Btr new generation. Russian revolution: a new generation of armored vehicles. Prospects for further modernization

The largest Russian military technical salon"Army-2018" will be held in Kubinka near Moscow from August 21 to 26. At 12 venues in Alabino and the Patriot park of culture and recreation of the Russian Armed Forces, Russian and foreign companies will present the latest designs military equipment. The forum includes exposition, demonstration and scientific and business programs. Among the representatives of the Russian military-industrial complex at the exhibition is the leading domestic manufacturer of armored vehicles LLC "Military Industrial Company" (VPK). On the eve of the weapons salon, the general director of the military-industrial complex Alexander Krasovitsky told RIA Novosti correspondents Ivan Suraev and Irina Alshaeva about the company's new products that will be presented at the forum, the capabilities of the modified Tigr armored car, the modernization of existing vehicles, the latest developments and the timing of the creation of the promising Boomerang wheeled platform.

- Alexander Vladimirovich, the military-industrial complex is trying to show new items at every Army forum: how do you plan to surprise the visitors of the arms showroom in Kubinka this time?

— Yes, it is our old tradition to present some of the new developments at each Army exhibition. Thus, we show that we do not stand still, we develop and move forward.

This time we brought an updated armored car "Tiger" - this is a modified version of the car special purpose"Tiger-M SpN". This work was carried out by the military-industrial complex on its own initiative at its own expense. This was done in order to show that the potential of the "Tiger" has not yet been exhausted, and to present to our customers the new developments of the company. In addition to the refinement of the exterior of the nose of the vehicle, which undoubtedly made the "Tiger" more modern and attractive, the changes also affected the combat properties of the vehicle. The designers have improved the protection of the engine, and now it is protected not only by an armored hood on top and an armored radiator grille in front, but also from the sides with additional armor plates.

The interior of the car is equipped with anti-traumatic seats for the crew with five-point seat belts. However, due to the fact that such chairs cannot be installed on the wheel arches, the crew of the car was reduced by one person - from six to five fighters. For convenient boarding and disembarkation of the crew, the machine is equipped with steps on the sides and a folding step under the aft swing door. Updated "Tiger" is equipped with modern system circular video review, which provides high situational awareness of the vehicle crew.

Visitors to our booth can also see the Tigr-M armored car with the Arbalet DM remotely controlled weapon station. But this is a slightly different combat module, not the one that everyone is used to seeing on our "Tigers" at parades on Red Square. A feature of this model is that the armament of the new DBM includes a 23-mm automatic cannon AP-23 or a 40-mm automatic grenade launcher MGK-40. Depending on the combat missions performed, either one or the other type of weapon is installed on the module. The armament complex of the new DBM makes it possible to combat lightly armored and unarmored enemy targets, its manpower located both in open areas of the terrain and behind natural shelters or on reverse slopes of heights, with low-flying helicopters and aircraft at ranges up to two kilometers. In terms of its combat effectiveness, the Tigr-M armored car, equipped with a DBM with new types of weapons, is significantly superior to foreign analogues of armored vehicles due to more powerful weapons and better mobility and security characteristics.

In addition, a sample of an armored personnel carrier with a front location is presented at the stand of the military-industrial complex power plant BTR-87 also with a new combat module. Its weapon system includes a 30-mm automatic cannon, a coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun and the Ataka-T guided missile weapon system in combination with an automated fire control system (FCS). The SLA of the updated BTR-87 provides firing from all types of weapons of the weapons complex from a place, on the move and afloat, day and night.

The dimensions of the BTR-87 hull are comfortable for accommodating the crew and troops (11 fighters in total), convenient for transporting the vehicle by all modes of transport, its passage through all technological lines of maintenance and repair in the troops. They also provide good seaworthiness when overcoming water obstacles by swimming. Two powerful water cannons installed in the stern of the vehicle allow the armored personnel carrier to reach a maximum speed afloat of up to 14 kilometers per hour.

- What new combat vehicles are being developed and what existing developments are being modified by the military-industrial company today?

Today, engineers and designers of the military-industrial complex are simultaneously working on 14 development projects, the purpose of which is to create 14 new vehicles, including new modifications of the Tiger armored vehicles, the BTR-82A armored personnel carrier, and the Boomerang unified wheeled armored platform. In particular, we are working on the creation of a prototype of the upgraded Tigr armored car as part of the Atlet R&D.

The main directions for improving the design of the machine are to increase its carrying capacity to two tons, as well as mine resistance and ballistic protection. I think that by the end of the year we will see a prototype of this machine.

We are also engaged in the modernization of wheeled armored personnel carriers of the BTR-80/82A family. Despite their age, the potential of these machines is not yet far exhausted. Our designers are working on various options improvements to these vehicles, including options for equipping them with more modern combat modules, and increasing the security of the vehicle.

At the Army-2018 exhibition, as part of a dynamic display of equipment, a new modification of the armored personnel carrier, the BTR-82AT, will be demonstrated. This modification of the combat vehicle has a new multi-channel sighting system with a thermal imaging channel manufactured by the Rostov Optical and Mechanical Plant. The thermal imaging sight provides a sharp increase, by several times, in the ranges of target detection and aimed fire at night, as well as in conditions of poor visibility - in fog, in snowfall and in high dustiness.

This year, we must complete preliminary tests of the Boomerang unified wheeled armored platform and prepare a prototype for state testing. After the completion of state tests, the first "Boomerangs" will begin to enter the troops. In addition, we are working on new samples of civilian vehicles based on the used chassis of armored personnel carriers and Tigr armored vehicles.

A number of R&D projects being carried out by military-industrial complex specialists are aimed at creating new modifications of vehicles based on the Tigr armored vehicles and BTR-82A armored personnel carriers, but it is still too early to talk about them.

- The company was engaged in projects on the "Tiger" together with the French Nexter Systems, but due to the imposition of sanctions, cooperation was stopped. Are there joint developments of armored vehicles with other foreign companies?

— Yes, we work with a number of foreign companies in the areas of developing joint projects, organizing the production of our machines at the customer’s site, and equipping our machines with additional equipment. Since we are connected with these companies by a number of agreements, including the non-dissemination of information about our developments, I cannot yet talk about these works. The time will come, we will tell and show everything.

Recently, at one of the exhibitions, we met with colleagues from Nexter Systems. They are very sorry that they were forced to interrupt cooperation with our company, and express the hope that in the near future, when the political unrest subsides, they will be able to resume cooperation with us.

— Is the production of the Volk armored car going on, have there been state tests of this platform?

- For a number of reasons, a few years ago, work on the R&D, within which the Volk multi-purpose modular vehicles with 4x4 and 6x6 wheel arrangements were created, was stopped, but the R&D was not closed. And just recently, this work was resumed by the Ministry of Defense. Currently, all prototypes have been transferred to the research and testing center for automotive equipment of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, where they are undergoing further tests.

- Have any practical results been achieved? international presentation police armored car "Bear"? Did he have the first customers, and if so, could you name them? Are there any orders for the "Bear" from the Russian Ministry of Defense?

- As international and Russian practice shows, from the first presentation of the machine to a potential customer before signing a contract, it takes from three to six years. We are working with our potential customers, negotiations are underway, various technical issues are being discussed. We hope everything works out the way we want.

As for the Russian Ministry of Defense, everything is still at the stage of forming the terms of reference for the "Bear", which will be created for our military. This is due to the fact that the requirements for equipment for the troops of the National Guard of Russia and the Ministry of Defense are different.

The Russian defense industry has extensive experience in the creation and mass production of armored personnel carriers. For several decades, a number of models of such equipment have been developed and put into series, and such work continues to this day. A few years ago, seeing the needs of potential customers, one of the enterprises created the BTR-87 armored personnel carrier. In this project, already known ideas and solutions were to be combined with the characteristic features of modern armored combat vehicles.

The project of a promising armored personnel carrier was developed on an initiative basis by specialists from the Military Industrial Company LLC; development work started a few years ago. The existence of the project became known in the spring of 2016, thanks to the Corps Plant enterprise (Vyksa), which is part of the Military Industrial Company. In the official presentation about the development of the enterprise, there was a photograph of an unknown armored vehicle called the BTR-87. It is known that a few months before this, an experimental vehicle was shown at the Army-2015 forum to a narrow circle of specialists and the military.

The first official public display of the BTR-87, in which the public was able to get acquainted with the machine, took place at the Army-2017 international military-technical forum. It should be noted that by this time the prototype had undergone some changes and received new fighting qualities. All this was reflected, among other things, in the appearance of the armored personnel carrier. At the same time, the main provisions of the project remained the same.

According to the data of previous years, the purpose of the BTR-87 project was a deep modernization of the existing armored personnel carrier BTR-82A, aimed at increasing the level of protection of the vehicle itself and the landing force when dismounting. In fact, it was about reworking an existing sample in accordance with modern views on the appearance and use of such equipment. To solve such problems, it was necessary to redesign the hull design, as well as radically change its layout. Later it became clear that the project also provided for the strengthening of the weapons complex.

It was also reported that the BTR-87 is primarily intended for sale to third countries. He could win back his market share due to the successful combination of technical and combat characteristics, as well as an acceptable cost. The latter was due to the maximum possible unification with the relatively simple and cheap BTR-82A.

There are two main claims traditionally made to domestic armored personnel carriers of the BTR-80 family. First of all, there is an insufficient level of ballistic and mine protection, which no longer corresponds to current threats. Secondly, these vehicles have a specific layout with a central location of the troop compartment, as a result of which the fighters have to dismount through the side doors. This does not allow them to immediately hide behind an armored hull and leads to additional risks. Finally, the existing weapon system with a 30-mm cannon and a 7.62-mm machine gun has long been a topic of controversy.

The project of the "Military Industrial Company" offered very successful solutions to all these issues. As a result, the BTR-87 compares favorably with the base sample by a higher level of protection, greater ease of use and increased firepower. Despite this, a high degree of unification with the BTR-82A remains.

The existing armored hull underwent the most serious modifications in the new project. It retains some similarity with the base product, but at the same time differs markedly from it. So, a different placement of the main units led to a change in the shape of the front and rear parts. In addition, some elements of internal equipment had to be removed or transferred.

The layout of the new armored vehicle, top view. Figure Gurkhan.blogspot.com

From the point of view of the level of protection, the armored hull of the new vehicle differs little from its predecessor. At the same time, the BTR-87 project provides for the possibility of installing additional hinged panels. Devices with metal and ceramic elements significantly increase the level of protection of an armored personnel carrier in accordance with existing threats. The frontal projection of the vehicle with attached modules is capable of withstanding a 23 mm gun projectile when fired from a distance of 500 m. Own and additional armor also provide all-round protection against 12.7 mm bullets.

To solve one of the main tasks of the project, the layout of the hull was changed. In its front part, there is now only a narrow two-seat control compartment located at the port side. To the right of it, inside a large compartment, they placed the engine and the main elements of the transmission. Other parts of the transmission, as before, are located at the level of the bottom. Behind the control compartment and the engine compartment is a large habitable volume, which occupies a little more than half of the total length of the hull.

In front of this compartment, a kind of fighting compartment was placed with the operator-gunner's seat and the necessary devices. All other volumes are a large troop compartment with two rows of seats. According to the main provisions of the project, the landing force must leave its vehicle through the aft doors, which allows it to remain as long as possible under the cover of a large armored corps.

A YaMZ-53602 diesel engine with a power of 312 hp is mounted in the front engine compartment. Through the YaMZ-183-75 type clutch, it is connected to the YaMZ-12051 five-speed gearbox. At the request of the customer, the machine can be equipped with a GMP-3361 hydromechanical transmission. In both cases, remote controls with mechanical drives are used, which simplify operation and increase some characteristics. The transmission provides drive to all eight wheels. Bridges borrowed from the BTR-82A are equipped with lockable differentials.

Inside the engine compartment there is also a diesel generator set DGU8-P27.5-VM2. With its help, power is provided to the main systems when the main engine is turned off.

The chassis of the new armored personnel carrier was borrowed from the existing vehicle. It includes eight large-diameter wheels with a torsion bar suspension reinforced with hydraulic shock absorbers. Like the base armored vehicle, the axles are spaced at different intervals: the distance between the second and third axles has been increased.

Modified prototype at the exhibition "Army-2017". Photo Vpk.name

The armored vehicle remained floating, but other devices are now used to solve these problems. To move through the water on the BTR-87, a pair of aft jet propulsion units is used. These devices are placed in the aft niches of the hull, behind the fourth axle. To perform maneuvers, water cannons rotate around a vertical axis. A folding wave-reflecting shield is preserved on the frontal part of the hull.

BTR-87 "inherited" the main elements of the weapon system. This machine is equipped with a BPPU-1 cannon-machine gun mount. At the same time, the change in the layout of the hull led to the fact that the shoulder strap of the tower shifted from the front of the roof to the central one. The installation is still equipped with 30 mm automatic gun 2A72 and 7.62 mm PKTM coaxial machine gun. Mounted on the tower optical instruments for targeting and guidance.

Initially, the BTR-87 carried the BPPU-1 in its original configuration. Last year it was demonstrated with a modified weapon system. Two launchers appeared on the sides of the tower with mounts for a pair of transport and launch containers on each. According to the developer, the armored personnel carrier can be equipped with RPO-A rocket-propelled flamethrowers or Kornet anti-tank missiles. This dramatically increases firepower armored vehicles and expands the list of effectively attacked targets.

It was reported that a promising armored personnel carrier, at the request of the customer, can receive other combat modules. The possibility of mounting habitable and remotely controlled systems with one or another weapon is being considered. With the appropriate order, the existing chassis can even be used for mounting combat compartments with large-caliber artillery systems.

Own crew of the BTR-87 consists of two people. Two, one after the other, are located in the front compartment of the control. The driver is in the front seat, the commander is in the back. Above their places there are their own hatches with viewing devices. The control compartment does not have a rear partition, and from it you can get into the landing compartment. The third crew member, who controls the combat module, is located directly below it.

The armored personnel carrier has an aft troop compartment, in which eight folding seats for soldiers are installed. The landing party is seated along the sides, facing each other. The seats are mounted on the sides of the hull, which to a certain extent reduces the negative impact of the blast wave coming from under the bottom. For landing and disembarking, the troop compartment has two aft doors large sizes. There are four hatches above the seats in the roof.

A radical reworking of the existing hull led to a noticeable change in the contours and an increase in the dimensions of the machine. The length of the BTR-87 has grown to 7.95 m, the width is slightly less than 3 m, the height is more than 3 m. The combat weight without hinged armor is determined at 16.5 tons. h. Max speed on water reaches 10 km / h. Power reserve - 800 km.

It is known that the BTR-87 armored personnel carrier was developed by the Military Industrial Company on its own initiative and without an order from the Russian or foreign military. However, already in 2015, a prototype of such a machine was included in the closed part of the exposition of the Army military-technical forum. What feedback this armored personnel carrier received from the Russian military is unknown. Two years later, the car was first openly shown to the public as part of the "general" exposition of the new forum. For a more complete demonstration of the main capabilities of the armored personnel carrier stood at the exhibition area with open aft doors.

According to reports, the presented armored personnel carrier attracted the attention of visitors to the Army-2017 forum, both civilian and military. At the same time, there is no information about any real interest from potential customers. Even if the BTR-87 was able to interest one or another foreign army, the start of negotiations and the signing of the contract have not yet been reported. Whether such information will appear in the future, time will tell.

Based on the available data, it should be expected that the BTR-87 is capable of becoming the subject of a contract for the supply of serial equipment. This armored vehicle has a number characteristic features, making it a profitable acquisition for certain armies. First of all, small states with limited financial capabilities that have a need to update the fleet of protected vehicles for infantry can be considered as potential buyers. Despite a number of significant limitations, the BTR-87 has a very favorable ratio of characteristics and qualities.

The main goals of the BTR-87 project were to increase the level of protection of the vehicle itself and the dismounting paratroopers. While maintaining the basic parameters of the hull of older armored vehicles, the project uses additional hinged armor, which dramatically increases the level of protection. In addition, the troop compartment was moved to the stern and devoid of side doors. All this in an understandable way affects the safety of the landing during the trip and landing.

The existing prototype BTR-87 initially carried the BPPU-1 cannon-machine gun mount in its original form. Later it was supplemented with guided anti-tank missiles, instead of which other weapons can be used. In the configuration with the Kornet complex, the armored personnel carrier receives serious advantages over other domestic and foreign vehicles of its class. Not all modern armored personnel carriers regularly carry anti-tank systems and can fight against well-protected targets.

A possible upgrade option for the BTR-87 with different hull contours, a new combat module and aft ramp. Figure Gurkhan.blogspor.com

Structural and technological continuity, as well as the unification of the new machine with the equipment of the BTR-80 family should simplify and reduce the cost of production along with subsequent operation. Thus, the BTR-87 turns out to be quite cheap and simple, but at the same time it surpasses its predecessors in terms of its main characteristics and combat qualities.

Such a commercial proposal, first of all, should be of interest to developing countries with limited opportunities. Many armies need modern armored vehicles, but not all receive sufficient funding and are able to purchase it. In such a situation, samples like the Russian BTR-87 turn out to be a very successful and promising compromise solution.

As for domestic structures, they may also show interest in the original armored personnel carrier. However, the presence of several other modern developments, including completely new ones and differing in other capabilities, seriously reduces the potential of the BTR-87 in the "domestic market".

Nevertheless, one should not overestimate the promising armored personnel carrier. This machine was developed more than three years ago, and a few months later it became known to the general public and foreign experts. Last year it was shown for the first time in an open exhibition. Despite the rather large age, the BTR-87 has not yet managed to become the subject of any contract. Whether this situation will change in the future remains to be seen. Events can develop both according to an optimistic and negative scenario.

Regardless of the current state of affairs and future events, it should be noted that the BTR-87 project is of some interest. During the creation of this machine, domestic engineers managed to solve the main problems of the existing armored vehicles for infantry, making the most extensive use of ready-made developments and units. If there is interest from potential customers, the existing project can be further developed. Whether they will change it, and what this will lead to, will become known later.

According to the websites:
https://rg.ru/
http://tass.ru/
https://vpk.name/
http://otvaga2004.ru/
https://bmpd.livejournal.com/
http://gurkhan.blogspot.com/

For the parade in honor of the 70th anniversary of the Great Victory, new models of Russian military equipment are being prepared, which are planned to be put into service in the very near future. Among them is the Boomerang armored personnel carrier. Photos of this armored personnel carrier, created to replace the BTR-82, are rarely published so far. Even now, vehicles are covered with tarpaulins to keep the main weapons and surveillance systems out of the reach of overly inquisitive eyes. But some information is still leaking to the press, and it should be assumed that this is happening quite sanctioned. It can be used to judge the degree of innovation of the main technical solutions used in the design of the Boomerang armored personnel carrier, which has the official designation VPK-7829.

Armored personnel carriers as a type of equipment

The armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles are vehicles designed to perform a dual task: they must deliver infantry units to the battlefield and provide them with fire support. In some cases, they are used to cover the advancing soldiers with corps, but this is possible only when the defending forces do not have at their disposal powerful means of combating armored vehicles. Otherwise, vehicles with relatively light protection (as a rule, anti-bullet and anti-fragmentation) are doomed to an early defeat by shells, ATGMs or hand grenade launchers.

The armored personnel carriers developed in the USSR and other countries have another drawback: they are very vulnerable to minefields. Machines traditionally strive to make them lighter, providing them with maximum speed and firepower, as well as air mobility, and therefore the bottom has poor protection. When a landmine or anti-tank mine explodes at the time of the collision, there is a serious risk of death of the crew and all other military personnel inside the hull from compression. It is for this reason that during the armed conflicts of recent decades (including Afghan war) soldiers, as a rule, on the march preferred to be on armor, quite reasonably fearing enemy bullets less than insidious mines set on the road.

When designing the new Russian armored personnel carrier "Boomerang", the designers of the "Military Industrial Company" tried to level the circumstances that prevent the successful implementation of the main functions of this type of weapon, and expand its capabilities.

Radical technical and ideological changes

Traditionally, Russian designers of military equipment rely on the experience gained in Soviet years. However, this time the familiar system was rejected from the outset. In the 90s, work was underway to create a new armored personnel carrier "Rostok" (BTR-90), which was a deep modernization of the BTR-82, but the leadership of the Ministry of Defense was not impressed with the results. The project was called "Gilza". The engine was supposed to be placed in the middle of the car, the interior space remained cramped, and the modification potential of the sample was extremely limited. Work on the BTR-90 was stopped, but some successful solutions were decided to be transferred to new project"Boomerang". The armored personnel carrier, however, had to be practically created anew, having completely revised the entire ideology and architecture of the combat vehicle.

What is known about the "Boomerang"

In addition to the published images, the weight of the loaded vehicle is reliably known - it is 20 tons, but it is assumed that in certain modifications it can reach 25. The engine layout is rational: it occupies the front and partially the middle length of the armored hull, protecting the crew and infantrymen. The internal volume of the troop compartment is increased compared to the BTR-82 and other Soviet-designed motorized infantry vehicles. This is due to the fact that in modern conditions military personnel have more voluminous equipment, including bulletproof vests. Soldiers can leave a roomy car much faster than a cramped one, thus increasing the size is not only a matter of comfort, but also of safety. And she was given great attention.

Personnel protection

The not very rich information provided to public media channels contains information that the degree of protection of personnel in the armored hull from damaging factors used by a potential adversary on present stage, is unprecedented. This is facilitated by several revolutionary technical solutions, including the layout scheme, the use of layered armor protection and special measures that protect against the effects of the impact of the blast wave from below. Even the seats are not mounted on the floor - they are suspended from the top plate and with a strong push will help mitigate the shaking. It is also important that the crew, like the landing force, if necessary, leaves the car through the rear hatches-doors, avoiding sectors of fire. The design of the BTR "Boomerang" also provides for various types of active protection.

tank armor

In modern combat, the enemy can use any, including the most powerful anti-tank systems. HEAT shells and rocket-propelled grenades burn through the thickest armor, their device is designed to destroy all existing species technology. It is simply impossible today to fully guarantee impenetrability, but the complication of this task means an increase in the likelihood of success. The Boomerang armored personnel carrier VPK-7829 is equipped with special armor, which infantry vehicles have never been protected before. The ceramic layer, integrated into a special panel, is able to contain the cumulative jet and prevent it from penetrating inside the case. This type of armor is usually intended for tanks, but modern requirements have prompted military-industrial complex engineers to apply it to the transporter.

Power plant and running gear

Details are unknown, as well as the power of the diesel engine that the Boomerang armored personnel carrier is equipped with. Specifications are not disclosed, but it is obvious that they significantly exceed the performance of earlier vehicles (BTR-80, BTR-82, and even more so BTR-70), from which we can conclude that the power unit simply cannot be weaker than 600 horsepower. The dimensions have been increased compared to previous models, the protection has been strengthened, therefore, corresponding power is required to ensure speed and maneuverability. Another circumstance - the displacement of the diesel engine from the central axis and the presence of the driver's passage to the reserve hatch - indicates that the transmission of forces to the wheels is unusual. Most likely, each roller has its own electric drive, and the front-mounted engine serves to power the generator shaft. This version is also supported by the grace with which water cannons are attached to the armored hull.

Platform versatility

From the very beginning (development began presumably in 2010), the new Boomerang armored personnel carrier of Russia was created not just as a means of delivering infantry and its fire support. It should become the basis (platform) on which the technical possibility of producing machines for various purposes is provided, and, if necessary, also have the potential for rapid re-equipment by changing modules. On the basis of the chassis, it is planned to produce anti-tank mobile systems, evacuators of the wounded, front-line reconnaissance, air defense and electronic warfare. Therefore, the images of the secret car that have become the property of the media are different. The new Russian armored personnel carrier "Boomerang", the photo of which sometimes shows the absence of a tower or the presence of some devices of unknown purpose, can have a wide variety of equipment.

Weapon

This infantry vehicle is heavily armed. The first thing that any military observer usually pays attention to, out of old habit, is a turret gun. In the standard version, announced in the press, it is rapid-fire (2A42), has a caliber of 30 mm and is controlled remotely. However, there is information that there are prototypes of the Boomerang armored personnel carrier with a 57-mm automatic cannon. The robotic combat module, isolated from the crew, also includes a 7.62-caliber PKTM machine gun and two Kornet launchers capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 10 km. Armaments are controlled by an automated control system that searches for targets (including camouflaged ones) in automatic mode in any weather and lighting conditions.

There is also a variant in which the rapid-fire artillery gun is replaced by a 12.7 mm machine gun, which also has computerized control.

KAZ

There is no official confirmation of this information yet, but experts believe that the Boomerang armored personnel carrier may well have an active protection complex as part of its equipment. This system protects a combat unit within a hemisphere of a certain radius from almost all weapons, such as ATGMs, NURs, and even anti-tank shells. If mass-produced copies are really equipped with KAZs, then the new armored personnel carrier will become the world's most protected means of transport and fire support for infantry. Together with other electronic devices that the Boomerang is saturated with, the active protection complex is included in the integrated control system for all functions of the combat vehicle - from controlling the operation of electric motors to ultra-precise notification and navigation. Thermal imaging equipment is used for observation at night. The commander can always judge the serviceability of components and assemblies or the degree of their damage thanks to a convenient indication.

Floating APC

The presence of two symmetrically located water cannons in the aft part of the machine indicates the ability of the machine to overcome water obstacles. This quality is very important in the context of local tactical operations, during which the establishment of crossings is difficult or can unmask the direction of the main attack, and the capture of bridges is not always justified. The "navigable" qualities can be very useful in sea or river landings, especially if the landing craft cannot come close to the shore. It is not known for certain what speed water cannons impart to the Boomerang armored personnel carrier, representatives of the design bureau are limited to the definition of “not bad”.

Project prospects

It will take quite a bit of time, and today's unique car will become quite ordinary and familiar in military units, displacing the BTR-80, the production of which, quite possibly, will be continued for export deliveries, not every country can afford to purchase modern expensive high-tech equipment.

The launch in a large series is planned for 2017. It will begin after comprehensive checks and full-scale tests in the troops, confirming the combat readiness and high efficiency of the new model. "Boomerangs" will become the technical basis of the motorized infantry units of the Russian Army.

The layout of this machine remained the same as on previous models. The changes affected mainly the weapons complex. In fact, the new armored personnel carrier turned out to be a light tank.

The BTR-90 is equipped with devices for the collective protection of the combat crew (10 people) from the impact of a shock wave and penetrating radiation during explosions of nuclear weapons, from radioactive dust, bacterial agents, poisonous substances during the operation of the vehicle in contaminated areas. Also, the combat crew is reliably protected from bullets. heavy machine guns and shell fragments. To improve the protective properties, additional armor can be installed, as well as passive (dynamic) and active protection systems. At the request of the customer, the machine is equipped with air conditioning.

High driving performance combined with excellent fire capabilities, comfortable location of the crew and troops make the BTR-90 indispensable for combat missions of any army in the world.

The layout of this machine remained the same as on previous models. The changes affected mainly the weapons complex. In fact, the new armored personnel carrier turned out to be a light tank.

Its weapon system allows it to fight tanks at ranges over 4 km, destroy armored vehicles, helicopters and light engineering structures at ranges up to 2500 meters, and manpower (including on reverse slopes) - at ranges up to 4000 meters. Four types of weapons are installed in the fighting compartment. These are a 30 mm 2A42 automatic cannon, a 7.62 mm PKT machine gun, a 30 mm AG-17 grenade launcher and an anti-tank missile system(ATGM) "Competition". The double-seat fighting compartment has stabilization in two planes, which allows it to fight both from a place and on the move in day and night conditions.

In addition, the carrying capacity of the armored personnel carrier (7 tons) and a significant internal volume make it possible to use it as a chassis for 120-mm anti-tank gun, mortars, anti-aircraft missile and anti-tank systems.

The double fighting compartment accommodates, in addition to the gunner-operator, the commander of the vehicle. If the gunner did not notice the target, he can take control of the weapons and also fire.

The operator's station is equipped with a combined sight BPKZ-42 (operates both day and night). The commander has a 1P-13 day sight. The chassis received a new original transmission, which significantly increases maneuverability. Thanks to this, the armored personnel carrier is able to turn around on the spot, like a tank. Despite the relatively large weight, the BTR-90 swims well even in a storm of three points. In addition, the machine is adapted to transport various types transport.

High driving performance is provided by a powerful (510 hp) multi-fuel turbocharged diesel engine, automatic hydromechanical reversible gearbox, independent suspension of all wheels, their all-wheel drive. Movement is possible even with complete damage to the four wheels. The BTR-90 used a new original transmission scheme. Despite the relatively large weight (about 21 tons), the vehicle can overcome water obstacles without prior preparation thanks to the installation of two water jets. The vehicle can confidently enter the landing ship from the water and also easily exit it. The BTR-90 is the first of the armored personnel carriers that can be equipped with an onboard information and control system (CICS), which allows for effective automated control transmission and engine, monitoring and diagnostics of vital machine systems.

Modifications:
BTR-90 "Rostok" - a modification of the BTR-90 with a 30-mm 2A42 automatic cannon, a 7.62-mm PKTM machine gun, an AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher and the Konkurs-M anti-tank complex, not equipped with an FCS and a thermal imager.

BTR-90 "Berezhok" - a modification of the BTR-90 with a 30-mm 2A42 automatic cannon, a 7.62-mm PKTM machine gun, an AGS-30 automatic grenade launcher and Kornet anti-tank systems, equipped with an FCS and a thermal imager.

BTR-90M - modification of the BTR-90. The Bakhcha-U fighting compartment was installed, which includes a 100-mm 2A70 cannon, a 30-mm 2A72 cannon, a 7.62-mm PKTM machine gun, an anti-tank complex 9M117M1 Arkan or 9K117 Agona, equipped with an SLA and a thermal imager.

Tactical and technical characteristics:
Vehicle floating, wheeled, armored
Wheel formula ........................................ 8x8
Gross weight, kg ....................................... 20920
Crew and landing ....................................... 10
Engine .................multi-fuel diesel with
turbocharged, liquid cooled
Engine power, kW / hp ........... 368/510
Armament:
30 mm automatic gun 2A42,
7.62 mm PKT machine gun,
grenade launcher 30 mm AG-17,
ATGM
Pointing angles, degrees:
vertical .................................. -5 to +75
Horizontally ...............................................360
Ammunition, pcs.:
cartridges for the gun 2A42...............................500
cartridges for the PKT machine gun .............................. 2000
shots for the AG-17 grenade launcher ............... 400
ATGM .............................................. ................ four
Turning radius, m:
front wheel steering ..............................14
skid .......................................................... 6
Clearance, mm ............................................... ...510
Maximum speed, km/h:
by highway .................................................. .......100
afloat................................................ .over 9
average speed cross-country traffic
terrain, km / h ................................. over 50
Cruising range on fuel, km .............................. 800

The February issue of IHS Jane's International Defense Review magazine published an article by the world's leading expert in armored vehicles, Christopher Foss, "The Russian Revolution: A New Generation of Armored Vehicles." According to him, the rearmament program Russian army tracked and wheeled armored vehicles of the new generation is the most ambitious among programs of this type.

After a number of unsuccessful attempts, it is expected that in the near future the Russian army will acquire a new fleet of tracked and wheeled armored vehicles designed to replace platforms, the designs of which were developed more than 30 years ago and further modernization of which is impractical.

Given the scale of this ambitious program to re-equip the army with armored vehicles, the current state of the country's economy, as well as the impact of Western sanctions, it remains unclear whether its schedule will be maintained and whether the required number of new platforms will be delivered in the next five years.

In order to reduce the cost life cycle, where possible, these new Russian armored vehicles use unified components and assemblies. In addition, it will also simplify training and logistics.

Currently, the production of Russian main battle tanks (MBTs) is concentrated in Nizhny Tagil, while the production of tracked infantry fighting vehicles BMP-3, airborne combat vehicles BMD-4M and multipurpose amphibious armored vehicles is carried out in Kurgan. The production of a family of eight-wheeled armored personnel carriers (APCs) is concentrated in Nizhny Novgorod.

A few years ago, the plant located in St. Petersburg ceased production of MBTs, and the Omsk plant completed the production of T-80U tanks and is now aiming to focus on the production of armored support vehicles.

The other major Soviet tank factory was in Kharkov in the Ukraine, but production ceased there as well. Currently, Ukraine is implementing its own programs for the development of MBT and armored vehicles and competes with Russia for contracts on the international market; it has already received a number of major export contracts from the armies of Iraq, Pakistan and Thailand.

End cold war had a significant impact not only on major manufacturers of Russian armored vehicles, but also on R&D organizations and many subcontractors, without whom the production lines of assembly plants cannot function.

Due to a significant reduction in new orders of armored vehicles for the Russian army, export contracts concluded with major customers (India, Libya, Syria, United United Arab Emirates and Venezuela) turned out to be extremely important for the Russian industry.

Russia also started a number of joint programs with Western military contractors, but they were stopped due to sanctions. For example, the French company Thales Group supplied a large number of thermal imagers for Russian T-90 tanks, and the German company Rheinmetall Defense had contracts for the supply of training equipment. Similarly, the French company Renault Trucks Defense, together with Uralvagonzavod, developed an eight-wheeled Atom infantry fighting vehicle, a mock-up of which was shown in 2013, but this program has also since been discontinued.

MBT T-14 "Armata"

The T-90 tank, which was originally designated as T-72BU, is the most recent MBT to enter service with the Russian army. The tank was finally put into service at the end of 1992, and its production is carried out at the plant of the Uralvagonzavod corporation in Nizhny Tagil, which is currently the only operating tank plant in Russia.

Several unsuccessful attempts were made to re-equip the dwindling fleet of Russian tanks, the latest of which was the T-95 tank, equipped with a 152 mm 2A83 gun with an automatic loader.

Currently, apparently, is the tank of the future. It was developed by Uralvagonzavod with the assistance of many contractors, including Artillery Plant No. 9, which is responsible for the weapons system and is also part of the Uralvagonzavod corporation.

The Armata tank was presented to the public with great fanfare at a parade on Red Square in Moscow in May 2015. In "Armata", as in the canceled project of the T-95 tank, the commander, gunner and driver are in armored capsule located at the front of the case. A remote-controlled 125 mm smoothbore gun is installed in the middle of the vehicle, and the diesel engine is in the rear. According to experts, full weight machine is 57 tons.

The 125mm 2A82-1M smoothbore gun is said to provide greater accuracy than the 125mm 2A46M tank gun mounted on the T-90 MBT. It is equipped with a thermal protective casing and a barrel bend sensor. The gun is equipped with an automatic loader and, in addition to conventional ammunition, can fire laser-guided projectiles at a distance of 5000 m (similar to that on the previous T-90, T-72 and T-80 tanks). The tank's ammunition load is 45 125-mm rounds (32 in the automatic loader).

The advanced automated fire control system (FCS) is equipped with combined day-night stabilized sighting systems for the commander and gunner with a built-in laser rangefinder. The commander has a panoramic sight mounted on the roof, which allows hitting targets in the “hunter-shooter” mode, in which the commander first detects the target and, if it is confirmed that it is an enemy, passes it to the gunner for destruction.

The T-14 Armata tank is also equipped with a remotely controlled weapon station with a 7.62 mm machine gun. The first samples of the tank, apparently, do not have a 7.62-mm machine gun coaxial with a cannon, which was traditionally installed on Russian tanks.

No details were given on the armor design, but the base hull and turret are made of welded steel. The advanced passive armor system includes dynamic protection units (ERP) installed to provide more high level protection against armor-piercing sub-caliber projectiles and cumulative ammunition. The stern area of ​​the tank is protected by lattice screens.

In addition to passive armor, the survivability of the T-14 tank is also ensured by the Afganit active protection system and the optoelectronic countermeasures system.

All previous Russian tanks were able to install a smoke screen by injecting diesel fuel into their exhaust manifolds, and it is likely that the Armata also has this capability.

The standard equipment of the T-14 tank includes a system of protection against weapons of mass destruction, an air conditioning system, a combat control system and all-round television cameras to monitor the situation around the tank.

According to reports, from 20 to 24 prototypes or pre-production samples of the T-14 Armata tank were made, but so far the tank has not been officially adopted by the Russian army. Initially, it was planned to produce 2300 T-14 tanks with a production rate of up to 500 vehicles per year.

Heavy infantry fighting vehicle T-15

Heavy infantry fighting vehicle (BMP) T-15 is a new type armored vehicles for the Russian army. Its closest analogue in the West is the Israeli BMP Namer ("Tiger"), created on the basis of components and assemblies of the Merkava Mk-4 tank, the main tank of the Israeli Defense Forces.

The diesel engine is located in front of the vehicle, immediately behind it are the commander and driver, and the rest of the body is occupied by the troop compartment. Landing and disembarkation of troops is carried out through a wide aft ramp with a drive.

Heavy infantry fighting vehicle T-15 on the platform "Armata"

On the roof of the BMP, a remote-controlled combat module "Epokha", developed by the Tula KBP, is installed. It is equipped with a standard Russian 2A42 selective-fed automatic cannon, a coaxial 7.62mm PKTM machine gun, and two twin laser-guided Kornet-EM ATGM launchers. These ATGMs can be equipped with a tandem cumulative or thermobaric warhead, the latter being particularly effective in combat operations in large settlements. The maximum range of the Kornet-EM ATGM, depending on the modification, is from 8000 to 10000 m.

The 30mm 2A42 selective-fed gun has an ammunition capacity of 500 rounds ready to fire, including 160 armor-piercing and 340 high-explosive fragmentation. Ammunition 7.62 mm PKTM machine gun - 2000 rounds.

The computerized FCS is equipped with stabilized day-night sighting systems mounted on the roof and having a built-in laser rangefinder.

Like the T-14 tank, the T-15 heavy infantry fighting vehicle has improved armor protection, which includes remote sensing blocks that protect the frontal and side projections of the vehicle. To reduce the overall width of the machine during transportation, the side blocks of the DZ are made folding. The BMP is also equipped with an active protection complex (Afganit) and an optoelectronic countermeasures system.

In addition to the T-14 Armata MBT and the T-15 heavy infantry fighting vehicle, Russia is developing a number of other heavy combat vehicles on the same platform or using similar components and assemblies, although none of them were shown during the parade on Red Square in May last of the year. These include the BREM-T (T-16) armored recovery vehicle, the MT-A tank bridge layer, the MIM multi-purpose engineering vehicle, the BMO-2 flamethrower combat vehicle, the tank support combat vehicle, and the USM-1 mining system.

BMP "Kurganets 25"

BMP on a platform, which is a new tracked combat vehicle infantry, has a combat weight of about 25 tons. It was developed by Kurganmashzavod, which currently manufactures BMP-3 vehicles for export.

The driver is seated at the front left, the diesel engine is located on the right, and the commander and gunner sit side by side directly behind. The troop compartment can accommodate six infantrymen, the landing and disembarkation of which from the BMP is carried out through a wide powered ramp.

Unlike the previously produced BMP-1, BMP-2 and BMP-3 armored infantry vehicles, the BMP of the Kurganets 25 platform is not equipped with loopholes and corresponding surveillance devices.

BMP "Kurganets 25"

The base model "Kurganets" is equipped with the same remotely controlled weapon station "Epokha", which is used on the heavy BMP T-15.

Among other variants of the Kurganets 25 platform is a basic armored personnel carrier equipped with a remotely controlled weapon station with a 12.7-mm machine gun. There is also a repair and recovery option, and a command vehicle is expected in the future.

It is assumed that the hull of the BMP is made of welded steel, and from the photographs it can be seen that additional armor was installed to increase survivability on the battlefield. Apparently, the BMP is also equipped with two sets of active and optoelectronic protection.

BMP "Kurganets 25" is fully floating, and its movement through the water is provided by two jet engines installed on both sides in the aft part of the hull. The maximum speed on the water is 10 km/h.

To power the jet engines, the driver must raise the water deflector, which retracts under the front of the hull, turn on the bilge pumps, and lift the snorkel located on the left side of the hull directly in front of the turret.

Eight-wheeled armored personnel carrier "Boomerang"

The Russian army has always adopted tracked infantry armored vehicles in combination with wheeled armored personnel carriers. At the same time, the latter have increased strategic mobility, since they do not require heavy transporters for their transfer over long distances.

Amphibious eight-wheeled armored personnel carriers BTR-60/BTR-70/BTR-80 were produced in large quantities for the Russian army and export markets. There was also a larger BTR-90 armored personnel carrier, but only a few samples were made, and its promotion to the market stopped.

Wheeled armored personnel carrier "Boomerang"

The Military Industrial Company (VPK) is the main contractor for the production of amphibious eight-wheeled armored personnel carriers of the BTR series. Further development BTR-80 / BTR-80A led to the appearance of . The latter was produced for the Russian army in limited quantities in anticipation of the entry into service of the Boomerang armored personnel carrier.

The layout of these eight-wheeled armored personnel carriers (BTR-60 / BTR-70 / BTR-80 / BTR-82 / BTR-90) is almost the same: the commander and driver are located in front, the troop compartment / combat module is in the middle, and the engine is in the rear of the vehicle .

The latest model of the Boomerang APC has a completely new design - similar to the latest models of Western eight-wheeled APCs, in which the driver sits at the front left, the engine is located on the right, and the troop compartment is located in the rest of the body.

In addition to the three crew members, the APC accommodates nine infantrymen who enter and exit via a powered aft ramp. Unlike earlier series of eight-wheeled armored personnel carriers, there are no loopholes in the troop compartment. The BMP version of the Boomerang platform is equipped with the same Epoch combat module as the heavy T-15 infantry fighting vehicle and the Kurganets 25 infantry fighting vehicle.

There are a number of specialized variants of the Boomerang platform, including a basic armored personnel carrier equipped with a remotely controlled weapon station with a 12.7-mm machine gun. Later, other specialized options are expected, such as a command vehicle or a medical / recovery vehicle.

Apparently, the hull is made of welded steel and equipped with applied armor. Compared to the earlier eight-wheeled armored personnel carriers of the BTR series, the Boomerang's hull design is much simpler and has a more streamlined shape, which makes it easier to install additional armor.

Russia has always paid great attention to the amphibious capabilities of its infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers, and this capability is retained on the Boomerang platform, which is propelled by two water cannons.

It is expected that 2,000 Boomerang eight-wheeled armored personnel carriers in various configurations will be delivered to the Russian army.

SAU "Coalition-SV"

The latest Russian 152mm self-propelled artillery mount entered service is 2S19 "Msta-S". It is still offered in several variants for export, including a 155mm barrel that fires standard NATO ammunition and uses a modular ordnance system.

The original 2S35 "Coalition-SV" ACS, which did not go into production, was based on a modified tank hull and had a turret equipped with two 152-mm barrels stacked on top of each other, each of which had a muzzle brake.

The latest model of the Coalition-SV self-propelled guns uses a new hull, which uses the components of the T-14 Armata tank * with the crew located in the front, the combat module in the middle, and the diesel engine in the stern. The stern of the Coalition-SV differs from the Armata tank, which may indicate the use of a different diesel engine in it.

In the 152-mm Koalitsiya-SV self-propelled artillery system, the crew is located in front of the hull, the remote-controlled turret is in the middle, and the diesel engine is in the stern

The track rollers of the self-propelled guns of the Coalition-SV self-propelled guns also differ from those used in the Armata, and are more similar to those used on the T-72 and T-90 tanks.

The remotely controlled combat module is equipped with one 152-mm barrel with an ejector and a muzzle brake. In the stowed position, the barrel is held by a latch located in front of the body. The self-propelled guns use an automatic system for loading and unloading ammunition, which provides loading of a 152-mm projectile, and then a propellant charge.

Apparently, a new family of 152 mm ammunition was developed, including a projectile with maximum range firing 70 km, which could be achieved through the use of a bottom gas generator and a rocket engine.

Like most other systems, the Russian self-propelled guns "Koalitsiya-SV" fires conventional ammunition such as high-explosive, smoke, flare, extended range, overhead attack and laser-guided projectiles.

The Koalitsiya-SV self-propelled guns are equipped with a computerized fire control system and a ground navigation system, which ensures autonomous execution of fire missions - as a rule, it will conduct short-term fire with a change in firing position. In addition, apparently, it is also equipped with a radar meter initial speed projectiles, which will transmit information to the FCS to improve the accuracy of shooting.

There are no details on the armor protection of the SPG, but since the system is not expected to be deployed in close proximity to the front line, it is likely to have a lower level of protection than the T-14 Armata tank and the heavy T-15 infantry fighting vehicle.

Three 81-mm electric grenade launchers are installed on both sides of the turret, and a remote-controlled weapon station with a 12.7-mm machine gun is installed on the roof.

In addition to the Koalitsiya-SV tracked self-propelled guns, Russia is also developing a wheeled version based on an eight-wheeled chassis, which will be lighter and therefore have higher strategic mobility.

Like Russia, China has always used 152mm towed and self-propelled artillery systems, but in China these are now being replaced by 155mm systems that fire Western ammunition and therefore have greater export potential.

Role expansion

It was expected that Russia would acquire a large number of light multipurpose LMV vehicles from the Italian manufacturer Iveco Defense Vehicles, but after the delivery of 368 such vehicles to the Russian army, this program was terminated.

At the same time, the military-industrial complex continues the production of four-wheeled Tigr armored vehicles, which are similar in concept and appearance Italian machine LMV and, in addition to the standard version of the command vehicle, are currently used to perform a wide range of tasks.

Four-wheeled armored car "Tiger" with ATGM "Kornet-EM"

The Tiger can be equipped with a remotely controlled weapon station with a 7.62 mm machine gun, and can also be used as a platform for installing the Kornet-EM ATGM with four ATGMs ready for launch. The missiles are in two paired launchers. This ATGM is capable of hitting two targets at ranges from 8000 to 10000 m.

Other wheeled armored vehicles to enter service include the six-wheeled Typhoon-K (KAMAZ-63968) armored personnel carrier and the Typhoon-U (Ural-63095) six-wheeled armored vehicle with enhanced mine protection.