Tanks T-14 "Armata" / Photo: www.soyuzmash.ru
After the closure of the T-95 and Burlak projects, one gets the feeling that a promising tank in the post-Soviet space will never be created. But in 2015, at the Victory Parade, products based on the Armata platform were presented to the general public - a new generation T-14 tank and a heavy T-15 infantry fighting vehicle with a front-mounted MTO. With the advent of the first shots of the "Armata", a lot of speculation appeared about this tank. Someone gave it embellished qualities, someone called it plywood and invented non-existent flaws. Material about layout features, protection, mobility and firepower new Russian tank "Armata". Photos and descriptions of crew jobs and their equipment are provided. Opinions are given about the advantages and disadvantages of the new tank. given history reference on the development of promising tanks on the territory former USSR starting from the 70s.
T-13 "Armata" / Photo: btvt.info
Background
The development of a new (third post-war) generation tank began in the USSR a little later than the creation of the new main tank T-64A in the 70s. Leningrad, Chelyabinsk and, later, Kharkov designers participated in the work called "Theme 101".
A number of projects have been implemented, both with traditional and new layouts, most of which remained on the drawings or in the form of layouts.
Tanks with traditional solutions, such as "Object 255" and "Object 480" did not provide a significant advantage over the upgraded versions of the T-64A, T-72 and the tank with a gas turbine engine. Tanks with a new layout (Object 450) required a long search for both layout solutions and the creation of fundamentally new components.
In the late 70s and throughout the 80s, the Kharkov Design Bureau was chosen as the lead one on the topic of creating a promising tank of the 90s. These events are considered from the point of view of one of the developers of the tank, responsible for its electronic component - The last breakthrough of Soviet tank builders (diary of a participant in the development of the Boxer tank). Variants of the layouts considered in the 80s are considered in the material - Tanks "Rebel", "Boxer", "Hammer" (object 490, object 490A, object 477).
The development of a promising tank was never completed until the collapse of the USSR.
The design bureaus remaining in Russia set about creating a promising tank based on the existing backlog. Of the most advanced, we can mention the Leningrad Object 299 (JSC "Spetsmash"), which had a very bold layout. Which, along with objective reasons characteristic of the 90s, prevented its implementation.
The Omsk Object 640 "Black Eagle" was also a project with very ambiguous advantages, which is why it was chosen for demonstration (VTTV 1997) and even moved abroad.
Nizhny Tagil (UKBTM) had a project evolutionary development T-72, which did not give significant reasons for replacing the T-72 in production, since the solutions incorporated in it could be implemented during modernization.
With the improvement of the economic situation, work has intensified. Here, as in the 70s, two projects were implemented, one of them with a high technical risk, the other with traditional and less risky solutions. The first is the Nizhny Tagil Object 195 "T-95" (JSC "UKBTM") and the second Omsk project Development of a unified combat compartment, the theme "Burlak" (JSC "KBTM").
In 2009, the closure of these projects was announced.
At the beginning, one gets the feeling that a promising tank in the post-Soviet space will never be created.
But in 2015, at the Victory Parade, products based on the Armata platform were presented to the general public - a new generation T-14 tank and a heavy T-15 infantry fighting vehicle with a front-mounted MTO.
With the advent of the first shots of the "Armata", a lot of speculation appeared about this tank. Someone gave it embellished qualities, someone called it plywood and invented non-existent flaws.
Layout
The scheme with the concentration of the crew in front of the hull requires maximum automation of the control of weapons installed in the fighting compartment, creating a number of technical difficulties. Such a scheme is of interest due to the great opportunities for enhancing the protection of the crew, including from weapons of mass destruction, as well as improving the conditions for interaction between personnel.
When placing 3 crew members shoulder to shoulder, as is done, the crew is accommodated in fairly comfortable conditions. But at the same time, it is not possible to realize sufficient protection of the onboard part of the crew compartment. Even with a reduction in the width of the space allocated for each crew member from 70 to 60 cm, the opportunities to provide protection during shelling in the side areas are minimal. At the same time, the railway dimensions do not allow increasing the width of the hull.
Such a scheme has been considered more than once, since the 70s in different countries, but did not find application in tank building with the exception of experimental models, such as the American FTTB.
Crew capsule. The driver's seat is on the left along the tank / Photo: btvt.info
The display complex of the driver (DKMV) installed on the tank is designed to replace the pointer instrumentation and provide solutions for control tasks, monitoring the operation, operational technical diagnostics of chassis systems and assemblies and issuing recommendations for the operation of the facility.
Gear shifting is carried out by buttons on the steering wheel. The most important information about the parameters of the movement is displayed directly on the remote display on the steering wheel. The monitor displays an image from a front-view thermal imaging device located on the upper part of the nose assembly of the hull.
Video viewing device and block of control buttons/ Photo: btvt.info
View of the driver's seat from the gunner's seat, located in the center of the crew capsule/ Photo: btvt.info
PMF-5.0 monitors with high-resolution LCD panels from the "5" series of multifunctional panels. On the left in the photo is the gunner's console/ Photo: btvt.info
Products PMF-5.0 (5.1) have an extended set of interfaces, including a touch panel with a multi-touch function, etc.
Development of the Instrument Design Bureau (UKBP), which is part of the Radioelectronic Technologies Concern.
The information management system displays information about the state of weapons systems, security, mobility, etc.
Informational messages are displayed on the screen below, critical messages are shown in red, important ones in yellow, regular ones in white.
View of the commander's and gunner's positions. Commander panels (3) right side/ Photo: btvt.info
They display video information from external sources, synthesized video information of devices (TV cameras, sighting systems), exchange of information, issuance of navigation cartographic information, as well as input and transmission of information to control the main systems of the tank. The control panels are installed under the panels, the gunner and the commander have similar devices.
Photo: btvt.info
The devices are manufactured in the Russian Federation and are unified for the entire line of promising ground vehicles (Armata, Kurganets, Boomerang). Devices are still manufactured and assembled by hand, but their reliability is growing.
It is on these devices that tank control is based.
Photo: btvt.info
Commander's place. A visual overview of the terrain is carried out through three viewing devices. The main information is supposed to be received through the TV cameras located along the perimeter of the tank and a multi-channel panoramic sight-surveillance device.
Such a decision can be called very bold, especially for ground vehicles, where conditions are much more severe than in aviation. On the right is the AVSKU-E control panel (intercom, switching and control equipment). Under the control panel is an optical sensor of the fire-fighting equipment system (OD1-1S). The installation of optical sensors and high-speed cylinders in the fighting compartment ensures fire detection and the release of fire extinguishing composition in no more than 150 ms. Such sensors are installed around the entire perimeter of the capsule.
View of the back of the crew capsule. Visible ventilation and air conditioning systems/ Photo: btvt.info
Photo: btvt.info
Despite many digital innovations, some traditions in post-Soviet tank building are unshakable, for example, not very accurate welding seams.
Comfortable seats are a big step forward compared to the tanks of the previous generation.
Protection
The layout of the "Armata" is similar to that worked out on the "Object 195". Increased crew security is achieved by transferring the crew jobs located in the turret to a highly protected nose module of the hull, the protection mass of which can be increased by the amount of the reduction in the turret defense mass, due to a decrease in its dimensions and internal volume intended for crew jobs.
Improving the security and survival of the crew in the module is achieved by reducing the total area of the internal surfaces of the control module (compared to the habitable compartment of tanks of the classical layout).
The weapon module is separated from the transverse bulkhead control module, which reduces the likelihood of hitting the crew in the module.
The fire and explosion safety of the module and the survival of the crew are achieved by the complete separation of the crew's workplaces from the sealed volume of fuel and from the ammunition load.
Schematic representation of the general layout of the T-14 "Armata" tank (similar to the T-95) /Image btvt.info
The advantage indicated by the authors of the patent, along with the above, has one more drawback - insufficient protection of the tower. They will come to this question, as did the developers of the promising Soviet-era tank - the Hammer, the Note.
The tank protection complex includes combined and dynamic protection installed in the front part of the hull with the crew capsule.
Also, dynamic protection is installed on the sides of the hull (up to the engine compartment). In front, the caterpillar branches are blocked by the DZ, which is especially important when placing the crew in the hull. In the front part of the side of the hull, the DZ blocks are made folding for ease of maintenance of the undercarriage. In general, the solutions for installing DZ are reminiscent of its installation on the Nota tank (KMDB).
The turret is covered with super-dynamic protection, and the DZ is also installed to protect the capsule, including hatches. Part of the side of the hull in the MTO area is covered with lattice screens.
Photo: btvt.info
DZ covers both the upper and lower parts of the nose assembly of the hull. Externally, the DZ is similar to that installed on the T-95. the working surface of the thrown plate is significantly increased.
The technical requirements for a promising tank, set back in the days of the USSR, required protection from above from cumulative ammunition with an armor-piercing ability of 250-300 mm. Despite the small size of the roof and hatches, which is clearly visible in the photographs, it can be assumed that this requirement is met.
The most important feature of the tank is the use of a set of means to protect against high-precision weapons. They include an active protection complex that provides cover in the range of 120 ° in the direction of the tank turret and a complex for setting up multispectral curtains and a complex of laser and UV radiation indicators installed along the perimeter of the turret.
In order to fire false IR and RL targets quickly and accurately in the direction of the means of attack from wherever it flies up, without turning the turret, the use of rapidly turning grenade launchers is required.
Thus, protection from attacking ammunition in a horizontal projection is provided by the KAZ and the jamming complex (in two rotary installations on the tower). And from the attackers from above - a jamming complex (in two fixed installations directed upwards).
An anti-mine electromagnetic protection system is also installed.
Tank protection complex from WTO/ Image btvt.info
Along the perimeter of the tower are indicators of laser irradiation and ultraviolet radiation(missile launch detection system). Under the front indicators of irradiation and missile launch, there are radars with headlight detection and target designation KAZ. On the roof of the tower, a system for launching multispectral interference in rotary and fixed installations.
Irradiation and launch indicators in the photo and during the demonstration at the parade are covered with shutters. Next to the block of indicators of the TV camera of the front and side view/ A photo: btvt.info
KAZ launchers are installed under the radar block. KAZ "Afganit" is the development of the "Drozd" system. This development of TsKIB SOO dates back to the 80s. The difference from Drozd is the possibility of correcting the fired counter-munition in azimuth (~ 0.5 m) and vertically (± 4 °). The complex has the ability to destroy anti-tank missiles attacking a target in flight, but does not protect against attackers from above
Photo: btvt.info
To reduce the visibility of the tank, a light casing with optimal geometric characteristics is installed on the turret. to reduce visibility in the radar wavelength range.
Side view of the T-14 Armata, in the central third of the hull, DZ blocks are installed optimized for protection against cumulative warheads at an angle of impact close to normal / A photo: btvt.info
Part of the side of the hull in the MTO area is covered with lattice screens /Photo: btvt.info
Fuel barrels are visible. At the parade in Moscow, "Armata" were without them. Apparently they think it's not fashionable.
Firepower
The tank is equipped with a 125mm high-powered 2A82-1M cannon. Judging by the patents, the gun can use both regular shots and newly developed shots with an increased powder charge. Ammunition 40 shots (of which 32 in the automatic loader, 8 - transportable). The AZ ideology has been retained from the "Object 195", but the small 152 mm ammunition load has been increased to an acceptable value.
7.62mm PKTM machine gun in a remotely controlled installation on a platform combined with a panoramic sight-surveillance device. Ammunition 2000 rounds in a continuous belt.
The absence of a machine gun coaxial with a cannon is a strange and undoubtedly wrong decision. This will lead to an increased consumption of ammunition by the gunner on targets that do not correspond to 125 mm shells, to distract the commander from monitoring the battlefield when using a single machine gun. Some justification for this may be in the form of an automated ammunition load increased by 10 shots compared to the T-72. The 30 mm automatic cannon, as was the case on the Molot and T-95, is also missing.
Scheme AZ uninhabited tower/ Image btvt.info
Projectiles and charges are arranged vertically. The conveyor is raised above the bottom of the hull to prevent jamming when the bottom deflects (undermining a mine).
The idea of installing such a gun arose long ago, back in the late 70s (D-91T) and continued in the future, including the "Object 187". In terms of its potential, it is 30% higher than the regular one.
It is known that shots of increased power 3VBM22 with BPS 3BM59 "Lead-1" and 3VBM23 with BPS 3BM60 "Lead-2" with L = 740 mm have increased armor penetration by 100-150 mm. Improved BPSs designed for the "Armata" are likely to reach levels in excess of 800mm (450/60°). EFFECT: possibility of using both regular ammunition and newly developed ammunition of increased power is provided.
Whether the truth is reached is an open question, all these topics have been underway for more than two decades. So the same "Lead-1" and "Lead-2" have been formally part of the ammunition load of the modernized T-72BA, T-80UA, T-80UE1 since 2004.
To combat infantry, a shot 3VOF128 "Telnik" -1 was developed (Completion of the R & D - 2014). The projectile implemented a trajectory gap on approach to the target (at a preemptive point) with the target being hit by the axial flow of the GGE; trajectory gap over the target with the defeat of the target by a circular field of hull fragments; shock ground break with installation for instantaneous (fragmentation) action; shock ground break with installation for high-explosive fragmentation action (small deceleration); shock ground break with a setting for a penetrating high-explosive action (large deceleration).
Armament stabilizer 2E58 - electromechanical with electric drive for vertical and horizontal guidance. It has reduced power consumption, increased accuracy and less fire hazard.
The UUI-2 transceiver is installed at the base of the barrel. Provides automatic measurement of barrel bending during firing./ Photo: btvt.info
Engine power 1200 horsepower. According to the developers, there are opportunities for forcing up to 1500-1800 hp. in perspective.
The total capacity of the fuel system of the tank is 2015 liters with two connected barrels. Of these, 1615 liters are in the internal and external fuel tanks of the tank, the fuel is partially located inside the hull (816 liters), the rest is in the fuel tanks on the fenders in the rear of the hull.
The transmission is mechanical with a planetary central gearbox with automatic shifting. The built-in reverser can provide an equal number of forward and reverse gears, which is important when unifying the chassis with the rear and front MTOs. The cooling fan drive is two-stage controlled.
The damping characteristic of the hydraulic shock absorber is speed, that is, it represents the dependence of the resistance force on the speed on the lever. The kinematic connection of the hydraulic shock absorber with the suspension is designed to provide a gear ratio of the vertical speed of the track roller of the caterpillar mover of the tracked vehicle to the speed of movement of the hydraulic shock absorber lever 0.15 ... 3.5 with an increase at the end of the track roller travel.
EFFECT: increased progressivity of suspension characteristics of the suspension system and smooth running of tracked vehicles weighing up to 55 tons.
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Image btvt.info
Project evaluation
The positive side of the project is that it was nevertheless implemented, to a greater extent than any of the existing promising tank projects in the post-Soviet space after the creation of the T-64 tank.
Positive for the industry in the Russian Federation is the development of new technologies (touch panels), a new element base in tank control systems (IMS, FCS, etc.), the development of which can become a serious impetus to the development of the electronics industry.
Sufficient attention has been paid to the complex protection of the tank - KOEP, KAZ, DZ, etc.
Ergonomics meets modern requirements.
The negative features of the tank stem from the choice of its layout, these are the impossibility of providing a sufficient size of the side armor of the capsule due to the placement of the crew shoulder to shoulder, the vulnerability of the tower from the fire of modern automatic guns, the lack of a visual channel of the commander's and gunner's sights, the impossibility of providing all-round visibility from the commander's seat. Exhaust on both sides increases the IR visibility of the tank.
Of the removable shortcomings, the absence of a machine gun coaxial with a cannon can be noted. And the sight-understudy gunner.
And most importantly, what else can be added, the tank is being tested, they have been released for this moment a small amount of. Most of the systems installed in the "Armata" have not yet been sufficiently mastered, undoubtedly it will be required big time to cure childhood illnesses. So to be or not to be "Armata" time will tell.
MOSCOW, edition "Tank power. Steel and fire"
12
The new generation T-14 tank on the Armata platform was first shown in 2015 at the Victory Parade in Moscow. "This year there will also be a 'box' containing 9 T-14 Armata tanks. There will be a 'box' containing a Coalition and a self-propelled artillery mount"Msta-S"", - said the deputy CEO JSC NPK "Uralvagonzavod" on special equipment Vyacheslav Khalitov on the air of the radio station "Echo of Moscow" (program "Arsenal", topic: " Latest developments in a crisis", broadcast: 22:10, 04/25/2016).
How many Armata tanks were produced?
Currently, a pilot batch has been released, this is - 12 T-14 tanks and 12 T-15 vehicles, development work continues and preliminary tests are underway. This was stated by Vyacheslav Khalitov, Deputy General Director of OAO NPK Uralvagonzavod for special equipment, on the air of Ekho Moskvy.
"Development work continues. Now preliminary tests are underway - these are tests that are being carried out chief designer. We have released a pilot batch, part of this pilot batch is now involved in preparations for the Parade. The T-14 "Armata" tank will participate in the Victory Parade. The rest of the pilot batch is now partly being tested, partly preparing for testing," Vyacheslav Khalitov said.
Contract for 100 cars
Vyacheslav Khalitov clarified that pilot batch- a little over 20 cars. "Deputy Minister of Defense Yuri Ivanovich Borisov announced that a contract has been signed with us, in which about 100 vehicles. Indeed, we have such a contract, it has been for about two years - it is long-term, we are fulfilling it, and within the framework of this contract, just a pilot batch was made. Further, the implementation of this contract continues," he said.
When asked about the timing of when these 100 vehicles should be transferred to the Armed Forces, Vyacheslav Khalitov replied:
"The projected date is 2017-18. So far, the crisis has not had a serious, significant impact on the preparation for the production of "Armata", the implementation of development work does not have."
He specified that " 12 vehicles assembled T-14 and 12 vehicles assembled T-15 - this is a pilot batch. You have to understand that development work is going on in parallel, regardless of the pilot batch."
Tanks "Armata"
Tanks T-14 "Armata" at the Victory Parade in 2015
Multi-level protection of the tank "Armata"
Vyacheslav Khalitov, speaking about the security of vehicles, said that at present the security is higher than anti-tank weapons. Having touched a little on the topic of the multi-level protection of the "Armata" tank, the following were mentioned:
- an anti-detection system that includes a number of subsystems;
- hit counter system;
- defeat countermeasure system;
- the survivability system of the machine itself.
“Thanks to this multi-level protection system as a whole, we have a fairly survivable vehicle and ensure the survival of the crew. We are now introducing the same thing during the modernization of the T-72 and T-90 tanks,” said Vyacheslav Khalitov, Deputy General Director of Uralvagonzavod for special equipment.
Engine
"The engine power in the car is laid down in such a way that it is upgraded over time, and we have several options: power of 1350, 1500 and 1800 horsepower. We are not forcing these events yet, because for now 1350 horsepower is enough to in order to test the machine and confirm the characteristics," Vyacheslav Khalitov said. In general - the characteristics are all confirmed.
How much will a serial tank cost?
The crisis will not prevent the transfer of the first batch of 100 Armata vehicles to the Russian Armed Forces in 2017-2018. Earlier there were reports that the cost of one serial tank T-14 "Armata" will be less than 250 million rubles.
The cost "will definitely be adjusted downwards. Because with a good series - it's more than 100-150 cars a year, the price will decrease. And with already well-established production," Vyacheslav Khalitov noted.
On a proactive basis
Currently, questions are being considered about the possibility of developing a combat module with a 152-mm gun. " We are considering this issue on an initiative basis. Indeed, this issue is being worked out and we do not see any big problems here. And it is quite acceptable to install such a combat module", - said the deputy general director of Uralvagonzavod for special equipment.
The remote control of the machine is also being considered on an initiative basis. "We are also considering the option of using the Armata in the future as a remote-controlled vehicle. That is, it is an unmanned vehicle, there is no crew inside. There is an operator who remotely controls several vehicles at a certain range, for example, from 3 to 5 kilometers" - said Vyacheslav Khalitov.
You can listen to the interview in full:
- On the website of the radio station
Tank on the universal platform "Armata"
Tank T-14 on the universal platform "Armata" has already passed through Red Square, but still remains a mystery. The characteristics of the tank are known fragmentarily, but even according to these data it can be argued that a new word in tank building in the world sense.
Main predicted performance data of the T-14 Armata tank:
- The total maximum weight is 48 tons.
- Crew members - 3 people.
- Gun ammunition - 48 pcs.
- Combat rate of fire - 12 high / min.
- Engine power - 1200-1500 hp
- Travel speed up to 90 km/h
- Power reserve - over 500 km
- Target detection range - 5 km
- Target range - 8 km
- The time required to replace the engine is 0.5 hour.
The main feature of the T-14 tank is an uninhabited turret. The crew can control the weapon remotely, being in an isolated armored capsule that protects people in case of a hit. However, knocking out "Armata", according to experts, will be very, very difficult.
The tank is equipped with the most modern electronic equipment, including a unique radar station that can simultaneously control up to 40 ground and 25 air targets within a radius of 100 kilometers. The active protection system monitors the shells fired at the tank and is able to intercept them on the approach. At field tests, this system has already proven itself to be a solid five - it was not possible to hit the tank.
There are also innovations in the armor of the Armata tank - it was developed using a new grade of steel, ceramic and composite layers. Such a puff "pie" is able to withstand the hit of any of the existing and even promising warheads. An additional plus is that this armor can be used in the most difficult climatic conditions.
According to preliminary estimates, the military-technical level of the T-14 tank is almost four times higher than that of the T-72B, and its tactical effectiveness is 25-30% superior to foreign competitors. All information about the combat situation is sent to the crew on monitors in a protected capsule from laser, television and thermal imaging sensors, and a panoramic view allows the commander and gunner to see the battlefield in all 360 degrees. In addition, "Armata" can exchange data with other tanks and the command post. All this greatly improves the coordination of actions and reduces the time required to search for and destroy the target.
Video of how the "Armata" fires: shooting from the fighting compartment:
Planned TTX T-14
The main armament of the T-14 should be a 125-mm 2A82 smoothbore gun with various types of ammunition. The upgraded 7.62 caliber Kalashnikov machine gun and the Kord robotic heavy machine gun will be used as additional weapons, but the modularity laid down in the basis of the tank will make it possible to flexibly change weapons and additional equipment depending on the tasks being solved.
Armor
In the production of the tank, a new lightweight armor steel of the 44S-sv-Sh grade will be used. The use of this steel grade will reduce the weight of the machine by several hundred kilograms.
The hardness of the steel is at least 54HRC, but so far its plastic characteristics remain at the level of serial steels with a hardness of 45-48HRC. This combination allows to reduce the thickness and weight of the armor by 15% without compromising the protective characteristics and survivability at low temperatures.
Engine
The A-85-3A engine (alternative designations 2A12-3, 12CHN15/16 and 12N360) with a motor life of at least 2000 hours was chosen as the power plant for the Armata. with a rated power of 1500 hp But it is assumed that in order to increase the motor resource, the power will be reduced to 1200 hp. The 12N360 engine passed the entire range of life and sea trials in 2011.
The mass of the unit is about 5 tons. MTU volume up to 4 m3.
Production and operation
It is planned that on May 9, 2015, 12 new Armata tanks will leave the pavement of Red Square for the Parade in honor of the 70th anniversary of Victory Day, which will then go for testing to military units. Serial production of the T-14 is scheduled to begin in 2016.
The first photos of the "live" tank Armata appeared on the network
Comparison of T-14 projections with the T-90 tank
Comparison of T-14 projections with the Abrams tank
After the first appearance of the Armata on the streets of Moscow, the tank was rated very highly, but the first claims appeared:
1. There is no dynamic protection on the hatches and one of the hatches opens to the side in such a way that it can interfere with the rotation of the gun.
2. KAZ does not have the ability to provide protection against ammunition attacking from above and the tank is defenseless against American Javelins and other ammunition according to the "shock core" scheme. In the projection "from above" the RPG-7 of the 60s also becomes dangerous.
3. There is no machine gun coaxial with the cannon, which is considered quite strange.
4. When hitting the lower part of the barrel and turret, the projectile can cause damage to the crew, because. no decent horizontal armor was seen in this zone.
In the newest Russian main battle tank T-14 "Armata" (object 148), the designers proposed a radically new layout. The essence of the idea lies in the complete separation and isolation from each other of the main compartments of the combat vehicle.
Do not think that the idea arose from scratch: the "Armata" had a predecessor. Back in 1971, the team of the Kharkov plant named after. Malysheva, on his own initiative, proposed a project for a machine that received the designation GABTU "Object 450" and the factory designation T-74. The car was divided into five separate compartments: the engine compartment, the compartment with ammunition, the compartment with crew members, the compartment with the gun and additional weapons, and the fuel compartment. But the Soviet leadership considered the concept of the tank too expensive and difficult to manufacture: after about a year, the topic was closed.
Closed but not forgotten. The project of a highly protected tank with a crew of two with separated compartments was later patented by Spetsmash OJSC. A similar project was also proposed by the German Blohm und Foss, but was not developed.
The real predecessor of the T-14, embodied in metal, was the "Object 195", better known under the designation T-95. The tank was under development design office UKBTM (Nizhny Tagil) from 1990 to 2010 and, despite the fact that photos and videos with this machine have already appeared on the Web, most of the information about it remains secret. After that, the rationale for refusing to continue work on the object in 2010 under the pretext of its "moral obsolescence" seems far-fetched. However, according to the source of the VZGLYAD newspaper in the industry, the normal financing of "Armata" began only after the removal of Anatoly Serdyukov from the post of Minister of Defense: the "furniture maker" did not stay at the post for that ... In fact, many developments tested during the creation of "Objects" 195 and 640 (the latter is better known to the public as the "Black Eagle").
The advantages of the exploded layout are quite obvious. Firstly, it allows you to significantly reduce the reserved volume - and at the same time provide the crew with equal-strength all-round protection of a greater equivalent thickness. If the ammunition load is damaged and ignited, a local fire will not affect either the sealed volume of fuel or the crew at work. In turn, if a sealed volume of fuel is damaged, a local fire in the engine compartment will not affect the ammunition, separated from the fire by a partition, and, again, the crew. At the same time, the introduction of an additional partition creates additional structural rigidity of the entire bottom (during a mine explosion, it deforms under the influence of a shock wave), and the gap between the bottom and the autoloader will allow you to save the operation of the machine. The crew, on the other hand, is completely isolated from both ammunition and fuel tanks.
The design of the combat module leaves no doubt that part of the ammo was taken out of the uninhabited turret into the turret box, which should favorably affect the survivability of the tank (in general, this element suspiciously resembles a similar design used on the T-90SM tank). It must be assumed that part of the automatic loader is also located there. One can only guess what the design of the machine is - single-threaded or double-threaded. Both have their advantages, and it seems that the designers took into account the experience when choosing local conflicts the last time.
Also, this decision increases the modernization potential of the tank, allowing you to replace the combat module with a more advanced one without significant changes in the basic design. Now the module is apparently equipped with a 125-mm 2A82 smoothbore gun with an auto-bonded and partially chrome-plated barrel, capable of firing both existing and advanced ammunition. In terms of technical level, it surpasses all existing tank guns by 1.2-1.25 times. Thus, the muzzle energy of the 2A82 gun is 1.17 times greater than the best NATO gun - the 120-millimeter system of the Leopard-2A6 tank, while the length of the tube of our gun is 60 cm less. Another thing is that when creating the "Object 195" it was planned to decisively increase its firepower by equipping the tank with a 152-millimeter 2A83 gun. It is possible that this topic may return in the foreseeable future. Another option is to equip the tank with an electromagnetic gun, the "railgun".
It is also important to note the chassis, consisting of seven rollers, while the Russian school is characterized by a six-wheel chassis. At the same time, the rollers themselves are similar to those that were developed in Leningrad for the T-80 (now they are massively used on auxiliary equipment and self-propelled units). The introduction of an additional roller allows, on the one hand, to increase the mass of the upper frontal part of the armored hull, which is very important in the presence of modern anti-tank weapons attacking from above, and on the other hand, to optimally set the location of the center of gravity of the vehicle. The fact that the tank is superbly balanced can be seen on the footage of the T-14 driving onto the trailer platform with a huge front end. It is also noteworthy that the suspension of the car is clearly adaptive, “intelligent”, like on F-1 cars. Judging by the characteristic whistling sound that accompanied some maneuvers, the suspension control system is pneumatic or hydropneumatic.
The tank has just amazing dynamics, you can feel the excess power. At the same time, the power plant is clearly a diesel engine (estimated with a capacity of 1300-1500 forces). It is possible (but not necessary) that the tank is driven by a four-stroke, X-shaped, 12-cylinder diesel turbo piston engine 12N360 developed by the Chelyabinsk GSKB Transdiesel (manufacturer - Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant).
Industry publications claim that the motor has passed a full cycle of state tests by 2011 and is now fully prepared for mass production. According to the test results, the engine life of a diesel engine is at least 2000 hours. This is an excellent indicator (compared to any competitors), especially considering that the resource of domestic engines has long been their weak point. If, as experts say “in the ear”, the 12N360 is really capable of developing one and a half thousand “horses”, and the mass of the T-14 does not exceed 55 tons, then in terms of specific power of 27.3 liters. from. per ton, the Russian tank is superior to the Abrams of the latest modification M1A2 (22.3 hp / t, despite the fact that the "American" is equipped with a gas turbine engine), "Leopard-2A6M" (22.1) and "Challenger-2" (19 ,one). Only the French "Leclerc" and the latest Japanese "Type 10" of 2012 are equal to it in this parameter. With such a power-to-weight ratio, the maximum speed of the T-14 should be at the level of 75 km / h. Note that the most advanced Russian tank T-90 today in the most massive modification has this figure at the level of 21.6 liters. s. / t and develops a speed of 60 km / h.
Returning to the passive protection of the tank, the powerful armor protection of the sides, similar to the one that was developed for the T-72 as a “kit for combat in the city,” draws attention to itself. Volumetric blocks of dynamic protection are neatly fitted to the silhouette of the car and, probably, should be easily removed for transportation along the railway. Lattices on the stern are similar to those used on the T-90SM. In general, the predatory, narrow nose of the tank, which implies the most powerful protection for the crew in the forward projection, is undoubtedly designed against another threat, which is mentioned in last years almost forgotten. The streamlined shape of the nose must withstand the shock wave nuclear explosion preventing the machine from tipping over. Tank "third world"? Yes, if you like.
From open sources, the brand of armor steel is also known, which is used in the design of the T-14, not only for armor protection elements, but also as a structural material. The new armor of the 44S-sv-Sh brand was created by JSC Research Institute of Steel and was presented at the Interpolitech-2014 exhibition. It is reported that this material has increased strength compared to commercial steels, but retains the same ductility. This will save hundreds of kilograms of vehicle weight by reducing the thickness of armored parts without compromising their durability.
Obviously, in modern conditions, passive protection alone is not enough: means of destruction are being improved at a faster pace. And judging by appearance, "Armata" has a good arsenal of active self-defense. The first thing that is noticeable to the eye is the antennas and sensors located in the front of the fenders active system protection against mines with an electromagnetic fuse (and these are now the majority). The complex distorts the magnetic signature of the protected object, forcing the mines to work outside the projection of the tank, or blocks their work. Judging by its appearance, this is either a mass-produced SPMZ-2E system, or its further development.
The photo clearly shows that with a fairly powerful armor protection of the hull, the armor of the tower is facilitated by the use of the Afghanit active protection complex, the cylindrical launchers of which are visible on the lower belt of the tower.
In addition, next to the cap of the panorama, paired with a machine gun (also a legacy of the T-90SM), a KAZ radar is found.
Additional antennas, more precisely - phased antenna arrays, are visible in different places. It is curious that some Internet amateurs mistook them for "cardboard inserts."
However, there is an opinion that we see only a light casing of the tower, and the armor is critical important systems and aggregates lurks within it.
The Afghanit system works on the principle of a “strike core”. In principle, the impact core resembles a cumulative pestle according to the principle of operation, however, it is not formed when a projectile hits an obstacle, but is formed by undermining a specially shaped metal-lined ammunition. The hot ball of molten metal thus obtained has the properties of a conventional kinetic armor-piercing projectile (such as a sub-caliber, in jargon - “scrap”, “blank”), dispersed to a speed of several thousand meters per second. At the same time, the shape of the charge is selected so that after the shot, the impact core is extended in flight, forming, as it were, a head and a “skirt”-stabilizer in the rear. Each mortar of the "Afghanit" system is equipped with several dozens of such charges, which are fired at the signal of the radar in the direction of the target from one or another mortar. Interception of targets is possible at a distance of up to 200 meters (the core quickly loses kinetic energy). It is alleged that this system is capable of intercepting any ammunition attacking a tank: from ATGMs to artillery shells, as well as aircraft rockets and grenades from hand grenade launchers. The minimum interception distance, according to some sources, is about four meters.
Mortars "Afghanita" are concentrated mainly in front of the tower, which is natural. Studies have shown that hits achieved in dueling situations (i.e. tank versus anti-tank weapon) at long ranges usually show the so-called "Whitticker" or "cardiod" distribution, according to which 44% of tank hits fall in the 60 ° sector, and 36% in the 45° sector. For this reason, the tanks are protected by armor in the frontal sector especially strongly. However, there are two mortars in the rear hemisphere. In addition, launchers of another KAZ, of a previously unknown type, were mounted at the top of the tower. Perhaps this is one of the complexes designed to protect against strikes from above (for example, ATGMs of the Javelin type).
Considering that the crew is located in an armored capsule and is deprived of the possibility of observing the terrain and the battlefield through optical viewing devices, the tank is abundantly equipped with various kinds of television and thermal imaging cameras, perhaps even in excess - for the sake of redundancy in case of failure of some of them. There are so many different windows that some were even painted over "as unnecessary" in preparation for the parade.
It is still difficult to judge the fire control system, in addition to the mentioned commander's panorama. In addition, in the frontal part of the turret on the right, a large niche is visible, covered with an armored shutter, which is probably intended for a gunner's sight with a night channel. However, it is possible that this device rises above the roof of the tower through the hatch in it, clearly visible in the photo above.
Concluding the story about the new car, we can say that in modern history there are few weapons so revolutionary. The T-14, perhaps, can only be compared with the English battleship Dreadnought, launched in 1906, after which all squadron battleships of the pre-dreadnought type in all fleets of the world, without exception, instantly became obsolete. Of course, a slightly different tank will go into a large series, perhaps with a 152-mm cannon, which there is simply nothing to oppose from the word “generally”.
One thing is certain - the Russian tank will determine the main trends in world tank building for the next 20-30 years.
Serious passions flared up around the Russian T-14 Armata tank. A number of foreign and domestic media reported that the Russian authorities allegedly abandoned the latest combat vehicle, in the development of which hundreds of millions of dollars were invested. The reason for unequivocal conclusions was the statement of the curator of the national defense industry, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Yuri Borisov. The official said that the "Armata" turned out to be quite expensive for the army, and for this reason it makes sense to bet on the modernization of the current tank fleet. “Well, why flood everything with “Armata” armed forces? Our T-72 is in great demand on the market, everyone takes it, compared to the Abrams, Leclercs and Leopards, it significantly surpasses them in price, efficiency and quality, ”Borisov said. In his opinion, in the coming years, the army can do without a massive supply of new generation vehicles, which are "rather expensive in relation to existing ones." “We are already succeeding, having a budget ten times smaller than the NATO countries, due to such effective decisions, when we look at the modernization potential of old models, to solve the tasks,” Borisov emphasized. Truth and deceit of Borisov Currently, the Russian army is armed with about 1.8 thousand tanks, most of them are modernized versions of the T-72. Borisov was not cunning when he said that the domestic tank is not inferior in terms of price and quality to the American Abrams, the German Leopard and the French Leclerc. The T-72B3 has the worst firepower, security and automation indicators compared to foreign vehicles. At the same time, the Russian tank is significantly superior to Western competitors in terms of mobility and reliability. On the side of the T-72 and the economy. The cost of a brand new T-72B3 is about $2 million, and the modernization of each tank costs only $200,000. At the same time, the price for one "Abrams", "Leclerc" and "Leopard" exceeds 5-6 million dollars. In unpretentious conditions of local conflicts, the T-72B3 will undoubtedly be stronger. In addition, the purchase and maintenance of a Russian tank does not require large expenses. By the way, "Armata" is not worth quite sky-high money. In the media, you can find a figure of 250 million rubles and 4 million dollars per unit. Borisov did not distort reality when he emphasized the advantages of the T-72, but he can be safely reproached for changing ideas about development tank troops. In 2013, in an interview for Ekho Moskvy, while in the position of Deputy Minister of Defense, he stated the following: “Our army can no longer live with the equipment that has remained from the USSR. We must make a big leap and create a new combat vehicle before 2015. And we will do it." Obviously, it was about "Armata". Nevertheless, Borisov's former peremptory attitude towards the Soviet legacy is justified by the factor of the acute economic crisis that hit our country in 2014. The Ministry of Defense and the government were forced to adjust their procurement plans and sequester military spending. In 2017, Borisov's predecessor, Dmitry Rogozin, announced that the State Armament Program for 2018-2027 envisages "serial deliveries" of T-14s. Most likely, last year the military-political leadership of the Russian Federation decided to equip several units with the Armata, which, as we figured out, is completely uncritical for Russian army. T-14 ahead of its time Since 2017, T-80 gas turbine tanks and T-90 diesel tanks (Proryv-3 development work) have been in the process of modernization. The start of the renewal of the fleet, in fact, of Soviet vehicles, was perceived by experts as the result of a slippage in the process of adopting the T-14. And yet, it is unreasonable to conclude from Borisov's statement that Russia is abandoning the T-14. An example is the situation with the T-90 "Vladimir", which was considered the most advanced combat vehicle in the world as of the early 1990s. For a quarter of a century, the Russian army received only 350 of these tanks (about 20% of the tank fleet). At first glance, the T-90 project seems to be a failure, since truly large-scale revenues newest tanks did not happen to the troops. However, for 25 years, the RF Armed Forces have not experienced any urgent need for these machines. What was the point then to invest in the creation of the T-90? Firstly, Russia was able to make good money on Vladimir. In the 2000s, the T-90 became the best-selling tank on the international market. Secondly, on the basis of some technological innovations embodied in the T-90, the Armata was created. It is possible that in in general terms T-14 can repeat the fate of "Vladimir". It is worth adding that the "Armata" project was developed for conducting "network-centric warfare", which is distinguished by a high degree of automation of battle management processes. T-14 should be included in a single information loop, which will allow you to receive information from multiple sources. This is the key advantage of the tank over its predecessors. However, the Russian army still lacks drones, and the formation of a single information circuit is at an early stage. "Armata" was simply ahead of its time. And this fact cannot be the basis for asserting that Russia does not need a car. With a high probability, within the framework of the SAP, the Russian troops will receive several dozen T-14s, and if the economic situation improves, the Ministry of Defense will increase the volume of purchases. It seems that the main problem with the latest domestic tank lies in the fact that he was praised too early by the federal media at the suggestion of the military and politicians. Against such an informational background, any, even not very serious problem with the T-14, recklessly perceived as a disaster.
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