New Russian armored vehicles are being tested in combat conditions
Russian armored vehicles of the latest models are also used in a special military operation in Ukraine. In particular, the deeply modernized BMP-1AM "Basurmanin". The equipment has just entered service with the Russian army. As they say, an egg is expensive for Christ's Day.
Other armored vehicles are also ready for combat.
A NOVELTY FOR MARINES
There are many BMP-1s in service with the Russian army today. They are serviceable, but do not fully meet the new requirements. They are being upgraded in different directions.
The most successful project is "Basurmanin". The BMP-1AM began to be developed at Uralvagonzavod almost ten years ago. In the middle of 2020, the work was completed. In February 2022, a batch of such equipment entered the army to replace the BMP-1. Now, as part of one of the BMP-1AM formations, they are participating in a special operation.
The car's life has been extended, the power plant has been slightly rebuilt, the instruments have been updated, a new UTD-20C1 diesel engine has been installed. The modernization did not affect the design, the layout of the body, the chassis – only the suspension was strengthened. Instead of the regular combat compartment, a turret with a 30-mm 2A72 cannon and a 7.62-mm PKM machine gun was mounted. A rocket launcher "Cloud" and anti-tank missiles "Metis" can be installed.
The combat power of the BMP-1AM has increased dramatically, the target detection range has been increased. There are advantages of unification: operation, maintenance, and supply of several types of machines are simplified. This is especially important when conducting combat operations away from permanent locations. The firing capabilities of the BMP-1AM, as shown by the fighting, meet the requirements of the special operation. The anti-tank missile system, in particular, successfully resists outdated APU tanks.
The combat capabilities of the Basurmanin are reaching the level of the newer BMP-2, although they are inferior to the BMP-3 and the latest generation vehicles. With the BMP-1AM, the army will be able to upgrade the fleet of infantry armored vehicles. The production and modernization of other necessary serial samples will continue. In addition, work will be completed to prepare for the production of a new generation of equipment.
In the foreseeable future, the Marine Corps will also acquire equipment. And with the technique of a completely new class for her. We are talking about a Marine infantry fighting vehicle (BMMP). In the first photos, the prototype, still in the factory shop, is painted in three-color camouflage. Comparing the novelty with the tank standing behind (Object 640 "Black Eagle"), you can estimate its size. The car, of course, is not miniature. But such is the specificity of military equipment designed to participate in amphibious naval operations.
We can recall the AAV7 (LVTP-7) American tracked floating transporters that have been in operation for decades, as well as the EFV and ZBD-05 (ZBD-2000) expeditionary amphibious marine Corps of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA), which has not yet been included in the series. For example, AAV7 has a length of 7940 mm, width – 3270 mm, height – 3260 mm. EFV has even more of these parameters.
Apparently, the Russian analogue is still more compact. The combat weight of such vehicles is also significant: the BMMP has 35,000 kg, the overseas competitors 29100 – 34,473 kg.
Thanks to a special design, the domestic marine vehicle is able to move to the shore on the surface of the sea at a speed of up to 37 km /h. This is somewhat smaller than the EFV, but faster than the ZBD-2000.
There are no competitors in the Russian-style marches along the highway at all. Thanks to a powerful 1500-horsepower gas turbine engine and a reliable chassis, it will be able to accelerate up to 75 km per hour. Also, there are no equal BMMPS in protection. It was reported that the Arena-M active protection complex will be installed on it.
But the special superiority is in weapons. The existing uninhabited module with a 57 mm Dagger cannon with an ammunition set of 80 shells will make it possible to destroy a variety of ground (armored vehicles, manpower, fortifications) and air targets.
It is also planned to create a whole line of combat and specialized vehicles, self-propelled artillery installations, anti-tank complexes, air defense systems, reconnaissance and command and staff vehicles.
THIS IS INDEED AN "EPOCH"
The Russian military will receive a new B-19 infantry fighting vehicle with the Epoch combat module. This module was originally developed for the advanced Kurganets-25 BMP. Tests are underway now.
The B-19 received a 57 mm automatic cannon, a Kornet guided weapons system and a brand new Bulat. In other words, the BMP will be able to hit helicopters, armored vehicles and enemy manpower at long ranges. The ammunition in the B-19 combat module has been moved outside the combat compartment. This will save the life of the crew in battle. The command of the Ground Forces reported: the B-19 surpasses the serial BMP-2 and BMP-3 in fire capabilities.
However, it is too early to write them off. These machines are being upgraded and improved. In 2022, tests of the power supply kit KEP12 for the BMP-3 will be completed. Developed a set of NPO "Elektromashina" (part of the concern "Uralvagonzavod"). The kit works as part of the UTD-29 diesel engine, and it is installed in BMP-2, BMP-3, BTR-MDM, BRAM-L, BT-3F, BMD-4M.
The KEP12 kit increases the power-to-weight ratio of tracked vehicles. Its power of 12 kW is 1.6 times more than the kit previously used in the BMP power supply system. The cooling system of the generator remained the same. To modernize the equipment in service, 300-400 sets of generators per year are needed.
What differs from the previously upgraded versions is the BMP-80. All of its weapons are located in an uninhabited combat module isolated from the landing. The 20 mm gun has been replaced by a more powerful 30 mm rapid-firing cannon. There is also a 7.62 mm machine gun.
Guided missiles "Malyutka-2T" and "Malyutka-2F" are designed to combat enemy armored vehicles and other targets. The first has a tandem cumulative warhead capable of piercing armor reinforced with dynamic protection. The second is most effective against manpower in fortifications, as it is equipped with a thermobaric warhead.
The armored vehicle can be additionally equipped with a 30-mm automatic grenade launcher AG-17 "Flame". The new sight has a thermal imaging channel. The gunner's seat is now in the hull, in front of the landing chairs. The armored vehicle received a more powerful engine, which improved mobility characteristics.
The well-known Tiger-M cars were further developed. The last stage of the state tests are armored vehicles of the "Athlete" family – the continuation of the "Tiger". The "Athlete" has increased security and load capacity, high mobility.
MODERNIZATION BY COPYING
Little is known about this, but in Ukraine, before the special military operation, they were developing options for modernizing Soviet equipment, trying to create modern weapons based on it. The Kiev company Praktika, a manufacturer of special automotive equipment, tried to modernize the BMP–1 and BTR–60 with a "radical rethinking of the original concept".
The Ukrainian BMP on the basis of the Soviet BMP-1 received another landing compartment with landing seats along the sides. Rear doors – fuel tanks have been replaced with a folding ramp, the height of the car has been increased. But the main difference from the Soviet BMP is the new "Spear–Synthesis" module of Ukrainian design. Armament of the module: a 30-mm automatic cannon, a 7.62-mm machine gun, a 30-mm automatic grenade launcher, a Barrier ATGM with two missiles and six 81-mm smoke aerosol grenade launchers.
The upgraded BTR-60M "Cornet" is a deep modernization of the BTR–60. The old suspension was left, but instead of two engines, one Deutz diesel with an Allison automatic transmission was installed. The landing bay has been enlarged. The Praktika company announced an increase in armor and mine protection.
It is difficult to suspect plagiarism unless the creators of the Ukrainian armored car "Kozak 2M1". It is equipped with a remote-controlled SARP NSV Aselsan combat module of Turkish production.
Copying is sinned not only by Ukrainian developers of armored vehicles. Egyptian designers based on the Soviet BMP-1 created an armored car Sinai 200. The novelty is shorter, so there are five support rollers on each side in the chassis. The 400 hp engine allows you to reach speeds of up to 65 km/h. The crew is two people. In the stern of the BMP there is an amphibious compartment with instruments. Hatches in the roof and rear – for landing. The remote-controlled combat module is equipped with a 12.7 mm machine gun. The Sinai 200 has protection against anti-tank mines and explosive devices.
The Czech Republic has a BVP-2 BMP in service with the army (a licensed copy of the Soviet BMP-2). Nine options were considered to replace this machine. Manufacturers were searched all over the world. The main condition of the buyer is localization of at least 40% of production at Czech enterprises. It was planned to order 210 BMP with an option for another 100 cars.
Israel and Italy did not respond to the request, other candidates were rejected by the Czechs themselves. Three reached the final: CV90, KF41 Lynx and ASCOD 2. The tests lasted a month and a half – and the Czech military refused all offers. They say they do not meet the customer's requirements. The Czech Army continues to operate licensed copies of the Soviet BMP-2.
The Estonian Army decided to increase the combat potential of the CV90 BMP purchased from the Netherlands. Norwegian defense company Kongsberg Defense Aerospace has signed a contract with Estonia for the supply of a remote combat system (module) Protector. It will be installed on the 79 infantry fighting vehicles available to Estonians in two years. The Protector RS4 module allows you to fire remotely with small and medium caliber weapons and Javelin anti-tank missiles.
OUR "SPOKE" IS SHARPER
Russia does not need to copy anything – the desire for new things is inherent in domestic defense workers. Serial production of the BM-30-D "Spokes" (32B01) remote-controlled uninhabited combat module for the KamAZ-43269 "Shot" armored car (4×4) has begun in Nizhny Novgorod. The developer and manufacturer of the module is JSC "Central Research Institute "Burevestnik" (Nizhny Novgorod; part of JSC "Scientific and Production Corporation "Uralvagonzavod").
The Spica module is equipped with a 30 mm 2A42 automatic cannon and a 7.62 mm PKTM machine gun (6P7K), automatic grenade launcher AG-30. There is a sight with television and thermal imaging channels and a laser rangefinder. A lightweight version of the module (without a grenade launcher) is also installed on the armored vehicle K4386 "Typhoon-Airborne" (4×4).
The Spica combat module has already been installed on the BTR-80/82 armored personnel carrier.
BRITISH CAR FOR SWEDEN
The British company BAE Systems is upgrading the fleet of CV90 (Stridsfordon 90) infantry fighting vehicles of the Swedish Armed Forces. They promise to strengthen the survivability, strengthen the towers and improve other characteristics of 256 tracked combat vehicles produced by the same BAE Systems.
The new version received an improved turret, optimization of the internal space of the vehicle, although its capacity was reduced from eight to seven paratroopers.
The main armament is the Bofors Defense 40/70B automatic 40 mm cannon, capable of firing at ground and air targets with both single shots and fixed bursts of four or eight rounds of ammunition. The rate of fire is five rounds per second. A damping cylinder has been added in the front of the turret to stabilize the gun while firing in motion.
BUNDESWEHR ARMORED VEHICLE
At the end of last year, a new version of the German Lynx BMP – Combat Support Vehicle (CSV) was introduced. The BMP and the combat support vehicle (also performs the functions of a BRAM – armored repair and evacuation vehicle) have a high degree of unification.
A crane is installed on the roof of the Lynx CSV housing, which can lift objects weighing more than 5 tons, additional fuel tanks are installed for refueling other vehicles in the field.
The combat support vehicle can be equipped with attachments for carrying out earthworks – for example, for digging trenches. Various kinds of cargo can be transported in the rear of the case. The Lynx CSV armament consists of remotely controlled stations with 7.62mm or 12 mm machine guns, as well as a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher.
A BRITISH CAR FOR BRITAIN
At the end of last year, tests resumed within the framework of the Ajax new generation BMP creation program. The BMP developer company is General Dynamics. Structural changes in the armored vehicle were aimed at reducing vibration and excessive noise. A built–in attenuator was developed - an electronic device that reduces the amplitude or power of the signal.
The cost of work under the program is 5.5 billion pounds. Today it is still impossible to say when the Ajax will be adopted by the British army – its command has stated that it will not accept the car until it meets the requirements. And it does not match yet.
Nikolay Poroskov
Nikolay Nikolaevich Poroskov is a military journalist.