The Sprut-SDM1 self-propelled anti-tank gun 2S25M, first demonstrated at the Army-2015 International Military-Technical Forum, is to enter service with the Russian Airborne Forces after intensive testing. But already now, military experts believe that this self-propelled gun, which can rightfully be attributed to light tanks, is the best in the world and significantly exceeds the vehicles of this class available in foreign arsenals.
There are no more vehicles in the world with such powerful weapons - a 125-mm 2A75M cannon is installed on the 2S25M, capable of firing modern armor-piercing subcaliber, cumulative, high-explosive fragmentation projectiles, as well as ammunition with remote blasting on the trajectory. Such means of destruction are especially effective against enemy manpower, anti-tank guided missile crews.
This significantly increases the chances of Sprut-SDM1 to survive in battle. Specialists of the Volgograd Machine-Building Company VgTZ emphasize that the firepower of the updated Sprut corresponds to the level of another Russian novelty - the T-90MS main battle tank. a range of up to 5 km. A total of 40 rounds in the SPTP ammunition load, including 22 in a mechanized ammunition rack.
If on the old self-propelled gun available in the troops there was one PKTM machine gun paired with a cannon, then on the modernized machine, a remote-controlled machine gun with a caliber of 7.62 mm was installed on the turret. As a result, the vehicle commander was able to independently engage the identified targets at the moment when the main armament was already being used by the gunner-operator. The general ammunition load of machine guns is 2000 rounds.
In addition to the firepower of the T-90MS, the same level and the fire control system, in other words, on the 2S25M are the same as that of the Nizhny Tagil tank, sights and fire control system. It is considered one of the best in the world gunner-operator sight "Sosna-U", with television and thermal imaging channels. As well as a panoramic sight of the PKP commander with similar channels. Both scopes have the ability to automatically track the target. In case of damage to the main sights, there is a backup sight, it is optoelectronic with an aiming line stabilized in the vertical plane and autonomous power supply.
The combat vehicle has a chassis information and control system, which greatly facilitates operation and identification of emerging malfunctions. The newest communication complex has frequency modulation and technical masking.
In terms of units and parts of the chassis, as well as in the engine compartment, it is unified with the BMD-4M airborne combat vehicle. The UTD-29 500-horsepower multi-fuel diesel engine develops a power of 500 hp., thanks to which an 18-ton combat vehicle with a crew of three is capable of moving at speeds up to 70 km / h on land and at least 7 km / h on water. Moreover, the car can overcome water obstacles with waves of up to 3 points.
The tank destroyer also has a highly efficient independent variable hydropneumatic suspension. Taking into account the specifics of the use of this machine, as a rule, they will operate from shelters and ambushes, the ability to "lie down" with the bottom on the ground is difficult to overestimate.
According to military experts, the Sprut-SDM1, apart from the Airborne Forces units, can be used in the Marine Corps units, in the anti-tank subdivisions of the ground forces with the outdated MT-12 Rapira anti-tank guns. Surely "Sprut-SDM1" will also be purchased by representatives of foreign armed forces who need this type of equipment.
