Octopus weapon. Self-propelled anti-tank gun "Sprut-SD"

In the 1980s, NATO countries began an intensive buildup of their weapons. This was the impetus for the Central Research Institute to create new concept development military equipment for the USSR. In order to create an effective weapon capable of withstanding NATO tanks, in the 90s, especially for Airborne Forces of Russia The Volgograd Tractor Plant joint-stock company developed the 2S25 Sprut-SD self-propelled anti-tank gun.

About the authors of the development

Sprut-SD 2S25 is a Russian airborne self-propelled anti-tank gun. A. V. Shabalin became the chief designer involved in the manufacture of the chassis. The 125 mm 2A75 gun for the Sprut-SD 2S25 was developed by V. I. Nasedkin. Work on the creation of this Russian anti-tank weapons was carried out at the Central Research Institute of Precision Engineering.

Start of creation

In 1982, on the basis of the model was created self-propelled guns 2S25 "Octopus-SD", designed for caliber 125 mm. This was a confirmation that, using the components and assemblies of the landing vehicle, it is quite possible to create a new, very effective weapon. The management of the Central Research Institute of Tochmash decided that to design a lighter chassis, you can use light tank"Object 934", which was equipped with a lightweight 100-mm rifled gun with automatic loading, designed for 19 shots.

One of these tanks became the basis for creating a prototype 125 mm gun. The upgraded Sprut-SD tank was now equipped with a 125 mm smoothbore gun. The classic tower scheme was used in the process. In addition, the designers also considered options with the removal of weapons.

Testing

In 1984, Sprut-SD 2S25 was transported to the Kubinka training ground for experimental firing. The results of testing the new self-propelled guns showed that in terms of accuracy of fire it is not inferior to tank guns, and the load acting on the crew and the gun itself does not exceed the permissible limits. On October 20, 1985, the military-industrial commission decided to begin production of a 125-mm cannon for the Sprut-SD 2S25.

What difficulties did the developers face when creating landing aids?

The P260 means, which ensure the landing of a self-propelled unit, showed a number of shortcomings during testing:

their production was costly;
the use of P260 funds proved difficult.

As a result, work on parachute-jet systems was discontinued, and the P260 was replaced by a strapdown landing system, which received the designation P260 M.

What is Sprut-SD 2S25? Design description

It is a combat armored tracked amphibious vehicle that uses a powerful artillery and missile system as weapons.

ACS consists of three parts - buildings:

In the front there is a point that provides control of the Sprut-SD 2S25 machine. The photo below shows the structural features of the self-propelled unit. This corps is designed for three people: a self-propelled gun commander, a gunner and a driver. In the roof of the combat vehicle for the crew there are built-in observation devices with day and night vision.

The installation tower is located in the middle building. This block is combat. The sight, intended for the senior in the crew, is a combined design: the scope of its activity extends to two planes by combining with laser sight. Guidance of a 125 mm projectile is provided by a laser beam.
The rear is considered the location of the engine compartment.

Arrangement of a workplace for the commander

At the workplace of the main crew, the designers of the artillery mount provide for the following devices:

daytime monocular periscope sight 1A40-M1 with a stabilizing field of view;
night optical-electronic complex TO1-KO1R;
a laser rangefinder, with which the commander measures the distance to the target and develops a lead angle while firing at a moving target;
an information channel through which guidance and launch of a guided missile is carried out;
backup ballistic and aiming device, which is used by the gunner;
a special remote control that performs autonomous control of automation when loading;
drives that provide operational communication between the commander and the gunner.

What are the tasks of the crew leader?

The head of the group, with the help of night and day vision sights, monitors the area. The commander of this self-propelled artillery mount, regardless of the gunner, can carry out aimed fire from both a machine gun and a cannon. This opportunity provided by a computerized fire control system: if the initial data is available, the tank ballistic computer uses drives to automatically enter angles and lead. Due to this function, the commander is not required to perform retargeting using rangefinders and aiming marks. The commander is free to fire.

How is the created tool classified?

Anti-tank - the Sprut-SD 2S25 combat vehicle was included in this class of guns. The purpose and range of tasks performed by her were reduced to the fight against enemy tanks. Previously, this task was performed by such tanks as the PT-76B and the Object 934. They were replaced with the advent of the 2S25 Sprut-SD. The fire support combat vehicle, unlike other light tanks, has a higher firepower. The maneuverability and maneuverability of the new self-propelled guns corresponds to the indicators characteristic of light tank combat guns. Sprut-SD is a modern and more advanced version of the PT-76B.

Under what conditions is it operated?

Sprut-SD is able to cover distances of at least 500 kilometers without refueling. Transportation of self-propelled guns is carried out by military transport aviation. Landing ships can also be used for this purpose. For the landing of the installation, its developers provide landing and parachute methods. The crew of the combat vehicle is in its cockpit. Having a high specific power, "Octopus-SD" is suitable for combat operations in both high highlands and in hot tropical climates.

The self-propelled guns are capable of resisting the enemy's highly armored vehicles, their fortified strongholds and manpower. Overcoming water obstacles is possible provided that the excitement does not exceed 3 points. An artillery mount can operate on water due to the equipment equipped on the chassis. The buoyancy of the installation is ensured by water cannons with a diameter of impellers of 34 cm and road wheels. The design of the ACS has closed air chambers. When water enters the body, pumping out is carried out using powerful water pumps. Being afloat, "Octopus-SD" can fire.

After completing its combat mission, the self-propelled guns are adapted to carry out self-loading into the landing ship from the water surface.

Especially for work in snowy areas, snowmobile tracks and asphalt shoes are used. "Octopus-SD" is suitable for areas that have received radiation, chemical and biological contamination. The safety of the crew is provided by protection against weapons of mass destruction.

A combat artillery vehicle can be camouflaged with a smoke screen. For this purpose, the designers mounted brackets (2 pieces) on the aft sheet of the ACS turret, in which there are six 902V grenade launchers using 81 mm caliber smoke grenades.

For what purpose was the combat vehicle created?

Initially, the self-propelled guns were designed to withstand tanks, various armored vehicles and manpower. 2S25 "Octopus-SD" - a fire support combat vehicle - was intended only for the Airborne Forces. The task of the airborne self-propelled artillery installation was to fight armored vehicles behind enemy lines. Over time, she became part of the Marine Corps and special forces. The experience of using the 2S25 showed that, interacting with the BMD-4 combat vehicle equipped with a 100-mm gun and self-propelled ATGM "Kornet", "Sprut-SD" can be very effective not only behind enemy lines, but also in a direct combat collision, which carry out Ground troops Armed Forces of Russia.

In the period from 2001 to 2006, after additional tests, the troops of the Russian Federation received combat vehicle"Sprut-SD" 2S25.

Main characteristics

The weight of the combat vehicle is 18 tons. The crew consists of three people. The power reserve is 500 km. Chassis consists of seven rubberized track rollers, six single rubberized rollers, a driving and steering wheel, steel double-ridge tracks that use rubber-metal joints, and asphalt shoes. The length of the self-propelled gun with a gun is 9.77 meters.

The combat vehicle is equipped with a six-cylinder four-stroke boxer diesel engine with supercharging and direct fuel injection, for which liquid cooling is provided. 2V-06-2S - the brand of the engine installed in the Sprut-SD 2S25. Specifications engines allow self-propelled guns to reach speeds from 45 (average) to 70 km / h.

The self-propelled guns are equipped with bulletproof armor. The frontal part is able to withstand direct hits of 23-mm projectiles from a distance of half a kilometer. In the process of manufacturing armor for the combat vehicle, aluminum alloys were used (for the body of the self-propelled guns and its turret). The device of the frontal part was made using steel plates. For combat vehicles, R-173 radio stations and R-174 intercoms are provided.

Airborne landing of a combat vehicle is carried out from IL-76 aircraft (models M and MD), AN-124. The use of an external suspension for the MI-26 helicopter also makes it possible to successfully land the Sprut-SD 2S25 self-propelled gun.

The armament of the Russian army was enriched with self-propelled guns equipped with one 2A75 smoothbore gun and a coaxial PKT machine gun. Combat set of the main gun 2A75 is designed for 40 shots. Mechanized stacking contains 22 ammunition. Additional - 18. Machine gun caliber: 7.62 mm. One contains 2000 rounds.

What projectiles are used?

The ammunition load of the combat vehicle contains shells that allow four types of shots to be fired:

High-explosive fragmentation (20 shells).
Armor-piercing (14 pieces). By firing armor-piercing sub-caliber projectiles from a distance of two kilometers, it is possible to penetrate homogeneous armored steel, the thickness of which does not exceed 23 cm.
Cumulative shells (6 pieces). Penetrates homogeneous steel armor up to 30 cm thick.
Equipped Penetrates armor over 35cm thick.

The device of the main equipment of the installation

Using the 2A46 tank gun and its modifications, the 2S25 designers created an improved 125 mm 2A75 smoothbore gun. In order to reduce the force of resistance to rollbacks during firing, it was planned to have a special muzzle brake in the installation. But as a result of these works, problems with the recoil of the gun appeared, which were solved by increasing the recoil length to 74 cm. Additionally, a hydropneumatic chassis suspension was developed, the mechanism of which absorbed the remnants of the recoil momentum.

The 2A75 gun is equipped with automatic loading equipment, which has a positive effect on the rate of fire of the gun: 7 shots can be fired in one minute. This automation consists of:

conveyor mechanism equipped with 22 cassettes;
a chain mechanism that lifts the cassettes;
chain rammer;
a mechanism that removes spent cartridges from the warhead of the installation.

Conclusion

The firepower of the Sprut-SD combat vehicle is not inferior to such tanks as the T-80 and T-90. High mobility both on land and on water allowed the 2S25 self-propelled guns to reach the level of the BMD-3 combat vehicle. Due to the design features - the ability of the turret in the self-propelled guns to perform circular rotations and stabilize weapons in two planes - the Sprut-SD can be effectively used as a light amphibious tank, which has no analogues today.

The self-propelled artillery mount, developed by Russian designers, aroused interest among representatives of the armed forces of Korea and India.

creations

Self-propelled anti-tank gun 2S25 "Octopus-SD" was created in the early 90s. on an extended (two rollers) base of the BMD-3 airborne combat vehicle by the Volgograd Tractor Plant joint-stock company, and the artillery unit for it - at the N9 artillery plant (Yekaterinburg). Unlike the Sprut-B towed artillery system new self-propelled guns received the name "Sprut-SD" ("self-propelled", "landing").

Initially intended for the Airborne Forces and designed for parachute landing with a crew from the Il-76 military transport aircraft, the gun is currently being offered to the Marine Corps in order to provide anti-tank and fire support during landing operations.

One of its first presentations took place on May 8, 2001 at the Prudboy tank training ground of the North Caucasian Military District for representatives of the power ministries of Russia and foreign military-diplomatic corps from 14 foreign states of Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa and South America.

Purpose

The 125-mm self-propelled anti-tank gun 2S25 "Octopus-SD" is designed to destroy equipment, including armored vehicles, and enemy manpower when operating as part of ground and airborne troops, as well as marines.

Outwardly, it looks like a conventional tank and combines the capabilities of an airborne amphibious assault combat vehicle with a main battle tank. Outwardly, the Sprut-SD is no different from a conventional tank and has no analogues abroad.

Key Features

According to experts, the new self-propelled guns, according to appearance and firepower comparable to a tank, is characterized by the maneuverability of the airborne BMD-3 and has no analogues abroad. In addition, the Sprut-SD is equipped with a unique hydropneumatic chassis that allows the combat vehicle to move smoothly and quickly in off-road conditions at speeds up to 70 km per hour, which significantly improves the conditions for firing on the move.

In addition, "Octopus-SD" is able to overcome water barriers with a speed afloat up to 10 km per hour. This was confirmed by tests in the North Sea, when, during a storm of up to 3 points, the BM confidently fired at designated targets. The machine can land from cargo ships onto the water surface and independently return to the ship. Noted and other qualities in conjunction with circular rotation turrets and stabilization of weapons in two planes make it possible to use the Sprut-SD as a light amphibious tank.

General device

The hull of the BM is divided into a control compartment (front part), a fighting compartment with a turret (middle part) and an engine-transmission compartment (stern part).

In the stowed position, the vehicle commander is to the right of the driver, and the gunner is to the left. Each crew member has observation devices built into the roof with day and night channels. The commander's combined sight is stabilized in two planes and combined with a laser sight for aiming 125-mm projectiles along the laser beam. The gunner's sight with a laser rangefinder is stabilized in the vertical plane.

125 mm 2A75 smoothbore gun is the main armament of the self-propelled guns "Octopus-SD". The gun was created on the basis of the 125-mm 2A46 tank gun, which is installed on the T-72, T-80 and T-90 tanks. When mounted on a lighter chassis, the gun was equipped with a new type of recoil device, providing a rollback of no more than 700 mm. The high-ballistic smoothbore gun installed in the fighting compartment is equipped with a computerized fire control system from the commander's and gunner's workplaces, which are functionally interchangeable.

As an auxiliary armament, the Sprut-SD self-propelled guns are equipped with a 7.62-mm machine gun coaxial with a cannon with an ammunition load of 2000 rounds loaded in one belt.

The gun without a muzzle brake is equipped with an ejector and a heat-insulating casing. Stabilization in the vertical and horizontal planes allows you to fire 125-mm cartridge-separate ammunition. "Sprut-SD" can use all types of 125-mm domestic ammunition, including armor-piercing piercing feathered shells and tank ATGMs. The ammunition load of the gun (40 125-mm rounds, 22 of them in the automatic loader) can include a laser-guided projectile that ensures hitting a target located at a distance of up to 4000 m. The gun can fire afloat with waves up to 3 points in a sector of ±35 hail., maximum rate of fire - 7 rounds per minute.

A horizontal carousel-type gun loader is installed behind the machine's turret. It is a combination of components and mechanisms - a rotating conveyor with 22 shots ready for immediate use, chain mechanism raising the cassette with a shot, a mechanism for removing spent pallets with a catcher, a chain rammer of a shot from the cassette into the gun, a drive for the ejection hatch cover and a movable tray, an electromechanical gun stopper at the loading angle, a control unit. Cassettes with shells and charges placed separately in them are installed in the automatic loader conveyor at an angle equal to the gun loading angle. When loading, a projectile is first fed into the breech of the gun, then a propellant charge in a semi-combustible cartridge case. In case of failure of the automatic loader, it is possible to load the gun manually.

To provide increased recoil, the automatic loader has an extended cassette lifter frame. The mechanism for trapping and removing spent pallets makes it possible, when a spent pallet passes through it, to temporarily block the back side of the end part of the gun breech. This allows, during the subsequent movement of the spent pallet, the cleaning system to blow air through the breech area of the gun and crew jobs using a rotating device. In the lower part of the fighting compartment, an automatic loader conveyor rotating around a vertical axis is installed, allowing crew members to move inside the vehicle from the fighting compartment to the control compartment and back along the sides of the hull.

fire control system includes a gunner's sighting system (night and day sights with vertical stabilization of the field of view, a digital ballistic computer, a laser rangefinder); commander's sight combined with the function of a day/night sight with a laser rangefinder and a stabilized field of view in two planes, as well as a targeting device for guided missiles of the 9K119M complex; a set of sensors for automatic correction taking into account atmospheric parameters, charge temperature, barrel wear and curvature, etc.

The computerized fire control system from the commander's workplace provides observation of the terrain with a stabilized field of view, target search and target designation using optical system commander's sight; combination in the commander's sight of the functions of launching and controlling a missile with aimed shooting artillery shells; duplication of the ballistic computing device of the gunner's instrument complex; autonomous switching on and control of guidance drives and automatic gun loader; operational transfer of control of the complex from the gunner to the commander and vice versa.

Power point and the chassis has much in common with the BMD-3, the base of which was used in the development of the 2S25 Sprut-SD self-propelled guns. The 2V06-2S multi-fuel diesel engine installed on it with a maximum power of 510 kW is interlocked with a hydromechanical transmission, a hydrostatic steering mechanism and a power take-off for two water jets. automatic box The gear shifter has five forward gears and the same number of reverse gears.

Individual, hydropneumatic, with a clearance changeable from the driver's seat (in 6-7 s from 190 to 590 mm) chassis suspension provides high cross-country ability and smooth running. The undercarriage on each side includes seven single-sided rubber-coated road wheels, four support rollers, a rear drive wheel and a steering wheel front location. There is a hydraulic mechanism for tensioning steel, double-ridged, lantern gearing caterpillars with a rubber-metal hinge, which can be equipped with asphalt shoes.

When making marches up to 500 km, the car can move along the highway at a maximum speed of up to 68 km / h, on dry dirt roads - with average speed 45 km/h.

Two jet propulsion units allow the ACS 2S25 to move through the water at speeds up to 10 km/h. To increase buoyancy, the machine is equipped with road wheels with closed air chambers and powerful water pumps that pump water out of the hull. The vehicle has good seaworthiness and can effectively operate afloat, including conducting aimed fire in the forward sector of fire at 70 degrees, with a wave of 3 points.

In addition to the above, the standard equipment of the machine includes a system of protection against mass destruction and a set of night vision devices.

The Sprut-SD self-propelled guns can be transported by VTA planes and landing ships, parachute with a crew inside the vehicle and overcome water obstacles without training.

Interesting

Armies of many countries of the world in recent times special attention is paid to lightly armored military equipment as the basis of the rapid reaction forces. The fight against international terrorism and the conduct of peacekeeping operations in zones of local conflicts required the creation of highly mobile and functionally flexible "combat systems of the future".

In this regard, according to foreign experts, it is Russia that has the greatest opportunities in the field of creating lightly armored airborne vehicles. The armed forces of the Russian Federation are already equipped with effective models of light (up to 18 tons), highly passable, air-transportable armored vehicles capable of performing tasks autonomously, in isolation from the main forces and rear units, as well as in any conditions (including in hard-to-reach and remote areas, in mountainous terrain, in desert conditions and on the coast).

Moreover, according to experts, given class combat vehicles has significant export potential. It is these machines that can be used as the basis for equipping the mobile component of the armed forces and special services of any state.

The correctness of this opinion is confirmed by the Sprut-SD self-propelled guns. After its demonstration at the training ground, many military attachés admitted that it surpasses all existing ones in terms of combat and operational capabilities. foreign analogues. So, not a single vehicle in the world can be used in the mountains at an altitude of up to 4000 meters, change the clearance by 400 mm, swim with sea waves up to 3 points, go out and enter the landing ship from the water and land with the crew.

Representatives of the armed forces of the Republic of Korea, India and other countries showed great interest in the 2S25 Sprut-SD self-propelled artillery mount.

In the early 1980s, the USSR stopped development on the topic of a new light tank for the Ground Forces. But soon the Airborne Forces became interested in a light machine with a “tank” power gun.

The beginning of work on the topic "Octopus-SD" was preceded by a number of events and developments. In 1982, a research project was opened under the code "Burun", within the framework of which TsNIITOCHMASH (Klimovsk) explored the possibility of creating an airborne self-propelled anti-tank gun, as unified as possible with a 125-mm high-ballistic gun tank troops. There was already a chassis suitable for solving the problem - an experienced light amphibious tank "Object 934" ("Judge"), developed by a design bureau under the leadership of A.V. Shebalin at the Volgograd Tractor Plant (VgTZ). Its elements were used in the development of a new generation airborne combat vehicle at VgTZ on the subject of "Bakhcha". And already in 1984, experimental firing took place from a 125-mm self-propelled anti-tank gun (SPTP), installed by TsNIITOCHMASH on the chassis of the "Object 934".

A HUGE BIRTH

Decision Military Industrial Commission The Council of Ministers of the USSR of June 20, 1985 determined the conduct of development work on the creation of a 125-mm SPTP, which was assigned the code "Sprut-SD" (self-propelled, airborne). VgTZ was appointed the lead executor of the work, scientific and technical coordination of the work was entrusted to TsNIITOCHMASH and VNIITRANSMASH. OKB-9 UZTM (Uralmashzavod), Central Design Bureau for Krasnogorsk Plant (Krasnogorsk Plant named after S.A. Zverev), Central Design Bureau Peleng (Minsk), VNII "Signal", NIMI, Instrument Design Bureau (Tula), Volgograd Shipbuilding Plant. The development of landing equipment was taken up by the Moscow Aggregate Plant "Universal". The 125-mm self-propelled anti-tank gun SPTP 2S25 Sprut-SD was adopted by the Russian army by a decree of the government of the Russian Federation of September 26, 2005. Since the same 2005, SPTP 2S25 has been put into mass production at VgTZ.

DEVICE, WEAPONS, TRANSPORTATION

The machine is arranged according to the classical scheme with the front location of the control compartment, the middle one - the fighting compartment and the stern - the engine-transmission compartment. In the stowed position, the commander and gunner are located in the vehicle body, in the control compartment.

The 125-mm 2A75 smoothbore gun manufactured by plant No. 9 (Yekaterinburg) installed in a rotating turret provides the machine with firepower yu at the level of tanks T-72, T-80, T-90. The gun has a vertical semi-automatic wedge gate, a galvanic shock trigger, a hydropneumatic recoil brake and a pneumatic knurler, an ejector. The recoil length of the gun is 740 mm. Installed two-plane stabilizer 2E64. The entire range of 125-mm tank gun rounds can be used for cannon firing, including shots with feathered armor-piercing sub-caliber, HEAT and high-explosive fragmentation shells. Shots - separate-sleeve loading with a partially burning sleeve. The 9K120 Svir guided weapon system with 9M119, 9M119F, 9M119F1 (ZUBK14 shots) or 9M119M (ZUBK20 Invar) guided missiles launched through the gun barrel can also be used. The fighting compartment is equipped with an automatic loader with a rotating conveyor for 22 shots and a chain rammer for shot elements.

The fire control system includes a laser rangefinder and a digital ballistic computer. Workplace the gunner is equipped with a 1A40-1M rangefinder sight, a Buran-PA night sight, the commander’s position is equipped with a 1K13-ZS Bug combined sight-guidance device with a night branch, a laser rangefinder, an information channel for launching and guiding a 125-mm guided missile. The interchangeability of the commander and gunner is provided.

The hull and turret are made of aluminum armor alloy, the frontal part of the turret is reinforced with steel plates. In combination with the angles of the armor, this provides protection against 23-mm projectiles at a distance of 500 m. The frontal projection of the SPTP is protected from fire from 12.7-mm weapons from all ranges. All-round protection provided against fire small arms caliber 7.62 mm. A unified 81-mm installation 902V "Cloud" is installed on the tower for launching smoke grenades and lighting projectiles. A four-stroke multi-fuel boxer diesel engine 2V06-2S is installed in the engine compartment, developing a power of 510 hp. s, and a hydromechanical transmission interlocked with it.

Final drives - single-stage planetary. Chassis - with individual hydropneumatic suspension. The drive wheel is rear. Controlled hydropneumatic suspension allows you to change the ground clearance in the range from 100 to 500 mm from the driver's seat. Also, the hydraulic track tensioning mechanism is controlled from the driver's seat.

Caterpillar - steel, with a rubber-metal hinge, lantern gearing. The extended recoil length of the gun compared to the tank mount, combined with the recoil of the vehicle hull due to the operation of the hydropneumatic suspension, made it possible to use a gun with a high recoil momentum on a light chassis, while ensuring the SPTP stability when fired. The vehicle overcomes water obstacles without additional devices; two jet propulsion units provide afloat movement. The means of communication include the R-163-50U radio station and the R-163-UP radio receiver, the R-174 tank intercom. Airborne landing is carried out by parachute from altitudes from 400 to 1500 m using a special parachute multi-dome strapdown system P260M with a 14-dome parachute system MKS-350-14M and forced air cushioning. It is possible to land 2S25 with all three crew members inside the vehicle. The machine can be transferred by a heavy transport helicopter Mi-26T on an external sling.

The volume of production of "Octopus-SD" was small - only 36 vehicles entered the troops. In connection with the transfer of the production of airborne combat vehicles from Volgograd to Kurgan and, accordingly, the transfer of the “family” of armored vehicles for the Airborne Forces to the chassis of the Kurganmashzavod, the question arose of changing the chassis for the SPTP, which received the designation Sprut-SDM1. However, this is already a new car.

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125-mm self-propelled anti-tank gun 2S25 "Sprut-SD"
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Self-propelled anti-tank gun 2S25 "Octopus-SD" was created in the early 90s. on an extended (two rollers) base of the BMD-3 airborne combat vehicle by the Volgograd Tractor Plant joint-stock company, and the artillery unit for it - at the N9 artillery plant (Yekaterinburg). In contrast to the Sprut-B towed artillery system, the new self-propelled guns received the name Sprut-SD ("self-propelled", "landing").

SAU 2S25 Sprut-SD - video

Purpose

The 125-mm self-propelled anti-tank gun 2S25 "Sprut-SD" is designed to destroy equipment, including armored vehicles, and enemy manpower when operating as part of ground and airborne troops, as well as marines.

Key Features

According to experts, the new self-propelled guns, in appearance and firepower, are comparable to a tank, are characterized by the maneuverability of the airborne BMD-3 and have no analogues abroad. In addition, the Sprut-SD is equipped with a unique hydropneumatic chassis that allows the combat vehicle to move smoothly and quickly in off-road conditions at speeds up to 70 km per hour, which significantly improves the conditions for firing on the move.

In addition, "Octopus-SD" is able to overcome water obstacles at a speed of up to 10 km per hour afloat. This was confirmed by tests in the North Sea, when, during a storm of up to 3 points, the BM confidently fired at designated targets. The machine can land from cargo ships onto the water surface and independently return to the ship. The noted and other qualities, together with the circular rotation of the turret and the stabilization of weapons in two planes, make it possible to use the Sprut-SD as a light amphibious tank.

General device

The hull of the BM is divided into a control compartment (front part), a fighting compartment with a turret (middle part) and an engine-transmission compartment (stern part).

Armament

The 125 mm 2A75 smoothbore gun is the main armament of the Sprut-SD self-propelled gun. The gun was created on the basis of the 125-mm 2A46 tank gun, which is installed on the T-72, T-80 and T-90 tanks. When mounted on a lighter chassis, the gun was equipped with a new type of recoil device, providing a rollback of no more than 700 mm. The high-ballistic smoothbore gun installed in the fighting compartment is equipped with a computerized fire control system from the commander's and gunner's workplaces, which are functionally interchangeable.

As an auxiliary armament, the Sprut-SD self-propelled guns are equipped with a 7.62-mm machine gun coaxial with a cannon with an ammunition load of 2000 rounds loaded in one belt.

A horizontal carousel-type gun loader is installed behind the machine's turret. It is a combination of units and mechanisms - a rotating conveyor with 22 shots ready for immediate use, a chain mechanism for lifting a cassette with a shot, a mechanism for removing spent pallets with a catcher, a chain rammer for a shot from a cassette into a gun, a drive for the ejection hatch cover and a movable tray, electromechanical gun stopper at the loading angle, control unit. Cassettes with shells and charges placed separately in them are installed in the automatic loader conveyor at an angle equal to the gun loading angle. When loading, a projectile is first fed into the breech of the gun, then a propellant charge in a semi-combustible cartridge case. In case of failure of the automatic loader, it is possible to load the gun manually.

fire control system

Includes gunner's sighting system (night and day sights with vertical stabilization of the field of view, digital ballistic computer, laser range finder); commander's sight combined with the function of a day/night sight with a laser rangefinder and a stabilized field of view in two planes, as well as a targeting device for guided missiles of the 9K119M complex; a set of sensors for automatic correction taking into account atmospheric parameters, charge temperature, barrel wear and curvature, etc.

A computerized fire control system from the commander's workplace provides observation of the terrain with a stabilized field of view, target search and target designation using the optical system of the commander's sight; combining in the commander's sight the functions of launching and controlling a rocket with aimed firing of artillery shells; duplication of the ballistic computing device of the gunner's instrument complex; autonomous switching on and control of guidance drives and automatic gun loader; operational transfer of control of the complex from the gunner to the commander and vice versa.

Power plant and running gear

It has much in common with the BMD-3, the base of which was used in the development of the 2S25 Sprut-SD self-propelled guns. The 2V06-2S multi-fuel diesel engine installed on it with a maximum power of 510 kW is interlocked with a hydromechanical transmission, a hydrostatic steering mechanism and a power take-off for two water jets. The automatic transmission has five forward gears and the same number of reverse gears.

Individual, hydropneumatic, with a clearance changeable from the driver's seat (in 6-7 s from 190 to 590 mm) chassis suspension provides high cross-country ability and smooth running. The undercarriage on each side includes seven single-sided rubber-coated road wheels, four support rollers, a rear drive wheel and a front guide wheel. There is a hydraulic mechanism for tensioning steel, double-ridged, lantern gearing caterpillars with a rubber-metal hinge, which can be equipped with asphalt shoes.

When making marches up to 500 km, the car can move along the highway with a maximum speed of up to 68 km / h, on dry dirt roads - at an average speed of 45 km / h.

In addition to the above, the standard equipment of the machine includes a system of protection against weapons of mass destruction and a set of night vision devices.

The Sprut-SD self-propelled guns can be transported by VTA planes and landing ships, parachute with a crew inside the vehicle and overcome water obstacles without training.

The armies of many countries of the world have recently paid special attention to lightly armored military equipment as the basis of rapid reaction forces. The fight against international terrorism and the conduct of peacekeeping operations in zones of local conflicts required the creation of highly mobile and functionally flexible "combat systems of the future".

In addition, according to experts, this class of combat vehicles has significant export potential. It is these machines that can be used as the basis for equipping the mobile component of the armed forces and special services of any state.

The correctness of this opinion is confirmed by the Sprut-SD self-propelled guns. After its demonstration at the training ground, many military attachés admitted that it surpasses all existing foreign analogues in terms of combat and operational capabilities. So, not a single vehicle in the world can be used in the mountains at an altitude of up to 4000 meters, change the clearance by 400 mm, swim with sea waves up to 3 points, go out and enter the landing ship from the water and land with the crew.

Trials and adoption

In 1984, the tactical and technical specifications for the creation of the Sprut-SD 125-mm airborne self-propelled anti-tank gun were approved. In February 1986, the development of landing aids for the 2S25 self-propelled guns began. The landing aids received the designation P260 and were created on the basis of the P235 parachute-jet equipment, intended for landing the BMP-3. In the period from 1990 to 1991, State tests of the ACS 2S25 were carried out. However, tests of the P260 system revealed its shortcomings, the main of which were: complexity in operation, high manufacturing cost, complexity of the cassette unit of the parachute-jet brake engine. On May 30, 1994, by the decision of the Russian Air Force, the Russian Airborne Forces and the developer of landing equipment - the Moscow plant "Universal" - the development of parachute-reactive landing aids P260 was canceled, the development of the strapless landing system P260M "Sprut-PDS" was started by the same decision. In 2001, additional tests of the ACS 2S25 were carried out. On January 9, 2006, by order of the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, the 2S25 self-propelled anti-tank gun was adopted by the Russian army.

Serial production and modifications

In addition to the main version of the Sprut-SD self-propelled guns for the Airborne Forces, a version of the 125-mm self-propelled anti-tank gun for the ground forces was also developed, which received the name Sprut-SSV. Unlike the Sprut-SD SPTP, the Sprut-SSV self-propelled guns did not have the possibility of landing, and the Planer light multi-purpose chassis, developed at the design bureau of the Kharkov Tractor Plant and intended to replace the MT tracked tractors in the ground forces, was used as the base -LB and MT-LBu. Work on the creation of the Sprut-SSV SPTP did not progress further than the manufacture and testing of prototypes. In addition to the caterpillar version, for the ground forces under the name "Octopus-K" the option of placing the combat compartment of the self-propelled guns 2S25 on the wheelbase of the BTR-90 armored personnel carrier was also worked out, however, this option was not adopted by the Russian army either.

Machine evaluation

Despite the fact that the 2S25 self-propelled gun belongs to the class of anti-tank self-propelled guns, in terms of its capabilities and the range of tasks to be solved, the Sprut-SD is a light tank. The reason why the 2S25 SPG was originally classified as an anti-tank gun was that the ordering department of development work was the GRAU, which did not have the authority to develop tanks. The main representatives of the previous generation of this class of vehicles are the PT-76B and Object 934 light tanks. The test results of the Object 934 tank showed that it was superior to the PT-76B tank in terms of its main parameters, both in armament and in navigational qualities. In turn, the 2S25 self-propelled guns combine the firepower of the main tank with the high maneuverability and maneuverability of a light tank, which allows it to be a modern replacement for the PT-76B tank in the marines and ground forces. The use of SPTP "Sprut-SD" in the units of the Airborne Forces allows you to solve the problem of fighting enemy tanks.

The performance characteristics of 2S25 Sprut-SD

Developer: VgTZ OKB-9 TsNIItochmash
- Years of development: from 1983 to 2001
- Years of production: from 1984 to 2010
- Years of operation: since 2005
- Layout scheme: classic

The crew of the self-propelled guns 2S25 Sprut-SD

3 persons

Weight SAU 2S25 Sprut-SD

Overall dimensions of ACS 2S25 Sprut-SD

Case length, mm: 7085
- Length with gun forward, mm: 9770
- Width, mm: 3152
- Height, mm: 3050
- Base, mm: 4225
- Track, mm: 2744
- Ground clearance, mm: 100…500

Booking SAU 2S25 Sprut-SD

Armor type: bulletproof

Armament ACS 2S25 Sprut-SD

Caliber and brand of gun: 125 mm 2А75
- Type of gun: smoothbore gun
- Barrel length, calibers: 48
- starting speed BPS, m/s: 1700
- Armor penetration of the BPS at a distance of 2 km, mm: 520
- Combat rate of fire, rds / min: 7
- Gun ammunition: 40
- Angles VN, degrees: -5…+15
- GN angles, degrees: 360
- Sights: 1A40-1M, TO1-KO1R, 1K13-3S

Machine guns: 1 x 7.62 mm PKTM

Engine SAU 2S25 Sprut-SD

Engine type: 2V-06-2S
- Engine power, l. p.: 510

Speed SAU 2S25 Sprut-SD

Highway speed, km/h: 70
- Cross-country speed, km / h: 45-50, 9 afloat

Power reserve on the highway, km: 500
- Power reserve over rough terrain, km: 350

Specific power, l. s./t: 28.3
- suspension type: individual hydropneumatic
- Specific ground pressure, kg/cm²: 0.36-0.53

Climbability, degrees: 35
- overcome wall, m: 0.8
- Crossable ditch, m: 2.8
- Crossable ford, m: floats

Photo 2S25 Octopus-SD

Landing ACS 2S25 Sprut-SD

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The Sprut-SD self-propelled anti-tank gun is quite complex, so we will limit ourselves to mentioning only its main stages. In the 1970s research and development work was carried out to create a new generation of self-propelled anti-tank guns (SPTP). Interest in a self-propelled armored vehicle with a powerful anti-tank gun was shown, in particular, airborne troops. An analysis of trends in the development of foreign armored vehicles, carried out at the 3rd Central Research Institute of the USSR Ministry of Defense, showed that the effectiveness of the anti-tank weapons available in the Airborne Forces is no longer sufficient to combat enemy tanks, which he will inevitably use to combat airborne assaults. If the Ground Forces can involve main battle tanks in the fight against enemy armored vehicles, then this is impossible in paratroopers. The capabilities of military transport aviation and landing equipment allow the use of vehicles with a maximum mass of about 18 tons as part of a paratrooper.

By that time, R&D had already been completed to create a light tank (code "Judge"), armed with a 100-mm rifled gun and adapted for airborne landing, VgTZ was working on a light tank on the topic "Yacht". But the project of a light amphibious tank, as you know, was stopped at the same time that the design and development work for the BMD "Bakhcha" was asked.

Meanwhile, research conducted by TsNIITOCHMASH specialists showed the fundamental possibility of switching from a 100 mm anti-tank gun caliber (based on ballistics and ammunition of the T-12 serial smoothbore gun) to a 125 mm caliber. Experiments with a prototype model on the BMP-2 chassis confirmed that a gun with the ballistics of a 125-mm D-81 smoothbore tank gun can be installed on a light carrier, subject to some refinement of the artillery unit. Since 1982, TsNIITOCHMASH has been researching the possibility of creating an airborne self-propelled anti-tank gun, the most unified in the artillery part with an easel gun. Based on these results, the protocol of the Commission of the Presidium of the Council of Ministers of the USSR dated July 29, 1983, instructed to carry out preliminary studies to determine the possibility of creating a 125-mm SPTP for the Airborne Forces on unified chassis units of a promising airborne combat vehicle.

Initially, it was assumed that the SPTP would not only solve the tasks of combating enemy tanks and armored vehicles, but also fire at its manpower and firepower, support airborne units with direct fire during the attack of the target, act directly in the combat formations of airborne combat vehicles during attack and when repelling an enemy attack on the march. This required from the SPTP the qualities of a light tank and the corresponding ammunition load, but the term "light tank" was no longer used. The work was carried out under the auspices of the GRAU, which, unlike the GBTU, could not deal with “tanks”. Of course, specialists from VgTZ and OKB-9 of Uralmashzavod (plant No. 9, Sverdlovsk, now Yekaterinburg) - the manufacturer of the 125-mm tank gun - also participated in the research.

An experience creating a lung tank still gave the basis for starting work on SPTP. Through GBTU and GRAU, a prototype of the tank "Object 934" ("Judge") was transferred to TsNIITOCHMASH. On this chassis in 1983-1984. and made an experimental sample of an airborne 125-mm self-propelled anti-tank gun. The installation of a gun in a fixed wheelhouse (as in previous Soviet anti-tank self-propelled guns, including the airborne ASU-57 and SU-85) was abandoned, as well as the remote installation of weapons. The new SPTP was developed with the installation of a gun in a manned rotating armored turret. In the turret version, the gun was initially equipped with a muzzle brake and a two-plane stabilizer. However, the muzzle brake had to be excluded - not so much because of shells with a detachable pallet and deployable tail (this problem was solved by the corresponding muzzle brake profile), but because of the presence of an ATGM shot in the ammunition load: the release of hot powder gases from the side windows of the brake could lead to loss of missile control. The muzzle brake also created a muzzle wave directed to the sides and back, and in fact the gun was supposed to operate in the battle formations of the paratroopers, possibly with the landing on the armor. In addition, during this research, the composition of the instrumentation complex and the scheme of stabilized guidance drives in the fire control system were substantiated.

Experimental firing conducted in 1984 at the 38th Research Institute in Kubinka showed that the maximum overloads acting on the crew (crew members) during the shot, the angular displacements of the hull and the excess pressure in the trunnion area did not exceed the permissible limits, residual waste and suspension penetration were absent, while the accuracy of fire was at the level of regular tank systems.

By the decision of the Military-Industrial Commission of the Council of Ministers of the USSR of June 20, 1985, the ROC was asked to create a 125-mm self-propelled anti-tank gun, which was assigned the code "Sprut-SD". VgTZ was appointed as the lead contractor; TsNIITOCHMASH (Klimovsk, Moscow Region) and VNIITRANSMASH (Leningrad) were entrusted with the scientific and technical coordination of work and participation in the technical and economic assessment. New car received the index "Object 952".

Design Bureau No. 9 of Uralmashzavod, Central Design Bureau of Production Association Krasnogorsk Plant im. S.A. Zverev”, Central Design Bureau “Peleng” (Minsk), All-Russian Research Institute “Signal” (Kovrov), Instrument Design Bureau (Tula), Volgograd Shipbuilding Plant, NIMI (Moscow). In February 1986, the Moscow Aggregate Plant "Universal" was issued a tactical and technical assignment for the creation of landing aids that ensure the landing of the Sprut-SD SPTP with a crew of three inside. The research institutes of the Ministry of Defense also participated in the work.

OKB-9 "Uralmashzavod" was simultaneously engaged in a towed self-propelled version of the 125-mm anti-tank gun "Sprut-B"; it was put into service in 1989 under the designation 2A-45M. The installation of a 125-mm gun on the GAZ-5923 wheeled chassis, the future BTR-90, was also considered.

From the opening of the ROC on the topic "Octopus-SD" to the adoption of the SPTP for service, no more, no less than twenty years have passed. Among the main reasons for such a temporary gap are the collapse of the USSR and the collapse of the country's economy, which have been mentioned more than once. In addition to the removal of the state order and a sharp drop in funding for the defense industry, the collapse of former production ties also had the most negative impact. Thus, the sight-guidance device "Bug" was developed in Belarus, where separatist sentiments prevailed for some time.

And yet, by decree of the government of the Russian Federation of September 26, 2005 No. 1502-r and by order of the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation of January 9, 2006, the 125-mm self-propelled anti-tank gun 2S25 "Sprut-SD" was put into service. The order for SPTP 2S25 was received by VgTZ.

Of course, vehicles of the 2S25 Sprut-SD type are not capable of replacing main battle tanks. However light machine mass categories similar to tanks in terms of their firepower, but with high air mobility and the possibility of landing from the air or from the sea, are necessary for rapid reaction forces in modern conflicts. Work on them has been going on for a long time in different countries, but in Sprut-SD, almost for the first time in world practice, an airborne weapon system with the firepower of the main battle tank(in most foreign developments in this category, guns, although of "tank" calibers, are used, but with reduced ballistics).

The 2S25 combat vehicle is arranged according to the classical scheme with a front location of the control compartment, a middle one - a fighting compartment with the placement of weapons and crew members in a rotating turret and a rear - MTO. The commander and gunner are placed in the tower in a combat position; when landing and in the stowed position, they are located on universal seats in the control compartment - respectively, to the right and left of the driver.

The 125-mm 2A75 smoothbore gun mounted in the turret provides firepower at the level of tanks of the T-72, T-80, T-90 families. The length of the gun barrel is 6000 mm, the weight of the gun is 2350 kg. For firing, the entire range of separate-sleeve loading shots for 125-mm tank guns can be used, including shots with armor-piercing sub-caliber shells with a detachable pallet and with 9M119 ATGM (3UBK14 shot) launched through the gun barrel. ATGM control - semi-automatic, by laser beam. Armor penetration - 700-770 mm with overcoming dynamic protection. Rate of fire - 7 rds / min.

The installation of a 125-mm high-ballistic gun, designed for a combat vehicle weighing about 40 tons, on a product weighing 18 tons, and even in a turret version, required a number of special design solutions. In addition to more than doubling the recoil length - up to 740 mm (compared to 310-340 mm for the 125-mm gun of the main battle tank), the hull of the carrier vehicle itself was also recoiled due to the operation of the hydropneumatic suspension of the chassis. Before the recoil momentum acts on the crew and mechanisms, the gun recoils relative to the turret and the hull recoils relative to the lower branches of the tracks resting on the ground. It turns out a kind of double rollback, absorbing the recoil energy of a powerful gun - just as it was done earlier, for example, in railway artillery transporters. The non-linear characteristic and the high energy intensity of the chassis air suspension, as well as the large dynamic travel of the rollers, played a role here. When the hull rolls back, it "crouches" somewhat, while the length of the bearing surface of the tracks increases, which contributes to the stability of the SPTP when fired.

A 7.62-mm PKT (PKTM) machine gun with an ammunition load of 2,000 rounds of ammunition loaded into ribbons is paired with a cannon. Vertical pointing angles - from -5 to + 15 °, when turning aft - from -3 to + 17 °. The installation of weapons is stabilized in two planes. The fire control system includes a laser rangefinder and a digital ballistic computer.

SPTP 2S25 "Octopus-SD" with landing gear P260M

The gunner's workplace is equipped with a 1A40-1M instrument complex, a TO1-KO1R "Buran-PA" night sight (complex) and TNPO-170 surveillance devices. The commander’s station is equipped with a 1K13-ZS combined sight-guidance device with a field of view stabilized in two planes, a night branch, a laser rangefinder, an ATGM control information channel, a backup ballistic device with communication channels with a gunner’s sight ballistic computer, a system for entering aiming angles and lateral lead into the position of the gun relative to the line of sight, an autonomous control panel for the automatic loader and guidance drives with the possibility of prompt transfer of control of the complex at the command of the commander from gunner to commander and vice versa. This ensures the interchangeability of the commander and gunner. The magnification of the day channel of the commander's 1K13-3S sight is 1x, 4x and 8x, the night channel is 5.5x. For a circular view, the commander is served by periscope observation devices TNPO-170, TNPT-1.

The automatic loader of the gun includes: a rotating conveyor with 22 shots (shells and charges are placed in cassettes), a chain mechanism for lifting the cassette with shot elements, a mechanism for catching and removing spent pallets, a chain (two-way) rammer of shot elements from the cassette to the gun, a cover drive pallet ejection hatch and movable tray, electromechanical gun stop at the loading angle and control unit. To obtain an increased recoil, the automatic loader has a broadened cassette lifter frame, inside of which are parts of the mechanism for catching and removing spent pallets during recoil. The mechanism for catching and removing the pallet is located on the end part of the gun breech with the possibility of delaying the pallet. The mechanism is designed in such a way that it is possible to temporarily block the back side of the end part of the gun breech and, during the subsequent movement of the spent pallet, blow the breech area with air from the cleaning system. The latter has an air duct from the filter-ventilation device to the gun breech area and to the crew workplaces using a rotating air device. The shape and dimensions of the autoloader conveyor allow crew members to move inside the vehicle from the fighting compartment to the control compartment along the sides of the hull.

SPTP 2S25 "Sprut-SD" after landing

The hull and turret of the SPTP 2S25 are made of aluminum armor alloy, the frontal part of the turret is reinforced with steel plates. An 81-mm installation of the 902V "Cloud" system is mounted on the tower. SPTP is equipped with a system of protection against mass destruction.

The MTO is equipped with a four-stroke multi-fuel diesel engine 2V-06-2S, developing a power of 510 hp, and a hydromechanical transmission interlocked with it. The transmission includes a hydrostatic steering mechanism and provides five forward speeds and the same reverse speed.

The undercarriage includes seven road wheels, four support rollers on one side, the drive wheel is rear-mounted. High (28.3 hp / t) specific engine power, combined with hydropneumatic suspension and low specific ground pressure, provided the machine with good driving characteristics.

Sprut-SD overcomes water obstacles without additional devices, two water cannons provide afloat movement. The vehicle has good seaworthiness: with waves up to 3 points, it can not only overcome water obstacles on the move, but also conduct aimed fire in the forward sector of fire equal to ±35 °.

SPTP 2S25 "Octopus-SD" is transported by military transport aircraft. Air landing is carried out by parachute.

Tactical and technical characteristics of 2S25 "Octopus-SD"

Gross weight, t .............................................. ....eighteen
Crew, people ............................................... ...........3

Air transportation .............. by aircraft of the Il-76 (M, MD), An-22 type

Height at the working clearance, mm .............................................. ......2720 (wind sensor - 2980)
Length with gun forward, mm .............................. 9771
Body length, mm......................................7070
Width, mm ............................................... .....3152
Clearance, mm....................................... 100- 500 (working - 420)

Gun armament:
- brand ................................................ ........2A75
- caliber (mm), type .............. 125, smoothbore
- loading .......................................separate, automatic
- rate of fire, rds / min ....................... 7

machine gun:
-brand ...............................PKT( PKTM)
- caliber, mm ............................................... ...7.62

Weapon aiming angles:
- on the horizon ............................................... ..360"
- vertically forward ..................... From -5 "to +15"
- vertically back (aft) ...... From -3 "to + 17"

Ammunition:
- shots to the gun ..................... 40 (of which 22 - in the automatic loader)
- types of shots ................ high-explosive fragmentation, cumulative, armor-piercing sub-caliber, ATGMZUBK14 (launched through the gun barrel)
- cartridges ............................................... .....2000

Armor protection:
- frontal ................... from fire of 12.7-mm machine guns (in the sector ± 40 ")
- circular ........................ from fire 7.62-mm weapons

Engine:
- type.................................................four-stroke 6- cylinder diesel with gas-turbine turbocharging, direct fuel injection, liquid cooling
- brand ................................................ ..2V-06-2С
- power, h.p. (kW) ...............................510(375)

Transmission .......................... hydromechanical, with hydrostatic rotation mechanism

Suspension of track rollers ...............individual pneumatic

Caterpillar ........................steel, double-ridge, lantern gearing, with successive rubber-metal hinges

Main track width
caterpillars, mm ............................................... ....380

Water mover, type ...... hydrojet

Maximum speed, km/h:
- on the highway ............................................... ..70-71
- afloat................................................ ..........ten

Average dry speed
dirt road, km/h .............................. 47-49

Power reserve:
- on the highway, km .............................................. ....500
- on a dirt road, km ............................... 350
- afloat, h ................................................... .........ten

Specific ground pressure, kg/cm2 ..................0.53

Initially, landing was planned with the help of parachute-jet means. The development, which received the designation P260, was carried out by the Universal plant (Moscow) together with the Research Institute of Parachute Engineering (Moscow, parachute system) and NPO Iskra (Perm, powder rocket engines). They took as a basis the P235 parachute-jet systems developed for landing the BMP-3; as the base missile unit, a brake system manufactured by NPO Iskra was considered rocket engine, borrowed from the composition of the soft landing system of the descent spacecraft Soyuz type. The technical design of the PRS P260 for the Sprut-SD was reviewed and defended in 1986.

Although several prototypes of the PRS were manufactured and a full cycle of preliminary ground tests, analysis of the performance of the PRS revealed a large number of disadvantages, which are, first of all, in the complexity and bulkiness of the design of the cassette block of the PRD, the high cost of manufacturing and the difficulty in operation. In the process of preliminary flight tests, problems were revealed in the operation of the selected parachute system. In addition, the PRS required a higher qualification of the service personnel. And the difficult economic situation in the country that developed during the “market reforms” did not allow even testing P260 facilities with brake propulsion systems.

As a result joint decision On May 30, 1994, the Air Force, Airborne Forces and Universal MKPK canceled the PRS version and approved the development of the Sprut-PDS tools in the version of a multi-dome parachute strapdown system with air cushioning, the most unified in terms of operating principles, components and components with serial landing aids PBS -950 for BMD-3. The parachute version of the Sprut-PDS landing equipment was designated P260M. Differences in the design of the P260M from the PBS-950 are due to an increase in the mass and dimensions of the landing object itself.

The basis of the P-260M facilities was the 14-dome parachute system MKS-350-14M (based on a unified unit with a parachute with an area of 350 m2) with an exhaust parachute system VPS-14 and forced air cushioning with a mechanical pressurization unit (unified with PBS-950) . Minimum Height landing had to be increased from the three hundred meters indicated in the TTZ to four hundred meters.

Here again, the collapse of the integrated system for the development of weapons of the Airborne Forces, their means of landing and military transport aircraft manifested itself: by the time the SPTP 2S25 Sprut-SD was adopted, the P260M equipment was only undergoing flight design tests, and the upgraded Il-76MD-90 aircraft - flight tests.

The finalization of the design of the 2S25 "Octopus-SD", which affected the external contours of the machine, required changes to be made to the landing equipment. At the moment, the P260M landing aids in the variants for landing the "Object 952" and "Object 952A" have been brought to the state testing stage.

The features of the P260M include the absence of a central unit (carriages for attaching cargo to the monorail are fixed directly on the vehicle body) and the introduction of a guide system for orienting the landing object in the direction of the wind. In this case, the role of the guide is played by the front carriage, which is detached after the object leaves the aircraft during landing. The suspension system includes an automatic uncoupling with a 12-second pyro-retarder. The mass of landing aids is in the range of 1802-1902 kg, which provides a monocargo flight mass of about 20,000 kg.

From the Il-76 aircraft it is possible to land one object, from the Il-76M (MD) - two. The landing height above the landing area is from 400 to 1500 m at an aircraft flight speed of 300-380 km/h. The maximum vertical acceleration during landing is 15 g. To quickly bring the machine to combat readiness after landing, there is an accelerated mooring system. Without its use, the time to release the machine from the means of landing manually during the tests did not exceed 3 minutes.

On March 25, 2010, as part of the exercises of the 76th Airborne Assault Division, SPTP 2S25 Sprut-SD and BMD-4M were successfully landed on the Kislovo landing site near Pskov as part of a parachute assault force, including 14 units of military equipment. On August 25 of the same year, similar drops of Sprut-SD and BMD-4M were carried out on the Budikhino landing site near the city of Kostroma.