Several years ago, the domestic defense industry first presented a prototype of a promising heavy wheeled infantry fighting vehicle. In the future, the development of a new project was stopped due to economic and political problems, but later it was continued. The result of the continuation of the required work in the foreseeable future should be the appearance of an updated version of the BMP "Atom". After some downtime, domestic enterprises were able to continue working on a promising project.
The project of wheeled BMP "Atom" was originally a joint development of the Russian and French industries, which later negatively affected its implementation. At the beginning of this decade, the Russian Central Research Institute Burevestnik, which is part of the Uralvagonzavod corporation, signed an agreement with the French company Renault Trucks Defense, the purpose of which was to work together on a promising model of heavy wheeled armored vehicles. Soon, with joint efforts, the two organizations developed a project, which was later embodied in the form of a prototype for demonstration at exhibitions.
The first demonstration of the BMP "Atom" in 2013. Photo Wikimedia Commons
The first public display of a promising wheeled infantry fighting vehicle, dubbed Atom, took place in September 2013 during the Russia Arms Expo 2013 exhibition in Nizhny Tagil. A sample of a new wheeled combat vehicle was displayed at the exhibition area along with other models of equipment developed and produced by the Uralvagonzavod corporation and its enterprises. The joint Russian-French development interested specialists and the general public, soon becoming one of the main topics of discussion of that time.
During the first demonstration, the main advantages of the presented project were noted. It was argued that the experience of French designers from Renault Trucks Defense made it possible to create a modern chassis with high characteristics of mobility, protection, etc., and the Russian Central Research Institute "Burevestnik" created a unique combat module with a 57-mm automatic cannon, capable of providing unconditional superiority over other military technique of a similar class. It was expected that a full-fledged infantry fighting vehicle of the new project would be able to solve the main tasks of transporting personnel and providing fire support to dismounted troops with increased efficiency.
Also, the new project in the future meant the creation of a whole family of specialized equipment based on a common chassis. The characteristics of the Atom chassis made it possible to transport up to 7 tons of payload inside the cargo or passenger compartment with a volume of 10, 7 cubic meters. Thanks to this, on the basis of the basic design, it was possible to create not only an infantry fighting vehicle or an armored personnel carrier, but also other samples. The advertising materials for the project mentioned an anti-aircraft self-propelled gun with a 57-mm gun, a self-propelled gun with a 120-mm cannon, as well as a repair and evacuation, command post, engineering and ambulance vehicles. They had to differ from the presented BMP in the composition of special equipment and weapons.
Information stand of the project. Photo Bastion-karpenko.ru
Later, representatives of development companies revealed the prerequisites for the start of cooperation with foreign enterprises. One of the main reasons for the emergence of the joint Russian-French project "Atom" was the lack of domestic chassis with the required characteristics. Several years ago, the Russian defense industry could not provide the Central Research Institute Burevestnik with any wheeled chassis capable of carrying a promising combat module with a 57-mm automatic cannon. The French car from Renault Trucks Defense, in turn, met these requirements and could be used in a new project.
In early April 2014, news appeared about events and decisions that could lead to a complete stop of work on the Atom project. According to French media, Renault Trucks Defense has decided to suspend its collaboration with Uralvagonzavod Corporation. The official reason for this was the sanctions imposed by the French government against Russia in connection with the events of early 2014. Nevertheless, there was no talk of a complete stop at that time. At the same time, there were certain risks associated with third countries. Among the project's subcontractors was the Swedish company Volvo, from which it was planned to order individual elements of the power plant and chassis. The plans of official Stockholm to join the anti-Russian sanctions could damage the joint Russian-French project.
A prototype of a joint Russian-French assembly. Photo Wikimedia Commons
In June of the same year, the situation somewhat cleared up. During the Eurosatory 2014 exhibition held in France, Igor Sevostyanov, Deputy General Director of Rosoboronexport, made an important statement regarding the Atom project. According to him, the development of the project by the efforts of Russian and French specialists continues successfully. Development is now underway with the aim of offering a new machine to potential customers in the face of foreign countries.
A few months later, in September 2014, Oleg Sienko, General Director of Uralvagonzavod Corporation, again raised the topic of the Atom project. At that time, it was argued that at the next IDEX-2015 exhibition in the United Arab Emirates, it was planned to show a new sample of a promising BMP. Now the Russian industry was going to make a prototype on its own and without the help of foreign partners. Hope was also expressed for an early demonstration of the new development on the move and at the shooting range.
Also in the first half of last year, representatives of the Russian side of the Atom project several times mentioned plans to continue work together with a new partner. So, in June, there were reports about the possible start of cooperation with the United Arab Emirates. The general director of the Uralvagonzavod corporation did not rule out the start of joint work with the UAE, if the industry of this country will work while maintaining the existing dynamics and pace. Soon, these data were updated. Now it was asserted that the development of the Atom project is being continued by Russian specialists independently. Cooperation with the UAE, in turn, is carried out using a foreign base platform.
Sample submitted in 2014. Photo Wikimedia Commons
In April 2016, O. Sienko said that now specialists from the United Arab Emirates and Kazakhstan are involved in the Atom project. Particular successes in the development of the project have been achieved within the framework of cooperation with the UAE represented by Emirates Defense Technologies. The version of the promising machine, which is the result of these works, is based on the foreign Enigma chassis. With the normal development of the project and the absence of serious difficulties, this year a promising model could enter firing tests. In the case of Kazakhstan, the issue of creating another version of the project was considered, in which the platform acquired by the Kazakh industry from a foreign developer would be used.
The main goal of the own version of the Atom project, created by Russian specialists, is the development of a new chassis with high characteristics of mobility, protection and firepower, corresponding to the parameters of the original vehicle of the French company Renault Trucks Defense. The latter has completely withdrawn from the project by now, which is why the Russian corporation Uralvagonzavod has to complete the work independently or in cooperation with foreign companies.
The aft part of the vehicle with a landing ramp. Photo Bastion-karpenko.ru
According to the estimates of the management of the Russian corporation, the development of a promising wheeled chassis designed to replace a French-made car should be completed next year. Until the end of next year, this car will be released for testing, according to the results of which its further fate will be determined. The technical details of the project have not yet been specified. The only affirmation is that it will be much better than existing samples and will receive higher characteristics.
The exact shape and technical characteristics of the domestic chassis, created as a new basis for an infantry fighting vehicle and other vehicles of the Atom family, remains unknown. At the same time, a few years ago, basic data on the BMP joint Russian-French development were published, which allow us to imagine what a new wheeled platform should be. There is reason to believe that at certain points the new domestic project of the chassis will repeat the French, while other features will be determined in accordance with the experience and best practices of domestic engineers.
The initial project proposed the creation of a heavy infantry fighting vehicle on a wheeled chassis. In addition, the base chassis could later become the basis for new types of equipment for other purposes. The main element of the promising model was to be a wheeled chassis, developed mainly by French specialists. It was proposed to mount a Russian combat module with high-powered weapons.
Airborne department of BMP. The commander's workplace is visible in the background. Photo Wikimedia Commons
It was proposed to build the chassis of the BMP "Atom" using up-to-date ideas and solutions, as well as modern components with the required characteristics. It was proposed to manufacture a body with a wedge-shaped profile of the frontal part, formed by large upper and lower, as well as narrow central armor parts. Provided for the vertical lower parts of the sides with attachment points for the chassis. The upper part of the sides, which formed developed niches, was supposed to consist of vertical and inclined parts. Also provided for a horizontal roof and a stern sheet, installed with a slope back.
The hull of the supporting structure was proposed to be made of armored steel, as well as to equip with overhead details of additional booking. The protection of such a body, according to the authors of the project, corresponded to level 5 of the STANAG 4569 standard. In this case, the armor could withstand the hit of a sub-caliber projectile of a 25-mm cannon or fragments of a 155-mm projectile that exploded at a distance of 25 m. Also, level 5 of the standard implies protection of the crew and landing from detonating explosive devices weighing more than 10 kg under the chassis or bottom.
Various solutions and devices were proposed by the Atom project as additional means of protection. It was envisaged to equip an infantry fighting vehicle with hinged screens for protection against cumulative ammunition, an active protection system, laser radiation detection means, protection against weapons of mass destruction, etc. Also, as part of the chassis, it was proposed to use tires suitable for use in a damaged condition. The composition of protective equipment and the level of booking could be changed in accordance with the wishes of the customer.
Possible appearance of an infantry fighting vehicle based on a domestic chassis. Still from the video from Politrussia.com
The layout of the car body had to correspond to the current views on this issue. In front of the hull, at its right side, there was an engine coupled with some transmission units. To the left of the engine compartment there was a control compartment with the driver's and commander's workplaces, placed one after another. The central compartment and the aft part of the hull were the troop compartment. A separate compartment for the combat module was not provided for in the initial project - the combat module was completely placed outside the hull. The commander and driver had their own hatches. The troop compartment received a stern ramp and two sunroofs.
The engines of Renault and Volvo companies with a capacity of about 600 hp were considered as the basis of the power plant. With the help of an automatic transmission, the engine torque was to be distributed to all eight wheels of the chassis, as well as to the water jet propellers. To move overland, it was proposed to use an 8x8 chassis equipped with an independent wheel suspension. Also, next to the rear wheels on the sides of the hull were placed two water jet propellers to overcome water obstacles by swimming. For heading control in this mode, movable flaps are used that overlap the nozzles of the propellers.
The new Atom can carry the Baikal combat module. Still from the video from Politrussia.com
Its own chassis length was 8.2 m, width - 3 m, height (on the roof) - 2.5 m. The combat weight of the equipment could vary within a fairly wide range, being associated with the equipment of the vehicle, primarily with the composition of the reservation and other means protection. The maximum combat weight was determined at the level of 32 tons. At the same time, the power density was supposed to reach 18, 75 hp. per ton, which made it possible to show the maximum speed on the highway up to 100 km / h. The estimated power reserve was 750 km.
The Russian Central Research Institute "Burevestnik" has developed a new combat module with increased caliber weapons. This product was a remotely controlled turret with armor corresponding to the protection of the hull. On the front of the turret was a large barrel armament unit, which included an automatic 57 mm cannon and a coaxial 7, 62 mm machine gun. The design of the tower provided circular horizontal guidance and vertical guidance in the range from -8 ° to + 70 °. The "main caliber" of the combat vehicle could show a rate of fire of up to 140 rounds per minute, and also had the ability to change the type of ammunition used. The full ammunition load was 200 rounds, ready for use - half that. The effective firing range of the main gun was declared at the level of 6 km. Depending on the type of projectile used and the characteristics of the target, this parameter could be increased to 16 km.
It should be noted that, despite the use of similar weapons, the Atoma combat module is not directly related to the AU-220M Baikal system, which is an important element of all recent exhibitions. Modules of the two types have a certain similarity, and are also based on common ideas, however, the newer system, according to some data, is not a direct development of the previous one. Nevertheless, in the future, an updated version of the heavy wheeled infantry fighting vehicle can receive both a previously developed turret with weapons and the Baikal module.
To search for targets and aim the guns, it was proposed to use optoelectronic equipment located on the roof of the new tower. This equipment was supposed to work in conjunction with the control panel at the operator's workplace. The operator had the opportunity to receive a video signal from the tower's devices, with its help, to control the situation and search for targets, as well as to carry out guidance and shooting. All control over the operation of the combat module was to be carried out using remote control facilities. Direct human participation was required only in some situations, such as replenishment of ammunition ready for use.
Possible car appearance, roof view. The hatches for the crew and troops are highlighted in orange. Still from the video from Politrussia.com
In the configuration of a heavy infantry fighting vehicle, the Atom was to be operated by a crew of three. In the front of the hull, to the left of the engine, there were the driver's (in front) and commander's (behind him) workplaces, equipped with all the necessary control devices and controls. Behind the commander and driver there was a place for the gunner-operator of weapons. With the help of the available instruments, he was supposed to control the operation of the combat module. The aft part of the hull was given over to the troop compartment with places for placing soldiers with weapons. Along the sides there were four landing chairs. The seats of the chairs could rise to a vertical position, facilitating dismounting or freeing up the volume for the carriage of certain goods.
According to the latest reports on the progress of the Atom project, published in the spring of this year, the domestic industry is currently developing its own version of a wheeled chassis, which is necessary for the further development of a promising model of military equipment. The Uralvagonzavod corporation plans to complete the design, build a prototype and launch it for testing in the next 2017.
Apparently, a prototype BMP "Atom" entirely of domestic design and assembly will be demonstrated for the first time at one of the Russian exhibitions of military equipment and weapons next year. If the work goes on without any serious difficulties, then the car will be able to show not only in a static parking lot, but even in demonstration events at the test site. Nevertheless, so far all this remains a matter of a rather distant prospect. In the meantime, design work continues.
BMP "Atom" on the ground. Still from the video from Politrussia.com
The current situation around the Atom project, namely the list of foreign partners of domestic development enterprises, makes the prospects for new technology obvious. It is unlikely that vehicles of a new model or even a whole new family will be offered to the domestic armed forces, for which a different version of a unified wheeled platform is already being created. But "Atom" in the configuration of an infantry fighting vehicle or in the form of equipment for other purposes may be of interest to foreign customers. Thus, the United Arab Emirates and Kazakhstan have already shown interest in the proposed concept, although they wished to receive equipment based on independently selected chassis. In the future, a similar reaction can be expected from other states.
BMP "Atom" may be of interest to foreign armies for a number of reasons of tactical, technical, economic and operational nature. At the same time, the main reason for interest, as shown by joint work with the UAE and Kazakhstan, lies in the newest combat module with increased firepower characteristics. The 57-mm automatic cannon dramatically stands out from the modern concepts of armored vehicle armament, differing from the "generally accepted" systems with increased characteristics. As a result, the new gun can be a decisive advantage over other modern models of combat vehicles of various classes.
The project of promising armored vehicles "Atom", presented several years ago, during its development managed to encounter noticeable difficulties of a political and economic nature, but it was still not stopped. On the contrary, having lost its foreign partner represented by the French company Renault Trucks Defense, the Russian side continued to work, and also managed to interest other countries in the new proposal. Thanks to this, after a break, work on the promising BMP Atom was continued. At the same time, domestic specialists carry out work both independently and in cooperation with foreign colleagues. Thus, the project lost some time, but still retained its commercial and combat potential. How successfully this potential will be realized will become known later, when prototypes of the updated Atom machines are tested, appear at exhibitions and contribute to the emergence of contracts.
