“The armor is strong and our tanks are fast” - these famous lines from the “March of Soviet Tankmen”, written back in 1938, have not lost their relevance today when summing up the results of the International Tank Biathlon, held at the Alabine training ground near Moscow as part of the International Army Games -2016. Russian military specialists once again demonstrated their masterly command of armored vehicles and won a well-deserved victory in the relay final, leaving behind the most experienced crews from China, Kazakhstan and Belarus. The intensity of the fight at all stages of the competition sometimes exceeded the Brazilian Olympic passions, as evidenced by tens of thousands of spectators in the stands of the tankodrome (about 25 thousand guests were present at the final alone) and millions of television fans. The course of the decisive battle was watched with great attention and undisguised excitement by the “founding father” of this military-applied sport, the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, Army General Sergei Shoigu, chief General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov, hundreds of Russian and foreign military leaders and military experts.

The geography of countries participating in the World Tank Biathlon Championship (this status has long been assigned to the Alabino competition by Russian and foreign experts) this year covered almost all continents. Crews from 17 countries took part in the official program: Russia, Kazakhstan, China, Venezuela, Angola, Belarus, Iran, Azerbaijan, Zimbabwe, Armenia, Mongolia, India, Serbia, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Nicaragua, Tajikistan. For comparison: teams from 4 countries took part in the 2013 races, in 2014 there were already 12, and in 2015 there were 13 teams.

Each team consisted of 24 people, including the head of the team, four tank crews of 3 people each (one spare crew), two trainers and a technical support department consisting of 6 specialists. Outside the competition, three crews of the League of Veterans, representing DOSAAF of Russia and made up of reserve military personnel, took part in the races. By the way, as part of military training for citizens in reserve, it would be possible to recruit the best teams of reservists for their subsequent participation in similar competitions of the district, Russian and international levels. As one of the devoted fans of tank biathlon, in the recent past, an experienced driver mechanic of the famous Kantemirovskaya division Artem Vorobyov, stated: “My former colleagues and I are in constant contact, improving our tactical skills through virtual tank battles. Given the opportunity, many of my former colleagues would have undergone real retraining and, I’m sure, would not have lost face” at their home training ground during army competitions. In addition, almost all teams (except China and Belarus) competed on the most reliable T72B3 machines, presented by the host country. “These tanks have been in our service for more than 30 years and have not lost any of their combat readiness and demand,” the deputy chairman shares his opinion public organization“Officers of Russia” of the Odintsovo district Vladimir Marennikov. The most important thing in these competitions is unity tank crews, mutual assistance, the ability to shoot and drive a tank to the finish line.”

It should be noted that not only military personnel from four Russian military districts, but also specialists from the domestic defense industry carefully prepared for the tank championship. Through the efforts of the engineers of the Uralvagon-zavod corporation, a new modification of the T-72 tank (or its “biathlon” version T-72B) was created specifically for the competition, the modernized model T72-B3, which differs from production models in increased reliability, increased engine power (up to 1130 liters . s.), significant modifications to the chassis and tracks. The tank was equipped with a digital chassis control system, which provides automated control of the operation of the power plant, transmission and automatic gear shift modes, an additional aiming and fire control system, as well as improved video viewing devices.

The new version of the armored combat vehicle, which practically failed at the Alabino training ground, was highly praised by both Russian and foreign participants in the competition, as well as independent military experts. “This is a trouble-free, combat-ready machine,” says the coach of the Mongolian team, Gantsukh Erdenetsogsh. The main advantage is reliability and simplicity. It can be easily driven and, if necessary, repaired.” The coach and captain of the Azerbaijani team, Bakhtyar Mamedov and Rashat Atakshayev, share a similar opinion: “The car has become stronger. A powerful motor, a different radio station, an improved control system, which has a positive effect on hit accuracy. The tank is now more convenient.” “All stages of the T72B3 are going well,” says Ivan Lagutin, chief of communications of the mechanized battalion of the Republic of Belarus. The most best tanks These are tanks from the Ural Carriage Plant.” Independent South African military affairs expert Ashton Mlinden particularly noted the speed and long-term maneuverability of the Russian vehicle.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces of the Russian Federation, Colonel General Oleg Salyukov, also spoke about the reliability of our tanks when summing up the results of the relay race: “Until today, I showed very good results Chinese tank. All crews perform on our equipment, except for the Chinese team, they use their own equipment and are favorably superior in speed. Now we are ahead of them."

Chinese colleagues brought their own new product to the championship: a deeply modernized Type 96B tank with power plant increased power and an improved air supply system, a new transmission, as well as new tracks. IN official documents the engine power of the Chinese car was clearly underestimated at 1000 hp. (according to experts, this figure does not coincide by at least 200 positions). These innovations allowed crews from the Middle Kingdom to reach cosmic speeds at the test site. However, there were some breakdowns in the final race: the tank of our main competitors lost one of the road wheels when passing the “comb”.

Partners from Belarus brought their modernized version of the T-72, equipped with the SosnaU optical-electronic aiming system and a wind sensor produced at the enterprises of the union state. The engine power of the tanks they presented did not exceed 840 hp, which, however, did not prevent the Belarusian tankers from leaving behind their Chinese competitors at certain stages.

For reference: German Leopard 2A5, Leopard 2A6, Italian Ariete, Slovenian M-84 (modernized T-72) and American Abrams M1A2SEP take part in similar competitions of NATO countries. However, these competitions do not have a “biathlon” component and are more reminiscent of tactical maneuvers with training shooting. And most importantly, they do not have the same sports competition, emotional intensity and team spirit that have characterized the international tank competitions held in Russia for several years now.

From the first meters of a more than sixteen-kilometer distance, the crew of the People's Republic of China rushes forward, trying to take advantage of the super-powerful engine of their armored vehicle. The Russian team, consisting of tank commander Senior Lieutenant Artem Kirillov, driver-mechanic Junior Sergeant Stepan Gavrilov, representing the Western Military District, and gunner-operator Sergeant Konstantin Vertunov from the Eastern Military District, rushes in pursuit, trying not only to catch up with the opponent, but also to try to make a certain groundwork on the high-speed section of the relay determined by lot for our tankers.

Russian tank on the first firing line flank cannon fire. The last shot, the exhalation of regret from thousands of spectators, is one miss. Before this, the Kazakh crew makes three unforgivable mistakes at once and becomes a temporary outsider of the race. The Chinese are sniper-accurate.

The second shooting of Russians from an anti-aircraft machine gun. Artem Kirillov, as befits an experienced and cold-blooded commander, hits the “helicopter” and “ATGM” of the mock enemy. But the Chinese are literally stepping on their heels. Both teams approach the third milestone almost simultaneously. Our shooting from a coaxial machine gun 3 accurate hits. The main opponent unexpectedly lost his aim: one miss, a penalty lap and almost a minute lag when transferring the stage. Belarusians are still third, with a significant lag.

Separately, mention should be made of the new regulations for tank competitions. The championship was divided into three main stages: an individual race with the participation of all teams, a relay semi-final with 12 participants and a relay final. 3 crews from each team took part in individual races. In the races, with an interval of 12 minutes, 4 crews started, which had to overcome 3 laps with a length of 35 km, firing from a cannon with three standard artillery rounds at 3 tank targets, from an anti-aircraft machine gun at a conditional helicopter and an ATGM, from a coaxial machine gun at 3 conditional calculations of an enemy hand-held anti-tank grenade launcher. The team results were based on the total time for completing the distance and the accrued number of penalty points.

According to the competition rules, 10 penalty points were awarded for each knocked down (hit) obstacle pole (limiter), 30 for moving without reducing the speed to 5 km/h 510 meters before the scarp.

At a distance, the tankers had to overcome a whole series of serious artificial obstacles: a section of obstacles and maneuvering, a ford, a rut passage in the cost center, a mound, a fire strip, an anti-tank ditch with a passage, a model of a rut bridge, a ridge, a scarp, a slope.

Twelve teams that scored the largest number points based on the results of the individual race, reached the semi-finals of the relay.

The very first individual races refuted the opinions of skeptics about the lack of competition in modern tank biathlon. Russian team with a result of 23 min. 18 p. As expected, she finished first in her debut start, but the Indian crew (2 minutes behind) was ahead of their Kazakh colleagues, who were considered one of the favorites of the competition. In the third race, the Belarusian team prevailed, but its result was 26 minutes. 58 p. was by no means a grandmaster. In the sixth race, another crew of the Union State was only 7 seconds ahead of the tankers from Armenia. In the confrontation between the Kazakh and Belarusian colleagues, the former prevailed with a confident two-minute lead. In the head-to-head confrontation between Russia and China in the 12th heat, our colleagues won a landslide victory, showing an excellent time of 21 minutes. 3 s., which remains the record of the current championship.

Based on the results of the team competition of individual races, the leadership was taken by the team of the People's Republic of China (two of its crews confidently placed themselves on the first lines of the podium), followed by Russia (3rd and 4th positions) and Kazakhstan, Belarus remained fifth, behind the Indian team. The list of the twelve strongest was completed by the Angola team.

The best Russian crew was the team assembled from representatives of the 39th separate Red Banner motorized rifle brigade of the 68th Army Corps of the Eastern Military District, which received bronze awards.

“Don’t despair,” reassured the gray-haired veteran tanker sitting next to him in the stands, who never misses a single race. The Russians have always been strong in their team spirit. Every dog ​​has his day. After all, there’s a relay ahead!”

From the chronology of the tank relay final

At the second stage, the Russian crew, consisting of tank commander Senior Lieutenant Pavel Martyanov, gunner-operator Junior Sergeant Evgeniy Yazhgunovich and driver-mechanic Junior Sergeant Artem Ubiennykh, representing the Eastern Military District, has a small handicap over their closest pursuer. But the Chinese team is represented by the absolutely best trio of “armored vehicle virtuosos” based on the results of individual races. The Russians pass the high-speed section perfectly, but make an unfortunate mistake at the firing line; one tank target remains unhit. Meanwhile, the Chinese place all three cannon charges right on target and take the lead.

But even an old woman can have trouble. Announced as the supertank of the Celestial Empire, the Type 96B unexpectedly loses one of its road wheels when passing the comb. However, without waiting for a spare car, the Chinese continue to confidently lead the race, demonstrating to the whole world the safety margin of their even partially damaged car. The Belarusians, although with a large lag, hold third position.

The Russians fired from an anti-aircraft machine gun and again one unfortunate mistake. But a penalty loop cannot be avoided, and the Chinese also suffered one setback on the shooting range. However, the rivals are still ahead. A quick change of tank to a spare one, and they are again in the lead in the race. Artem Ubiennykh makes the most of his seventy-two. The leading teams approach the third shooting line almost simultaneously. Evgeniy Yazhgunovich's shots hit the target. But Chinese snipers also confirm their high qualifications.

One of the climactic moments of the race is coming, Chinese (new after a forced replacement) and Russian tanks simultaneously break out into a straight wide open space. It's time for a real battle between drivers and engines. Artem Ubiennykh, using all the power of the unique brainchild of the Ural defense industry, classically bypasses the “Celestial Hope” on the left flank, breaking away by a hundred to one and a half meters from the formidable pursuer. And the Chinese crew ... goes to the penalty loop. The jury found the breakdown of the tank to be the fault of the crew, and the time required to replace it was not compensated.

The rules of this most spectacular stage of the competition provide for a tank battle of three crews from each team, changing during the stages. Representatives of four teams start simultaneously and complete four laps (35 km long), overcoming obstacles and hitting targets at three firing lines. In this case, the sequence of shooting is determined by lot.

Each team must overcome a section of the high-speed race, carry out flank shooting from a cannon at three targets on the move, hit two targets with an anti-aircraft machine gun and three targets with a coaxial machine gun. In case of inaccurate shooting, penalties are awarded for each miss. Drivers' mistakes are also punished by an additional 500 meters of distance. The requirements for passing the track are incredibly strict. A penalty loop is added to the crew in cases of stopping at a ford, rolling back when reaching the opposite bank, or going around it; for the movement in reverse, stalling from the layout of the track bridge or bypassing it; for stopping at a mound or escarpment; for touching the side wall of an anti-tank ditch with a passage, leading to damage that does not affect the movement of the combat vehicle; for driving without reducing speed, stopping on an anti-tank ditch with a passage; for hitting a mine of a rut passage in a mine-explosive barrier; for stopping on a slope; for driving with an open hatch and violating the procedure for unloading a weapon.

A more serious penalty (two additional laps) is provided for violating safety measures: starting to move or firing without the command of the chief judge; firing by the crew with open hatches behind the side protective zones outside the line of opening and ceasefire; movement of the tank when the crew members did not take their regular positions; loading ammunition with the engine off.

In the relay race, the crew must demonstrate all their shooting skills and, while moving, hit 3 “Tank” targets with artillery fire (frontal imitation of armored vehicles at ground level with dimensions of 2.37x3.42 m at a distance of 1600 to 1800 m); use a coaxial machine gun to knock out 3 RPG targets (imitation of crews of an enemy hand-held anti-tank grenade launcher with dimensions of 0.85x0.85 m at a distance of 600 to 800 m); from an anti-aircraft machine gun, hit the “Helicopter” target (frontal projection at a height of 12 m with dimensions of 3.2x3.8 m at a distance from 800 to 1000 m) and the “ATGM” target (frontal projection of an anti-tank gun with dimensions of 1.1x1.5 m at a distance from 800 to 1000 m).

As the experts expected, all the favorites of the competition at the semi-final stage brilliantly coped with these difficult tasks. In the first race, the Chinese team easily beat its competitors and showed a grandmaster result of 1 hour 45 minutes. 55 pp. However, in the next four, our Belarusian friends exceeded this time by almost 4 seconds, leaving behind the Kazakhstan team, which was more than three minutes behind. But the audience was most interested in the third race with the participation of the Russian team. And our tankers did not let us down: it took them only 1 hour 39 minutes and 50 seconds to overcome this super-heavy distance. They “brought” the whole 20 minutes to the Indian team, which became the second in the heat. The stands applauded the skill of the domestic crews. As former Kantemirov tanker Artem Vorobyov, who was closely following the progress of the competition, exclaimed at the end of the race: “Russian guys always harness longer, but drive much faster. Excellent army training takes its toll. Russian tank crews have always been, are and will be the best in the world!” However, the victorious reports were still far away. Ahead lies the most difficult final of the relay with the participation of the Chinese, Belarusian and Kazakh teams thirsty for revenge.

From the chronology of the tank relay final

Our finisher in this dramatic race is a tank crew consisting of commander senior sergeant Alexey Cheban, gunner-operator senior sergeant Alexander Tobodyakov and driver-mechanic junior sergeant Sergei Bronnikov (all representing the Eastern Military District). This well-coordinated “mechanized trio” (in the individual race, they remained behind the medalists, but took an honorable fourth place) went into the distance with an almost minute advantage over their rivals from China. The third to pass the baton are the Belarusian tank crews.

The first shooting of the Chinese from a coaxial machine gun, all the cartridges hit the target. After passing the high-speed section, the Russians also methodically and accurately shoot at tank targets. The opponents once again approach the second firing line almost simultaneously. The moment of truth is coming for our shooters. Sergei Cheban hits two targets with two well-aimed shots from an anti-aircraft machine gun, but the Chinese gunner leaves no chance for the mock enemy tanks. The "war of engines" begins again.

When starting to fire from a coaxial machine gun, Alexander Tobodyakov probably felt his formidable opponents pressing into his back. But he did not flinch, as if he hit all the targets. The Chinese commander's "helicopter" was shot down, the last target of the "ATGM" shot remains unhit. The main rivals go to “rewind” the penalty loop. Meanwhile, Russian biathletes are pushing at full speed towards their fourth victory in the history of this military sport. The last minefield, anti-tank ditch and the Russian crew burst into the under-stand area of ​​the Alabino training ground, which has become world famous, to the enthusiastic cries of the fans. The best tankers of Russia “brought” their closest competitors the Chinese team more than two minutes and were almost 12 minutes ahead of the third team from Kazakhstan.

“Our team completed the task 100 percent. We have once again proven that Russia is a worthy opponent,” noted the commander of one of the crews, Pavel Martyanov, following the results of the race. “There is no place for emotions on the training ground. Perfect discipline and team cohesion are the key to success. “Everyone must act harmoniously,” other members of our victorious team supported their commander.

Russian tank crews once again confirmed their title as the best in their profession at major international competitions. At the closing ceremony of the International Army Games 2016, awards in this category were presented by the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation Sergei Shoigu and CEO Uralvagonzavod corporation Oleg Sienko. The winners, along with their well-deserved medals, received the keys to modern UAZpatriot cars. Representatives of the Chinese team received silver medals and valuable gifts, while Kazakhstan won bronze. Alexey Cheban and his comrades Alexander Tobodyakov and Sergey Bronnikov were recognized as the most well-coordinated crew.

Representatives of the Russian defense department, who closely followed the course of the competition, learned a lot useful information, which will undoubtedly be used in drawing up new requirements for manuals on combat training of types and branches of troops, as well as types of weapons and military equipment. According to the head of the Main Directorate of Combat Training of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Lieutenant General Ivan Buvaltsev, the proposed innovations are objectively determined by the experience gained during the International Army Games, and, in particular, the stages of tank biathlon. According to him, the new requirements for combat training of military personnel have already planned for a significant reduction in the time for performing live firing, and also increased the standards of ammunition for crews.

“Each of the tank biathlon competitions made adjustments to the “Shooting Requirements Courses” adopted for tank units of the Russian Ministry of Defense, says Viktor Murakhovsky, a veteran of the tank forces and editor of the Arsenal of the Fatherland magazine. The competition is far from real combat. For example, you cannot see a tank firing while moving on maximum speed, walking through swampy areas or driving on the highway. But clear regulatory requirements for completing the stages of the distance reveal other secrets about the specific preparedness of tank crews. The year before last, I was able to get acquainted with the summary shooting data of the biathlon participating teams, and they turned out to be worse than “satisfactory.” It was after this that Sergei Shoigu demanded that his subordinates not save on ammunition. The intensity of use has also increased armored vehicles during various exercises. Today, none of them can do without tanks and their practical applications.”

According to the expert, the development of new requirements is impossible without a comparative analysis of what and how is happening in other armies. In this regard, tank biathlon competitions are a unique opportunity not only to test yourself, but also to compare your methods with other armies.

According to Colonel General Sergei Mayev, who previously headed the Main Armored Directorate of the Russian Defense Ministry: “A typical tank crew uses its equipment no more than 60%. The competitive moment can increase its effectiveness combat use up to 8090%. Military personnel go all in for the sake of victory. This point deserves analysis in order to make changes to combat training plans, create new methods for training tank crews, and clarify shooting courses. Only through direct comparison can one understand the strengths and weak sides, draw conclusions and make adjustments to your own combat training plans.”

The competition participants especially noted technical side their organizations. More than 30 Uralvagonzavod specialists were involved in vehicle maintenance and crew training. “Last year we were unable to cross the ford,” says Colonel Dragan Bojic, head of the Serbian delegation. This year there were no such problems. Every issue that arose was resolved in 510 minutes. Without such assistance, our crew would not be able to move on to the next stages.”

Let's hope that the future tank biathlon world championships, traditionally held in Alabin near Moscow, will be even more representative, competitive and spectacular. Especially with the participation of teams from the North Atlantic Alliance. According to the organizers of the competition, since 2013 they have been inviting representatives of the NATO armed forces to fight at a tank training ground near Moscow, but they stubbornly keep silent. Meanwhile, fair competition on Olympic principles with the leading Western powers could not only raise the level of international army games, but also help strengthen mutual understanding between peoples and defuse international tension.

“The military needs to show their skills somewhere,” General of the Army Sergei Shoigu said at the closing ceremony of Army Games 2016. There are two places for this: one of them, as you understand, is war. Another is our International Army Games. That is why I am absolutely convinced that their geography will grow. The number of teams this year is 2.5 times more than last year. About 3,500 specialists of various professions arrived: pilots and sailors, scouts and paratroopers, artillerymen and engineers, sappers and cynologists, doctors, all those who in one way or another are engaged in military affairs, military affairs. I would like to thank you for your work and service aimed at ensuring the security of your countries. I would really like for us to meet only on these fields, on the fields of such competitions.”

Andrey PETROCHININ

https://www.site/2016-08-15/shoygu_i_sienko_nagradili_pobediteley_tankovogo_biathlona

Shoigu and Sienko awarded the winners of the Tank Biathlon

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and General Director of the Uralvagonzavod Corporation Oleg Sienko presented awards to the winners of the Tank Biathlon 2016, which took place as part of the international army games at the Alabino training ground near Moscow and ended in victory for the Russians. As the press service of Uralvagonzavod reported to the website, the winners, in addition to medals, also received keys to UAZ-Patriot cars.

18 teams from all over the world took part in Tank Biathlon 2016, in particular crews from Russia, Iran, Kuwait, Angola and other countries. The winner of the competition was chosen based on the results of individual races and relay races. The tankers crossed a ford, concrete walls, climbed onto a scarp and shot at targets.

The competition took place on T-72B3 tanks from Uralvagonzavod. “This is a trouble-free, combat-ready vehicle,” coach of the Mongolian team Gantsukh Erdenetsogsh shared his impressions of the tank. - The main advantage is reliability and simplicity. It can be easily driven and, if necessary, repaired.” Independent South African military affairs expert Ashton Mlinden noted the excellent maneuverability of the tank.

The competition participants also appreciated the work of Uralvagonzavod specialists during the biathlon. It should be noted that more than 30 UVZ specialists were involved in servicing the vehicles and training the crews. “Last year we were unable to cross the ford,” says the head of the Serbian delegation, Dragan Bojic. - This year there were no such problems. Now we have close cooperation with UVZ specialists. Every issue that arises is resolved within 5-10 minutes. Without the corporation’s employees, our crew would not be able to move on to the next stages.”

Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Ground Forces, Colonel General Oleg Salyukov thanked Uralvagonzavod for quality work and noticed that compared to last year technical support on the part of UVZ has increased many times: “Until today, the Chinese tank has shown very good results. All crews perform on our equipment, except for the Chinese team. They used their own equipment and were favorably superior in speed. Now we are ahead of them."

General Director of the corporation Oleg Sienko noted that this year the tank biathlon participants achieved more professional level. “There are many worthy competitors, including crews from Belarus, Kazakhstan, India, Venezuela, as well as a team from China, who competed with their own equipment. I hope that next year, at least, if not in performances, then in demonstration performances, the crews of the UVZ corporation will perform,” Sienko noted.

Tank Biathlon 2016, which started as part of the International Army Games on July 30, 2016, initially involved 54 crews from 17 countries. By the day of the final, only four countries remained, which on August 13 competed in the relay race to determine the best team. So, in the finals of the Tank Biathlon competition, the teams of the Russian Federation (green tank), the Republic of Kazakhstan (blue tank), the Republic of Belarus (yellow tank) and the People's Republic of China (red tank) met.

Results of the final "Tank biathlon-2016"

The best time in the finals of the international competition "Tank Biathlon" was demonstrated by the Russian team, the Chinese team took second place, and tankers from Kazakhstan took third place. The table shows preliminary time, excluding adjustments of the referee team. The results will be updated.

Thus, the results of “Tank Biathlon 2016” in the team competition:

Final relay in the "Tank Biathlon"

Russian Federation ("green" tank), Republic of Kazakhstan ("blue" tank), Republic of Belarus ("yellow" tank), People's Republic of China ("red" tank). July 13, 2016.

The PRC tank needed replacement.

Referee team

The winners will be awarded a little later. And the winners of the “Tank Biathlon” in the individual competition (two Chinese crews who won first and second place, and a Russian crew who became third) were awarded by the commander-in-chief Ground Forces Colonel General Oleg Salyukov after graduation final relay competition "Suvorov Onslaught".