Why "Armata" became the best tank in the world. Why "Armata" became the best tank in the world How to play main battle tanks

Tank T-14 "Armata" / Photo: naked-science.ru

Several foreign experts immediately concluded that at the moment the Russian T-14 Armata tank is the best in its class. Experts came to this conclusion by comparing Russian car with the undisputed leader recent years, German Leopard 2. The German tank lost the virtual duel - primarily due to the lack of shells capable of penetrating the Ural armor.

Leopard 2 very good gun - much better than the American one M 1 Abrams (there is also a German one there, but of an old type). The car itself is thought out and balanced with German meticulousness. But the German authorities decided to abandon armor-piercing shells with a depleted uranium core - this reduced all the advantages Leopard 2 to zero. Without the ability to hit the enemy, the most beautiful tank in battle is no more than a moving target.

The replacement ammunition with a tungsten core is not capable of penetrating the armor of modern Russian tanks, the Bundeswehr believes. Moreover, the Armata’s protection is not limited to armor alone. The tank's defense is organized into several echelons. The materials and paint used in the design make the tank inconspicuous to enemy radars. The optical-electronic suppression system blinds laser rangefinders - having noticed the beam, the automation hides the Armata behind a smoke screen.

A radar with a phased array antenna monitors the space around the vehicle, a special program on the on-board computer analyzes threats, identifies the most dangerous and responds to them. Guided anti-tank missiles deflect weapons to the sides electronic warfare. Mortars located along the perimeter of the tower destroy shells and grenade launchers at a safe distance. The entire defense complex works automatically, without distracting the crew from performing the combat mission.

Those who manage to break through the barrier of high technology will be greeted by a specially designed for "Armata" composite armor. The shell is made of armored ceramics, synthetic materials and steel, which is lighter and stronger than metal.

"The Armata's armor is invulnerable to all modern and future tank ammunition, which today has a caliber of 120 millimeters, for anti-tank guided missiles and hand grenade launchers of 100-150 millimeters caliber,” the Steel Research Institute said.

The main difference between the T-14 and other tanks was the uninhabited turret and armored capsule in which the crew was enclosed. In the latter, three tankers: the driver, the operator and the commander, have comfortable workplaces. They sit next to each other, each with multi-function monitors to monitor their surroundings.

T-14 "Armata", tank / Infographics: presented by InfoStep

The movement of the tank is controlled using a steering wheel, adjustable in tilt and reach - like a steering wheel in a foreign car. A set of indicators with information about the status of the machine's systems is also similar to the dashboard of a car. The gunner-operator has a joystick and touch screens. The sound of a tank gun firing in a capsule is, of course, audible, but much quieter than with the classic layout. In addition, powder smoke does not penetrate into the armored capsule. “A very soft and comfortable car,” say factory testers.

The Almaty engine and transmission are assembled into a single unit - this greatly facilitates the repair and replacement of the unit in the field. By the way, on Leopard 2 the same solution was applied. The power of the T-14 engines is not disclosed, but it is known that it is greater than that of all other Russian tanks.

Photo: www.rg.ru

Representatives of Uralvagonzavod recently promised to raise it by another 300 Horse power. The transmission is automatic, 8-speed and reversible - it allows you to move forward and backward at the same speed. The maximum speed of the tank has also not been officially announced, but judging by the maneuvers at the Victory Parade, it can reach 100 kilometers per hour. When leaving Red Square, the tank crews of the outer vehicles had to accelerate to the limit in order to maintain formation in the turn.

Finally, the gun is what the tank was created for. The smoothbore 125mm cannon can fire guided missiles, hit targets at a distance of seven kilometers and is capable of firing on the move. A heat bend sensor is attached to the barrel to be taken into account in ballistic calculations.

The modular design of the vehicle and the interface of the weapon control system make it possible to install 152-mm weapons on the T-14 (this is currently being done at UVZ). With such a powerful cannon and ammunition specially developed for it, the Armata will not only outperform enemy tanks, but will become their killer.

Do you prefer measured defensive play from comfortable positions to an aggressive attack? Are good accuracy, high mobility and the ability to deal damage from afar more important to you than thick armor and high one-time damage? Then tank destroyers- exactly the class that will suit you.

The first tank destroyers

As the name implies, the main task of tank destroyers (IT) is to fight enemy armored vehicles. IT appeared during the Second World War, when tank wedges of hundreds of combat vehicles cut through the front lines. And since there are many tanks, you need something to fight them.

Initially, this “something” was anti-tank guns. However, with all their advantages, anti-tank missiles also had a significant drawback - low mobility, as a result of which it was difficult for them to change position directly in battle. And accompanying attacking infantry in battle or keeping up with tanks on the march is even more difficult. In addition, the crew of an anti-tank gun is extremely vulnerable in battle - only a small shield protects it from bullets and shrapnel.

“So, we need to improve the protection of the anti-tank gun and make the weapon more mobile. And we just have tank chassis. Why not cross them together, it will work out well,” was the thinking of those who, at the beginning of World War II, created the first anti-tank self-propelled guns, like the Panzerjager I, Marder or SU-76 (although it is difficult to call the latter a purely anti-tank self-propelled gun). However, the designers did not intend to stop there. Yes, placing an anti-tank gun on a cheap or outdated tank chassis is good idea. However, such anti-tank self-propelled guns were mainly protected only from shrapnel and bullets, and they often had no armor on top. There was nothing at all, just a tarpaulin.

Therefore, tank destroyers - fully protected combat vehicles designed specifically to combat armored vehicles - soon went into mass production. Now a powerful gun with good ballistics and penetration was installed in a completely closed wheelhouse, welded from fairly thick armor plates, especially in the frontal part. Such vehicles were protected not only from bullets and shrapnel, but also from small and medium caliber guns, and most tank destroyers had a relatively low profile, which gave them the opportunity to be less noticeable in an ambush or even just in a firing position. Examples of such tank destroyers are the Soviet SU-100 or the German Hetzer.

It is also worth mentioning that not all anti-tank self-propelled guns had the gun located in a fixed wheelhouse. So, American self-propelled guns The M18 Hellcat, M10 Wolwerine and M36 Jackson had full-fledged circular rotation turrets.

The classics are fading into obscurity

died down last fights World War II, the Cold War began. And classic tank destroyers have somewhat lost their relevance - medium tanks began to carry powerful enough guns to independently fight enemy combat vehicles. In addition, tank destroyers have a new competitor - anti-tank guided missiles.

Classic tank destroyers include the Soviet SU-122-54, ASU-57, ASU-85, the German Kanonenjagdpanzer or the Swiss MOWAG Taifun II, already presented in the “Armata Project”.

Tank on wheels

However, quite soon the need arose for a relatively light and cheap vehicle with the firepower of a tank. This niche was occupied by three types of vehicles - self-propelled anti-tank guns, wheeled tanks and self-propelled anti-tank systems. We won’t talk much about the latter, since vehicles like the Swingfire or Sturm-S in Armored Warfare: Project Armata belong to the AFV class (armored fighting vehicles).

From self-propelled anti-tank guns the best known is the Russian development "Sprut-SD", capable of landing together with by airborne forces and support them with its 125 mm smoothbore gun. It is worth noting such projects as the Chinese Type 89 with a 120 mm gun and the Soviet 2S15 Norov. All these guns are placed on a tracked chassis, although here we can recall the famous “Sting-S” - although it is in many ways similar to a wheeled tank, they still wanted to make it a self-propelled anti-tank gun on a wheeled chassis.

Most of all in the Armored Warfare: Project Armata line of tank destroyers there are vehicles that can be classified as wheeled tanks, or, as they are also called, infantry fire support vehicles. This type of equipment originates from World War II armored vehicles, such as the German Puma or the Soviet BA-11, which were armed with 50 and 45 mm guns, respectively.

Much later, wheeled combat vehicles armed with guns of 90-105 mm caliber began to appear. In many ways, the appearance of wheeled tanks was due to the fact that large-scale wars in Europe gave way to local conflicts in distant countries, for example in Africa, and opponents often did not have heavy weapons capable of fighting armored vehicles. Therefore, there was a need for fast, very light and cheap wheeled vehicles that could carry a powerful cannon. One of the first signs was the French armored vehicle AML 90 Panhard.

Further more - and the French themselves came up with something new, for example the AMX 90RC or ERC 90F4, introduced in the game at level 5. Other countries followed their example. Thus, Italy created the B1 Centauro, a tank destroyer armed with a 105 mm rifled gun. But they didn’t stop there - a modification of the Centauro with a 120-mm cannon, a 155-mm howitzer, and even a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun B1 Draco with a radar and a 76-mm automatic cannon were released (which, by the way, is on this moment is under development and is planned for the 9th level of tank destroyers). In addition to Italy, the United States also contributed with its famous M1128 MGS Stryker and several wheeled tanks based on the LAV-150, LAV-300 and LAV-600 combat vehicles. Other countries, such as South Africa, Japan and China, also have their own developments in this area. Russia also had an interesting development at one time - it was planned to create a wheeled tank based on the BTR-90, armed with a 125-mm smoothbore gun. The project was called 2S28 "Sprut-K", but, unfortunately, was frozen.

Wheeled tanks, unlike some main battle tanks, had to fight. Thus, the Italian B1 Centauro were used in Somalia, Lebanon and in the territory former Yugoslavia. And the American M1128 MGS Stryker took part in the campaign in Iraq. Based on the results of the application, it was noted that wheeled tanks are very mobile if they can move along highways and roads or on sufficiently hard ground. But if the terrain becomes difficult to pass, problems begin; here the wheelbase is inferior to the tracked one.

Another problem with wheeled tanks is poor protection - the price to pay for the wheelbase, low weight and high mobility. In terms of protection, BMTVs are often inferior not only to main battle tanks, but also to some modern infantry fighting vehicles. Although evolution does not stand still, they are trying to improve the protection of wheeled tanks, especially against hand-held anti-tank weapons and mines.

And the question still remains open whether wheeled tank destroyers can replace main battle tanks. At the moment, such equipment is certainly interesting, but mainly for local conflicts against irregular armed forces: wheeled tank destroyers are not designed for a full-scale war.

Features of tank destroyers in the game

Now it’s time to step away from history and find out why the tank destroyer class in Armored Warfare: Project Armata is interesting and how to play it most effectively.

The game currently features one IT branch, from the Tier 3 Dragoon 300-90 to the M1128 MGS Stryker. There is also a branch from the main leveling tree in the form of the Centauro 120 and three premium cars.

A distinctive feature of all tank destroyers is high firepower, expressed in a high rate of fire and damage per minute. Therefore, tank destroyers have the ability to literally “suppress” the enemy with shots. In addition, when fully aimed, the IT receives a significant bonus to damage dealt. And if an enemy MBT turns sideways towards several tank destroyers, it can prepare to enter the hangar. At the same time, the average penetration of most tank destroyers is slightly lower than that of MBTs. This means that when meeting with a well-protected enemy, it is necessary to target weak areas or try to shoot not at the forehead, but at the side of the hull or the stern. However, the lack of armor penetration is more than compensated by good aiming speed and better accuracy in the game. Even from 400-500 meters or more, tank destroyers are capable of shooting without missing.

IT's not so good with armor - they all belong to lightly armored vehicles, which can only withstand fire from 20-30 mm guns head-on, and even then not always. In addition, tank destroyers do not have a lot of hit points.

But this class of equipment is very mobile - tank destroyers are capable of accelerating to speeds comparable to the speeds of armored fighting vehicles, quickly changing positions, making rounds along the flanks and rushing to the base.

As for camouflage and visibility, here ITs prove to be better than MBTs, but worse than AFVs. When driving, the IT's camouflage decreases slightly, but when fired, it “flies off” completely, which must always be remembered. The stealth coefficient of tank destroyers is slightly lower than that of armored fighting vehicles, and the situation with visibility is the same. However, these figures for IT are still not bad and are significantly higher than those of main battle tanks.

How to play them

Perhaps the main thing that is required of a player who goes into battle in a tank destroyer is to remember that you have no armor and not too many hit points. From the very first minute of the battle, going towards the enemy with your sword drawn is a big mistake, since 3-4 shots from the enemy will immediately send you to the hangar. Remember, IT is designed for long range combat. Long distances. Fortunately, high accuracy allows you to shoot and hit from 400-500 meters.

Therefore, an experienced player in this class of technology should always know the card he is playing on. Analyze the results of battles, remember good positions and cover from which you can fire effectively, occupy them first thanks to your high speed. But don't turn into something like a stone. If a combat situation requires you to move, change position, go to the other flank, or raid an enemy base, do it. If your team is losing and a lot of enemies are coming towards you, don’t stand around waiting to die. Move, break distance with them, shoot enemy vehicles one at a time.

There is also one curious nuance, because of which you need to carefully study the map. Most tank destroyers have low gun depression angles. Therefore, if the player chooses the wrong position, he often cannot even aim at the enemy - the gun simply does not lower. Always keep this point in mind.

Detected IT is dead IT. If a warning lights up above you that you have been spotted, immediately leave your position and go to cover, move to a place where enemy shells cannot reach you. A tank destroyer will immediately attract the attention of everyone - MBTs, light vehicles, armored fighting vehicles and even artillery. Therefore, when making a shot, always be prepared to leave, since within 3-5 seconds after the shot your disguise will “fly off” and it will be much easier to notice you.

If you have an enemy in your crosshairs, wait until the aim is complete, as this will cause you even more damage. Also, always remember that IT penetration, although good, is not the best. Therefore, if you see an MBT, try to attack it from the sides; you will have enough speed to maneuver. If you hit from the sides, use your accuracy, aim weak spots. If this becomes impossible, switch to high-explosive shells. At the same time, try to fire at the roof of the tank, the cannon, and those places where there is simply less armor. Well, or choose another flank or another target to shoot.

You should also know that wheeled vehicles do not have the ability to turn around on the spot - this requires a large area and longer time. Therefore, be careful and do not find yourself in situations where you cannot even turn around and escape from fire. We should not forget that wheeled vehicles often have considerable dimensions and height. So, on the map “Lost Island” there is a stone on one of the flanks that can become a shelter. But it is impossible to completely hide a large enough tank destroyer there, which forces you to play more carefully in this place and either maneuver under fire or remain undetected.

As for platoon play, you can try out a combination of two tank destroyers and an armored fighting vehicle or main battle tank. In the first case, a reconnaissance vehicle or infantry fighting vehicle will serve as a “light” for you, help you detect the enemy and open fire on him in advance. In the second option, the main battle tank acts as a “ram”, will take hits and help push through directions due to one-time damage and protection. Your task is to cover it and protect it from the threats that appear before the MBT.

Using all these tips, you will be able to gain a large amount of damage and experience and bring continuous victories to your team.

Armored Warfare: Project Armata- online action that allows anyone to fight with opponents using military equipment. The armored vehicles presented in the game were developed in different eras, from the 50s of the last century to the present day. All classes of equipment have their own special characteristics and their own management style. Also, all armored vehicles are divided into levels (1-10), suppliers, each of which represents their own country.

There are 124 combat vehicles in the game, of which only 70 are light tanks and main battle tanks, the other three types are armored fighting vehicles, tank destroyers and self-propelled artillery units.

Tanks in "Project Armata"

Light tanks in the "Armata Project"

Light tanks in the game “Project Armata” are one of the light variations of MBT. They are equipped good weapon, are also fast, but their main disadvantage is poor security. This does not allow a light tank to fight in forward positions.

The main advantage of this type of equipment is speed and maneuverability. Such tanks can continuously fire at the enemy while constantly moving. These tanks also have high shooting accuracy. Such a tank can activate an engine mode that allows it to increase speed and reduce the time it takes for the tank to accelerate. This type of equipment also has a large supply of smoke grenades.

These tanks are designed for reconnaissance operations, flank protection and firing at low-armor targets.

Of the light tanks, the first one available is PT-76. Its purpose is reconnaissance + fire support. It is not very fast, its penetration is 140, and its damage per minute is 1835.

Available on the second level M41(USA) and T92(USA). The damage that the M41 can inflict is 2003 per minute. T92 is a tank that is armed with a semi-automatic reloading system - it reloads in 5.39 seconds.

Level 3 - FV101 Scorpion(Britannia). The damage the tank deals in a minute is -2185, and recharges in 5.93 seconds.

Level 4 - M551 Sheridan, on the fifth - Begleitpanzer 57, the sixth level gives access to VFM Mk. 5, Stingray, VFM Mk. 5 MERC, RDF-LT, Expeditionary Tank. These models feature an even higher level of mobility compared to their predecessors.

Stingray 2- tank, available at level 8. More advanced version Stingray. Its reload time has increased from 5.93 to 6.77 seconds. Damage and defense levels have also increased.

The ninth and tenth levels are made accessible best models class light tanks "Project Armata" - This M8 Thunderbolt II, PL-01.

Main battle tanks "Project Armata"

This is one of the main examples of military equipment in the game. It is characterized by: high fire power, good armor, and good mobility. MBT is a true universal vehicle. In addition to the main equipment, this tank has missiles that can be controlled. It is best to fight with such tanks in the first positions.

There are 55 of them in the game “Project Armata”.

Those players who want to play only this technique should pay attention to the following factors:

You should always remember your mission and the characteristics of the MBT - it is designed as an offensive force capable of ramming any enemy, so you should not try to squeeze out of the MBT what it is supposed to do light tank or AU. A high level of armor allows your tank to be the first to take enemy attacks.
Although the security of this class is much better than that of others, main battle tanks also have some disadvantages. Thanks to their presence, these tanks become a vulnerable target for enemies. MBT has a low level of visibility, therefore, the player needs to constantly interact with representatives of your team. Here you need to be a good tactician and be able to predetermine moves for the entire team in advance.
In addition to the characteristics of your MBT, study the enemy’s forces. The versatility of your tank will help you crush anyone if you know where and when to shoot.

One of the MBTs

Initially the player is given T-54 and M48 Patton. They are of medium durability and reload in about 8 seconds. The following third-level models have approximately the same characteristics - "Object 155", "Object 430", Type 59 Legend, "Object 430" ICE, Type 59, M60, T-62 [Veteran], Leopard 1, T-62.

Depending on the level, the damage level increases, but the reload time of tanks is kept within 8-9 seconds.

The most advanced representatives of the class start at level nine. This M1A2 Abrams, Leopard 2A6, Challenger 2, T-90MS. These models have powerful engines and very good protection. There are also turret upgrades and the latest high-tech weapons.

The tenth level gives access to the most modern models of this type of armored vehicles.

For example, British Challenger 2 TES equipped with good armor and a device for detonating mines from a distance.

M1A2SEPv3,Leopard 2A7+- improved samples of previous versions, and the highlight of the MBT was T-14 "Armata" - Russian tank from 2015, which is equipped with many technical innovations, for example, an armored crew capsule, an original KAZ and a turret that does not require the presence of a crew.

Tank on the battlefield in the game "Project Armata"

Some models of the class are also full-fledged tanks "Tank Destroyers".

Their characteristic feature is powerful anti-tank weapon, this technique also has a high firing speed and a high level of damage. For those who want to play IT, you need to know the strengths and weak sides Enemy MBT and light vehicles.

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 ground armies Russia and determine the concept of their use for the coming decades. This tank, positioned as a 4th generation tank, has aroused great interest both in our country and throughout the world. In this article we will look at the history and background of the creation of the Armata tank, its distinctive features And specifications, as well as prospects for use in real combat operations.

History and background for the creation of the new Armata tank

Another way

At the turn of the 2000s, 2 promising main projects were being developed in Russia battle tank, which would be a replacement for the current Russian MBT - T-90. One of them is “Object 460” or(see photo above) - was developed by the Omsk Design Bureau. It had an extended modified chassis from the T-80U tank, in which another one was added to the six rollers, as well as a narrowed turret of a new design, armed with the already proven standard 125 mm smoothbore gun. 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 power density more than 30 hp/t and made it one of the most dynamic tanks in the world.

The second project is “Object 195” or(see photo below) - was developed by the Ural Design Bureau and the Uralvagonzavod corporation. It was an “ubertank” for its time, which also featured an uninhabited (unmanned) turret armed with a formidable 152 mm smoothbore gun on a seven-wheel chassis. The tank's crew (only 2 people) was housed in an isolated armored capsule in the 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 the kinetic energy of a projectile fired from the 152 mm smoothbore gun of the Object 195 was so great that if it hit the turret of an enemy tank, it would simply tear 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 - quite expensive and resource-intensive to produce - would, to some extent, be a transition to the German path of development of tank construction during the Second World War, i.e. the “path of the royal tigers and mice” that absolutely did not justify itself. We needed a universal, mass-produced tank, with the best price-quality ratio, like our famous T-34. And thirdly, both of these tanks did not quite correspond to the concept of network-centric warfare.

Network-centric warfare concept

Network-centric warfare is modern military doctrine, aimed at increasing the combat effectiveness of various military units 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 instantaneously communicating command and control means, reconnaissance means, as well as means of destruction and suppression, more accelerated control of forces and means is achieved, increasing the effectiveness of defeating enemy forces and the survivability of one’s own troops, and each participant in combat operations 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 unified information network and be able to almost instantly transmit to it information received by the tank from the outside through their own “survey” modules. In fact, this is practically one of the requirements for the new 4th generation tanks.

4th generation tank

"Object 195" as imagined by the artist.

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

To the first generation These include tanks from the 1950s-1960s, such as the Soviet T-44 and T-54, the German Panther, the English Centurion and the American Pershing.

Second generation associated with the advent of the so-called main battle tanks (MBT). It includes tanks from 1960-1980, such as the Soviet T-62, American M-60, English Chieftain, German Leopard and French AMX-30.

To the third generation include 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, the Italian " Ariete" and the German "Leopard-2".

It is clear that later generations of tanks were distinguished by more durable 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, 4th generation tanks should be maximally adapted to network-centric warfare, and also, if possible, meet a number of other requirements:

— have an uninhabited turret 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.

Our designers approached the development of a new tank with approximately the same list of requirements when, in 2010, after the winding up of the Object 195 and Object 640 projects, they received the task of designing a new generation tank as quickly as possible.

Platform "Armata"

The order for the design, testing and production of the 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, the Ural Design Bureau, affiliated with UralVagonZavod, actively used ready-made advanced developments on the “Object 195” that was already being developed here, as well as on the project of the Omsk Design Bureau - “Object 640”. Both closed projects greatly 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 broadly, and it was decided to develop not just a 4th generation tank, but a universal tracked platform that could be used for the design of a wide variety of military equipment, which would solve the above-described problem of universality, mass availability and price-quality ratio.

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

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

At the moment, our defense industry has already received the first units of equipment based on the new platform - this armored repair and recovery vehicle BREM T-16(for now only as a project), and of course the main combat one, which we could already see at the Victory Parade in Moscow.

The T-14 tank is the latest Russian tank of the 4th generation on the Armata universal heavy combat tracked platform. The tank received the index “14”, as usual, according to the year the project was implemented - 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 4th generation tank, the first tank within 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.

First, let's take a quick look at what this new tank"Armata", what design solutions our design engineers implemented in it, what main features it has:

Main features of the T-14 "Armata" tank

— The tank has an uninhabited turret. It is equipped with a proven remote-controlled 125 mm smoothbore gun with an automatic loader.

— The design of the tank allows it to be equipped with a 152 mm gun, already tested on the Object 195.

— The tank crew is located in an insulated armored capsule that can withstand direct hit 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 of up to 40-50 km/h.

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

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

— All tank modules are controlled by the latest tank information and control system (TIUS), which, if any malfunction is detected, notifies the crew about it with an appropriate voice message.

— The Armata radar complex uses radars with an active phased array, capable of tracking about 40 ground and 25 air targets at a distance of up to 100 km.

— If a projectile is detected flying at a tank, the Afghanit active protection complex automatically turns the tank’s turret towards this projectile in order to meet it with more powerful frontal armor and be ready to deliver a counter-attack to the enemy who fired this projectile.

— The destruction range of a 125 mm gun 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 practically invisible or difficult to detect for many types of weapons.

Performance characteristics of the T-14 "Armata" tank

Infographics and arrangement 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 “T-14 multi-purpose tank on the Armata tracked platform”

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

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 installed on new Russian multi-role fighters fifth generation T-50, which should replace the SU-27. Unlike passive array radars, AESA radars consist of large number independently adjustable active modules, which significantly increases the tracking ability and reliability, since in the event of failure of one of the radar modules, we will receive only a slight distortion of the “picture”. It is true that the cost of such radars is somewhat higher.

The Armata uses 4 AFAR radar panels located around the perimeter of the tower (see photo above). They are protected by bulletproof and anti-fragmentation shields, but, nevertheless, can be easily replaced in the field (plastic hinges for removing radar panels are visible in the photo).

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

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

Target detection systems in the infrared and ultraviolet range

On the T-14 turret, a panoramic sight is installed on the same axis with the machine gun mount, which serves to determine the coordinates of targets received by various surveillance 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 each new target is captured by the radar, the panoramic sight automatically turns in its direction to determine its exact coordinates. The received information is displayed on the monitors of the tank crew in the form of a tactical map with the coordinates of recorded targets, and if necessary, you can press your finger on the image on the touch screen to clarify the coordinates of a particular target.

In addition to the panoramic sight, the T-14 tank is equipped with six autonomous high-definition cameras that allow the crew to monitor the situation around the tank along its entire perimeter. These cameras allow tank crews to assess the situation when the radar is turned off and in conditions of enemy electronic warfare, and also record laser pointers aimed at the tank.

In addition, these HD cameras can see through a smoke screen (in the infrared spectrum), giving a significant advantage to Armata using this type of camouflage. The following example is given:

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

Active protection complex "Afganit"

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

— When detecting an enemy projectile approaching the tank, the Afghanit automatically turns the tank’s turret towards this projectile in order to meet it with more powerful armor on the one hand, and on the other hand to be ready to strike a counter-strike at the object that fired this projectile.

— When detecting shells approaching the tank, “Afganit” automatically controls the machine gun mount to destroy them.

— If increased camouflage is required, Afganit can operate in passive mode with the radar turned off, relying on data from HD cameras.

— “Afganit” is safe for friendly infantry located near the tank, since it uses electronic warfare and smoke-metal curtains to a greater extent to counter enemy missiles.

“In addition, according to the latest data, Afghanit successfully resists modern armor-piercing shells with cores.

The Afghanit active protection complex is capable of hitting projectiles approaching the tank at speeds of up to 1,700 m/s. But our designers are already developing a new active protection - “Zaslon”, which will be able to intercept projectiles approaching at speeds of up to 3000 m/s.

Dynamic protection complex "Malachite"

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

“Malachite successfully resists not only various cumulative projectiles, but is also capable of destroying the latest NATO sub-caliber projectiles, which were specially designed to penetrate such dynamic defenses that preceded Malachite, such as Relikt and Kontakt-5.

— “Malachite” is much better able to withstand the most advanced anti-tank missile systems (ATGM).

— By reducing the amount of explosive in the Malachite dynamic protection, the possibility of destroying one’s own infantry and damaging the tank’s vision devices is practically eliminated.

Armament of the T-14 tank

The fire control system of the T-14 tank is connected to the Afghanit active protection complex and its radio-optical modules. With their help, the tank's weapons are aimed at detected targets. Besides, When aiming, data coming from the following sensors is used:

— gyroscopic sensors for the angular orientation of the tank in space;
— temperature and humidity sensor;
— wind direction and speed sensor;
- sensor for barrel bending due to heating.

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

As we already wrote above, the T-14 tank can be equipped with either a standard 125 mm gun or a 152 mm cannon. As standard, the Armata is equipped with the already proven 125 mm smoothbore gun 2A82-1C, which has 17% higher muzzle energy and 20% greater accuracy than best samples Western tank-mounted guns.

It should also be noted that the destruction range of this gun is about 7000 m, which exceeds the performance of foreign tank guns, most of which have a destruction range of no more than 5000 m. This again gives the Armata a significant advantage - it is our tank that will have the right to “long hands", i.e. he will be able to shoot enemy tanks without even getting close to them at their effective range.

In addition, the 2A82 gun has the ability to fire ammunition up to 1 meter in length (for example, such as sub-caliber armor-piercing shells increased power"Vacuum-1"). The T-14 is equipped with an automatic loader for 32 rounds, which achieves a rate of fire of 10-12 rounds per minute.

Some of the Armata tanks are going to be equipped with a 152 mm 2A83 gun, the armor-piercing ability of sub-caliber shells is more than 1000 mm, and their speed is 2000 m/s, which leaves no chance for everyone known modern tanks. In addition, as the leaders of the Uralvagonzavod corporation state, the kinetic energy of a 152 mm gun projectile is such that it will more often than not simply tear off the turret of a targeted enemy tank.

Both guns allow you to use their barrel to launch guided missiles. It is assumed that the 152 mm gun can use missiles with armor-piercing power up to 1500 mm and a range of up to 10000 m, which can hit both ground and air targets.

Some experts point to the possibility of using guided active-missile projectiles with a range of up to 30 km on T-14 tanks armed with a 152 mm gun, which turns such an “Armata” into a fire support tank for use both against enemy infantry and against heavily protected enemy objects.

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

T-14 tank armor

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 used to accommodate the entire crew with control computers. In addition, the armored capsule protects against weapons 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. It is stated that the maximum duration of 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 tank mass and, accordingly, better dynamics. However, in frontal projection the T-14 is expected to have an armor equivalent of over 1,000mm against sub-caliber rounds and about 1,300mm against HEAT rounds. This makes the tank resistant to being hit in the forehead by any modern ammunition and capable of withstanding such formidable anti-tank weapons as American heavy and American portable ones.

T-14 turret

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

— protection of tank instruments from fragments, high-explosive shells and bullet penetrations;
— reduction of radio signature to counter radar-guided ATGMs;
— shielding of external electronic fields, which makes the tower’s devices resistant to various kinds of magnetic pulses.

Below is a video with a possible design of the T-14 tank turret:

Stealth technologies

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

— a unique GALS coating that helps reflect 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 inside hull, which also reduces the visibility of the T-14 in the IR range;

— heat traps that distort the “signature” (visual image of the tank) in the infrared range;

- distortion of one's own magnetic field, making it difficult to determine the location of the tank for magnetometric weapons.

All this causes significant difficulties for the enemy when detecting the Armata, determining its coordinates, and generally 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 produced there - at the Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant. The engine has a switching power from 1200 to 1500 hp, but on production vehicles it is expected 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 it will reach 90 km/h. In addition, this four-stroke engine is much more economical than the old two-stroke engines, which ensures a cruising range of 500 km without refueling.

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

It should also be noted that exhaust gases are discharged through pipes passing through the 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 open-cell filler.

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

Active suspension

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

The suspension used in the T-14 tank is active, that is, it is capable of detecting unevenness under the tracks using sensors and automatically adjusting the height of the rollers. This feature not only increases the speed of the tank over rough terrain, but also significantly (by about 1.5 - 2.0 times) increases the accuracy of aiming while moving. High-precision shooting while quickly moving across the battlefield is another undeniable advantage of the “Armata” when possibly “meeting” with such rather probable opponents as or, which still use an uncontrollable hydropneumatic suspension, developed more than 30 years ago.

Tank information and control system

The Armata is equipped with one of the best tank information management systems (TIUS), which monitors all tank modules in real time and automatically checks them for malfunctions. If any problems are detected, the TIUS system informs the crew about this in voice mode and gives recommendations on how to eliminate them.

Defense order

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

In total, by 2020 it is planned to commission 2,300 T-14 Armata tanks. This is exactly how the state order was presented by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation to the Uralvagonzavod state corporation. Moreover, it was separately indicated that serial production of Armata tanks will not be stopped even in conditions of a severe economic crisis.

By the way, the management of Uralvagonzavod indicates the cost of the tank at 250 million rubles (this is about 4-5 million dollars). This means that the entire batch of T-14 tanks of 2300 tanks will cost our state 10 billion dollars.

Other combat vehicles on the Armata platform

Fighting machine infantry (BMP) T-15 "Armata"

In addition to the T-14 tank, it is planned to produce the T-15 armored infantry fighting vehicle on a unified heavy combat tracked platform, 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 Russian army. Its tank level of armor is impenetrable to modern ATGMs with a caliber of up to 150 mm and BOPS with a caliber of up to 120 mm, as well as the presence of the Afghanit active protection allows it to operate in the same tactical group together with T-14 tanks and makes it a “network-centric” combat vehicle.

The weight of the T-15 infantry fighting vehicle is about 50 tons, the crew is 3 people, in addition, it has a landing module for 9 people at the rear.

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

— The main version with the Boomerang-BM combat module, the armament of which includes anti-tank missile system"Kornet-EM", a 30 mm 2A42 automatic anti-aircraft gun and a 7.62 mm PKTM machine gun, allows it to successfully counter various ground and air targets at a distance of up to 4 km (universal air defense configuration).

— Option with the Baikal combat module, the armament of which includes a modified shipborne 57 mm anti-aircraft gun with higher firepower and a destruction range of up to 8 km (long-range air defense configuration).

— Option with 120 mm heavy mortar (anti-personnel configuration).

Below is an infographic with the performance characteristics of the T-15 Armata infantry fighting vehicle:

Armored repair and recovery vehicle (ARV) T-16 "Armata"

Above is a photo of the BREM-1M armored repair and recovery vehicle, created on the basis of the T-72 tank chassis and intended for the evacuation of damaged or stuck equipment in combat conditions. Based on the universal heavy platform "Armata", it is planned to release a new ARV under the designation T-16, which will be equipped with a more powerful cargo crane and a whole range of various special equipment.

Self-propelled artillery unit (SAU) "Coalition-SV"

In order to include in one group with the T-14 tanks and T-15 infantry fighting vehicles, equipment with powerful and long-range fire support is planned to be transferred to the heavy combat platform "Armata" and our newest self-propelled artillery mount 2S35 "Coalition-SV", which replaced the outdated self-propelled guns 2S3 "Acacia" and 2S19 "Msta-S". Developed by the Burevestnik Central Research Institute and produced at the Uraltransmash plant, also part of the Uralvagonzavod corporation, 152 mm self-propelled howitzer has a very diverse range of goals: from the destruction of the enemy’s tactical nuclear weapons and the destruction of his fortifications to countering his manpower and equipment.

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

The main feature of the new self-propelled gun is its range - up to 70 km, which significantly exceeds all known ones in this parameter foreign analogues. The Coalition-SV's ammunition capacity is 70 rounds, and its rate of fire is 10-15 rounds per minute.

Besides, It is also planned to build the following types of equipment on the basis of the universal Armata platform:
— Flamethrower combat vehicle (BMO-2)
— Heavy flamethrower system (TOS BM-2)
— Multi-purpose engineering vehicle (MIM-A)
— Transport-loading vehicle for the heavy flamethrower system (TZM-2)
— Minelayer (UMZ-A)
— Floating conveyor (PTS-A)
— Bridgelayer (MT-A)

Prospects for the use of the Armata tank

As we wrote above, the T-14 Armata tank was developed within the framework of a network-centric concept, therefore it is intended for combat operations as part of a tactical group, 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 Koalitsiya-SV self-propelled guns, 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 a reconnaissance officer, target designator and command tank, controlling the battle through unified system management.

Conclusion

It’s all good that in terms of military projects we are not lagging behind, and in some cases even ahead of other leading military powers of the world, and the development and implementation of the universal heavy platform “Armata” should significantly improve our country’s defense capability in the event of a major (third world) war. The only question is what kind of thing it will be big war And in general, will it be possible to emerge victorious from it?

P.S. Below is a video about modern history of our tank forces, presented by the Ministry of Defense on Tanker Day, in which you can see the hero of our review - the T-14 Armata tank.

Several foreign experts immediately concluded that at the moment the Russian T-14 Armata tank is the best in its class. The experts came to this conclusion. The German tank lost the virtual duel, primarily due to the lack of shells capable of penetrating the Ural armor.

Leopard 2 has a very good gun - much better than the American M1 Abrams (there is also a German one, but an old one). The car itself is thought out and balanced with German meticulousness. But the German authorities decided to abandon armor-piercing shells with a depleted uranium core - this reduced all the advantages of Leopard 2 to zero. Without the ability to hit the enemy, the most beautiful tank in battle is no more than a moving target.

A radar with a phased array antenna monitors the space around the vehicle, a special program on the on-board computer analyzes threats, identifies the most dangerous and responds to them. Guided anti-tank missiles deflect electronic warfare systems. Mortars located along the perimeter of the tower destroy shells and grenade launchers at a safe distance. The entire defense complex works automatically, without distracting the crew from performing the combat mission.

Those who manage to break through the barrier of high technology will be greeted by composite armor specially developed for the Armata. The shell is made of armored ceramics, synthetic materials and steel, which is lighter and stronger than metal.

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