Does the Russian army need "smart" combat vehicles?
In general, the Forum "Technologies in Mechanical Engineering-2010", which brought together four exhibitions that previously existed separately from each other - "Intermash", MVSV, "Aerospace" and UVS-TECH, left a somewhat ambiguous impression. On the one hand, a number of very interesting domestic novelties were shown here, and on the other, representatives of development enterprises, talking about their products, too often repeated: "Our Ministry of Defense does not need this, it is not at all clear what it needs now."
Salon "Technologies in Mechanical Engineering", which will now be held every two years, was conceived as a platform allowing Russia to present new domestic products to interested foreign partners, get acquainted with advanced Western technologies and, possibly, purchase some of them. Logically, this process should resemble a two-way street. However, now the exchange of technologies is acquiring the form of two non-intersecting multidirectional flows, because most of the domestic innovations in the defense industry are not of interest within the country.
This, in particular, concerns the "highlight" of the last exhibition - the modernized T-80U tank, equipped with an automated weapons control system and network-centric equipment, linking linear and command armored vehicles in the tactical control system.
For network-centric warfare
The new T-80U equipment consists of two main parts: the 45M armament control complex and the TPK-T-1 software and computer complex.
The first is completely digital; this is the first time such work has been done in relation to armored vehicles equipment in Russia. It consists of a 1G46M rangefinder sight, an Agat-M (or Agat-MDT) commander's complex, a weapon stabilizer, an information management system, and a number of sensors. 45M combines the control of the gun stabilizer, the loading mechanism, and the Shtora optical-electronic suppression complex into a single system. By taking into account the parameters of the atmosphere and compensating for its own stroke, it increases the accuracy of shooting, automatically compensates for the drifts of the stabilizer of the field of view, and remembers the parameters when loading shells.
In general, the installation of the 45M complex on the T-80U makes it possible to radically improve the accuracy of fire and the rate of fire, and due to the presence of an information and control system (IMS) in it, to increase combat readiness. The IMS, firstly, carries out constant operational control of all systems and, if a malfunction is detected, the corresponding information is displayed on the display, prompting the crew about the options for actions necessary to complete the combat mission. Secondly, the IMS monitors the work of the crew and, in the event of incorrect, erroneous actions, gives recommendations for correcting the situation. The presence of a built-in control system allows for self-diagnosis of complex components: computing, laser, optoelectronic equipment, the work with which for a conscript soldier who serves one year and has, at best, secondary education, is too difficult a matter. In addition, the number of controls and, accordingly, the actions that need to be performed by the crew have been halved. That is, the electronics took over the main intellectual functions, simplifying the work of tankers both in battle and during the maintenance of the vehicle.
A digital exchange has been organized between the weapons control complexes and software and hardware, which dramatically increases not only the combat effectiveness of the tank, but also the parameter of command control.
PTK-T-1 is installed on command tanks at the level from battalion commander to division commander. As a result, the commander is able to send messages to his subordinates - from the line tank to the company commander and receive reports on the completion of the mission. It is possible to work with the operational-tactical situation on the display, that is, a situation map is attached to the task, on which the position of friendly and enemy troops and the setting of the task are displayed. The PTK-T-1 includes an automated workstation for the commander, a computer, a display device, a communications complex, and a navigation system.
Communication facilities are represented by two VHF and one HF radio stations (all three are of the Aqueduct family). The shortwave radio station, with the help of a mast installed next to the tank, allows reaching a message transmission range of up to 300 km. Both voice communication and the transmission of informational texts, including formalized ones, over a closed channel are provided. For the internal communication of the crew in the tank, the AVSK-1U equipment is intended, which makes it possible for all crew members to access the VHF radio station.
The commander receives all the information about his tank on the display device. It displays data on the state of the system, the location of the vehicle, as well as information from the IMS - the number and type of projectiles in the loading mechanism, in the stowage, the fuel level, information from the fire control complex: the coordinates of the enemy object are automatically calculated, which can be transmitted down to the commanders units and tanks, and upstairs - to the higher command. That is, the battalion commander has the ability to issue target designations to subordinates, and on their vehicles, these target designations are worked out in automatic mode.
Navigation equipment allows you to navigate both by satellite signals and (in their absence) by self-orientation according to the heading and roll indications, starting from the initial coordinates.
On line tanks and vehicles of platoon and company commanders, the TPK-T-2 complex is installed. It made some functions inaccessible for the exchange with the higher command and there is no HF radio station.
As a result, the battalion commander always has complete information about what tasks must be performed, where the tanks of his units are located, about the personnel, the number of shells and fuel in the vehicles, and constant communication with the higher command. He can make a fully informed decision about the combat effectiveness of the battalion, units and individual vehicles.
Through the battalion's command and control department, information about the life and health of tank crew members, the availability of ammunition and fuel is sent to the brigade's rear units, facilitating medical support and supplies.
Modernization of the T-80U was carried out by the St. Petersburg Special Design Bureau of Transport Engineering (SKBTM), which is the main executor of the project, in collaboration with the Krasnogorsk and Vologda OMZs, CDB IUS. The developer of the software and hardware complex is the A. S. Popov Gorky Communication Equipment Plant.
Several foreign delegations showed a keen interest in this development, originally commissioned by GABTU, during the exhibition. The Russian Ministry of Defense has somehow lost interest in her.
While the integrated fire control system is a prototype, extensive tests have been carried out with a large number of shots. According to the chief designer of SKBTM, Alexander Umansky, after bringing the modernization to a productive end, the new equipment can be used not only on the T-80U, but also on all other domestic machines. The overall layout solutions of this complex make it possible to simply replace old blocks with new ones both during the modernization of existing tanks and during the production of new ones. According to Umansky, it is also important that the system is implemented entirely on the domestic element base, taking into account the available technologies. That is, to master the serial production of the complexes, no special preparation of production is required.
Development potential
The onboard equipment as part of the 45M and TPK complex allows you to integrate the third post-war generation tank, conceived and created in the era of analog devices and computers, which occupied separate rooms in volume, into a modern electronic combat space. Apparently, it is necessary to carry out work on the modernization of the "hardware" itself. We asked the head of the new design department of the Ural design bureau of transport engineering Vladimir Nevolin to tell us about the directions of such improvement.
According to him, the modernization of the T-90 is underway, this is a very serious and deep work, however, it is not time to talk about its results yet. The export modification, the T-90S, is also gradually improving. In particular, more advanced tanks are intended for Algeria than those ordered by India. Two new functions have been implemented on the Algerian T-90S: a thermal imaging system for automatic target tracking and an optical-electronic suppression complex.
Negotiations are continuing on the installation of a Western-made automatic transmission on the T-90S, but so far it has not come to real work. In order for such a variant of the tank to be in demand on the market, the power plant in accordance with the Western "fashion" must be a monoblock, which, if necessary, allows you to quickly restore the combat capability of a vehicle with a failed unit. This solution has both pros and cons. The latter include a general substantial rise in the cost of the tank. In the existing version of the T-90, the design allows you to quickly get to the main components and repair them in the field without the need to dismantle the power plant and transmission. And the monoblock is repaired only at the factory. This means that you need a supply of expensive power units for replacement. In addition, in order to carry out the operation to remove the monoblock from the tank and install a spare, it is necessary to have an ARV in virtually every platoon, which also does not reduce the cost of operating vehicles with such a transmission.
According to Vladimir Nevolin, the removal of ammunition and automatic loader from the body of the tank is not yet planned, but certain measures are being taken to improve the protection of the ammo.
At present, the transition to a larger caliber gun can also be considered premature. 125-mm armor-piercing sub-caliber projectiles still have the potential for development. The fact is that the targets for tanks are becoming more diverse and the defeat of the enemy MBT is no longer the most important task. According to Nevolin, it is necessary to develop ammunition designed to destroy manpower for conducting combat operations in urban conditions. New projectiles with remote detonation are needed, with various types of equipment, possibly similar to projectiles with individual detonation submunitions created abroad. At the same time, it is worthwhile to improve the manufacturing technology of the guns themselves - to carry out more accurate processing of the barrels to increase the accuracy of the fire, to work on a more correct location of the recoil devices in order to eliminate the disturbances that arise during the firing process.
"Wolf" goes on the warpath
Another armored novelty of the Forum "Technologies in Mechanical Engineering-2010" was a family of protected modular vehicles "Wolf", developed by the Military-Industrial Company. The "Wolf" was created taking into account the operating experience and combat use of the "Tiger" and its western counterparts. The Russian version has several distinctive features, the combination of which makes it unique in many ways. The main feature of the car is the independent hydropneumatic suspension of all wheels, which allows you to change the ground clearance from 250 to 550 mm. This solution is aimed at reducing the negative consequences of an explosion under the wheel, since the impact of the blast wave on the hydropneumatic suspension gives rise to different disturbing actions than in the version with the traditional suspension on elastic elements - springs or springs. In addition, during an explosion, the power of the shock wave going upward decreases exponentially, so the higher the hull is above ground level, the safer it is for people inside. And in the maximally raised version, the ground clearance of the "Wolf" is greater than that of all its western counterparts, which were considered by engineers when creating a new car.
In addition, the variable ground clearance allows you to improve the cross-country ability of the car on rough terrain, and on asphalt - to maintain good controllability. The suspension stiffness can be adjusted depending on the type of soil.
To increase the protection of the crew and troops from undermining, the vehicle has a double bottom with an insulated bottom element and an interlayer. The seats are suspended from the roof both in the cab and in the functional module for transporting people.
In the basic version, the vehicle has a relatively easy booking, the level of which, depending on the need, is increased by adding additional ceramic protective elements, this is easily done in the field. Armored glass of the highest resistance class with a thickness of 68 mm was used in the design without changing the optical performance.
The machine is equipped with an on-board information management system. It allows you to perform diagnostics, controls the operating parameters of the main units and assemblies, and prevents the driver from making erroneous actions. This results in less maintenance and longer machine life.
The basic two-axle version has an armored module with a capacity of 10 people, carrying capacity - 1.5 tons. In the modification with a cargo platform, it is possible to transport up to 2.5 tons, the same carrying capacity in a three-axle version with an armored module. In the version with basic booking, the gross weight of the two-axle vehicle is 7.5 tons.
The "Wolf" is equipped with a diesel engine of the YaMZ-5347 family with a capacity of up to 300 hp. with., all other components and assemblies of the machine are also of domestic production. It should be noted that the premiere screening of "The Wolf" in Zhukovsky aroused increased interest among the forum participants, some of whom, apparently, could become its potential customers. But it is not known whether the Russian Ministry of Defense, carried away by the idea of licensed production of the Italian IVECO LMV armored combat vehicle, will be among them.
By the way, shortly before the start of the forum "Technologies in Mechanical Engineering-2010", an BTR-80 was tested at the testing range of the Arzamas Machine-Building Plant, during which an explosive device with a capacity of 4 kg in TNT equivalent was detonated under one of the vehicle's wheels. At the same time, the armored personnel carrier, the total mass of which is 13.5 tons, was thrown up a meter and five meters back. One can imagine that in such a situation an IVECO LMV weighing 6.5 tons awaits, but its developers promise to preserve the lives of people inside when it is blown up by a land mine weighing 8 kg!
Forgotten caliber
Among other, smaller-scale in terms of weight and dimensions, the forum's novelties can be noted for the first time the silent 82-mm mortar 2B25, developed at the Burevestnik Central Research Institute in Nizhny Novgorod. The noiselessness, flamelessness and smokelessness of the shot are achieved due to the fact that the process of initiation of the expelling charge and its combustion take place inside the long shank of the mine. The shank is a pipe, at the end of which a charge is fixed, and in front of it is a sleeve, which, when the charge is ignited, moves along a rod fixed in the mortar barrel. When loading, the mine falls on this rod. At the end of the propelling charge combustion process, the bushing wedges at the end of the mine shank. The barrel in this case is just a guide tube that does not experience stress when fired, so it can be made as light as possible. The mortar plate is composite. Most of it is used for shooting from soft ground, but from asphalt and other hard surfaces you can shoot only from a small thrust bearing. The weight of the mortar is 13 kg. The calculation consists of two people, one of whom is carrying a mortar, and the second is laying with two mines (each weighing 3, 3 kg).
The maximum firing range of this mortar is 1200 meters, the minimum is 100. The rate of fire is 15 rounds per minute. The mass of the warhead of the mine is 1.9 kg. The mortar is intended for special forces in order to ensure the secrecy and surprise of combat use. When firing from it, the sound is similar in volume to a shot from a machine gun with a silencer.
The idea of such a weapon is no longer new. Similar developments in our country began in the 30s and 40s. However, now the 2B25 mortar has been brought to the state of serial production, and this year its deliveries to the RF Armed Forces have already begun.
Among other relative novelties of the Burevestnik, the updated 82-mm mortar 2B24 and the universal 57-mm automatic combat module can be noted.
2B24 has a new plate that allows you to shoot without preparing a position. On any type of ground, after the first shot, the plate takes the desired position and allows a circular attack without changing its position, only rearranging the biped. To use a more powerful ammunition, the mortar has a reinforced barrel, a thread is made on its breech, which increases heat transfer. An improved dual-charge fuse has been installed. The weight has increased by only 2.5 kg, the mass of the mortar is 45 kg. There is a version located on the MT-LB chassis. For 2B24, a new 3-0-26 ammunition weighing 4.4 kg is intended, the firing range of which has been increased to 6 thousand meters (the firing range of a conventional 82-mm mine is 4 thousand meters). True, the development of this ammunition has not yet been completed.
The 57-mm module, created on the basis of the S-60 naval anti-aircraft gun, was originally developed by order of Vietnam for the modernization of the PT-76 tanks. But then, due to the economic difficulties of the customer, the work was suspended. Further development was carried out at the expense of our own funds, which so far do not allow us to build prototypes and conduct their field tests. Currently, the module is being developed as a SPAAG for the ground forces, as well as a family of fighting compartments for light armored vehicles. The latter option would probably be very interesting, since the base gun has excellent ballistic characteristics, and the 57 mm projectiles are more than twice as effective as 30 mm projectiles. In particular, at a distance of a kilometer, an armor-piercing projectile of this caliber penetrates a brick barrier 1 meter thick. The maximum firing range of the 57 mm cannon is 17 kilometers.
Modules designed for armored vehicles have a mass of 2, 5 to 4 tons and are suitable for installation on all existing domestic armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles. True, for full use as a land weapon, it is necessary to develop a new fuse for a high-explosive fragmentation projectile, but in Russia, unfortunately, no one is doing this yet. In general, our military does not show any interest in this caliber. Although in the West, options are currently being worked out to increase the caliber of automatic cannons installed on lightly armored vehicles. Perhaps the situation will get off the ground after Vietnam resumes financing of the project - 220M based on the same S-60 cannon.
