Russia is modernizing the T-72B and T-80 tanks, Poland is upgrading its T-72 to the PT-91A standard, the Czech Republic and Slovakia do the same, modernizing their T-72 as well as the vast majority of other countries. It is surprising that the author did not notice this.
It is too early to write off the T-64, this is the main tank of the Ukrainian armed forces, which, even in its not modernized form, is capable of performing the tasks facing them. It is not possible to completely replace it with a new one, in the amount of at least 350-400 units, for financial reasons. Moreover, the modernized Bulat is in no way inferior, and in some respects even surpasses the most advanced tanks in service with Ukraine's neighbors, such as the PT-91 "Twardy" (modernized T-72M, Poland), TR-85M1 "Bizon" (modernized T-55, Romania), T-72M2 and T-72CZ (Modernized T-72. Slovakia and Czech Republic). Tank BM "Bulat" is at the level of the best Russian samples of T-80U and T-90, as well as in all characteristics, with the exception of the ability to conduct battle in the dark, such foreign tanks as "Leopard-2A5" and M1A2 "Abrams" …
Main tank T-72. T-72-120, T-72MP, T-72AG
The modernization program provides for the elimination of the backlog of the T-72 in terms of combat characteristics, firepower and survivability from modern main tanks.
The most profound version of the modernization of the T-72 tank proposed by Ukraine is the modernization of tanks under the T-72-120 program. The T-72-120 is equipped with a 120-mm KBM2 cannon (it is possible to install a cannon with a caliber of 140 mm). In the rear of the turret of the tank, there is a loading mechanism in an autonomous module for 22 unitary rounds of the NATO standard. A protected mechanized stacking is placed under the reverse floor.
The armor protection of the Ukrainian tank has been significantly increased due to the installation of universal dynamic protection of the hull and turret, as well as additional passive protection. The tests of dynamic protection have shown that it reliably protects the tank at a distance of over 500 meters from being hit by NATO cumulative and armor-piercing sub-caliber ammunition. Tank T-72-120 is also equipped with KOEP "Shtora-1" or "Varta".
The fire control system is installed at the request of the customer in versions of domestic and foreign execution. In the first version, the modernized OMS 1A45 is used. The second option is the installation of the French SAVAN-15 control system. The increase in mobility on this and other versions of the T-72 modernization is ensured by the installation of 6TD-1 engines with a capacity of 1000 hp. and 6TD-2 with a capacity of 1200 hp. instead of the standard 780/840 hp engine (which does not provide high performance in hot conditions).
For modernization, two less radical programs are also proposed, while maintaining the old placement of the automatic loader in the case. Modernization programs use many of the main components of the T-80UD and Oplot tanks. The modernization of the tank to the T-72AG configuration includes the installation of an OMS 1A45, improvements to the protection of the tank and the installation of a new MTO with 6TD-1 or 6TD-2 engines. At the request of the customer, the T-72 tank can be upgraded with the PNK-5 commander's sighting and observation complex with the TKN-5 sight. The TKN-5 sight has a built-in laser rangefinder and a device for entering the lateral lead angles. A closed-type anti-aircraft gun is installed on the tank, providing effective fire at ground and low-flying air targets at a distance of up to 2000 m when the hatch is closed.
Heavy BMP BMT-72
Combat heavy infantry vehicles (BMT) are intended for combat operations both as part of tank units and subunits, being with them in the same battle formations, and independently. At the same time, the paratrooper riflemen should parachute and continue the battle on foot. The use of BMTs with weapons, protection and maneuverability, the same as those of tanks, ensures close interaction on the battlefield of tanks and infantry paratroopers with the fullest use of the strengths of these types of troops.
BMT-72 was created on an elongated seven-roller base of the T-72 tank, after a set of measures for its modernization, including the installation of additional protection on the hull and turret, and the installation of the engine-transmission compartment of the Oplot tank.
Due to the compactness of the Ukrainian diesel tank engines, it was equipped with a new compartment to accommodate 5 infantrymen. Unlike the project of the BMT-84 vehicle, designed on the basis of the Oplot tank chassis, in the rear of the hull of which a door was supposed to allow the infantrymen to quickly leave the vehicle on the BMT-72, landing and disembarkation from the BMT-72 is carried out through hatches in the roof of the vehicle's hull behind the turret. This solution can hardly be called optimal.
Medium tank T-54/55, T-62. T-55AGM
The modernization program envisages bringing their combat characteristics, firepower and survivability and mobility up to the standards of modern main battle tanks.
Modernization of T-54/55, T-62 tanks is carried out in the areas of increasing firepower, protection and mobility. Modernization can be carried out for each of the proposed areas separately or in any combination of them.
The modernization of firepower can be provided by the installation of a 125 mm KBA-3 cannon or a 120 mm KBM2 cannon, a new fire control system, an armament stabilizer, etc. on the Yatagan tank and during the modernization of T-72-120 tanks, but designed not for 22, but for 18 shots. At the same time, the tank's crew is reduced to 3 people, while the rate of fire does not depend on the terrain and crew fatigue.
The modernization of the power compartment of the tank is provided by the installation of a 5TDF engine with a capacity of 700 hp. or 5TDFM with a capacity of 850 hp. on-board transmissions, efficient service systems.
Modernization of protection is carried out by installing passive armor protection (sets) and built-in reactive armor (ERA). The set of additional protection (KDZ) is designed to increase the level of protection of the tank from cumulative and kinetic damaging weapons with the minimum possible increase in the mass of the tank.
The use of the newest explosive reactive armor devices KSCHKV provides an increase in the protection of the T-55 tank from kinetic damaging weapons - by 3, 5 … 4, 3 (the protection of the base tank is 200 mm, the protection of the modernized one increases to 700 - 850 mm), which corresponds to the protection of modern main tanks … Such an increase in protection remains unattainable for other developers, who ensure the resistance of the tank at the level of 450-500 mm, which is not enough to protect against modern kinetic ammunition.
Increased resistance in case of penetration of the main armor is provided by an improved automatic fire-explosion-suppression system, which has an increased speed of detection and elimination of fire sources. Additionally, measures are being taken to reduce the visibility of the tank, increase the survivability of the crew, etc.
Modernization proposals have also been developed for foreign-made tanks such as the M60. The modernization may include the installation of a modern turret similar to that installed on the Yatagan tank, the 6TD-2 engine, and a set of dynamic protection for the turret and hull.
Combat modules
Combat modules are designed to arm newly created and modernized armored vehicles of light and medium categories, as well as heavy infantry fighting vehicles in order to increase their firepower. Replacing the standard fighting compartment of obsolete equipment such as BMP-1/2, M-113, armored personnel carriers of various modifications, etc., allows you to bring the firepower of a combat vehicle to the level of the best modern world analogues without modifying the chassis. The small dimensions of the modules allow them to be placed on almost any equipment (for example, the Ingul module with a 30 mm cannon and ATGM can be placed on the BRDM-2) armored personnel carriers, coast guard boats and other carriers.
An analysis of the current state of domestic and foreign lightly armored equipment shows that the ground forces of many countries are armed with a large number of combat vehicles with weapons that do not meet modern requirements, which are characterized by a sufficiently reliable chassis that has not developed its resource. As an example - BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles. Replacing the entire fleet of armored vehicles with new ones, at the present time, is not possible even for the most economically developed states, therefore the most acceptable solution is modernization with the use of universal combat modules.
Ukrainian enterprises have developed a large number of combat modules, which correspond to the best world standards in terms of basic parameters, and surpass them in many. Among them are the Typhoon, Thunder, Ingul, Shkval, Bug, ZTM-1, BAU-23X2 modules and others.
Universal combat module GROM with out-armament for light armored combat vehicles, designed to defeat manpower, combat armored vehicles, firing points and low-flying, low-speed enemy targets. The armament is stabilized in two planes using a modern SVU-1000 armament stabilizer.
Installed on light armored combat vehicles (BTR-60/70/80, BTR-3E, MT-LB, M-113, BMP-2, etc.), providing an increase in their firepower.
Due to the use of the removed weapons, the security of the crew was increased, the mass of the combat module was reduced and the habitability conditions in the fighting compartment were improved (no gas contamination during firing). The module was installed on the promising Ukrainian BTR-4, as well as on modernized versions of the BTR-70 and MT-LB. The module was developed by the Morozov KMDB.
Universal combat module INGUL
The combat module "Ingul" was developed by the Kiev KP "Scientific and Technical Center for Artillery and Small Arms" (KP "STC ASO") for the modernization of existing models of combat wheeled and tracked vehicles. A distinctive feature of the module is its high compactness with high firepower, allowing it to be installed on light vehicles up to the BRDM-2.
The module uses an automatic cannon ZTM-2 (or another cannon, for example 2A42, 2A72) of 30 mm caliber and a coaxial machine gun, for example KT-7.62 (PKT).
To control the fire on the module, the OTP-20 "Cyclop-1" optical-television sighting system is used, which includes a television camera and a laser rangefinder, the SVU-500 "Carousel" stabilizer ensures high accuracy of shooting in motion. The module is not manned, the aiming of the gun is carried out using a monitor at the operator's (commander's) workplace in the body of the combat vehicle. This ensures increased safety of personnel, less gas contamination of the internal volume of the combat vehicle.
The 902V Tucha system was installed to launch smoke grenades. To combat heavy armored personnel carriers and enemy tanks, the module is equipped with a launcher for anti-tank missiles, for example, the Barrier complex with R-2 missiles or others at the request of the customer.
The module can be installed on BTR-70, BTR-80, BRDM-2, BRDM-2M as well as patrol boats with small displacement.
TYPHOON universal combat module
Combat module "Typhoon", contains a stabilized cannon, paired with a machine gun, means for installing a missile system, a grenade launcher. The basis of the fire control system is a stabilized sighting and search equipment with a thermal imaging channel, a laser rangefinder and artillery system computers. The sighting and search equipment additionally contains an optical-electronic channel, which includes television surveillance cameras with a wide field of view and a narrow field of view, a video computer, and a video computer monitor at the operator's workplace.
The aiming and search equipment works as follows: on the selected target, the operator-gunner sets a marker and presses the "auto-lock" button. Three gyroscopes ensure the alignment of the marker and the target. On the command "auto-capture", further observation of the target is carried out by a surveillance camera operating in the mode of a narrow field of view, or a thermal imaging camera with a zoom, and the video computer program for automatic target tracking is turned on. In this case, when the tower mounted on the chassis moves, the camera automatically tracks the moving target, which allows the target to be kept in the center of the monitor screen.
Then the gunner selects the type of weapon, the type of ammunition and presses the "fire" button. The calculating device automatically calculates the vertical angle of installation of the weapon, depending on the range of the target. After hitting the target, the operator-gunner switches the surveillance camera from the narrow field of view mode to the wide field of view mode and selects the next target.
In all modes, two stabilization systems work. One is a weapon stabilization system, the other is a stabilization system for search and sighting devices.
The test results showed that the effectiveness of firing increased in comparison with similar devices by 20%, the reaction time of the artillery system is 1-2 seconds. The effective firing range is up to 5500 m. The weight of the tower without ammunition is no more than 2000 kg. The module was developed by the Kharkov design bureau "UKRSPETSTEKHNIKA".
Universal combat module SHKVAL includes a 30mm cannon, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, 30mm automatic grenade launcher and anti-tank guided weapons. The module was developed by KP "STC ASO". The design of the Shkval combat module is very flexible, which makes it easy to replace existing weapons with another.
The 30-mm dual-feed cannon has 350 rounds of ammunition ready for use. Ammunition 7, 62-mm coaxial machine gun is 2500 rounds. On the left side of the tower is a 30mm grenade launcher, which has 29 ready-to-use grenades, and an additional 87 grenades are transported in reserve (three magazines, each of which contains 29 grenades).
Six 81mm smoke / aerosol grenade launchers are installed in three on each side of the turret for forward firing.
The fire control complex includes an OTP-20 sighting system, which is integrated with a guided missile firing control system, and an SVU-500 weapon stabilizer.
The SHKVAL universal combat module is installed on the upgraded BMP-1U and on the BTR-3U armored personnel carrier.
On the modernized version of this module (installed on the BMP-1 base), a developed fire control complex is installed, based on an optical-television multichannel sighting complex with a thermal imaging, laser ranging channel and a guided missile guidance channel in a single unit. Previously, the module included separately placed TV cameras TPK-1 and TPK-2, included in the OTP-20 "Cyclop-1" optical-television complex, as well as a VDL-2 laser range meter and an OU-5 IR searchlight.
It is worth noting that the Ukrainian modules look very good against the background of foreign, including Russian, developments, this is especially true of the Typhoon, Ingul and Thunder modules, which are in many respects unique in their characteristics. Increased attention in the Ukrainian modules is paid to the issues of review and firing efficiency.
Creation of armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles
Technical and strategic miscalculations - BTR-3U and BTR-94
Another area of activity of the KMDB and the plant. V. A. Malyshev in the 1990s. was the creation of infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers. As a result, exotic heavy infantry fighting vehicles appeared based on the T-84 and T-72 tanks, which were described above. The armored personnel carriers BTR-94 and BTR-3 were also developed, which, in fact, represented the modernization programs for the BTR-80. However, the enterprise was not very successful here. This is explained, first of all, by technical reasons, due to the non-optimal layout of the BTR-70/80, on the basis of which they tried to create a promising machine.
In 1999, a contract for the purchase of 50 BTR-94 was signed with Jordan. At first, the customer had complaints about the quality of the BTR-94, which were subsequently eliminated. In 2004, all BTR-94s were transferred as part of Jordan's assistance to the new Iraqi army.
At the end of 2005, the plant. Malysheva (using his status as a special exporter) signed a contract to sell 150 combat modules to Jordan to equip light armored vehicles.
BTR-4
Impressed by the Pakistani contract, the stake was placed on tanks and vehicles based on them. Alas, in a very crowded market, in the conditions of a very flexible marketing policy, it was not possible to consolidate success.
If the KMDB had started the development of the BTR-4 and LTBM "Dozor" earlier, then the situation with the pier would be completely different, even without taking into account the multimillion-dollar contracts for the supply of wheeled combat vehicles of the category up to 30 tons (Poland, Finland, Czech Republic, etc.) to European countries the share of deliveries of high-quality cars of this category to Asian countries and the Arab states could radically improve the position of KMDB.
BTR-4. Photo by KMDB.
BTR of the new generation BTR-4 was first presented in 2006 at the Aerosvit-21 exhibition. Of course, work on a car of this class was started with a great delay.
The layout of the BTR-4 is completely different from all previously created domestic armored personnel carriers (BTR-60/70/80/90). The control compartment is located in the front of the hull, the power compartment is located on the left side behind the driver's back and is provided with a passage on the starboard side to the troop compartment. Next is the troop compartment with double doors for the landing of troops. For the commander and driver, there are doors in the sides with built-in bulletproof glass blocks. Windshields are also bullet-proof glass blocks that can be covered with armored covers.
The combat weight of the BTR-4 in the basic version is 17 tons (19.3 tons with the "Thunder" module), in the version with additional armor, the weight can reach up to 27 tons (protection against shells from 30-mm cannons). The BTR-4 landing force is eight people and three crew members. The power plant consists of a 3TD two-stroke diesel engine with a capacity of 500 hp. with automatic hydromechanical transmission. At the request of customers, it is possible to install a Deutz engine with a power of 489 or 598 hp. On the basis of the BTR-4, it is possible to produce vehicles for various purposes: fire support vehicles, commander, ambulance, anti-aircraft, combat reconnaissance vehicle or repair and recovery vehicle.
Alternative suggestions
heavy infantry fighting vehicles / armored personnel carriers
The new vehicle based on the T-64 was created by the specialists of the Kharkov Armored Repair Plant DP. The basic vehicle for the family of combat and auxiliary vehicles was created by "turning" the T-64 tank with the engine compartment forward, removing the turret and equipment of the troop compartment from it. The result was UMR-64, which can accommodate up to 15 functional modules weighing up to 22 tons. One of the options is the creation on its basis of a heavy infantry fighting vehicle with a landing of up to 10 people and an uninhabited combat module. In the basic version, the BMP weighs 32.5 tons. On the basis of the machine, it is also planned to create a universal combat supply vehicle (UMBP-64), a highly protected command and staff vehicle weighing up to 41 tons, a 120 mm self-propelled mortar and other vehicles.
For embarkation and disembarkation of troops, the armored personnel carrier is equipped with convenient doors in the aft part of the hull. This favorably distinguishes this development of Kharkov tank builders from competitors both in Ukraine and in Russia. Unlike the specialists of the KMDB, the designers of the Kharkov Armored Repair Plant did not try to combine incompatible things - a tank and an armored personnel carrier, as a result of which they received an inapplicable design that did not fully perform the functions of either one. The Ukrainian vehicle compares favorably with the Russian heavy armored personnel carriers (BMO-T, DPM-72) in the larger capacity of the troop compartment and significantly better conditions for landing and boarding the vehicle.
BTR-64E. Photo by Dmitry (DPD).
Thus, on the basis of the T-64, instead of their disposal, the enterprise headed by V. Fedosov created a number of special equipment, primarily for a foreign customer, so that the buyer could choose the product that he likes.
An autonomous module with a front-mounted MTO for the purpose of creating on its basis various military vehicles (heavy armored personnel carriers) and civil purposes developed by the IM plant. VO Malishev, who at one time participated in the competition for the creation of a heavy infantry fighting vehicle for the Jordanian army based on the Centurion tank. Then the designers went the simple way of installing a compact 5TDF / M diesel engine on it, which provided a small hatch in the rear of the hull for the landing of troops. However, the customer preferred a more expensive vehicle of its own design, the Temsakh. To provide the infantry squad with the possibility of safely dismounting from the rear of the vehicle, a vehicle with a front engine was developed. To achieve this without structural changes to the hull of the base tank with the aft placement of the engine, it is used in such a way that in its new form the design of the front part of the tank hull was reprofiled (the aft part of the tank became the front part). To use the tank in this form, the direction of rotation of the final drives was changed, the suspension geometry was also adjusted to maintain the distribution of the tension of the tracks. The commander and driver are moved to elevated work stations behind the bulkhead of the engine compartment.
Autonomous complex
The management of the DP "Kharkov Armored Repair Plant", where the T-64 underwent major overhaul and modernization (up to the T-64BM2 standard), believes that the tank has prospects in the foreign market; BMP / armored personnel carriers, support vehicles, self-propelled mortars, command staff vehicles, universal combat supply vehicles. All these vehicles, along with the main modernized T-64B tank, can become the basis of an autonomous complex of armored vehicles on a single tank base. Such an autonomous complex can be a powerful armored complex based on the T-64 tank, including one that is part of any formations of general-purpose forces, capable of performing tactical tasks in isolation from rear bases. Imagine how much it is possible to simplify the processes of support for combat effectiveness, maintenance and repair of equipment of subsections and units of the Ground Forces of Ukraine, if we unify the base of the main tank, an armored recovery vehicle, an ambulance evacuation command vehicle and a logistics vehicle. In addition, the complex will include field artillery, air defense systems, reconnaissance complexes. All this is offered by the specialists of the Kharkov Armored Repair Plant. They do not just offer them - separate samples and draft designs have been made.
The concept of an autonomous reconnaissance and strike complex is the main one in the development of the military-technical concept of a new generation of armored weapons. This is the creation of a family of unified samples based on a single chassis (combined into a single information space). Thus, at the beginning of the 21st century, samples of armored weapons again adapt to the changed conditions and turn into highly protected ground combat vehicles, which are an element of a single weapon system. At the same time, they retain the main distinctive feature - a high degree of versatility, which allows them to solve various types of combat missions in all types of combat operations and effectively interact with other combat assets.
In this aspect, it is worth looking at the opinion of specialists from 38 Research Institute of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation and Omsk KBTM. German specialists adhere to a similar concept. For more details, see Autonomous complex of armored vehicles - Transformation of armored weapons in modern conditions.
However, the initiative of Kharkov repairmen on the possible export of a family of vehicles based on the T-64 was not at all welcomed by the Central Armored Directorate of Ukraine, it was stated that the task of the Kharkovites was to repair equipment, and not to reason about its export.
In addition, it should be noted that the modernization of T-64B tanks to the standard BM "Bulat" or T-64BM2, which can be produced at the enterprises of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine for much less money, is noted by V. Fedosov, director of the DP "Kharkov Armored Repair Plant" and director of the Tekhvoenservice concern Leonid Sholomitsky. At the very least, it would be reasonable to divide these tasks between them and the plant. Malysheva in proportional order.
Meanwhile, the armored repair factories of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine are now mainly busy working on the repair and modernization of armored vehicles for a foreign customer - Pakistan, China, Jordan, Algeria, African countries, etc.
The Kiev Armored Plant gives a second life to the T-72. The shooting efficiency achieved from a distance of three kilometers was equal to 97% - and this despite the fact that the shooting was carried out on the move and at a very high air temperature.
Competitors in the foreign market
On the foreign market, the main competitors of Ukrainian tanks are tanks that are approximately the same in price and in general in terms of basic characteristics, which represent the approach of the domestic school of tank building, first of all, the T-90, the Polish PT-91, and the Chinese Type-96.
T-90 was created in the late 80s as a deep modernization of the T-72B tank. In 1989, UKBTM handed over the first four tanks for testing, which were later named T-90. The main difference between the tank and the T-72B was the presence of an automated control system borrowed from the T-80U / UD tank, before that the T-72 was not equipped with an automatic control system. The tank was also equipped with built-in dynamic protection "Contact-5", and later with the KOEP "Shtora-1". At the same time, the design of the tank as a whole was similar to the T-72B tank, equipped with a cast turret and an 840 hp engine. In response to Ukraine's sale to Pakistan in 1996-99, 320 T-80UD tanks, India urgently decided to restore the balance of power (at that time, Indian tank crews simply had nothing to fight with Pakistani T-80UDs, which were head and shoulders above their T-72Ms and T-55) and purchase in Russia a batch of T-90S (export modification of the T-90). In 1999, 3 T-90S vehicles took part in tests in India, one of them with a cast turret and 2 new ones with welded turrets. The tests of the Russian T-90S tanks that took place in the Rajasthan desert, according to the Indian side, were not quite the same as the Nizhny Tagil tank builders would like. According to a report cited by the Indian source Political Events, the 840 hp B-84-1 engines all three cars that took part in the tests did not pass the test due to severe overheating. And one of the tank engines failed, unable to withstand operation in high temperature and dusty conditions. But in the end, Delhi did not stop purchasing new Russian tanks. In addition, due to the lack of air conditioning over the past four years, because of this, 80-90 MSA, which costs almost 20% of the total cost of the tank, were unsuitable for use; attempts to solve this problem have so far been unsuccessful. Thus, the supply of Ukrainian tanks to Pakistan, in fact, revived the Russian tank building, which in those years was in a deep crisis - there was a question of curtailing the tank production capacity at Uralvagonzavod.
So what is the T-90 compared to the Ukrainian Oplot tank? In terms of armor protection, the Ukrainian tank not only significantly outperforms the T-90, equipped with a cast turret, but also the new T-90, which began to be equipped with a welded turret. Steel with ESR, from which the structure of the tower of the "Oplot" tank is made, provides an increase in durability by 10-15 percent in comparison with the welded turret made of armored steels of medium hardness used on the T-90S tanks, which were supplied to India. The roof of the tower of the Ukrainian tank is made of one-piece stamped, which increased its rigidity, ensures manufacturability and stable quality under conditions of mass production, in contrast to the T-90S, in which the roof of the tower is welded from separate parts, which reduces the rigidity of the structure under high-explosive impact. It is also rather strange that the T-90 has a structurally lower turret protection in relation to the hull (theoretically, it should be the other way around). It is also worth noting the improved architecture of "Oplot", which reduces the effective scattering surface (EPR), corner radar reflectors and means of reducing the signature in the radar and infrared wavelength range. The T-90S has a 1, 2 … 1, 5 times greater RCS, approximately 1, 2 times greater thermal contrast in the IR range (engine exhaust - to the left side), which facilitates the guidance of weapons with homing heads, is detected by reconnaissance equipment from a greater distance. T-90S, with external similarity to the T-84, looks more archaic.
In terms of firepower, Ukrainian and Russian tanks are actually equal, since they use essentially the same fire control system with minor modifications. Nevertheless, it is worth noting the presence in the OMS of the tank "Oplot" sighting and observation complex of the commander of PNK-5 "AGAT-SM" with a built-in laser rangefinder and a device for entering lateral lead angles (UVBU), PNK-5 increases the effectiveness of the commander 20-50% and halves the time to prepare the shot. Also, to ensure stable firing accuracy, SUIT-1, manufactured by Luch KB, was installed on the Ukrainian tank (such developments exist in Russia, but appeared later and have not yet been offered for export). In addition to this, the Oplot has a sensor for measuring the initial velocity of the projectile, which makes it possible to measure the indicated velocity with each shot of the cannon and then enter the information into the tank ballistic computer of the fire control complex in order to automatically take into account the correction for barrel wear, charge temperature and other factors.
In terms of mobility, the V-84 engine is significantly inferior to the Ukrainian 6TD-2 in both power and reliability in desert conditions at ambient temperatures and ease of use. In recent years, Russian developers have managed to catch up with the Ukrainian diesel in terms of power (В92С2 -1000 hp and В99 1200 hp), however, further boosting the engine seems unrealistic. At the same time, the Ukrainian 6TD-3 diesel engine can develop power up to 1500 hp.
conclusions
In 2004, the Malyshev Plant State Enterprise fulfilled the state defense order for the modernization of armored vehicles - BM "Bulat" tanks, this was the first government-paid order for the supply of armored vehicles for the army since 1992, when 44 T-80UD "Birch" tanks were delivered …
The "Oplot" tanks delivered in 1999 and shown at the parade, made by order of the Ukrainian army, were made at the expense of the plant's own funds. In vain, the then director of the plant, Grigory Malyuk, hoped that this year they would pay off with us … the visits to Kuchma, who found a more suitable way out, did not help either - simply dismiss the director … for non-payment of salaries to the workers of the plant, which was planning to file a lawsuit against the government if it does not pay until August 4, the state order for the release of "strongholds". Another explanation for such a prompt and decisive action by the Kuchma junta is the intransigence of the general director regarding the supply of T-80UD tanks with KNO reactive armor to the United States, as the general director said, the Americans buy two or three copies for processing weapons. The director rejected the proposal to put tanks as targets, as a result of which it is possible that certain properties of the vehicle might be revealed. Later, 4 tanks were delivered to the USA.
The budget for 2004 for the modernization of T-64 BM "Bulat" provides 40 million hryvnia. In 2004, the plant them. Malysheva fulfilled an order for the production of 17 Bulat tanks for the Ukrainian army, in 2005 the tanks were transferred to the troops. Naturally, this can be called a merit of the government headed by Prime Minister Yanukovych, during whose work a significant growth of the country's economy was noted.
However, due to the aggravated political situation and the beginning of political strife in 2005, the plant named after. Malysheva is the main executor of the order for the modernization of the T-64. The line for the allocation of UAH 120 million in 2005, which were allocated by the Yanukovych government for the continuation of modernization, was struck out of the budget, and thus the plant found itself without a state order. Thus, the vacant areas for the production of tanks brought great losses to the plant, and fixed assets came from the production of agricultural and mining equipment, such as the supply of augers to China and the production of Obriy combines, as well as the supply of diesel engines for Ukrzheleznaya Doroga and drilling rigs and pipe layers for Naftogaz Ukrainy. Now it is also possible to separate the civil and special production of the plant with its possible subsequent privatization.
Nevertheless, even under the “orange” government, the plant received a state order for 2006, although not to the extent required.
The Ukrainian leadership needs to realize that the preservation and normal functioning of the State Enterprise "Plant named after Malyshev" and KMDB named after. Morozov is the most important task for the preservation of Ukraine as a developed industrial power. Without a state defense order, this is not possible, the leadership must also realize that for the commercial success of promising high-tech developments, they must be adopted and supplied, at least in small quantities, to the troops. No foreign customer will spend money on the purchase of high-tech complexes of active and dynamic protection, guided weapons, etc. if they exist in single copies and are not in service with the Ukrainian army. This, first of all, refers to new developments of KAZ "Zaslon", DZ "Knife", promising TUR and other promising developments.
In 2009, a new modification of the "Oplot" tank, equipped with an all-aspect anti-tandem reactive armor "knife", entered state tests
