At the recent exhibition Russian Arms Expo-2013, several new developments of the domestic defense industry were shown. Among other things, a new model of the BMPT-72 "Terminator-2" tank support combat vehicle was demonstrated for the first time. In this project, the designers of Uralvagonzavod took into account the experience gained during testing of the previous vehicle of this class, which made it possible to properly update the design, weapons and equipment. At the same time, some measures were taken that could lead to great commercial success of the new combat vehicle.
The main difference between the BMPT-72 vehicle and its predecessor is the base chassis. The previous BMPT vehicle in the early stages of the project was supposed to be built on the chassis of the T-72 tanks, but later the modified chassis of the T-90 tank was taken as the basis for it. The new version of the tank support combat vehicle is based on the hull and chassis of the T-72 tank. This feature of the project is expected to help promote new machines in the international market. T-72 tanks are operated in dozens of states, and each of them may show interest in the new Russian BMPT-72.
According to official data, the Terminator-2, built or converted from a tank, has a combat weight of 44 tons. When using an engine with a capacity of 840 or 1000 horsepower (depending on the modification of the base tank), the BMPT-72 is capable of accelerating on the highway to 60 km / h and overcome the off-road route at speeds up to 35-45 km / h. The fuel range is 700 kilometers. Mobility characteristics allow the new BMPT to move and fight in the same ranks with all modern Russian-made main tanks. In addition, the use of the chassis of the T-72 tank greatly facilitates and simplifies maintenance and supply of spare parts.
BMPT-72 is heavier than the base tank due to the installation of the original turret with weapons and additional protection modules. The frontal and side parts of the hull are additionally covered by the modules of the dynamic protection system. It is proposed to additionally protect the engine-transmission compartment with cumulative grilles. In addition, to counter anti-tank weapons using optoelectronic systems, the BMPT-72 has smoke grenade launchers.
In order to simplify the production or re-equipment of finished vehicles, the new "Terminator-2" has several noticeable differences from the BMPT of the previous model. So, the crew was reduced to three people: only the driver-mechanic, the commander and the gunner-weapons operator remained in its composition. The two grenade launchers, as well as their weapons, have been removed. Obviously, this change in the composition of the crew and the armament complex made it possible to simplify the work on re-equipping the finished tank chassis due to the absence of the need for a serious change in the front of the hull. In addition, the withdrawal of grenade launchers from the crew made it possible to reduce the number of people in the vehicle to the "tank" level. In other words, the crew of the T-72 tank and the BMPT at its base consists of three people. In the future, this may contribute to facilitating the retraining of crews.
All weapons of the updated tank support combat vehicle are mounted on the turret. The unit itself, in turn, is mounted on a standard pursuit of a T-72 tank without any modifications to the hull. The complex of turret armament and equipment of the BMPT-72 vehicle is similar to the corresponding equipment of the Terminator vehicle. At the same time, some technical solutions were applied that increase the combat effectiveness and survivability of both the vehicle as a whole and of individual systems. First of all, there is a noticeably developed bulletproof booking of almost all units located on the tower. Two 30 mm 2A42 automatic guns are partially covered by an armored casing. The BMPT-72 ammunition stowage holds up to 850 rounds for both guns. All available projectiles with a caliber of 30 millimeters of the domestic standard are suitable for firing from the 2A42 cannons. Shooting is carried out in two modes: with a high rate at the level of 550 rounds per minute and with a low rate, no more than 250-300 rounds per minute. Above the cannons, a PKTM machine gun with 2,100 rounds of ammunition is placed in its own casing.
The authors of the BMPT-72 project solved the problem of protecting guided weapons, which caused a lot of claims to the tank support vehicle of the first model. On the sides of the Terminator-2 turret, two armored casings are installed, inside of which are mounted transport and launch containers with 9M120-1 or 9M120-1F / 4 guided missiles. The missiles are capable of hitting armored targets at a range of up to 6 kilometers. A complex of means B07S1 is used to control missiles.
The updated fire control system of the BMPT-72 vehicle includes the gunner's and commander's sights, laser rangefinders, a ballistic computer and a weapon stabilizer. The vehicle commander has a combined panoramic sight with television and thermal imaging channels. The sight field of vision is stabilized in two planes. The commander's sight is also equipped with a laser rangefinder. The gunner of the vehicle uses a sight with optical and thermal imaging channels. This sighting device has a field of view stabilized in two planes, and is also equipped with a laser rangefinder and a laser control system for anti-tank missiles.
The aiming equipment used when using a television channel allows the commander of a combat vehicle to recognize enemy tanks at a distance of about 5 kilometers. At night, when using a thermal imaging system, the recognition range is reduced to 3.5 km. The sighting and thermal imaging channels of the gunner's sight provide target detection and recognition at approximately the same distances - 5 and 3.5 km, respectively.
Shortly after the first demonstration of the BMPT-72 Terminator 2, several defense industry officials made statements about its prospects. All of them believe that the updated tank support combat vehicle should interest potential customers. One of the main advantages that can attract interest from the Russian or any foreign army is the basic vehicle. T-72 tanks are operated in many countries, which is why the re-equipment of obsolete equipment of this type into new BMPT-72 can have a beneficial effect on the capabilities of the customer's ground forces.
An interesting feature of the BMPT-72 project is the fact that it was originally created taking into account not only the construction of new machines, but also the re-equipment of existing equipment. According to official information, the Russian enterprise "Uralvagonzavod" can supply the customer with ready-made tank support vehicles or transfer sets of equipment for re-equipping existing tanks by the customer.
The level of protection and firepower of the new infantry fighting vehicle in comparison with the original "Terminator" remained at about the same level. Perhaps, the rejection of automatic grenade launchers can badly affect the fighting qualities. However, this decision was made due to the simplification of design and production. Probably, the absence of two grenade launchers will not be able to alienate potential customers. It is worth recalling that in numerous discussions of the BMPT vehicle, doubts were often expressed about the advisability of installing two automatic grenade launchers, which should be controlled by individual crew members. The claims from specialists and people interested in military equipment concerned both the quantitative aspects of the crew and the combat effectiveness of grenade launchers with limited aiming angles.
The firing capabilities of the cannon and guided weapons of the BMPT-72 roughly correspond to these parameters of the first "Terminator". This can be explained by the fact that when creating a new tank support vehicle, the authors of the project sought to unify it with the T-72 tank, as well as remove the main shortcomings of the previous design. As a result, it became possible to relatively easily convert the tank into a tank support vehicle with sufficiently high characteristics.
So far, potential customers have not talked about their intentions to buy new BMPT-72 vehicles or make them from existing tanks. The first demonstration of the new combat vehicle took place a few weeks ago and therefore it is too early to talk about possible purchases. Potential operators of this technology only recently got the opportunity to familiarize themselves with a new proposal from the Russian defense industry. Contract negotiations may begin in the coming months.
