Tests of the promising self-propelled anti-tank gun (SPTP) 2S25M "Sprut-SDM1" are underway. After completing several stages of checks, the newest model of armored vehicles can be adopted and put into production. So far, this work has not been completed, but the industry and the military department are already revealing some details of the new project. According to the latest data, the 2S25M project involves the use of some new systems, and also allows the combat vehicle to use new weapons.
On August 23, Izvestia published some information about the modernization of the armament complex inherited by the Sprut-SDM1 vehicle from the basic model. An unnamed source in the Ministry of Defense told the media about some of the innovations of the promising project. One of the main differences between the updated self-propelled anti-tank gun is the improved guided weapon system (GUW), which uses a new missile. Such systems complement other weapons and allow you to increase the maximum firing range of self-propelled guns.
SPTP "Sprut-SDM1". Photo Bmpd.livejournal.com
It is reported that the missile of the new complex is a further development of the 9M119M "Invar-M" product of the 9K119M "Reflex-M" complex, which is already in service. A promising missile is based on the ideas and solutions of existing systems, however, it has some differences related to the increase in combat qualities and basic characteristics. With the help of such modernization, an armored vehicle carrier of new missiles can fight a wide range of targets, both with protected equipment and with fortifications or manpower.
To combat armored vehicles, a missile is proposed, which is a direct development of the Invar-M product. It is equipped with a tandem cumulative warhead capable of penetrating armor of considerable thickness, including those covered with reactive armor. The second version of the product receives a thermobaric warhead, which is intended for the destruction of various structures and fortifications. Thanks to the development of two missile options with different types of warheads, self-propelled gun crews will be able to choose the most effective ammunition in the current situation.
According to reports, the new missile system for the 2S25M Sprut-SDM1 self-propelled gun is based on the Reflex-M system. Recall that the 9K119M complex was developed by the Tula Instrument Design Bureau for the purpose of additional armament for tanks and other armored vehicles. Missiles of the Invar family are guided munitions guided by a laser beam directed towards the target. The missiles are launched through the bore of the guns-launchers of the 2A46 family, having a caliber of 125 mm. In addition to the rocket and the launcher, the Reflex-M complex includes sights and guidance systems, an automation unit, etc.
The missiles of the 9K119M complex have a dead weight of more than 17 kg or about 24 kg as part of a shot, equipped with a sleeve and a propelling charge. The solid-propellant engine allows the guided missile to reach speeds of over 280 m / s and attack targets at ranges from 100 to 5000 m. Control is carried out using a laser beam aimed at the target and tracked by equipment in the tail of the rocket. The tandem HEAT warhead can penetrate up to 900 mm of homogeneous armor behind ERA. The Invar missiles are carried by all modern domestic armored vehicles equipped with 125-mm smooth-bore guns. The carriers of the Reflex-M complex include all main tanks in service, as well as guns of the Sprut family in towed and self-propelled versions.
9M119M guided missile of the Reflex-M complex. Photo Wikimedia Commons
According to the latest reports, not so long ago, the KUV "Reflex-M" underwent modernization, the result of which was the emergence of a new missile with improved characteristics and enhanced combat capabilities. Due to the modernization, the firing range was increased to 6 km, and the range of targets hit was expanded with the help of a new warhead with a thermobaric charge.
In addition to the updated complex of guided weapons, the Sprut-SDM1 self-propelled anti-tank gun should receive a number of other equipment of a new type. The self-propelled gun modernization project implies the use of a new fire control system (FCS) with improved characteristics. It includes a new combined (day and night) gunner's sight, automatic target tracking, a set of sensors for tracking vehicle movement parameters and determining weather conditions, etc.
The modernization of the MSA made it possible to increase the accuracy of firing from the main gun, as well as to expand the firing capabilities of the self-propelled gun. In particular, it became possible to fire at air targets moving at low altitudes and low speeds. Thus, SPTP "Sprut-SDM1" will be able to fight not only with ground equipment, but also with helicopters or unmanned aerial vehicles.
Self-propelled anti-tank gun "Sprut-SDM1" is the newest version of the development of the existing combat vehicle operated by the troops. The project for the modernization of the existing equipment was developed by the Tractor Plants concern. One of the main goals of the project was to improve the operational characteristics of equipment by changing some of its components. So, in the basic version, the Sprut-SD self-propelled gun was based on the chassis of the 934 Object amphibious tank. Within the framework of the new project, it was proposed to use the chassis of one of the new serial combat vehicles. Due to this approach, it was possible to create a modern armored vehicle with high mobility characteristics and a complex of missile and cannon weapons.
The tower of the modernized self-propelled gun. Photo Bastion-karpenko.ru
The chassis of the BMD-4M airborne assault vehicle was chosen as the basis for the new version of the armored vehicle. This sample has recently entered mass production and is now supplied to the airborne troops. Thus, bringing the Sprut-SDM1 project to operation in the army will allow unifying the main samples of new equipment and thereby simplifying their use. Despite the use of a new chassis, the general driving characteristics of the sample remain the same. It also retains the possibility of landing by landing or parachuting. The upgraded sample is capable of moving both on land and on water.
In addition, the new project provides for some modifications to existing systems borrowed from the base machine. So, in the fighting compartment of the Sprut-SDM1 self-propelled gun it is proposed to mount units of the updated MSA and some other systems. In the aft part of the tower, it is planned to install a remotely controlled combat module with a PKT machine gun of 7.62 mm caliber. The machine gun is controlled from a remote control installed inside the fighting compartment.
The development of the SPTP Sprut-SDM1 project was completed last year, after which the Tractor Plants concern built a prototype of the new machine. The first public display of a prototype of the updated self-propelled gun took place at the "Army-2015" exhibition. In June of this year, the experienced equipment showed its capabilities to the command. During the gathering of the leadership of the airborne artillery, officers and generals were shown a prototype of a modernized self-propelled anti-tank gun. The demonstration included overcoming obstacles and firing.
Earlier it was reported that the Sprut-SDM1 self-propelled gun is currently being tested. According to the latest data, factory tests are now underway, which are already nearing completion. In the future, it is planned to carry out several more checks, during which all the pros and cons of the promising model will be revealed. The start of serial production of new equipment is planned for 2018. First, the serial "Sprut-SDM1" will have to supplement the "Sprut-SD" vehicles available in the troops, and later it will be a question of replacing older equipment.
