Complex "Armata". The newest tank of Russia "Armata"

Since the end of the 1930s tank management has always been of interest to the leadership of the Soviet Union. Constantly new tests were carried out, new types of tanks were adopted. The confusion was sometimes unimaginable. After the Great Patriotic War it became clear that the "zoo" in the tank troops should be finally abolished.

By this time designers have gone even further: we need not just the main battle tank (OBT), but a whole modular platform on which it will be possible to create completely new types of weapons that are characterized by the widest interchangeability and unification of the parts. An important step along the path of such a bold decision is the "Armata" complex, the creation of which the domestic military industrial complex has been saying since time immemorial. However, in recent years there has been a breakthrough in this long-lasting (it seems).

When it all began

In 2010, the Ministry of Defense received the news that the work on the "Object 195" project had been completely stopped. The ministry considered that the T-95 tank, which was being developed under this designation, almost completely repeats the T-90 MBT, and therefore the troops are not too needed. But before the designers was set another task: to create a completely new tank, built on different principles.

In the terms of reference, it was said that the Armata complex should have been fully ready for mass production no later than 2015.

What is this?

In the press, you can often find the wrong designation - "Armada". But the correct name is "Armata". This is the name of the heavy caterpillar platform of the fourth generation, the development of which continues from 2009 (according to some sources, it was started much earlier). It is assumed that the characteristics of "Armata" significantly exceed the similar ones even for the T-90 of all the latest modifications.

On its basis, our military expects to create both a new OBT and a fundamentally new heavy BMP (remember the Israeli "Akhzarit"), a heavy armored personnel carrier, as well as a variety of BRDM, platforms for self-propelled guns, etc. In fact, the "Armata" complex is a universal caterpillar chassis for combat vehicles, the mass of which is within 30 or 65 tons. We remind you that America has an analogue of similar development, the GCV platform.

It is assumed that the new tanks T-14, created on the basis of this chassis, should be launched in production no later than 2015. Theoretically, the armed forces of the Russian Federation will have to receive about 2.5 thousand T-14 "Armata".

What will be in the army before "Armata"

It so happened that the T-90 tanks to our Ministry of Defense were actually not needed. In general, this is the fault of Uralvagonzavod, whose representatives exhibited clearly inflated prices for their cars. So, the army representatives do not understand very well why the cost of the domestic tank is only slightly cheaper than the German "Leopard", which is much heavier than the Russian OBT.

Meanwhile, the troops actually remain without normal modern tanks. The number of T-90s of various modifications in our army does not exceed 500, which is clearly not enough in case of a more or less serious military threat. The military ministry intends to rectify the situation, constantly carrying out a "deep modernization" of the old T-72.

Just note that all the characteristics of "Armata" are strictly classified, and the existence of many components of the system still causes deep doubts of domestic and foreign experts. However, sketchy information from open sources and analysts' assumptions make it possible to make a fairly general impression of the new machine.

Suggested layout

Once again, we emphasize that the main goal, with which the "Armata" complex is generally created, is to obtain extremely standardized machines. And standardization should concern not only the weapons used, but also suspension and other technological elements of the design. Even the Americans have nothing of the kind in the army (it is to be hoped that we will indeed have it).

It seems to be exactly known that there are two main layouts in the plans: with the rear and front location of the engine-transmission compartment. The suspension will most likely be assembled on six rollers, shock absorbers - blade type, the mechanism of rotation is differential, the transmission is hydrostatic. The transmission is fully automatic, with 12 steps. Most likely, it will be possible to switch steps in manual mode.

Check-Engine in tank version

A feature of the Armata tank (the photo of the proposed variant is in the article) will be the use of a fully computerized control and diagnostic system. Simply put, even in the event of a serious breakdown, such an on-board computer must tell you what and where it has broken, which will greatly facilitate the life of the mechanics of the tank.

Enhance the machine's survivability on the battlefield

In addition, the new machine "Armata" (photos you will find in this material) will have a dramatically increased survivability due to the location of shells in a special capsule, separately from the habitable compartment of the tank. Theoretically, in the event of an enemy projectile or anti-tank cumulative grenade falling, the detonation of the ammunition should not lead to the death of the crew.

Initially, this idea was laid back in the "Object 195", it is also T-95 / T-99. "Armata", presumably, will also have the ability to accommodate the crew in a completely isolated capsule of especially durable alloys. The designers put in the design of this machine completely remote control, in which tankers would not have to appear at all outside the machine. In this regard, the platform of "Armata" is absolutely unique. As though beaten and banal it may sound, but there are really no analogues abroad.

Possible types of ammunition

The ammunition will include standard high-explosive fragmentation, subcaliber and cumulative projectiles. It is assumed that it will be possible to conduct fire with guided ground-to-ground and ground-to-air missiles with automatic guidance.

Actually, the new tank "Armata", the photo of which we attach to the article, is not a tank. In fact, this is a full-fledged multi-functional percussion machine that can fight against enemy infantry, tanks, artillery and even enemy helicopters. Theoretically, it is also possible to fight against stormtroopers.

Detection Tools

According to some information, almost the same radar equipment will be on board as on the newest PAC T-50 fighter. In particular, the new Armata tank (photo this confirms) will receive radars operating in the KA band (26.5-40 GHz), created using an active phased array (AFAR). This is a unique development, in the production of which special ceramics are used.

Features of Phased Antenna

The grid itself consists of a huge number of cells, each of which is an independent microwave transmitter. The failure of one element does not lead to a strong drop in the power of the entire system. In addition, such an antenna has the highest mobility, being able to quickly change the direction of scanning. In solving defensive and offensive missions, such a radar will be simply an ideal solution.

It is even more pleasant that he has two options at once: as a complex for detection and control of fire, as well as for the active protection system of the T-14 Armata tank. An active antenna is capable of quickly detecting and localizing several targets at once long before their approach to the tank. The fire control system will be able to automatically aim at them and destroy them in a completely autonomous mode.

It is reported that the new radar system can simultaneously "lead" up to 40 active targets. The indicator, which is simply not available for combat vehicles of foreign manufacturers! In addition (like the former flagship T-99), Armata will be able to detect at a distance of 100 km targets, whose diameter does not exceed 0.3 m. Of course, with the subsequent complete destruction.

Armor Characteristics

Not without a completely new armor. Fortunately, our defense industry has always had great abilities in this area, so the development of new armor was carried out in the shortest possible time.

Most likely, the platform "Armata" will use armor steel grade 44C-sv-Sh, which has special strength characteristics. This material was created in JSC "Research Institute of Steel". Its key feature is extremely low weight. This will not only help ease the weight of the car, start creating a relatively light and protected BMP on the same platform, but also significantly increase the amount of internal space (greater ammunition, crew comfort).

Power point

As such, 1200-strong A-85-3A engine (diesel, of course) will be used, which will give at least 2000 operating hours, during which the "Armata" tank can be used. Russia has finally mastered the technologies of producing normal diesel engines, so it will not be necessary to apply for help to German designers. The maximum power is 1500 l / s. It is assumed that until the end of the break-in will be a hardware limitation of 1200 horsepower, which will significantly increase the life of the engine.

The power plant will be manufactured at the Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant. What is the basis for confidence in its use? The fact is that all the tests of this engine were completely finished in 2011, but to this day it is not used anywhere.

It is logical to assume that this engine will receive the Armata tank. Russia, if indeed it happens, will be among the leaders not only in the production of heavy armored vehicles, but also in the field of creating normal diesel engines for it. This will raise the prestige of our industry in the international arena, get more orders from prospective buyers.

Cannon

Since at one time the developers clearly marked the refusal of the cannon with a caliber of 152 mm to T-95/99, we can safely say that the new Armata tank will receive a 122-125 mm gun. This is quite logical, since new types of ammunition will allow a dramatic increase in the power of the gun, without increasing the dimensions to indecent sizes.

As a "candidate" for installing a new machine in a tower, a 125-mm gun 2A82 can be considered, which was developed and tested in the early 2000s. In just six years of the three active samples have already managed to shoot more than two thousand shots, so the claims to the reliability of the new sample from the developers do not. In addition, due to the use of new materials and production technologies, it was possible to reduce the spread of projectiles by just 15%. Most likely, the total length of the gun will be seven meters.

We have already said that the new Armata tank has many new digital systems in service, which are responsible for the accuracy of the shooting. In particular, the new MSA constantly synchronizes the received data with a ballistic computer, which should sharply increase the accuracy of the sudden shooting. To date, it is known that further modernization is planned for both the cannon itself and the existing ammunition for it.

New ammunition

There is information that the Russian tank "Armata" will fire shells that were developed and adopted in service last year. Their full-scale production is already in full swing, batches of shells go directly to state arsenals, where the normative reserve is being formed. Most likely, by the time when Comrade Armata will be accepted for service, the arsenals will be full of shells both for conducting real combat fire and for training new crews.

Machine-gun weapons

In service there is a paired 7.62 mm PKTM machine gun, which is connected to a gun. The stock of ready-to-use cartridges is one thousand pieces. As much as it is stored in the boxes of spare parts, which are fixed on the stern of the machine. Additionally armed with a 12.7-mm machine gun "Cord". For him, ready to use ammunition is exactly 300 cartridges. The same number is in the same box of spare parts.

Active Protection

The highlight of the new tank is KAZ "Afghanistan". This active defense system allows you to deal with anti-tank missiles and grenades, and even at extremely short distances (no more than 15-20 meters from the car). The system was developed in Kolomna KBM. It is known that it can intercept missiles flying at a speed of 1,700 m / s. In addition, a special impact core, patented in our country, will certainly be used. Directing it to the target - automatic, does not require confirmation of the operator.

Dynamic protection

The design of the dynamic protection units is similar to the one that was first developed at JSC NII of Steel. Blocks (shells) are installed on the sides of tanks, but will be charged with the active substance only on the eve of military operations (or in case of danger of such actions). The fodder zone "Armata" will be protected by standard grating screens.