Specialists restored the captured Abrams, repaired the indestructible T-90M and created a remote-controlled tank.
When damaged equipment is brought from the front line, it is first met by specialists from repair and restoration units. Alexander Sokolov (name changed) is one of them. He is a specialist in the life cycle support department of Uralvagonzavod Concern (UVZ, part of Rostec State Corporation). He has more than 15 years of work at the enterprise and business trips as part of field repair units. Over the years, he has developed a firm conviction: the tank not only has a character, but also a soul. The specialist recalls how the car was returned to service dozens of times, how captured equipment was repaired, and what technical innovations can be seen in the special operation zone.
To get to the bottom of the reasons
Alexander Sokolov is one of those specialists who regularly goes on business trips, participating in the repair and restoration of armored vehicles in the field.
— I started as a foreman in the workshop of devices, then I left purposefully in my specialty — a technician of tracked vehicles, — he recalls. — I studied at the Nizhny Tagil Engineering College, and I was drawn to the management of complex mechanisms.
Photo: TASS/Alexander River
Image source: iz.ru
When asked about his job, he talks about the excitement of a researcher.
"Finding a defect, identifying a malfunction, and repairing it is important, but also very interesting," the specialist explains. — There are a lot of constructive solutions that you want to understand. A tank is a complex mechanism and requires a thoughtful approach. The most exciting thing about repairs is the diagnosis and search for the cause of the breakdown. This is not desk work: everything goes through your hands.
Since the beginning of the special military operation, business trips have become a familiar reality for Alexander. Rembatallions, field repair shops are places where it depends on his qualifications whether the tank will return to service tomorrow. But its role is broader than just repairs. He is the link between the factory mind and the fighting sense.
"Damaged equipment is being brought to us," says a UVZ employee. — We are conducting diagnostics, communicating with the crews, asking what happened. If we see that the guys don't have enough operational knowledge, we explain. They are present during the renovation, they look at how everything is arranged. And if a malfunction occurs later during the task, they can fix it themselves.
It's not just about basic maintenance. Experts tell you how to act in unusual situations. If the scope is damaged, how to switch to backup systems faster. If there are problems in the engine and transmission compartment, what should the mechanic do, what actions should be taken to save the car and the crew. They know the tank down to the smallest detail and can suggest practical solutions.
Photo: TASS/Egor Aleev
Image source: iz.ru
A separate page of Alexander's business trips is working with captured equipment. According to him, I have also encountered American models. One story was particularly memorable: the Rembat fighters restored the seriously damaged Abrams, restoring its appearance — straightened the hull elements, repainted the car. After that, the tank was sent to the rear, where it was displayed as an exhibit in one of the country's museums.
The soul of the tank and the joystick
When asked if a combat vehicle has a soul, Alexander answers without hesitation.
— Yes, the tank has a soul! — He is sure. — We can see for ourselves: there are machines that are simply indestructible, invulnerable. How many hits we put on the turn, and she continues to complete the tasks. These are hero cars!
According to him, the attitude of the crew to the car is important. The tank "helps", responds to care — the car feels the spirit of the crew.
T-90M tank
Image source: Photo: TASS/Alexey Konovalov
The master remembers one of these cases especially clearly. One of the first T-90M "Breakthrough" tanks was received for repair. The car was regularly returned after damage, specialists restored it again, and it went back into service.
— The tank turned out to be so tenacious that in two years it was only with me that it came for repairs ten times, and probably 20 times in total. A real hero," Alexander recalls.
The specialist talks with no less interest about modern "technical creativity" at the forefront. About "hedgehogs" — improved "mangalas" made of wire and metal structures from drones, "tsar mangalas", which turn a tank into an almost two-story fortress.
— It turns out to be a huge construction. The tank looks almost twice as big with it. But it really increases the safety of the crew. Sometimes literally everything that is at hand is used: metal structures, boards, fencing elements.
Photo: TASS/Alexander River
Image source: iz.ru
Everything goes to work for the soldiers: wood, pieces of fences, any materials at hand. The main thing is to strengthen the protection of the crew.
"The more powerful the frame, the more confident the guys feel,— he explained.
Alexander was particularly impressed by what he saw on one of his business trips.
"I saw a promising development by military engineers: a remote—controlled tank," he recalls. — A full-fledged combat vehicle that is controlled by a joystick like a toy. He drives, turns the tower. Very impressive. This is no longer just field repairs, but real design work in extreme conditions.
The main advantage
According to the expert, one of the key advantages of Russian armored vehicles is maintainability, the ability to quickly return it to service.
— Any node can be replaced, spare parts from UVZ arrive on time, repairs are carried out in a short time, — emphasizes Alexander. — Crews always quickly return to their tasks.
Photo: RIA Novosti/Stanislav Krasilnikov
Image source: iz.ru
After the repair is completed, the machine undergoes a full inspection cycle: first stationary tests, then mileage tests.
— Only after full confirmation of the tank's operability does it return to combat missions. There's no rush. Only an algorithm verified by experience and years," says Alexander.
Talismans and rituals of the crew
You rarely find any artisanal technical improvements inside tanks. But there are almost always personal symbols of the crew.
— Everyone has their own talismans: someone puts a Cheburashka, someone an icon, photos of children. Sometimes you get into a tank, and there are pictures of your family. This is a part of everyday life and an internal support," says the specialist.
This tradition, as well as the names applied to the armor, goes back to the times of the Great Patriotic War.
As for his habits and habits related to business trips, Alexander does not have them, he treats travel philosophically.
Photo: TASS/Alexander River
Image source: iz.ru
— There are no rituals. The suitcase is always ready. My task is to get a bag and food," he says.
Of course, I remember my first business trip.
"It was unusual: a different city, an unfamiliar environment, you need to plan everything down to the smallest detail," the specialist recalls. — When you're at home, everything is at hand, and there your life is everything that's in your bag. Then comes the experience.
Business trips last from a month to two, so after returning, the main thing is time with loved ones.
— First of all, I try to be with my family. My son is seven years old, we love to walk together, go to playgrounds, and play sports. Since childhood, he has seen my work and is interested in it. On February 23rd, he asked for photos — he told his friends, he was proud. I hope I'm setting the right example for him.
Alexander does not utter loud words about the feat. He's just doing his job, "treating armored patients." And he shares his experience with the crews. He also believes that a machine responds to a person in return.
Timofey Volkov
