T 14 with front engine. Russia has just announced how many deadly Armata tanks it will build.

Russia, during the dress rehearsal of the Victory Day parade, demonstrated its most powerful project since the end of cold war– tank "Armata" T-14.

New tank of Russia: general information

Tank "Armata" T-14 will become a real highlight at the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany. So, in the parade, which will be held on May 9 on Red Square, about two hundred units of military equipment and 16,500 military personnel will be involved. The release of tanks is carried out OAO NPK Uralvagonzavod.

Interesting Facts! In April, the Russian Ministry of Defense lifted the veil of secrecy and showed photographs of an innovative tank, only now the turret was covered with a cloth, so only its platform could be seen. Today you can see the Armata T-14 tank on the website of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, where other types of new armored vehicles are also presented. The tank arrived at the dress rehearsal completely open.

Mass production of a new Russian tank

In the course of a large-scale rearmament program, by 2020 it is planned to release 2 300 tanks T-14, while the start of operation of this machine is scheduled for 2016.

Thanks to so many new tanks in Russian ground forces all obsolete tanks that have remained since Soviet times will be replaced.

But what is the peculiarity tank "Armata" T-14?

uninhabited tower

The main feature of this unique combat vehicle is uninhabited tower. Thus, the tank crew, consisting of three people, is located in a separate capsule, while the gun is controlled remotely.

Thanks to this design, it significantly increases, firstly, security level the crew itself, whose members are in the armored part of the vehicle; Secondly, the effectiveness of the use of tools.

In addition, the new uninhabited tower has become much smaller, which significantly decreased silhouette tank.

Technical characteristics of the tank "Armata" T-14

But on an uninhabited tower innovations of the tank "Armata" T-14 do not end.

A gun

Smoothbore 125 mm gun produces fire not only with conventional projectiles, but also guided missiles.

The ammunition load of the gun is 45 rounds, while automatic loader- 32 shells. The tank's rate of fire is 10-12 rounds per minute.

Ammunition located in a special module, which significantly increases the "survivability" of the tank. And all thanks to the fact that the possibility of detonation of ammunition when a projectile enters the body of the machine is excluded.

Important! "Armata" can fire the following types of projectiles:

• high-explosive fragmentation
• surface-to-air missiles
• armor-piercing sub-caliber
• ground-to-ground missiles
• cumulative.

Machine gun

Tank "Armata" is equipped with twin (with two barrels) 7,62 -millimeter machine gun, located outside the tower (machine gun ammunition - 1000 rounds, while the same number of rounds is stored in tapes at the rear of the tower).

The tank is equipped with an additional installation with 12.7 mm machine gun called "Kord", which is installed together with the commander's panorama (machine gun ammunition - 300 rounds in the tape itself, and the same number of rounds is stored in the spare parts box directly at the rear of the tower).

Electronic systems

The tank is equipped electronic systems that collect and analyze tactical data from various sources. The presence of new electronics can significantly reduce the time between target detection and its direct defeat.

On the tank "Armata" the so-called "reaction time" from 5 - 6 seconds to 3 - 4 seconds, like in German and American cars.

Improved features such as target range, which for "Armata" is more than 3.5 km. For comparison: for obsolete Russian tanks, this parameter did not exceed 2.5 km, while for modern American and German vehicles it is 3 - 3.5 km.

Platform

Interesting fact! According to the design concept, the "Armata" platform can be used for other combat vehicles, for example, for an infantry fighting vehicle or a self-propelled artillery mount. This will help reduce the cost of manufacturing these types of combat vehicles, as well as simplify their maintenance and repair.

The platform of the tank is presented in two versions:

• chassis with a front engine compartment (or PMTO)
• chassis with a rear engine compartment (or ZMTO).

Armor

Tank armor can withstand a hit anti-tank missiles, while active protection helps to intercept shells directly on the approach to the tank. Armor resistance - more than 900 mm.

Power point

This part of the tank "Armata" is powerful diesel engine 1500 hp

Tank engine life(number of hours the engine can run without repair) is 2,000 hours.

Installation weight- about 5 tons.

Additional equipment "Armata" T-14

Among the additional systems of the tank "Armata" T-14 are the following:

• air conditioner
• aircraft-type radar that can detect dynamic and aerodynamic targets
• night vision system
• new armor, which allows to reduce the thickness of the hull by 15%, which will not affect in any way protective characteristics cars
• defense against weapons of mass destruction
• IMS chassis (or "digital board"), with which it will be possible to implement the launch, control, as well as diagnosing and adjusting the machine
• seven-roller suspension, which is controlled by paddle shock absorbers;
• 12 speed automatic transmission gears (manual shifting possible)
• digital control systems that simplify and speed up the operation of the tank.

Note that the tank "Armata", the mass of which is about 50 tons equipped with a powerful diesel engine. The car is able to accelerate 80 - 90 km / h.

The body of the tank "Armata"

Particularly noteworthy is the hull of the Armata tank, which is replete with high definition video cameras allowing the crew to control the environment. The cameras function regardless of the time of day and weather conditions.

SAZ (active protection system)

The tank is equipped with an active protection system called "Afghanite", thanks to which it became possible to confront enemy shells and missiles at a distance not exceeding 20 m.

Simply put, this system is an anti-missile and anti-missile tank defense that protects a combat vehicle from ground and air strikes.

The main goal of the BAS is to implement interception not only high-speed kinetic missiles, but also impact nuclei, the approach speed of which is 2,500 - 3,000 m/s.

Dynamic protection

In addition to active protection, the Armata tank (or rather, the turret of the vehicle) is equipped with three blocks of dynamic protection, which are containers with pre-installed elements of dynamic protection, separated by layers of filler.

Not so long ago, in the comments, there was talk about comparing the dimensions of the T-14 with the T-90 and Abrams. The size of Almaty was taken from the Internet (Fig. 1), counted from the diameter of the rink, taken as 700 mm. The results obtained raised some doubts, after which I decided to recalculate using photos of the nearby T-14 and T-90 (Fig. 2). All calculations are carried out taking into account all protruding elements, except for thin antennas.

Rice. 1 T-14 Armata

Rice. 2 Same photo

Knowing the length of the T-90 hull of 6860 mm and the width of 3780 mm, we calculate the dimensions of the T-14. We get: hull length 8677 mm, width 4448 mm, length with gun forward 10642 mm, height along the DPU 3244 mm, along the roof of the tower 2723 mm. The area of ​​the side projection is 17.28 m2, of which the towers are 4.06 m2; the frontal projection area is 8.43 m2, of which the towers are 2.76 m2.

The most modern tank in the Russian army before the T-14 was the T-90A (Fig. 3). Its length with the gun forward is 9530 mm, the height along the roof of the tower is 2230 mm, the height along the DPU is 2732 mm. The area of ​​the side projection (excluding external tanks) is 11.37 m2, of which the towers are 3.29 m2; the frontal projection area is 6.18 m2, of which the towers are 2.63 m2. It is worth considering that a significant part of the tower area falls on the body kit, in which the devil will break his leg.

Rice. 3 T-90A

For a long time, it was customary to first of all compare the T-90 with the American Abrams (Fig. 4). For comparison, the M1A1 version is taken. Hull length 7920 mm, width 3660 mm, length with gun forward 9830 mm, height on anti-aircraft machine gun 2822 mm, height on the roof of the tower 2430 mm. The area of ​​the side projection is 15.22 m2, of which the towers are 4.80 m2; the frontal projection area is 7.56 m2, of which the towers are 3.42 m2.

Rice. 4 M1A1 Abrams

We can assume that Europe now has a single tank - the German Leopard (Fig. 5). Hull length 7720 mm, width 3700 mm, length with gun forward 10300 mm (for tanks with the L55 gun), height on sights 3040 mm, height on the turret roof 2790 mm. The area of ​​the side projection is 16.56 m2, of which the towers are 5.36 m2; the frontal projection area is 7.56 m2, of which the towers are 2.73 m2.

Rice. 5 Leopard 2A6

The French Leclerc (Fig. 6) is not as common as its German counterpart, but is also a modern and dangerous machine. Hull length 6880 mm, width 3710 mm, length with gun forward 9870 mm, height on sights 2950 mm, height on the turret roof 2530 mm. The area of ​​the side projection is 14.73 m2, of which the towers are 4.74 m2; the frontal projection area is 7.12 m2, of which the towers are 2.78 m2.

Rice. 6 AMX-56 Leclerc

Another representative of European tank building is the English Challenger 2 (Fig. 7). Hull length 7400 mm, width 3520 mm, length with gun forward 10740 mm, height at sights 2930 mm, along the roof of the tower 2490 mm. The area of ​​the side projection (excluding external tanks) is 15.16 m2, of which the towers are 4.87 m2; the frontal projection area is 7.14 m2, of which the towers are 2.52 m2.

Rice. 7 Challenger 2

On the basis of the Leopard in Italy, they made their own car - C1 Ariet (Fig. 8). Hull length 7590 mm, width 3800 mm, length with gun forward 9670 mm, machine gun height 2960 mm, turret roof 2500 mm. The area of ​​the side projection is 15.75 m2, of which the towers are 4.44 m2; the frontal projection area is 8.42 m2, of which the towers are 3.12 m2.

Rice. 8 C1 Ariete

The most unusual modern tank is the Israeli Merkava Mk.4 (Fig. 9). Hull length 7800 mm, width 3720 mm, length with gun forward 8800 mm, machine gun height 3020 mm, turret roof 2600 mm. The area of ​​the side projection is 16.53 m2, of which the towers are 5.73 m2; the frontal projection area is 8.37 m2, of which the towers are 3.29 m2.

Rice. 9 Merkava Mk.4

As you can see, the T-14 has the largest dimensions among existing tanks, and the turret fits into the dimensions of Western vehicles. UVZ gives the mass of Almaty to 48 tons, which is within the T-90, which in the side view is less than a third, which means either thin passive protection, or deliberately false data about the tank.

Rice. 10 Silhouettes of the above tanks

I did not take tanks made in Eastern Europe based on the T-64, T-72 and T-80 for comparison. I did not find projections of Asian tanks.

In 2015, at a military parade in Moscow dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the latest Russian development was presented to the general public - the T-14 Armata tank, which should radically affect the equipment of the Russian ground armies and determine the concept of their use for the coming decades. This tank, positioned as a 4th generation tank, aroused great interest both in our country and around the world. In this article, we will look at the history and prerequisites for the creation of the Armata tank, its distinctive features and specifications, as well as prospects for use in real combat operations.

Basic information about the T-14 Armata tank

The T-14 tank is the latest Russian tank of the 4th generation on the Armata universal combat heavy tracked platform. The tank received the “14” index, as usual, according to the year of the project implementation - 2014. At the project stage, the tank had the designation “Object 148”.

It is believed that the T-14 "Armata" tank is the world's first tank of the 4th generation, the first tank in the framework of the concept of network-centric warfare, and that it has no analogues at all. In general, according to many of our and foreign experts, today the Armata is the best tank in the world.

To begin with, let's take a quick look at what this new Armata tank is like, what design solutions our design engineers embodied in it, what main features it has:

The main features of the T-14 "Armata" tank

• The tank has an uninhabited tower. It is equipped with the already proven remote-controlled 125 mm smoothbore gun with an automatic loader.

• The design of the tank allows you to install on it a 152 mm gun, already tested on the "Object 195".

• The crew of the tank is located in an isolated armored capsule that can withstand a direct hit from all existing modern anti-tank shells.

• The armored capsule with the crew is securely separated from the ammunition and fuel tanks.

• The active suspension will allow the tank to conduct accurate aimed fire at speeds up to 40-50 km/h.

• It is assumed that the active suspension will allow the tank to move at speeds up to 90 km / h, not only on the highway, but also on rough terrain.

• The new type of combined multi-layer armor used in the tank is 15% different than that used in domestic tanks of the 3rd generation. The armor thickness equivalent is about 1000 mm.

• All modules of the tank are controlled by the latest tank information and control system (TIUS), which, in the event of any malfunction, notifies the crew of this by an appropriate voice message.

• The “Armaty” radar complex uses active phased array radars capable of conducting about 40 ground and 25 air targets at a distance of up to 100 km.

• If a projectile flying into a tank is detected, the Afghanit active defense system automatically turns the tank turret in the direction of this projectile in order to meet it with more powerful frontal armor and be ready to strike at the enemy that fired this projectile.

• The range of destruction of 125 mm guns is up to 7000 m, while for the best Western models this parameter is 5000 m.

• The Armata tank uses a large number of effective stealth technologies that make it virtually invisible or difficult to detect for many types of weapons.

TTX tank T-14 "Armata"

To view the table on mobile devices, move it left or right.

Infographics and location of modules in the T-14 tank

A good infographic of the T-14 tank with the location of the modules was made by the RIA Novosti agency:

Video review “Multi-purpose tank T-14 on the tracked platform Armata”

For the 80th anniversary of Uralvagonzavod, an interesting mini-video review about the T-14 Armata tank was released:

Well, now let's talk about the T-14 Armata tank in more detail and discuss the history and background of its creation, its armament and armor, the characteristics of its main systems, as well as the possibility of using it in real combat operations.

The history and prerequisites for the creation of a new tank "Armata"

Another way

At the turn of the 2000s, 2 projects of a promising main battle tank, which should have been a replacement for the current Russian MBT - T-90. One of them - "Object 460" or "Black Eagle" (see photo above) - was the development of the Omsk Design Bureau. It had an elongated modified chassis from the T-80U tank, in which another one was added to six rollers, as well as a narrower turret of a new design, armed with a standard 125 mm smoothbore gun that had already proven itself. It was assumed that the mass of the tank would be about 48 tons, and it would be equipped with a 1500-horsepower gas turbine engine, which would give it a specific power of more than 30 hp / t and make it one of the most dynamic tanks in the world.

The second project - "Object 195" or "T-95" (see photo below) - was the development of the Ural Design Bureau and the Uralvagonzavod corporation. It was an “Ubertank” for its time, in which an uninhabited (unmanned) turret armed with a formidable 152 mm smoothbore gun was also installed on a seven-roller chassis. The crew of the tank (a total of 2 people) was housed in an isolated armored capsule in front of the hull. The weight of the tank was not small - about 55 tons, and it was supposed to be equipped with a 1650 hp diesel engine, which would also give it good dynamic characteristics.

It was assumed that kinetic energy projectile fired from the 152 mm smoothbore gun of the “Object 195” is so large that if it hits the turret of an enemy tank, it simply tore it off.

But in 2009-2010, both projects had to be curtailed for several reasons. Firstly, the development of both tanks was not very active, and during the design and testing period (which is about 15-20 years), they simply became obsolete. Secondly, the transition to the use of such supertanks as the T-95, which are quite expensive and resource-intensive in production, would be to some extent a transition to the German path of development of tank building during the Second World War, i.e. absolutely not justified itself “the way of royal tigers and mice”. What we needed was a universal, mass-produced tank with the best value for money, like our famous T-34. And thirdly, both of these tanks did not quite correspond to the concept of network-centric warfare.

The concept of network-centric warfare

Network-centric warfare is a modern military doctrine focused on increasing the combat effectiveness of various military formations participating in armed conflicts or modern wars, by combining all combat and auxiliary units into a single information network and, as a result, achieving infocommunication superiority over the enemy.

Those. it turns out that by combining and almost instantaneous communication of command and control means, reconnaissance means, as well as means of destruction and suppression, a more accelerated control of forces and means is achieved, an increase in the effectiveness of defeating enemy forces and the survivability of their own troops, and each combatant receives full and timely information about the real combat situation.

Tank formations must also be adapted to the modern realities of network-centric warfare, for this the tanks themselves must be able to connect to a single information network and be able to almost instantly transfer to it information received by the tank from the outside due to their own “overview” modules. In fact, this is practically one of the requirements for the new 4th generation tanks.

Tank 4th generation

"Object 195" in the view of the artist.

The classification of tanks by generation is actually not official, it is very conditional and looks something like this:

• The first generation includes tanks from the 1950s and 1960s, such as the Soviet T-44 and T-54, the German Panther, the English Centurion and the American Pershing.
• The second generation is associated with the appearance of the so-called main battle tanks(OBT). It includes tanks of the 1960-1980s, such as the Soviet T-62, the American M-60, the English Chieftain, the German Leopard and the French AMX-30.
• The third generation includes the latest modern tanks, such as the Soviet T-80 and Russian T-90, the American Abrams, the French Leclerc, the English Challenger, the Ukrainian Oplot, the South Korean Black Panther, the Israeli Merkava , Italian “Ariete” and German “Leopard-2” (By the way, you can read more about third-generation tanks in our article).

It is clear that later generations of tanks were distinguished by stronger armor, more advanced protection and more formidable weapons. This also applies to the 4th generation of tanks, the appearance of which is long overdue. But besides this, as mentioned above, tanks of the 4th generation should be maximally adapted to network-centric warfare, and also, if possible, meet a number of other requirements:

• have an uninhabited tower and an automatic loader
• the crew must be isolated in an armored capsule
• the tank must be partially robotic

By the way, a fully robotic unmanned tank can be considered a 5th generation tank.

Approximately with such a list of requirements, our designers approached the development of a new tank, when in 2010, after the phasing out of the Object 195 and Object 640 projects, they were given the task to design a new generation tank as soon as possible.

Platform "Armata"

The order for the design, testing and production of a new tank was received by the state corporation UralVagonZavod, located in Nizhny Tagil and engaged in the development and production of various military equipment. When developing a new tank in the Ural Design Bureau, tied to UralVagonZavod, ready-made promising developments were actively used on the Object 195 already being developed here, as well as on the project of the Omsk Design Bureau - Object 640. Both closed projects to a large extent helped our designers to quickly cope with the task.

But the most important thing is that this time our designers (as well as our military leadership) saw the problem of building a new tank more widely, and it was decided to develop not just a 4th generation tank, but a universal tracked platform that could be used to design a wide variety of military equipment, which would solve the problem of versatility, mass and ratio described above prices and quality.

Thus, "Uralvagonzavod" designed and implemented the so-called unified combat heavy tracked platform "Armata", but on the basis of which it is planned to create about 30 different types of military equipment. Moreover, not only the platform will be common to them, but also a common battle control system, a common communication system, a common active defense system and many other nodes and modules.

The universal heavy combat platform "Armata" has three engine layout options: front, rear and middle. This allows you to use the platform for the construction of almost any type of military equipment. For a tank, for example, they use the rear engine placement, but for an infantry fighting vehicle, on the contrary, the front one.

At the moment, our defense industry has already received the first pieces of equipment based on the new platform - this is an armored recovery vehicle BREM T-16 (so far only as a project), an infantry fighting vehicle BMP T-15 and of course the main battle tank T-14 " Armata”, which we could already see at the Victory Parade in Moscow.

Overview of the T-14 "Armata" tank

Radar complex

The T-14 is the first tank in the world to use an active phased array radar (AFAR radar). Radars of the same type are being installed on the new Russian fifth-generation T-50 multirole fighters, which are to replace the SU-27. Unlike radars with a passive array, AFAR radars consist of a large number of independently adjustable active modules, which significantly increases the tracking ability and reliability, since in the event of a failure of one of the radar modules, we will get only a slight distortion of the “picture”. True, the cost of such radars is somewhat higher.

Armata uses 4 AFAR radar panels located along the perimeter of the tower (see photo above). They are protected by bulletproof and shatterproof screens, but nevertheless can be easily replaced in the field (the photo shows plastic loops for removing radar panels).

The radar complex of the T-14 tank can simultaneously track up to 40 ground moving and up to 25 airborne aerodynamic targets, which makes it one of the key elements on the battlefield within the concept of network-centric warfare. The target tracking distance is up to 100 km.

If, for the purpose of camouflage, the main surveillance radar of the tank is turned off, then at close range it is replaced by two ultra-fast reaction radars, which are also used to trigger destructive elements of active protection against projectiles fired at the tank.

Target detection systems in the infrared and ultraviolet range

On the T-14 turret, on the same axis as the machine gun mount, a panoramic sight is installed, which serves to determine the coordinates of targets received by various survey modules, while it rotates 360 degrees regardless of the machine gun. The panoramic sight includes a visible camera, an infrared camera and a laser rangefinder. When capturing each new goal Radar panoramic sight automatically rotates in her direction to determine its exact coordinates. The information received is displayed on the monitors of the tank crew in the form of a tactical map with the coordinates of fixed targets, and if necessary, you can specify the coordinates of a particular target by pressing your finger on the image on the touch screen.

In addition to the panoramic sight, the T-14 is equipped with six autonomous high-definition cameras that allow the crew to monitor the situation around the tank along the entire perimeter. These cameras allow tankers to assess the situation when the radar is turned off and in the conditions of the enemy's electronic warfare, and also record laser pointers aimed at the tank.

In addition, these HD cameras can see through a smoke screen (in infrared), giving a significant advantage to Armata using this species disguise. This gives the following example:

When the T-14 tank is surrounded by enemy infantry, it can put a smoke screen around it, making it invisible to enemy grenade launchers, and shoot them from a machine gun mount according to infrared HD cameras.

Active protection complex “Afganit”

Both the radar complex of 4 AFAR radars and 2 high-speed radars, and infrared HD cameras are part of the active tank protection complex, which serves not only for reconnaissance of targets, but also for the timely detection of threats to the tank and their elimination. Here are the features of the Afghanit active protection system installed on the Armata:

• When an enemy shell flying towards the tank is detected, Afghanit automatically turns the tank's turret in the direction of this shell in order to meet it with more powerful armor on the one hand, and on the other hand, to be ready to strike at the object that fired this shell.
• When shells approaching the tank are detected, Afghanit automatically controls the machine gun mount to destroy them.
• In case of need for increased camouflage, Afghanit can operate in passive mode with the radar turned off, focusing on HD camera data.
• "Afghanit" is safe for its infantry, located near the tank, as it uses to a greater extent the means of electronic warfare and smoke-metal curtains to counter enemy missiles.
• In addition, according to the latest data, “Afganit” successfully resists modern armor-piercing projectiles with cores.

The Afganit active defense complex is capable of hitting projectiles approaching the tank at speeds up to 1,700 m/s. But our designers are already developing a new active protection - "Barrier", which will be able to intercept shells flying up at speeds up to 3000 m / s.

Complex of dynamic protection "Malachite"

The T-14 tank is also equipped with the Malachite dynamic protection complex. Here are the features it has:

• "Malachite" successfully resists not only various HEAT shells, but is also capable of destroying the latest NATO sub-caliber shells, which were specially designed to penetrate such dynamic defenses that preceded "Malachite" as "Relic" and "Contact-5".
• Malachite is much better at resisting the most advanced anti-tank missile systems (ATGMs).
• By reducing the amount of explosive in the dynamic protection "Malachite", the option of hitting one's own infantry and damaging the tank's observation devices is practically excluded.

Armament of the T-14 tank

The fire control system of the T-14 tank is connected to the Afganit active protection system and its radio-optical modules. With their help, the tank's weapons are guided to the detected targets. In addition, when aiming, data from the following sensors is used:

• Gyroscopic sensors of the tank's angular orientation in space
• Temperature and humidity sensor
• Wind direction and speed sensor
• Barrel bend sensor from heating

The tank receives its own coordinates using the GLONASS satellite system.

As we wrote above, the T-14 can be equipped with both a standard 125 mm gun and a 152 mm cannon. As standard, the Armata is equipped with the already proven 125 mm 2A82-1C smoothbore gun, which has a 17% higher muzzle energy and 20% greater accuracy than best samples western guns mounted on tanks. It should also be noted that the range of destruction from this gun is about 7000 m, which exceeds the performance of foreign tank guns, for the most part of which the range of destruction does not exceed 5000 m. This again gives the Armata a significant advantage - it is our tank that will own the right " long arm”, i.e. he will be able to shoot enemy tanks without even approaching them at their range. In addition, the 2A82 gun has the ability to fire ammunition up to 1 meter long (for example, such as high-powered armor-piercing shells "Vacuum-1"). The T-14 is equipped with an automatic loader for 32 rounds, due to which a rate of fire of 10-12 rounds per minute is achieved.

Some of the Armata tanks are going to be equipped with a 152 mm 2A83 gun, which has an armor-piercing capacity of sabots of more than 1000 mm, and their speed is 2000 m/s, which leaves no chance for all known modern tanks. In addition, as the leaders of the Uralvagonzavod corporation say, the kinetic energy of the 152 mm gun projectile is such that more often it will simply tear off the turret of the enemy tank being hit.

Both guns allow their barrel to be used to launch guided missiles. It is assumed that for 152 mm guns, missiles with armor-piercing up to 1500 mm and a range of up to 10,000 m can be used, which can hit both ground and air targets.

At the same time, some experts point to the possibility of using guided active-rocket projectiles with a range of up to 30 km on T-14 tanks armed with 152 mm guns, which turns such an “Armata” into a fire support tank that can be used both against enemy infantry and against heavily protected enemy targets.

Of the machine gun armament, the Armata is equipped with a large-caliber 12.7 mm Kord machine gun, remotely controlled by the crew and included in the Afganit active defense complex, as well as a 7.62 mm Kalashnikov machine gun, coaxial with a tank gun. Moreover, for reloading the Korda, there is a special automated system that does not require the participation of crew members.

Reservation of the T-14 tank

As we indicated above, one of the main features of the Armata tank is the presence of a special isolated armored capsule, separated from the rest of the tank by armored partitions and serving to accommodate the entire crew with control computers. In addition, the armored capsule protects against weapons of mass destruction and has an air conditioning system and a fire extinguishing system. All this significantly increases both the survivability of the crew and the survivability of the tank itself. In addition, it is stated that the maximum duration of the continuous stay of the crew in the armored capsule is about 3 days.

In the production of Armata tanks, a new type of armored steel with ceramic inserts is used, which has increased armor resistance. This made it possible, with the same armor thickness, to achieve a smaller mass of the tank, and, accordingly, better dynamics. However, it is expected that front projection The T-14 has an armor equivalent of more than 1000 mm against sabots and about 1300 mm against HEAT rounds. This makes the tank resistant to any modern munitions hit in the forehead and capable of withstanding such formidable anti-tank weapons as the American heavy anti-tank missile system"TOW" and the American man-portable anti-tank missile system "Javelin".

Tower T-14

The structure of the tower is classified information, however, it is assumed that it consists of an external anti-fragmentation casing, under which the main armor of the tower is hidden. The anti-fragmentation casing performs several functions:

• Protection of tank instruments from fragments, high-explosive shells and bullet penetrations.
• Reduced radio visibility to counter radar-guided ATGMs.
• Shielding of external electronic fields, which makes the tower devices resistant to various kinds of magnetic impulses.

Below is a video with a possible device for the T-14 tank turret:

stealth technology

Another significant feature of the T-14 is the use of various stealth technologies, which drastically reduce the visibility of the tank in the infrared, radar and magnetic observation spectra. Here are the stealth tools used in "Armata":

• A unique GALS coating that reflects a wide range of waves and protects the tank from overheating in the sun.
• Flat reflective edges of the hull, reducing the visibility of the tank in the radio range.
• A system for mixing exhaust gases with ambient air, reducing the visibility of the tank in the infrared range.
• Thermal insulation on the inside of the case, which also reduces the visibility of the T-14 in the IR range.
• Heat traps that distort the "signature" (the visual image of the tank) in the infrared range.
• Distortion of its own magnetic field, making it difficult to determine the location of the tank for magnetometric weapons.

All this causes significant difficulties for the enemy in detecting the "Armata", in determining its coordinates and in general in identifying it as a tank.

Many experts believe that the T-14 Armata is the world's first stealth tank.

Engine

The T-14 tank is equipped with a multi-fuel 12-cylinder four-stroke X-shaped turbocharged diesel engine (12N360), which was designed in Chelyabinsk and is produced there at the Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant. The engine has a switching power from 1200 to 1500 hp, but on serial vehicles it is planned to install an engine with a maximum power of 1800 hp. This will provide the tank with excellent dynamic characteristics - so maximum speed on the highway will reach 90 km / h. In addition, this four-stroke engine is much more economical than the old two-stroke ones, which ensures a cruising range of 500 km without refueling.

The box on the T-14 is automatic robotic with the ability to switch to manual control.

It should also be noted that the exhaust gases are removed through pipes passing through additional fuel tanks. This provides them with additional cooling and ultimately reduces the visibility of the tank in the infrared range. The tanks themselves are covered with armor plates and anti-cumulative screens, and they are protected from fire by an open-cell filler.

The engine and transmission are combined into a separate module, which makes it possible to replace a failed power unit in less than an hour.

active suspension

If earlier on Russian tanks a 6-roller chassis was used, then the Armata platform has a 7-roller one, which makes it possible to build equipment with a maximum weight of up to 60 tons on its basis. Therefore, the T-14 tank has a huge potential for all kinds of upgrades.

The suspension used in the T-14 tank is active, that is, it is capable of detecting irregularities under the tracks using sensors and automatically adjusting the height of the rollers. This feature not only increases the tank's speed over rough terrain, but also significantly (by about 1.5 - 2.0 times) improves aiming accuracy on the move. High-precision shooting while moving quickly across the battlefield is another indisputable advantage of the “Armata” in the event of a possible “meeting” with such quite probable opponents as the “Leopard-2” or “Abrams”, which still use an uncontrolled hydropneumatic suspension developed by over 30 years ago.

Tank information and control system

One of the best tank information and control systems (TIUS) is installed on the Armata, which monitors all the modules of the tank in real time and automatically checks them for malfunctions. In the event that any problems are detected, the TIUS system informs the crew about this in voice mode and gives recommendations for their elimination.

Defense Order

At the parade in Moscow in 2015, the public was presented with T-14s from the first pilot batch (20 tanks). Serial production of "Armata" began in 2016 and by its end it is planned to produce about 100 more machines that will be actively used in various tests and exercises to identify shortcomings and determine the necessary improvements.

Other combat vehicles on the Armata platform

Infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) T-15 "Armata"

In addition to the T-14 tank, on a unified heavy tracked combat platform, it is planned to produce the T-15 armored infantry fighting vehicle, the first copies of which were also demonstrated at the Victory Parade in Moscow. I must say that this is the first heavily armored infantry fighting vehicle in the Russian Army. Its tank level of armor is impenetrable for modern ATGMs up to 150mm caliber and BOPS up to 120mm caliber, as well as the presence of Afganit active protection allows it to operate in one tactical group along with T-14 tanks and makes it a “network-centric” combat vehicle.

The mass of the T-15 is about 50 tons, the crew is 3 people, in addition, it has a landing module for 9 people behind it.

The versatility and modularity of the Armata platform allows the BMP T-15 to have several combat configurations:

• The main version with the Boomerang-BM combat module, whose armament includes the Kornet-EM anti-tank missile system, a 30 mm 2A42 automatic anti-aircraft gun and a 7.62 mm PKTM machine gun, allows it to successfully withstand various ground and air targets on distances up to 4 km (Universal air defense configuration).
• A variant with the Baikal combat module, whose armament includes a modified shipborne 57 mm anti-aircraft mount with higher firepower and a range of up to 8 km (Long-range air defense configuration).
• Variant with 120 mm heavy mortar (anti-personnel configuration)

Self-propelled artillery mount (SAU) “Coalition-SV”




In order to include in the same group with the T-14 tanks and the T-15 infantry fighting vehicle, equipment with powerful and long-range fire support is planned to be transferred to the Armata heavy combat platform and our latest self-propelled artillery mount 2S35 "Coalition-SV", which replaced the outdated self-propelled guns 2S3 "Acacia" and 2S19 "Msta-S". Developed by the Central Research Institute Burevestnik and produced at the Uraltransmash plant, also part of the Uralvagonzavod corporation, 152 mm self-propelled howitzer has the most diverse range of goals: from the destruction of enemy tactical nuclear weapons and the destruction of its fortifications to counteracting its manpower and equipment.

When designing the “Coalition-SV”, they also adhered to the principle of modularity and versatility, so this howitzer can be installed on almost any platform, including a ship one.

The main feature of the new self-propelled guns is its range - up to 70 km, which significantly exceeds all known foreign analogues. Ammunition "Coalition-SV" is 70 shells, rate of fire - 10-15 rounds per minute.

In addition, on the basis of the universal platform "Armata" it is also planned to build the following types of equipment:

• Fighting vehicle of flamethrowers (BMO-2)
• Heavy flamethrower system (TOS BM-2)
• Multipurpose engineering vehicle (MIM-A)
• Transport-loading vehicle of a heavy flamethrower system (TZM-2)
• Mine layer (UMZ-A)
• Floating conveyor (PTS-A)
• Bridgelayer (MT-A)

Prospects for the use of the tank "Armata"





As we already wrote above, the T-14 Armata tank was developed as part of a network-centric concept, therefore it is designed to conduct combat operations as part of a tactical grouping, including equipment and systems of a very different nature: other Armata tanks or tanks modernized for network-centric warfare T-90S, several T-15 infantry fighting vehicles, a battery of self-propelled guns “Coalition-SV”, attack helicopters KA-52 "Alligator" and other equipment. At the same time, the T-14 "Armata" in this group is assigned one of the key roles, namely the role of reconnaissance, target designator and command tank, which controls the battle through a single control system.

Conclusion

All this is good that in terms of military projects we are not lagging behind, but somewhere ahead of other leading military powers of the world, and the development and implementation of the Armata universal heavy platform should significantly improve the defense capability of our country in case of a major (third world) war. The only question is what kind of big war it will be and whether it will be possible to emerge victorious from it?

P.S. Below is a video of recent history of our tank troops, presented by the Ministry of Defense on Tankman's Day, in which you can also see the hero of our review - the T-14 Armata tank.

Around Russian tank T-14 "Armata" serious passions flared up. 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 all the armed forces with Armats? 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 NATO countries, due to such effective solutions when we look at the modernization potential of old models, 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 the development of 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 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, the gas turbine T-80 and diesel T-90 have been in the process of modernization (development work "Proryv-3"). 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 general terms, the T-14 can repeat the fate of the Vladimir.

It is worth adding that the "Armata" project was developed to conduct a "network-centric war", which distinguishes high degree 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. It is in this key advantage tank before 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 trouble with the latest domestic tank is that it was praised too early by the federal media at the suggestion of the military and politicians. Against such an information background, any, even a not very serious problem with the T-14, is recklessly perceived as a disaster.

Tanks were the mainstay of World War II. In almost all states of the world, the dominant doctrine, at present, is the conduct of network-centric warfare. That is, achieving superiority over the enemy due to greater information content and communication, as well as the speed of making tactical decisions in a single center and prompt receipt of orders by units. This concept is contradicted by several others, for example, there is the doctrine of point-strategic suppression, that is, finding weaknesses in the enemy, issuing orders to the unit and to carry out a combat mission. They intersect in many ways and complement each other, but they are incompatible on one issue - the tactics and strategy of using tank formations. In the first concept, tanks are taken into account, but not in the second.

The fact that the “breakthrough” was made in Russian Federation, whose armed forces are already beginning to adopt the Russian T-14 Armata tank, which fits perfectly into the doctrine of network-centric warfare.

History of creation and prospects for application

At the beginning of this decade, non-public information appeared about the appearance in Russia of a long-developed new generation tank. Only those who were interested noticed it. Therefore, the passage on 05/09/2015 through Red Square became a presentation of the Armata tank, produced in small quantities (up to 15 copies) as part of a pre-production "package".

For a long time the stamp of secrecy will not be removed from Russian program « combat systems future" and the reasons why this particular tank was chosen. the only open information- This is a refusal to produce the main tank of the fourth generation T-95.

By the way, at the development stage, the Armata tank received the name - "Object 148", and the number 14 in the final name was received by him according to the year of the project - 2014.

Perhaps the medium tank "Armata", whose mass is about 50 tons, was chosen as the main one, since it is multifunctional and designed to work as part of a group as a "leader". It perfectly copes with the functions of a remote reconnaissance, target designator and fire spotter.

To do this, he has two detection systems (a surveillance radar with a range of one hundred kilometers and equipment operating in different "light" ranges), as well as a Pterodactyl drone with an unlimited duration, as it receives energy from the T-14 Armata » via a special wire.

Having received operational data, "Pterodactyl" can transfer them to anyone (in the usual format and / or video image) who needs it, including its escort:

• heavy BMP T-15;
• attack helicopters;
• complexes of the Pantsir-C1 type;
• other equipment included in the group.

By the way, the T14 Armata in the same format can receive data from its tactical group, command, other similar groups, as well as aircraft, helicopters and unmanned vehicles.

Universal platform, power plant and suspension

The fourth generation T-14 "Armata" is being developed in accordance with the network-centric concept, according to which it must have at least:

• NeoBash with automatic charging and recharging;
• an isolated armored capsule for the crew;
• part of the fully automated functions (partially robotic tank).

By the way, the fifth generation will in fact be a tank without a crew, that is, completely robotic.

The platform of the tank "Armata" is made by "Uralvagonzavod" unified. Being a heavy tracked vehicle, it is suitable for turning the T-14 Armata itself, for example, into something close to a self-propelled gun - a combat artillery vehicle. It will also be suitable for the production of several dozen types of other military equipment, among which cars will also be produced. At the same time, many sections and even blocks installed on the armature (communication, control, active protection, and so on) can be placed on this equipment.

The universal combat platform makes it possible to implement new tactical concepts and actions of the T-14 Armata.

The T-14 is equipped with a common engine for the Armata universal platform with the following performance characteristics (hereinafter referred to as TTX):

On the universal platform, the engine can be installed in three places (front, rear and middle.). On the T-14 "Armata" it is customary to place the engine at the back, and, for example, on its combat "girlfriend" BMP T-15, which should always be nearby - in front.

Active suspension and BIUS

Active suspension, through automatic suspension of the T-14 "Armata", gives him the opportunity to slightly reduce the speed of movement off-road. By reducing the pitching amplitude, the accuracy of the shot improves by a factor of 2, which is not small in real combat conditions. Provided that the speed of the T14 tank at this moment will be no more than 30 km / h. The gearbox is semi-automatic, with 16 gears (half to move forward and the same number to go back).

The brain, the main element of its automated system"digital board" is its information and control system (hereinafter referred to as the CIMS). It manages almost everything until the commander or another member of the crew (there are three tankers in the Armata Tank) takes control of this equipment.

The CICS device controls the engine and suspension, active protection and search for targets, constantly performs diagnostics, informing the crew about its results if necessary, and even giving them voice commands. Add artificial intelligence to it and the fifth generation combat vehicle is ready.

Protection complexes and armor

The main thing is the armor. Its role increases even more with the growth in the cost of production and operation of a modern tank. Prototypes T-14 "Armata" were bought for 0.5 billion rubles. for each instance.

The cost of a batch of 100 units for evaluation tests CEO"Uralvagonzavod" under the contract is a little more than 25 billion rubles.

The price per unit will decrease as the supply of T-14 Armata to the Russian troops increases. The plant's capacity allows it to produce at least five hundred cars a year. But even now, in comparison with NATO tanks, the T-14 Armata is the cheapest tank.

Due to the huge cost, it is very important to keep the T-14 Armata in combat. Everything has been done for this - it is difficult to hit the T-14, and even more difficult to break through all its protective layers. Disabling it is one thing, but completely destroying it with the entire crew is another.

The worst thing is if the ammunition is undermined (destruction of tracks, power plant and similar damage is repaired and / or replaced by the corresponding units relatively easily). In this case, special screens are provided that divert the energy of the explosion from the armored capsule with the crew, and he will most likely survive.

Active protection complex (hereinafter referred to as KAZ) "Afghanit"

First, the Armata tank's defenses (a set of numerous radars, direction finders and cameras in the ultraviolet and infrared ranges, with a view of 3600) detect an enemy weapon. Then the Afganit KAZ automatically turns NeoBash in this direction. This action is for:

1. Blinding and / or changing the trajectory of guided projectiles and missiles by disorienting their curtains, fired by heat traps, as well as means that disable electronics and their other “stuffing” (except mechanical), including laser guidance.
2. Destruction and / or interception of the impact core of a rocket (projectile) within a radius of twenty meters by appropriate means of active protection, including automated mortars installed under NeoBash (the main defeat is fragmentation), and an automatic machine gun on the turret itself.
3. Projectile encounters if it is not destroyed before contact with the armor of the Armata tank, its frontal armor, which has the greatest protection (the thickness of the armor is equivalent to more than one meter of reference armor).
4. Strike back against an attacking enemy.

Infrared cameras allow KAZ:

• perform their functions when the radar is disabled or turned off, as well as in the conditions of the use of electronic suppression by the enemy.
• control and suppress the possibility of false alarms of the radar.
• to solve a very complex technical problem, revealing the irradiation of the T14 "Armata" with a laser.

Cellular protection, dynamic protection complex (hereinafter referred to as KDZ) "Malachite"

The second level of protection of the tank "Armata" - KDZ "Malachite". Dynamic protection consists of three blocks, made up of containers with special filling, the cells of different sizes of which can be filled again after use. In automatic mode, an updated version of the Malachite KDZ is involved in the active defense of the Armata tank.

Inductive current sensors react to the magnetic field of a damaging enemy weapon, "throwing out" a special damaging cell cover towards it with an explosion. If this did not help or a “tandem” projectile was used, it is met by a special filling of the dynamic protection cell, which practically “grinds” the enemy ammunition, and scatters the cumulative jet.

KDZ "Malachite" allows mounting additional blocks of dynamic protection on the front of the T-14 "Armata". They close the NeoBash from above and the hull on the sides by about 2/3, with a tank length of 10.5 meters, and a height and width of 3 and 4 meters, respectively.

The blocks are filled with cells in several layers, and in different places a different number of layers of cells, and inside they are painted with the thinnest layer of a special coating.

Due to this, in comparison with the 3rd generation of tanks, the Malachite should better "cope" with American and NATO feathered sub-caliber shells and heavy missiles.

The complex is safe for infantry if, following the requirements of the Charter, it moves behind the T-14 Armata tank (without armor cover) at a distance of more than 50 meters. Active defense is focused on disabling missiles more with "anti-electronic" means and the use of various "curtains", and grenade fragments - only within 20 meters from the T14 "Armata".

Reservation of the tower, hull and compartments

The third and last line of defense is the T-14 Armata's own armor improved (by at least 10-15%%) compared to 3rd generation tanks. In places it is reinforced with armored partitions inside the hull. The armor was specially created for the maximum withdrawal of guided and unguided missiles from an axial strike into the plane of the armor.

Their penetration does not currently exceed 700 mm in armor equivalent, while the armor of the T-14 "Armata" hull is close to 1 meter of homogeneous metal armor (expert assessment, the data is naturally classified), and NeoBash is significantly higher.

Ceramic inserts in the armor, when destroyed, absorb almost the entire kinetic force of the ammunition and shift the axis of its momentum.

The crew of three is located in front of the T-14 Armata hull in a well-armored and insulated tank compartment - an armored capsule. It is believed that it will not only withstand the impact of any type of ammunition, but will protect the crew from the explosion of ammunition and from the effects of the damaging factors of a nuclear explosion (except for hitting its epicenter).

Whether this is true or a “sweet” lie will be shown by the ongoing “field” tests and maneuvers close to combat conditions after the start of delivery of at least several hundred T14 tanks to the Russian troops. Participation in any local conflict such as a “civil war” in Syria can be a good test for them.

In addition to the semi-automated electronic and mechanical equipment necessary for the T-14 Armata to perform its functions, the armored capsule has air conditioning and several all-round viewing screens that provide a high-resolution “image”, regardless of the weather and time of day. It is alleged that the armored capsule is freer than in a modern Mercedes-Benz car, only the design is more victorious.

Armored screens located above the tracks cover the dynamic protection of seven blocks for about 2/3 of the length of the tank, and the stern of the NeoBash and the hull are covered with lattice screens. All this additional protection weighs just over one ton, which is only 2% and practically does not reduce the maneuverability of the Armata tank. For greater invulnerability during combat in urban conditions, dynamic "armor" in a soft package is hung on top of the side armor plates, as well as on the back and side of the NeoBash.

The lower part of the T-14 "Armata" is well protected by armor. Also, in order to disperse the shock impulse of anti-tank mines, it has a V-shape. In addition, it is equipped unique system determining the location of mines with magnetic fuses and their remote detonation due to magnetic field distortion. So from below, the danger of the T-14 "Armata" does not seem to threaten. But in the design of the crew seats, elements were introduced that partially absorb, as well as divert to the side most of the energy of the explosion.

Fuel compartment protection

Fuel tanks are made non-removable for the first time. They are located on the sides of the T-14 "Armata" and in the center of the hull in front of the engine. They are protected from fire by a special filler, and from the ingress of enemy ammunition, in addition to the protection described above, an additional anti-cumulative screen.

It is separated from the engine compartment and the compartment with “shots” by an armored partition, which rather gives additional protection to these sections of the hull, and from the compartment with the crew, respectively, by the armor of the “capsule” of the crew.

When viewed from the inside, the body of the T-14 "Armata" is divided into four parts in the middle of which is the fuel compartment, bordering the engine compartment, the crew's armored capsule, and also skirting the ammunition compartment on the sides. It is believed that such an arrangement, at least a little, but will reduce the impact on the crew and engine when the ammunition is detonated, which is up to 45 shots.

The total capacity of the fuel system is 2 tons (with additional tanks). About half of the fuel is inside the hull, and the rest is located outside the hull on its sides on the fenders. In all compartments of the T-14 "Armata" there are fire extinguishers automatically triggered when an open fire appears and the temperature corresponding to this.

Applied stealth developments

In order to make the Armata tank as inconspicuous as possible for the means of detecting the enemy, a lot of developments in the line of stealth technology have been applied. At present, the strength of the Russian army lies not so much in firepower as in the difficulty of detecting its combat vehicles by the enemy, which significantly increases their survivability.

For this there is:

1. Flat reflective edges of the hull with a unique coating, which not only hides the Armata tank in a wide range of radio waves, but also prevents it from getting a solar "stroke".
2. The thermal insulation of the hull and heat traps make it difficult to search for the T-14 "Armata" in the infrared wave range and radically change its appearance if it is "illuminated".
3. A light casing on the turret that reduces visibility and distorts enemy radar data.
4. Equipment for distorting the magnetic field around the T14 "Armata", which interferes with determining its exact location if the enemy has a magnetometric weapon.
5. "Mixer" of exhaust gases with the environment, as well as imitation of non-existent exhaust pipes, to disorient weapons and detection tools operating in the thermal range.

Detection complexes (hereinafter referred to as KO)

The most important function of the T-14 "Armata" is to establish the location of enemy forces both on the near "approaches" within a radius of 10 km, and on distant ones - up to 100 kilometers. To do this, it is equipped with a 4-section aerotype radar and cameras synchronized with it, operating in other ranges.

A phased array radar can detect and “guide” up to 40 land and 25 air targets. If the target is carefully camouflaged, then human intervention is needed to operate the automatic control of the infrared sight. Automation also controls conventional panoramic sights, which are included in the KO, to clarify the correct detection and “guiding” of targets without their “loss” from countering enemy anti-electronic warfare.

The KO panels are covered with light armored screens.

Available optical periscopes are needed for driving, including at night. Headlights also have the possibility of infrared illumination.

T-14 "Jurassic period"

In addition, for the first time in Russia, short-range reconnaissance will be carried out by launching, but not in free flight, but for the length of the cable shielded from electronic reconnaissance equipment (up to 100 meters), unmanned vehicle"Pterodactyl". He constantly transmits a video image to the screen of the commander of the T-14 "Armata", receives energy for work through the same cable.

"Pterodactyl", whose visibility horizon is 10 km, gives unique opportunity T-14 "Armata" to fire from a "closed" position or from a cloud of special suspension masking it. The drone can be in touch and transmit a picture to the entire tactical group, an individual combat vehicle or a support and logistics vehicle. Naturally, all this can be done in relation to your command and / or tactical groups and units operating nearby.

When determining the KO of a target at a distance of up to six kilometers, a deviation of up to 10 m is permissible, and at ten kilometers - 17 m. It is quite enough to hit infantry and lightly armored targets with artillery or tank ammunition. The T-14 "Armata" is also valuable as a spotter, as it clearly fixes the place of the explosion.

In addition, according to the trajectory of the flight of enemy ammunition, KOs can calculate the place where the shot was fired from and even return fire in automatic mode, although it is more efficient to reconnoiter the target. After "capturing" an air target, data can be transmitted to destroy it:

• accompanying the BMP T-15, which has a good anti-aircraft gun;
• a unit equipped with man-portable anti-aircraft missile systems;
• SAM "Pantsir-S1" (he, hitting the target, does not unmask himself using his own means of detection).

Weapon systems

If the Armata defense systems operate in automatic mode and the intervention of the crew is required only in exceptional cases, then the attacking actions of the T-14 itself are carried out in a semi-automatic mode, with the active use of sighting devices of various types by the commander and gunner.

In addition to conventional optical sights and rangefinders with a twelvefold increase, modern electronic equipment is used to take on the "fly" of enemy equipment and "manpower", operating in all available ranges, including laser-type sights. "Capture" of the target by the heat radiated by it occurs if it is not more than 3.5 km to it, and by rangefinders - 7.5 km.

Former Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Rogozin, listing the characteristics of the T-14, as if jokingly said that the crews for the Armata tank should be recruited among fans of the World of Tanks online game, since they already have almost all the skills to control the tank. As they say, there is only a fraction of a joke in a joke. Indeed, the control process is similar.

The commander points the cursor at the target, by pressing the button captures it and sends the data to the gunner. He also presses the button - the target is likely to be hit. Moreover, it is possible to note the sequence of hitting several targets. Whether everything will be so simple and whether the tank and its fate in a real battle is so good, time will tell.

gun

Currently, NeoBash has a 125 mm gun with remote control. In terms of range, this gun is significantly superior to analogues mounted on NATO tanks. When aiming, even the bend from heating of the chrome-plated and auto-fretted barrel from the inside is taken into account. The corresponding sensor is located on the barrel of the tank and placed in a container.

The new ammunition package, which includes both guided and non-guided missiles launched through the barrel, doubles the power of military equipment equipped with this gun.

In addition, the T14 "Armata" from this gun now has the ability to shoot down drones and helicopters with air-to-air missiles, and with guided detonation munitions in flight - to hit targets in equipped and natural shelters.

The universal combat platform "Armata" allows the installation of a heavy 152 mm gun on the T-14. Advantage over the currently installed cannon:

1. This is her power. It is enough for the projectile to hit the enemy tank. Where it doesn’t matter, because if he doesn’t break through the armor, then he will demolish the tower. And for the destruction or serious damage to poorly armored, and even more so unarmored vehicles, it is enough to hit the corresponding ammunition near the target. In this capacity, the T-14 turns into a "fire support" tank.
2. The final transformation of the Armata tank into a kind of control center of its tactical group, which, in addition to coordinating actions, provides direct fire support, being in positions remote from direct contact with opponents.
3. Launch capability anti-aircraft missiles long-range with twice as much power reserve.

Disadvantages over the currently installed gun:

1. Decreased by 10% of ammunition, by 25% of the automatic loader, therefore, it is necessary to have more vehicles carrying ammunition nearby.
2. The absence of a "breakthrough tank" of the fourth generation and, consequently, the need to take action in this direction.

TTX guns

Ammunition

The very idea and practice of launching missiles through the barrel was implemented in third-generation tanks. New in this matter is the controllability and range of missiles. From the above list, it can be seen that the 152 mm cannon "shoots" missiles at significantly greater distances. This also applies to air targets. Unlike a 125 mm cannon, a missile can also shoot down aircraft and missiles flying at speeds up to nine hundred kilometers per hour.

It should be noted that the feathered shells included in the ammunition load in the case of a 152 mm cannon caliber can also be guided. They are clearly preparing for use not against enemy armored vehicles. Their goals are command and control structures, anti-aircraft missile systems and similar "valuable" objects. It is possible that over time, the T-14 "Armata" will be equipped with the "shots" currently being developed, which have a flight range of up to 50 km due to their active-reactive nature.

Western publications admit the possibility of including "nuclear" shells and / or missiles in the ammunition load of the T-14 "Armata" - with a capacity of up to one kiloton.

For the Armata tank, their use is relatively safe at a distance of more than 6 km. Common sense suggests that this kind of munitions (even if they are available) can only be used if a nuclear conflict has already begun, which all countries that have such weapons diligently avoid.

Machine gun armament

Modernized tank machine gun of our genius - Kalashnikov. It was his standard and smallest caliber that was chosen to equip the Russian Armata tank. Of course, it is integrated with all systems, it can work both in automatic mode and under the control of the crew. It is located on NeoBash in an armored hull that increases the height and visibility of the T-14 Armata.

A spare belt for another 1000 rounds is also in a secure location, and loading is automatic. But there is a double impression - either this is a very cunning idea (here is a very noticeable turret, aim at it - it’s not a pity to lose it), or they argued to the point of hoarseness, did not decide anything and left it for later. But something needs to be installed and at the last moment we decided to install this machine gun.

Conclusion

"Armata" is Russian name guns brought to Russia (Moscow, Tver) in 1389 from Europe. In Latin, weapons are arma, but we added a suffix and an ending. All officials in relation to the T-14 "Armata" declare in different terms, but one information. This tank made a "revolutionary" breakthrough and outperforms the tanks of the world's leading military powers by at least 10...40%. The existing backlog will provide Russia with an advantage for a long time, even considering that soon they will begin to appear Western counterparts.

In 2018, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation began accepting the first batch of T-14 "Armata" and it is expected that at least a hundred of them will be accepted. In total, until 2021 (according to different reasons the deadline can be extended to 2025), more than 2,000 of these tanks should be put into service (the number can also change).

The task was set strategically (dates are not indicated or not named) to create an entire “Armata family”, transplanting about 30 combat vehicles, as well as support and support vehicles, onto the appropriate universal platform.

In addition to the roar of fanfare and the flow of praises, controversy “flares up” in interested circles about the directions for improving the T-14 Armata, eliminating obvious shortcomings and shortcomings, as well as understanding critical comments. In the T-14 "Armata" is criticized:

1. Increase in size, and most importantly height.
2. Narrow field of view of the commander in the event of a complete or partial failure of the electronics.
3. Unclear functions of the machine gun, as well as the lack of anti-aircraft weapons in the Armata tank.
4. Uncomfortable working posture of the crew.

Our designers and production workers are working on a fifth generation tank - fully robotic. And as a first step in this direction, it is planned to reduce the crew of the T-14 "Armata" to two people, and allocate the vacated space to increase the ammunition load. Whether this is right or not, time will tell. Perhaps the freed up space will be reserved for new "brains", there are never many of them.

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