The latest Russian project of universal tracked platform “Armata”, based on which it is proposed to build the war machines of several types, continues to haunt the minds in our country and abroad. Industry and military officials are in no hurry to reveal all information about a new project, making any fresh news leads to very interesting results. So, past news about his new project can’t pass the foreign press.
For the latest news about the “Armata” among others reacted to the American edition The National Interest. On 13 March it published an article by Dave Majumdar titled “Surprise: Russia’s Lethal T-14 Armata Tank Is in Production” (“Surprise: the deadly Russian tank T-14 “Armata” entered the proceeding”). The author reviewed the latest news about the newest Russian project, and also noted some of its features.
His article D. Majumdar begins with the findings of fact: the newest Russian main battle tank T-14, developed in the framework of the project “Armata”, is already in production. In the past year, several such combat vehicles were displayed during the parade on red square on Victory Day. Then most foreign analysts believed that the technology family “Armata” is still under development. However, as follows from recent statements of the management of Russian industry, the new technique has already gone into the series.
The author of The National Interest recalls that new information about the prospective project were disclosed by the head of state Corporation “rostec” Sergey Chemezov, in his recent interview with The Wall Street Journal. During an interview with American journalists raised the issue of the impact of economic problems on the course of new projects. The head of Rostec said that the technique of the family of “Armata” is already mass-produced.
Sergei Chemezov told that due to economic difficulties, the decision to suspend work on new projects. Already started developments, in turn, will be brought to its logical end. The leadership of industry sees no sense in stopping these activities, as such decision will allow to get the expected results, and will result in major financial losses. Thus, all ongoing projects will be completed, and a reduction in fall only some perspective.
D. Majumdar recalls that, according to open data, the technology family “Armata” includes the primary tank T-14, a heavy infantry fighting vehicle T-15 and an armoured recovery vehicle T-16. In addition, the expected emergence of some other samples of military equipment on a unified chassis. So, there is information about the appearance of the sample, which has already been called “killer tanks.” While the main tank T-14 receives a 125-mm gun 2А82-1M, promising Tank Killer should carry a gun of calibre of 152. Probably this instrument will be based on weapons of 2С35-propelled gun “Coalition-SV”.
Last year the TV program “Military acceptance” channel “Zvezda” first showed a new technique, both outside and inside. In particular, the authors of the program were allowed to show the interior of the crew compartment of the tank perspective. Film made a great impression on domestic and foreign specialists.
As the author notes The National Interest, published by the shooting clearly demonstrate the placement of the crew of three in total capsule, isolated from the other units of the tank. Jobs crew equipped with a variety of hardware, including touch screens that simplify the control. Interface management systems tank and his system looks simple and intuitive. In addition, there is reason to believe that the new vehicle received the equipment, communication and control, allowing you to receive and transmit information about the situation on the battlefield. Finally, use a satellite navigation system.
One of the most interesting features of perspective tank T-14 “Armata” D. Majumdar calls the new complex of active protection “Lapis”. According to available data, in the composition of the system include active radar with electronic scanning, whereby all the surrounding space. Also the system should include electronic warfare equipment and electro-optical countermeasures. To destroy the approaching enemy ammunition a separate element of the complex. On the tower of a combat vehicle mounted multiple launchers to shoot defensive ammo. According to some, provides for the use of munitions, forming the so-called drum core.
Complexes of active protection show the greatest efficiency when working against the ammunition with an explosive charge (anti-tank grenades or missiles), while kinetic projectiles are more difficult purpose. The use of shock cores suggests that “Afghanite” with the same success can act on both a cumulative/high-explosive and armor-piercing sub-caliber shells.
Referring to the reference book The Military Balance of 2016, D. Majumdar points out another important feature of the project T-14. The authors of this guide believe that the most revolutionary innovation of the new Russian project is the use of completely uninhabited tower. In addition, the emphasis on means of protection, including active. When you create a complex protection of use of its combat experience.
In the case of adopting the T-14 “Armata” will be the world’s first main battle tank, equipped with uninhabited combat compartment and the active protection system. Analysts suggest that wide dissemination of active protection will reduce the efficiency of rocket-propelled grenades and anti-tank missiles, while also reducing their role on the battlefield. Thus, it will be provoked by the increasing importance of artillery systems, tanks and other equipment.
However, the best way to survive on the battlefield D. Majumdar believes secrecy. In this regard, as noted, Russian designers have achieved some success. It is already clear that the project “Armata” provides for a significant reduction in the visibility of armored vehicles to radar and thermal imaging detection. Thus, the problem of detecting and tracking military vehicles is complicated.
If an armored vehicle would still be able to detect, then the flying enemy projectile will first have to overcome the active protection system. Then he will have to deal with a new dynamic protection type “Malakhit”. Finally, the last line of defense is the combined armor. The composition of the armor protection of the chassis “Armata” is still classified, but D. Majumdar believed that the composition of the used ceramic elements. Also a part of units of new vehicles covered with screens to protect against anti-tank weapons.
The Russian project of a unified framework for the construction of various equipment has become a cause for concern of foreign experts. To date, have been declared some of the plans for the development of armored vehicles, which should lead to answer to T-14. So, Germany has launched a project of modernization of the tank Leopard 2 with the installation of the new tools of calibre of 130 mm. in addition, the German industry has plans to develop a completely new tank MGCS (Main Ground Combat System – “the Basic ground combat system”).
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As you know, the staff of the publication The National Interest, as if proceeding from its name, are showing great interest in new Russian projects in the field of armaments and military equipment. For this reason, they do not disregard any more or less significant news. Has not gone unnoticed and the statements of S. Chemezov about the latest major production of T-14. In addition, as always, were considered some General features of the project and made certain conclusions.
It should be noted that such reaction of the foreign press can hardly surprise. Since the announcement about the beginning of work on the “Armata” foreign media began to highlight this project, but a demonstration of several tanks of the first batch produced a great effect. Echoes of the furor imposed on new messages on the progress of the project, still lead to the appearance of publications similar to the last article in The National Interest.
Positive reviews by foreign media about Russia’s developments are often the cause for suspicion. Indeed, such publication may well be part of a specific plan of defence industry of third countries. Talking about high rates and, importantly, the dangers of the newest Russian arms and equipment, foreign media can promote some development of domestic industry. In other words, the media provide the necessary background information and “prepares” responsible individuals and industry offers its own projects, which, however, will need funding. As a result, companies receive financial support, and States update the material part of troops. And all of these processes are served under the guise of response to a potential threat.
Although this publication and is designed for “domestic consumers”, they are of great interest to other readers. With their help, you can imagine what impression the Russian developments on foreign experts. Moreover, to evaluate not only the overall impression, but also fears about future production of these developments. From this point of view the new publications in the foreign media look extremely interesting and informative. Thus, it makes sense to follow the delights and fears of foreign experts – this will allow you to see the current situation and to anticipate some of the events of the foreseeable future.
The article “Surprise: Russia’s Lethal T-14 Armata Tank Is in Production”:
http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/surprise-russias-lethal-t-14-armata-tank-production-15480
Author Kirill Ryabov
