MOSCOW, Dec 29 - RIA Novosti. Rostec is considering the possibility of creating a new wheeled tank based on the Octopus-SDM1 light tracked tank, which will be in demand in Africa and the Middle East, Bekhan Ozdoev, industrial director of the armament complex of the state corporation, told RIA Novosti in an interview.
"This possibility is being considered. There is an idea to put the Octopus-SDM1 combat compartment on a wheelbase, which is likely to be floating," the industrial director said.
He added that the question of choosing a specific wheelbase is still open - there are several potentially suitable chassis. "The choice depends on the customer and the tasks that he intends to solve using such a technique," Ozdoev explained.
According to him, such a vehicle will have the firepower of the main tank, but surpass it in maneuverability and speed. In terms of protection and patency, it will be inferior - due to the features of the wheeled chassis.
"The wheeled Octopus, of course, will primarily become an export product. The most likely markets for wheeled tanks may be the countries of the Middle East and the African continent," Ozdoev said.
According to him, the use of such a tank in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation is less likely, since in Russia traditionally priority is given to tracked chassis. This is dictated by the peculiarities of our geography.
Wheeled tanks are usually used to solve narrow tasks. It cannot replace the main tank on the battlefield as the main striking force of the ground forces. In some armies of the world, such machines are used for reconnaissance. They are also used in low-intensity local conflicts, peacekeeping and counter-terrorism operations.
When moving on hard ground, on plains and on dry primers, this technique has advantages in terms of power reserve and speed. But in off-road conditions, muddy roads, in mountains, forests and swamps, a tracked vehicle is needed.
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