In recent years, in discussing the situation that has developed in Russian tank building, high-ranking Russian officials and representatives of the command of the armed forces have severely criticized the samples of armored vehicles that are in service and are also being developed. Criticism was directed at the Russian OJSC NPK Uralvagonzavod, which today is a monopolist in the development and production of BTT. The Tagil developers could not properly cope with the problems that arose in the development of promising models - BMPT and a tank, and made delays in the modernization of the T-90A tanks already in service.
The experience of using armored vehicles in armed conflicts in recent years demonstrates that the weapon system installed on it is sometimes quite effective for hitting dispersed and camouflaged targets: grenade launchers, machine gun crews, ATGM operators and snipers. Even with obsolete weapons, all of these objects pose a real threat to tanks, armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles, especially in settlements, mountains and forests. Wherever aimed fire, in most cases, opens unexpectedly.
Today, Russia has created a unique in its characteristics a combat vehicle for fire support, which was shown at the IDEX-2011 exhibition by Rosoboronexport. It has special all-round protection against anti-tank weapons and a powerful weapon system for destroying enemy personnel and low-flying and protected targets, suppressing anti-tank weapons before they begin to actively operate. In terms of its own qualities and the complex of tasks performed, the Russian machine has no analogues in the world. It was not for nothing that media representatives called her the Russian Terminator.
BMPT is designed for action in various types of battle as part of motorized rifle and tank units and subunits. With all this, the main task of the BMPT is to suppress and destroy dangerous manpower (TOZHS). The use of 100 mm OPU 2A70 as part of the main armament of the BMPT, together with a huge ammunition load, makes it possible to hit hidden targets at a distance of up to 5 thousand meters. When using AP 2A72 at a distance of up to 2,500 meters, effective suppression of targets was ensured. The 40 mm grenade launcher installed in the tower makes it possible to effectively destroy enemy personnel at a distance of up to 2 thousand meters when firing from a stationary place and on the move.
The defeat of infantry fighting vehicles and tanks at a distance of up to 5 thousand meters is ensured by the use of the Arkan rocket launched through the OPU 2A70. Also for the destruction of armored vehicles of the enemy on the BMPT installed ATGM "Kornet" installed in special containers protected from shrapnel and bullets. In both of these weapons options, it is possible to effectively combat low-flying aircraft and tactical helicopters on inclined trajectories at a distance of up to 4 thousand meters.
At the stage of preliminary field tests, the effectiveness of the defeat of protected enemy manpower when firing from the OPU, AG, AP was assessed.
Modern aiming and observation devices, as well as the distribution of self-responsibility zones among all crew members, allow timely identification and identification of enemy targets. The armament complex guarantees simultaneous firing at 3 targets. This means that 3 crew members have every chance to conduct independent fire on detected targets in a 360-degree sector. In other words, the high efficiency of the BMPT is guaranteed by the multichannel nature of the weapon system.
When creating a unique vehicle, special attention was paid to the degree of protection of the crew. Due to its relatively small dimensions and deforming color, the combat vehicle is hardly noticeable. The built-in explosive reactive armor significantly increases the level of protection against both armor-piercing subcaliber projectiles and monoblock cumulative means of destruction, anti-cumulative anti-tank missiles with separate warheads. The automatic air curtain system provides additional protection against artillery shells with semi-active laser homing heads and anti-tank guided missiles. At the same time, interference is generated by artillery systems equipped with laser rangefinders.
The sides of the BMPT are entirely covered with screens with reactive armor and special lattice screens, which, together with the armored compartments located on the sides of the hull, provide strong protection for the crew from RPGs. The fuel inside and outside the vehicle is housed in powerful armored compartments. The stern projection is covered with lattice screens. Protection of the crew from the penetration of fragments into the hull and turret is guaranteed by fabric anti-fragmentation screens.
Regardless of the impressive presence of armored protection, the combat vehicle has high mobility and maneuverability. This was achieved by installing an improved 1,000 hp four-stroke diesel engine. with turbocharging and liquid cooling, the perfect chassis and transmission, providing a smooth ride and a high degree of cross-country ability.
It should also be noted that the modular placement of the main armament makes it possible to install it on different types of tank chassis. For example, in the case of upgrading tanks. When the degree of protection and mass of the module is changed, it can also be installed on light chassis (BMP) or low-tonnage ships.
However, time will tell who will order this car and in what form. At the moment, based on the test results, one thing is clear: the use of BMPTs will significantly increase the degree of combat capabilities of units, reduce the loss of people and equipment, and most importantly, effectively solve all assigned combat missions.
