Since the late 1930s, tank building has always been of interest to the leadership of the Soviet Union. New tests were constantly conducted, new types of tanks were adopted. The confusion was sometimes utter. After World War II, it became clear that the "zoo" in the tank troops should be finally abolished.
To our time, designers have gone even further: we need not just a main battle tank (MBT), but an entire modular platform on which it will be possible to create completely new types of weapons, which differ in the widest interchangeability and unification of parts. An important step towards such a bold decision is the Armata complex, the creation of which the domestic defense industry has been talking about since time immemorial. However, in recent years, a breakthrough has been outlined in this long-term construction (it seems).
When it all started
In 2010, news came from the Ministry of Defense that work on the Object 195 project was completely discontinued. The ministry considered that the T-95 tank, which was developed under this designation, almost completely repeats the T-90 MBT, and therefore the troops do not really need it. But the designers were faced with a different task: to create a completely new tank, built on different principles.
The terms of reference stated that the Armata complex should have been fully ready for mass production no later than in 2015.
What is this all about?
In the press you can often find an erroneous designation - “Armada”. But the correct name is “Armata”. This is the name of the fourth-generation heavy tracked platform, the development of which has been ongoing since 2009 (according to some reports, it was launched much earlier). It is assumed that the characteristics of "Armata" significantly exceed those even for the T-90 of all the latest modifications.
On its basis, our military expects to create both a new MBT and a fundamentally new heavy infantry fighting vehicle (remember the Israeli "Ahzarit"), heavy armored personnel carrier, as well as various BRDM, platforms for self-propelled guns, etc. In fact, the Armata complex is a universal tracked chassis for military vehicles, the mass of which is within 30 or 65 tons. We remind you that America has an analogue of a similar development, the GCV platform.
It is assumed that the new T-14 tanks created on the basis of this chassis should be put into production no later than 2015. Theoretically, the armed forces of the Russian Federation would have to get about 2.5 thousand T-14 Armata.
What will happen in the army before “Almaty”
It so happened that the T-90 tanks were practically not needed by our Ministry of Defense. In general, the Uralvagonzavod is also to blame for this, whose representatives set obviously high prices for their cars. So, the army representatives do not understand too much why the cost of a domestic tank is only slightly cheaper than the German Leopard, which is much heavier than the Russian MBT.
In the meantime, the troops are virtually 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 reflection of a more or less serious military threat. The Ministry of War intends to rectify the situation by constantly carrying out "deep modernization" of the old T-72.
We note right away that all the characteristics of "Almaty" are strictly classified, and the existence of many components of the system to this day raises deep doubts of domestic and foreign experts. However, fragmentary information from open sources and analysts' assumptions make it possible to make a fairly general impression of the new car.
Estimated Layout
We emphasize once again that the main goal with which the Armata complex is being created is to get extremely unified machines. Moreover, standardization should apply not only to the weapons used, but also to the suspension and other technological structural elements. Even the Americans have nothing of the kind in the troops (it is hoped that this will really appear in our country).
It seems to be known for sure that there are two main layout options in the plans: with the rear and front locations of the engine-transmission compartment. The suspension will most likely be assembled on six rollers, shock absorbers - blade type, the steering mechanism - differential, hydrostatic transmission. The gearbox is fully automatic, 12-speed. Most likely, it will be possible to switch steps in manual mode.
Check-Engine in the tank version
A feature of the Armata tank (a photo of the proposed option 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 report what and where it broke, which will greatly facilitate the life of the tank mechanics.
Increased machine survivability on the battlefield
In addition, the new Armata machine (the photo you will find in this material) will have sharply increased survivability due to the location of shells in a special capsule, separate from the inhabited compartment of the tank. Theoretically, in the case of an enemy shell or anti-tank cumulative grenade, the detonation of the ammunition should not lead to the death of the crew.
Initially, this idea was laid down in the "Object 195", aka T-95 / T-99. “Armata”, presumably, will also have the ability to place the crew in a fully insulated capsule of especially durable alloys. The designers laid in the design of this machine a completely remote control, in which tankers would not have to show at all outside the machine. In this regard, the Armata platform is completely unique. No matter how beaten and corny it may sound, but there really are no analogues abroad.
Possible types of ammunition
The ammunition will include standard high-explosive, sub-caliber and shaped-charge shells. It is assumed that there will be the possibility of firing guided missiles of the class "ground-to-ground" and "ground-to-air" with automatic guidance.
Actually, the new Armata tank, whose photo we are attaching to the article, is not a tank. In fact, it is a full-fledged multifunctional strike machine that can fight against enemy infantry, tanks, artillery and even enemy helicopters. Purely theoretically, a fight with attack aircraft is also possible.
Detection tools
According to some information, practically the same radar equipment will be on board as on the latest PAK T-50 fighter. In particular, the new Armata tank (photo confirms this) will receive radars operating in the KA band (26.5-40 GHz) created using the
active phased array (AFAR). This is a unique development, the production of which uses special ceramics.
Phased Antenna Features
The grating 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. When solving defensive and offensive tasks, such a radar will simply be an ideal solution.
It is even more pleasant that he has two variants of application at once: as a complex for detecting and controlling fire, and also 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 they reach the tank. The fire control system will be able to automatically aim at them and destroy it in a completely autonomous mode.
It is reported that the new radar complex will be able to simultaneously "lead" up to 40 active targets. An indicator that is simply not available for military vehicles of foreign manufacturers! In addition (like the former T-99 flagship), Armata will be able to detect targets at a distance of 100 km whose diameter does not exceed 0.3 m. Of course, with their subsequent complete destruction.
Armor Characteristics
Not without a completely new armor. Fortunately, our defense industry has always had excellent abilities in this area, so the development of new armor was carried out as soon as possible.
Most likely, the Armata platform will use 44C-sv-Sh armored steel, which has special strength characteristics. This material was created at OJSC Research Institute of Steel. Its key feature is extremely low weight. This will not only help to lighten the weight of the machine, begin to create a relatively lightweight and protected BMP on the same platform, but also significantly increase the amount of internal space (greater ammunition, crew comfort).
Power point
As such, a 1200-horsepower A-85-3A engine (diesel, of course) will be used, which will give at least 2,000 hours of operation, during which the Armata tank can be used. Russia has finally mastered the technologies for producing normal diesel engines, so there will no longer be any need to turn to German designers for help. Maximum power - 1500 l / s. It is assumed that until the end of the break-in there will be a hardware limitation of 1200 horsepower, which will significantly increase the engine's life.
The power plant will be produced at the Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant. What is the basis for confidence in its use? The fact is that all tests of this engine were completely completed back in 2011, but to this day it is not used anywhere.
It is logical to assume that it is this engine that the Armata tank will receive. Russia, if this really happens, will become one of 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 increase the prestige of our industry in the international arena, receive more orders from prospective buyers.
Gun
Since at one time the developers clearly indicated the abandonment of the 152 mm caliber gun on the T-95/99, we can safely say that the new Armata tank will also receive a 122-125 mm caliber gun. This is quite logical, since new types of ammunition will dramatically increase the power of the gun, without increasing the size to indecent dimensions.
As a “candidate” for installation in the tower of a new machine, the 125-mm 2A82 gun, which was developed and tested in the early 2000s, can be considered. In just six years, more than two thousand shots had already been shot from the three existing samples, so the developers certainly did not have any claims to the reliability of the new sample. In addition, through the use of new materials and production technologies, it was possible to reduce the dispersion rate of shells immediately by 15%. Most likely, the total length of the gun will be seven meters.
We have already said that the new Armata tank is armed with many new digital systems that are also responsible for firing accuracy. In particular, the new OMS constantly synchronizes the received data with a ballistic computer, which should sharply increase the accuracy of sudden firing. Today it is known that further modernization of both the gun itself and the existing ammunition for it is already planned.
New ammunition
There is evidence that the Russian tank Armata will fire shells that were developed and put into service last year. Their serial production is already in full swing, consignments of shells are in full swing into state arsenals, where the formation of the normative reserve is taking place. Most likely, by the time Comrade Armata is put into service, the arsenals will be full of shells both for real combat shooting and for training new crews.
Machine gun weapons
In service there is a coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun PKTM, which is connected to the cannon. The stock of ready-to-use cartridges is a thousand pieces. The same amount is stored in spare parts boxes, which are fixed at the rear of the machine. It is additionally armed with a 12.7 mm Kord machine gun. For him, the ammunition ready for use is exactly 300 rounds. The same amount is in the same ZIP box.
Active protection
The highlight of the new tank is the KAZ Afganit. This active defense system allows you to deal with anti-tank missiles and grenades, even at extremely short distances (no more than 15-20 meters from the car). The system was developed in Kolomenskoye KBM. It is known that it can intercept projectiles flying at a speed of 1700 m / s. In addition, a special impact core, patented in our country, will certainly be used. Aiming it at the target is automatic, does not require operator confirmation.
Dynamic protection
The design of dynamic protection units is similar to that which was first developed at OJSC Steel Research Institute. Blocks (hulls) are installed on the sides of the tanks, but will be charged with the active substance only in anticipation of hostilities (or in case of danger). The aft zone of “Almaty” will be protected by standard trellised screens.