In the USSR, a large number of unique vehicles were developed for various types of troops. The engineering troops also had their own "curiosity" - IPR - an engineer underwater reconnaissance. This car drove on the ground (which is quite natural for a car), overcame water obstacles by swimming (this will surprise no one either - tanks "learned" to swim at the beginning of the 20th century), and could also move in the water column, like a submarine, or drive along the bottom of the reservoir.
The underwater reconnaissance engineer was developed in the 1970s. under the leadership of V. G. Mishchenko in the design bureau of the Dzerzhinsky plant in the city of Murom (today OJSC "Muromteplovoz"). Serial production of the machine was also established at this enterprise. When developing the IPR, the units and assemblies of the BMP-1 were widely used. The main purpose of the vehicle is reconnaissance of water obstacles, routes of movement of troops and routes of crossing of tank subunits. In addition, the vehicle was equipped for underwater engineering work.
The underwater reconnaissance body was divided into four sealed compartments: a ballast tank compartment, a control compartment, an airlock and an engine-transmission compartment. The bow compartment housed a ballast tank, which was a container filled with water when moving along the bottom or in the water column. In the same compartment, the units of the river wide-grip mine detector were located. The control department housed the workplaces of the commander and the driver. Also there was a scout diver. An airlock with diving equipment was used to get out of the submerged IPR. The middle and aft parts of the car were reserved for the engine-transmission compartment. It housed the UTD-20 engine, the transmission borrowed from the BMP-1. The 300-horsepower engine allowed the 17-ton car to reach speeds of up to 52 km / h on asphalt roads. To the left and to the right of the engine compartment, small ballast tanks were located on the sides. In the area of the lock chamber, large tanks were located on the sides.
The main armament of the IPR-7, 62-mm PKT machine gun was installed in a sealed casing in a rotating turret. Carried ammunition for the machine gun - 1000 rounds. In addition, the underwater reconnaissance engineer had thermal smoke equipment. The TKN-3AM device served as a sight. A PIR-451 periscope was installed on a vehicle to monitor the terrain, and the commander had a TNP-370 daytime observation device at his disposal. For control in the dark and in poor visibility, the driver's workplace was equipped with a TVN-2BM night observation device. In addition, 9 TNPO-160 observation devices were installed on the hull. In the IPR, for negotiations between the crew members, the tank intercom R-124 was used, external communication was carried out using two radio stations R-147 and R-123M.
The undercarriage of the underwater reconnaissance engineer was a caterpillar propeller with 7 support and 5 support rollers on each side, as well as 3 hydraulic shock absorbers. Movement in the water column and on the water was carried out using two propellers located on the left and right from the sides. When conducting underwater exploration, the permissible depth of the reservoir can be 8 meters, short-term diving to a depth of 15 meters is allowed. When driving underwater, exhaust gases are emitted and the power plant is supplied with air using special hoses held above the water surface using a telescopic mast. The mast in the stowed position was folded on the roof of an underwater reconnaissance engineer.
In total, no more than 80 machines were mass-produced.
Due to the external similarity, IPR is often confused with IPM. The machines are distinguished by the fact that the latter cannot move in the water column, external differences are the absence of a mast.
IPR in the exposition of the Military-Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineering Troops and Signal Corps in St. Petersburg. the "legs" of the mine detector are lowered to the working position
Tactical and technical characteristics:
Combat weight - 17.5 tons;
Crew - 3 people;
Body length - 8715 mm;
Case width - 3150 mm;
Height - 1660..2400 mm;
Base - 4300 mm;
Track - 2740 mm;
Clearance - 400 mm
Armament - 7, 62 mm PKT machine gun;
Vertical guidance angles - from -7 to +15 degrees;
Horizontal guidance angles - -45.. + 45 degrees;
Firing range - up to 1 km;
Sights - PAB-2AM, TKN-3AM;
Engine type - UTD-20;
Engine power - 300 hp;
Highway speed - 52 km / h
Cruising on the highway - 500 km;
Afloat speed - 11 km / h;
Bottom speed - 8.5 km / h;
Overcoming obstacles:
Ascent - 36 degrees;
Wall - 0.7 m;
Moat - 2, 3 m;
Brod - 8..15 m.
Prepared based on materials:
