One of the main novelties at the joint strategic exercises "West-2021" held at the Nizhny Novgorod Mulino training ground was the deeply modernized BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles. They are equipped with unmanned rocket-gun modules "Epoch", created in Tula.
The tactical and technical characteristics of the troika increased so radically that it was assigned a new designation-B-19. The module itself is unique in the use of two types of missile systems at once.
It shows paired launchers for launching anti-tank guided missiles "Kornet", capable of destroying any modern tanks, heavily protected concrete fortifications or low-flying aircraft, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles of various types.
At Zapad-2021, the new BMP demonstrated firing with a doublet-launching ATGMs one after another without an interval. It is believed that such a technique allows you to more effectively overcome the active protection installed on the enemy's armored vehicles.
There is a launcher for eight compact multi-purpose guided missiles "Bulat"lowered into the combat module in the stowed position.
This weapon is designed to combat enemy combat vehicles with light armor: armored personnel carriers, self-propelled artillery and anti-aircraft installations, IFVs, BMD, BRDM, etc. A 57-mm automatic cannon and a 7.62-mm machine gun were mounted. The fire control system meets the most modern requirements.
The BMP-2 model, also equipped with such a module, was also demonstrated at the International military-Technical Forums "Army".
Judging by the information that appeared on the Network, it may be called B-18. Its crew is three people, the landing party is seven motorized infantry. The engine power is 300 hp. The maximum speed on the highway is about 65 km / h. The fuel reserve is 550 km. The ground clearance is 450 mm. Combat weight - 14900 kg.
Alexey Moiseev
