“Armata” has come to stay

May 9 Red Square for the first time was the world’s first new generation tank

Public demonstration of the main tank and heavy BMP family “Armata” May 9, 2015 at a parade to mark the 70th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War made a lasting impression on the domestic and foreign military specialists and experts, has caused heated discussion in the media and social networks. Indeed, the first time since 1977, when the parade in Moscow was shown the T-72, on Red Square was a tank of new generation, radically different from previous models. New armor and artillery will shape the key elements of the weapon system for decades to come.

Victor Murakhovski

NEW armored vehicles in weapons systems

In the changed conditions in the XXI century forms and methods of warfare, the development of technical means of warfare there is a need to create the most unified interconnected ground combat platforms, allowing to provide qualitative superiority over the competition.

As a result of the joint work of the Ministry of Defence, industry, research organizations developed the concept of armored vehicles (armored vehicles), approved by the Minister of Defence.

The concept set forth a clear understanding of the role and place of armored vehicles on the battlefield of today, and it solved in the long term problems. On a sound scientific and practical basis formulated the concept of building a unified system of armored vehicles and military vehicles (BAT) of the Armed Forces, with the definition of requirements for the nomenclature of families and types of equipment, their combat and operational parameters.

The system of armored vehicles and BAT relies on a single unified platform, class is determined by their weight: heavy, medium and light. A single, unified platform offers maximum unification of the chassis, modules, assemblies, nodes, interfaces within the same category of family cars. Moreover, unification is provided and between families of different categories. Such unification logically led to the need for a single platform, built on the principle of “digital electronic board with an open architecture.”

Armored personnel carriers on the basis of a unified platform wheel “Boomerang”.

For the first time in the history of the domestic tank production of the Russian Federation Ministry of Defense in cooperation with the industry in 2010-2011. simultaneously launched development activities (R & D) in key areas of armored vehicles to meet new requirements: a unified platform Tracked severe category of “Armata” unified Undercarriage middle category “Kurganets-25”, unified wheeled platform “Boomerang”, unified platform for action Arctic region “Arctic”.

This completely new, realized the world’s first family of machines is within a unified platform tracked severe category “Armata”. In the first phase development of the Defense Ministry ordered three samples: the main tank, a heavy infantry fighting vehicles, armored recovery vehicle (ARV). Creates family car “Armata” Ural Design Bureau of Transport Machinery (UKBTM), Chief Designer – Andrey Leonidovich Terlikov.

In the future, unified platform “Armata” possible development of command and staff vehicle tactical, engineering machinery series of front edge (obstacle clearing engineer vehicle, launched bridge, a minelayer, armored demining machine), an anti-missile system, other systems for installation of armament, combat, technical and logistic support.

BMP-based unified Undercarriage middle category “Kurganets-25.”

Of particular interest to the Russian Defense Ministry is a pair of “main tank – a heavy infantry fighting vehicles.” Presence in the order of battle of this technique allows to implement new tactics to meet the most modern techniques of warfare. In particular, the occurrence of heavy infantry fighting vehicles capable of operating in a single armored battle array along with tanks, suppress and arbitrarily break through a strong defense, antitank means.

Heavy BMP par with tanks able to overcome areas of concentrated artillery fire and barrage the enemy with the minimum costs.They can operate at a minimum distance from the first line of attack artillery support and even “under the umbrella” breaks their shells. This greatly reduces the possibility of the enemy to counter the attacking troops with new machines. Dismounting infantry, thus ensuring a minimum distance from the defending enemy, almost on his head, as opposed to BMP with easy booking for which the line dismounting actually coincides with the transition to the attack abroad.

The main tank and heavy infantry fighting vehicles have a high tactical maneuverability on the battlefield, because such opportunities are determined not only and not so much the technical parameters of mobility as the ability to act under fire, to overcome natural and artificial obstacles, direct fire to suppress the enemy firepower.

Heavy infantry fighting vehicles on the platform “Armata”.

The appearance of the main tank and heavy infantry fighting vehicles on a unified platform allows you to practice to realize the concept of “heavy” teams, organizational and staff structure that is designed for action against technologically advanced enemy, having a high intensity combat formations antitank weapons, armored vehicles and artillery.

However, the use of “heavy” compounds against illegal armed groups equipped with wearable antitank weapons (TCP), to minimize the use of infantry in dangerous places, realizing remote fire destruction under the guise of a powerful armor and active protection.

Thus, the front edge of the complex machinery of the family “Armata” is a universal means to effectively combat missions in conflicts of all types and sizes while maintaining people’s lives.

FEATURES The layout and design of the T-14 (object 148)

For the first time in the world in the tank T-14 realized a revolutionary layout, aimed at maximizing the security of the crew. For this crew compartment, located in front of the machine body, performed separately from the crew compartment with arms and ammunition. Thus, the crew placed in the cubicle, a kind of “capsule” where possible and to minimize the impact on him of fires and explosions of fuel and ammunition in case of penetration of armor or combat engine compartment. “Capsule” is also the most secure structure designed to cope with anti-tank mine and explosive means. To ensure the highest level of protection used for new solutions in the field of ballistic, dynamic, active protection.

At the same time in the crew compartment provides exceptional comfort for the crew of ergonomics. Along with automation it will significantly reduce the physical and physiological load tankers, increase the effectiveness and duration of action in everyday use and in a combat situation.

It is no secret that the effectiveness of tanks and other armored vehicles is largely determined by the qualifications, experience, physical and psycho-physiological state of the crews. Many experts believe that on the battlefield to the success of technical and human factors about equal. It is understood that in the case of actions on the tanks “Armata” Russian tankers will benefit on two parameters at least: the maximum confidence in their security and the possibility of accumulation of invaluable combat experience.

In the fighting compartment of the tank taken main and auxiliary arms (the tower in the desert) with fire control system, automatic loader (the housing) with ammunition to the main armament.

In the engine-transmission compartment housed the power plant, transmission, fuel supplies and other operating materials.

Chassis tank includes caterpillar mover with rear wheel drive, front guide wheel, seven road wheels and three support rollers on board.

One of the key features in the design of the tank “Armata” and the family as a whole is first implemented in the practice of world tank building architecture “digital electronic board.” The key here is the principle setetsentrizma and open architecture. Its meaning lies in the fact that the main element of the electronic board performs a digital information exchange network, which covers all units, components, systems and subsystems. The network provides a standard interface to connect to her subscribers. Subscribers are electronic components (microcontroller and microprocessor-based electronic control systems) included (embedded) into functional components, assemblies, systems and subsystems. It is crucial that the operation of the digital network in real time the information is given to all sensors in the network there are commands for all drives and actuators, as well as information on the status of all controls. In other words, the network has in digital form all the necessary monitoring and control tank.

As a result, on-board digital network forms a common information space that brings together the various subsystems of the sample and ensures the implementation of a large number of interrelated and interdependent functions, including running simultaneously.Thus, a single integrated machine control system as a whole: an integrated on-board information and control system (CICS).

The principles of standardization and interoperability of functional division (compatibility) components CICS provide multilevel hierarchical structuring functions and means that each subsystem – the subscriber digital network – must have not only a standard digital interface at the physical level, but also a clear standardized protocol commands and data.

A direct consequence of the principle of interoperability is the ability to change combat and functional modules for samples of armored vehicles based on standardized interspecific platforms.

Multifunctional controls and displays for the crew members provide human-machine interface. Many diverse controls and display characteristic of the previous generation of armored vehicles, replace the multifunction flexibly programmable monitors. It is possible to solve the problem of centralized remote control a large number of heterogeneous systems, systems and devices by a single operator (crew member), simplify the information and control field, increased ergonomics jobs tankers.

The open architecture of the digital electronic board allows painless and cost-effectively upgrade individual components and systems platform “Armata” as they become more sophisticated products.

Some parameters of the tank “Armata” Layout : crew compartment at the front of the housing, uninhabited combat compartment and the tower. Digital electronic board with an open architecture. Crew : 3 people. Command control : digital communication system, software and hardware unified management of tactical level. The main armament : a 125-mm gun – launcher 2A82. Smoothbore gun of high power with avtoskreplennym and partly chrome barrel 2A82 is a new development, only superficially similar to the 125-mm tank gun of the previous generation. The achieved level of energy performance and power 2A82 cannon shots of the new ammunition provide a significant advantage over serial and foreign counterparts. As additional weapons used remote-controlled machine-gun installation T05BV UDP-1 modular design, equipped with a 7.62-mm machine gun PKTM (6P7K). The fire control system : vsesutochny commander’s panoramic sight, multi vsesutochny sight-guidance device gunner, automatic target lock, fully digital ballistic path sensors terms of shooting and ballistic computer. Powerplant : multifuel 12-cylinder diesel engine with up to 1500 hp Transmission : a robotic gear shift, reverse, hydrostatic transmission in the drive rotation disc brakes in the final drives.

A COMPLEX APPROACH

State armaments program for the period up to 2020 provides for delivery to the army in 2300 units of modern tanks. This will equip a new generation of tanks all connections of constant readiness.

At a meeting in Sochi May 13, 2015, on the development of the Armed Forces, Russian President Vladimir Putin said: “Another issue – the creation of new and modernization of existing weapons and equipment of the Land Forces. Some of this technology was first shown at the parade in honor of the 70th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The performance characteristics of this new technique significantly superior to their foreign counterparts, and overall it deserves a fairly high ratings military experts. It is necessary as soon as possible to complete all tests and move to mass production. “

It is important that Manning of new technology, at least in positions that determine the combat capability, contract servicemen.Armour has become much more complicated device. The study of its components, assemblies, systems, electronic equipment requires significant expertise and special training. At the same time to make full use of all the possibilities of the family cars “Armata” requires an understanding not only of technology itself, but also the tactics of its application. For the full mastery of “Armata” requires at least one, and preferably two half-yearly cycle of combat training that can only be realized with the personnel crew.

The appearance of the Armed Forces of the tank and heavy infantry fighting vehicles on a unified platform will enable to realize in practice the concept of “heavy” brigades.

For trained personnel “Armata” provides the possibility of implementing a far greater volume of tactics. For example – an opportunity to massive defeats the purpose of a car due to the high probability of hitting the target with the first shot, the use of automatic maintenance mode, select the type of shots, etc., including those on the go. But it requires a good understanding of how the situation and the possibilities of the machine and its weapons-established skills with the equipment, working closely with other members of the crew and complete interchangeability within the crew, which implies a very high qualification.

Taking into account the lessons of the past, including the initial period of the Great Patriotic War, and re-tanks on the new generation of the Soviet Army in the 1970s, it is necessary to fully ensure an integrated approach to the delivery and development of tanks and other armored vehicles in the army.

This implies anticipatory development and delivery to the army technical training of the new generation simulators, interactive learning tools, training and operating models and other modern equipment.

At least simultaneously with armored vehicles have delivered Complete diagnostics, maintenance and repair, the whole “tail” of machines for technical and logistical support.

Do not forget about the timely delivery of ammunition, including training, preparing storage sites and repair of equipment.

It must be time to attend driving courses refinement of combat vehicles, shooting techniques for tactical exercises and other normative documents on the training of crews and units. You may need to clarify certain provisions of the Charter of combat.

Only a large-scale comprehensive approach to the implementation of a new generation of armored vehicles to the troops will enable efficiently and painlessly move to the new look of the arms. And thus fully justify substantial funds allocated to the country of the establishment of modern, combat-capable armed forces is guaranteed to ensure the military security of Russia.

Images show that parts of U.S. Army 160th SOAR MH-60M that crash landed off Okinawa were covered to hide some details

A Special Operations Black Hawk performed a “hard-deck landing” on the USNS Red Cloud off Okinawa, Japan.

Seven military were injured after an MH-60M Black Hawk helicopter belonging to the U.S. Army’s 160th SOAR (Special Operations Aviation Regiment) performed a “hard-deck landing” on the USNS Red Cloud, 20 miles off Okinawa, Japan.

Aerial footage broadcast by several media outlets showed the helicopter (coded “63”) with part of its tail broken off: screenshots posted on Social Media (special thanks to @AbraxasSpa) shows that main and tail rotors were covered, most probably to hide some details (maybe noise reduction devices and other interesting sensors) of the Special Operations helicopter.

Therefore, not a Silent Hawk like the one involved in the Abbottabad raid to kill Bin Laden, but a highly modified chopper with plenty of details that is better to keep away from cameras.

T-90 at the Donbass

Direct evidence for the involvement in the fighting in the Donbas modern Russian tanks T-90A appeared in the autumn of last year. Tanker 136th separate motorized rifle brigade (in / h 63354, Buynaksk, Dagestan), the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (Russian Armed Forces), registered in the social network “VKontakte” named Vitalek Marakasov , put his picture on the background road sign near the village thorn (Krasnodonsky district, Luhansk region) in 4 kilometers from Lugansk.

The saved original photo – http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/sled_vza yt / 73245930/144810 / 144810_original.jpg

second photo from the same place: The saved original photo – http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/sled_vza yt / 73245930/144975 / 144975_original.jpg first picture is remarkable in that the shot hit the anti-aircraft machine-gun design elements installation of the T-90A (in the background of this model of tank Marakasov photographed earlier ): Source photos – vitalykuzmin.net on the cartridge box tank Marakasova green paint painted over, apparently, board room. The same is often found on other T-90A from the 136th Tank Brigade Russian Armed Forces: Defined exact location shooting T-90A Marakasova: Recently, it was discovered more evidence of the use of the Armed Forces of the T-90A in the Donbas. In October, 2014 member of the so-called unlawful combatants LC of Krasnodon, registered in the social network “VKontakte” like Igor Komissarov , uploaded a series of photos of a trip to Novosvetlovku. When traveling by car from the south to the north, he takes on the road signs settlements in Molodogvardiis’ka , in Samsonovka , roadside , in Novoannovke , have Katerinovka , in Novosvetlovke and everything interesting that is found on the road. On the road section between the villages and the Roadside Novoannovka were so interesting – three fighting vehicles BMD-2 ( Photo 1 , Photo 2 , Photo 3 ), two army trucks and three T-90A: Archive page VKontakte – https://archive.is/yWA1h Original photo – https : //pp.vk.me/c620822/v620822351/231 1D / 68SDN0_Txo8.jpg Archive page VKontakte – https://archive.is/yB6tP Original photo – https://pp.vk.me/c620822/v620822351/231 26 / noS3KQocESg.jpg Archive page VKontakte –https://archive.is/WpiZX Original photo – https://pp.vk.me/c620822/v620822351/231 2F / CkLGyeG62WQ.jpg Archive page VKontakte – https: // archive .is / aF4CdOriginal photo – https://pp.vk.me/c620822/v620822351/231 38 / 1iXK30WssW0.jpg Archive page VKontakte – https://archive.is/K9sxo Original photo – https: //pp.vk .me / c620822 / v620822351 / 231 41 / 5KbC3x7MzJQ.jpg Archive page VKontakte – https://archive.is/hjICa Original photo –https://pp.vk.me/c620822/v620822351/231 4a / b8ZTYp_Kw1E.jpg Archive VKontakte page – https://archive.is/J3gAv Original photo –https://pp.vk.me/c620822/v620822351/231 53 / aKS_V5tCH0o.jpg To verify that the photos were taken at the site is really the path between the roadside and Novoannovkoy taken video of the road segment , captured from the vehicle. Since it was shot while driving from north to south, not south to north – as photos Komissarov, the facilities for the convenience of the area in the screenshots are compared with their mirror images, taken from a photo. The plot line, where they were photographed together two T-90A. The same trees on the photos and videos: Approximate Location within these photographs on the satellite map – Google Maps (video11:23 ). Location shooting (video 10:44 ) single T-90A at the warning road sign to determine exactly the area the same as that on video and can be easily found on the satellite maps: pictured quite recognizable objects. Thus, summing up the above, we can say: the fact of the use of Russian army units T-90 tanks in the Ukraine in the summer and autumn of 2014. there is no doubt.

Syria: From the sublime to the shameful.

Rimal Beach, Tartous, Syria

What follows is a report from a resident of Aleppo whose identity is not revealed for reasons of security.  Their reports delve deep into the terrorist underworld and expose many of the NGO and media narratives, as propaganda and hypocrisy.  We are thankful to these brave, courageous people who bring us the truth from inside Syria, without them we would still be in the dark as to the extent of the terror they are forced to endure day after night at the hands of the US  alliance funded and armed mercenary brigades.

An Escape from Reality

My sojourn on the Syrian coast was exquisite but too brief, a welcome respite from the hardship in Aleppo.

We left Aleppo just before sunrise.  The coast is to the West of us but we drove into the hazy sunrise, towards the east. This is Syria, where the crisis has made many things nonsensical.  The direct routes and main highways have been occupied and sabotaged by armed terrorist gangs and there is an ever present risk of sniper fire on these roads, so many are best avoided at all cost.

As we bumped & rattled along the road, 3 other passengers were conversing with the driver about the “bloody history” of our route.  “This is where the terrorists attacked a bus” said one, “there is where the terrorists massacred a Christian family”, said another.  “That is where Da’esh targeted a high ranking SAA General” said the driver, pointing at the burned out remains of a car and van on either side of the road, dust covered, eerie reminders of the assassination.  It was a sobering experience to travel this road of tragedy with its ghosts of lives taken so brutally and senselessly.

The road from Aleppo to Homs, shaped like a mirrored letter C, was the desert road.  We went through many fake check points and over rough gravel surfaces that, at one point, resulted in a flat tyre.  However, once past Homs the change is extraordinary.  The roads to Tartous are in good condition and the closer we got to the coast, the greener our surroundings.  This is how I remember the highways in Syria before the “conflict”.  This was Old Syria..the one that ceased to exist after 2011.

Some Syrian provinces have fared better in the crisis than others, but every one of them has been touched by loss.  Not one has been without its casualties in the Syrian armed forces.  Tartous, for instance, is considered one of the safest areas in Syria [maybe because of its Russian naval base] but even here, when you enter someone’s house you see the familiar pictures of lost sons, daughters, uncles, brothers, fathers on the walls, paying homage to the brave family members fighting terrorism in far flung provinces.

My destination was my teenage haunt of ar Rimal ad-Dhahabiyya [the Golden Sands] about 15km to the north of Tartous City.  The resort is secure, with water 24/7 and electricity, maximum 15 hours per day.  I was even able to turn on the air conditioning, an unheard of luxury in Aleppo.  Internet reception is excellent, again in marked contrast to the limited 3G reception in Aleppo.

Rimal is a reminder of Syria before 2011.  Peaceful ambiance, laughter, dancing, bikinis, parties. A typical Mediterranean resort, far removed from the ravages of war.  A cosmopolitan gathering of Syrian families without bombs, rockets or mortars to shatter their joviality. Hijabs mingling with bikinis on the packed beaches.

The peaceful early morning beaches, Rimal.

The only flares in the night skies came from celebratory fireworks not from terrorist rockets or mortar fire.  Here you could see Christians and Muslims from many different sects sitting side by side in friendly camaraderie.  None of the sectarianism being described in Western media, none of the religious judgementalism.

I did stumble upon several demolished chalets that closely resembled the bombed structures in Aleppo and elsewhere in Syria.  In reality, the local municipality had demolished them because they were an eyesore and had been erected illegally by the corrupt resort manager. I couldn’t help thinking that they might still appear in an HRW tweet or in Western Media with the caption of the ubiquitous barrel bombs that are being blamed for everything.  I would certainly not put this beyond the “rebel” propagandists.

Demolished chalets in Rimal, Tartous

I do know that photos & videos from Rimal have been used by the “opposition” to claim that Syrians & the Syrian Government are rejoicing in the deaths of their countrymen.  One of my relatives informed me that nobody had celebrated in the resort for the last four years out of respect for the suffering in Syria.  For the first time this year, they felt that they needed some relief from the intensity of the struggle and to remember the good old days in Syria when unity and peace were the norm. So let the terrorists mock our happiness, we have had enough of the sadness and sorrow that they have imposed upon us.

Life became a series of indulgences during my time in Rimal.  Delicious food, beautiful balmy nights, swimming in the warm sea with my nephews and nieces [although jellyfish were a less palatable hazard]. I had to laugh when at one point, I bumped into a group of elderly men and women discussing politics in the shallows.  They were even criticizing the government quite openly and stridently without “reprisal”.

I can’t tell you what a luxury it was to have a shower and an air conditioned room.  How quickly did I forget the showers in Aleppo, a large cup and a washbowl!

The drive back to Aleppo

All too soon, my time in paradise came to an end and after 6 days we were heading back to Aleppo. On the way back, I noticed that the C-like road between Homs and Aleppo had changed, even in such a short time.  As quickly as the Government were trying to asphalt roads in some areas, the terrorists were bombing them at night to create new craters and crevasses, forcing drivers back onto the gravel roads.  However, I can proudly say the Government was winning even this battle.  There were more newly asphalted roads than sabotaged ones.

I did manage to take some photos of the Aleppo province villages alongside that arid, remote highway.  These villages are famous, with their mud conical roofs, a typical feature of these village homes.  Originally they would have built miniature versions for birds, chickens and small domestic animals but over time they had evolved into human dwellings.  I remember seeing old WW11 and even WW1 archive videos showing Australian troops marching among these conical roofed houses, military motorcycle riders stopping to give the locals a pillion ride for fun.  Now these homes are deserted and abandoned, their inhabitants forced to flee inside or outside Syria, refugees from their own lands.

Queiq River and its deadly secrets

Returning to Aleppo after such a delicious transportation into Syria of old, made me reflect on one important aspect of Aleppo, Queiq or Koweik, Aleppo’s river.  A thousand years ago this river fortuitously burst its banks in the winter and swept away the Crusader camps who were besieging Aleppo. In the summer its flow dries to a trickle that is the source of jokes and local proverbs.  The river lost much of its importance decades ago when Turkey built a dam at its source reducing flow into Aleppo & diverting its waters into Turkish territory.

The river was reduced to a dry valley, distinctly malodorous in the summer.  This ensured the loss of all the species of fish that had been documented by western scientists and historians centuries before. Turkish-Syrian relations had improved in the decade prior to the crisis to the extent that the Aleppo river basin had been converted into a series of canals dotted with beautiful bridges, illuminated at night.
With the advent of the crisis, however, the tide literally turned.  The river formed a natural border between terrorist held eastern Aleppo and government held western Aleppo.

The river became the terrorist dumping ground for dead bodies, massacred by the terrorists not by the government as depicted in western media whose sole aim was & still is,  to demonize the Syrian government.

A couple of years back, the terrorists were sending young kids to buy huge amounts of bread supplied by the government to feed the people of Aleppo city.  Once purchased, this bread was callously dumped in the river resulting in a crippling bread shortage for a long time.  Eventually the government managed to round up the culprits and imprison them.  I don’t have to tell you how the media portrayed this activity but the truth is, it was necessary to ensure the people of Aleppo didn’t starve.

The terrorist held areas in the East receive all the water from the Euphrates but they can’t store it all, so they have solved this issue by pouring thousands of litres of clean water into the filthy, contaminated water of Queik which is, of course, undrinkable.  This is not all, the Red Crescent is then pumping this filthy water into huge cisterns which is piped to the taps that people are using to fill up their water containers.

The Red Crescent is claiming that the water is clean and only needs chlorine tablets or boiling to purify it.  They ignore the fact that the river has been a dumping ground for dead and decaying corpses, stale bread, sewage and a myriad of filth and rubbish over the last 4 years.  Their actions in supplying this water to residents are indefensible, their claims that it is safe are criminal.

Those capable of dumping bread and clean water into a contaminated river to prevent half the city from eating the bread or having clean drinking water are committing heinous crimes against humanity.  I am not sure if it is a “war crime” as such but they are the real “infidels” if there is any real meaning for this word that they bandy about so liberally.

They are not “freedom fighters” or “moderates” that NATO and their allies are supporting so vociferously.  We are suffering from lack of water, we go thirsty while they are intentionally squandering it.  I watch, heavy hearted, as the elderly and children patiently wait in endless queues in the searing heat to fill their assorted containers.  I see them having to lug these heavy containers through the narrow alleyways, struggling under the weight as the precious water splashes into the dust beneath their feet.

Children carry a cylinder of water in a street of the Syrian city of Aleppo on April 17, 2014. PHOTO / ALEPPO MEDIA CENTRE / ZEIN AL RIFAI

I feel nothing but rage when I see these thugs and criminals on the other side of the city pouring thousands of litres of clean, fresh water into the disease infested river under the noses of the thirsty Syrians they are claiming to liberate.  They are the terrorists, they are the monsters in this story and they are committing daily mass crimes against the citizens of Aleppo but this is never mentioned by the western media.  Are we not Syrian?  Does our plight mean nothing, does our story not count?  This is Aleppo, the real Aleppo, not the western media fantasy, this is our sleeping, waking, perpetual nightmare of life under terrorist occupation.

The upgraded version of BMP-2M

In the course of military-technical forum “Army-2015” which was held in the Moscow region “Kubinka” was a presentation of a modernized version of BMP-2M, which caused great interest among the experts, according to “Journal of Mordovia” .

“BMP-2 proven as reliable and unpretentious car. They took part in many military conflicts, and still are the basis of the Russian Army mechanized infantry connections. Unfortunately, at the present time, this war machine is considered outdated and in most specifications do not meet modern requirements. Therefore, military experts believe that in anticipation of the newest “Kurganet-25” is necessary to re-start the procurement of the BMP-3, and to modernize the armed forces present in the BMP-2 “- the newspaper notes.

The upgraded version of BMP-2M received additional armor and lattice screens for protection against large-caliber bullets and cumulative ammunition. You also have the ability to set specific mine pallets. Due to the increased weight gain protection machine: now it is more than 16 tons. However, thanks to a new engine UTD-23 turbocharged 360 hp mobility remained the same: the car speeds up to 65 km / h on highway and up to 7 km / h on the water. In addition, the upgraded version has a modern sight BO7-K2 with optical and thermal imaging channels, a laser rangefinder and a control channel anti-tank missile complex . As part of the armament of the BMP-2M – a 30-mm cannon and 7.62 mm machine gun PKTM. It is also possible to install anti-tank guided missile system 9M120-1, 9M120-1F, 9M120-1F-1 with tandem cumulative, high-explosive and high-explosive warheads, capable of destroying various targets at a distance of 5,000 meters. “Modernization developed in Kurgan, will greatly enhance the characteristics armored veteran and provide an opportunity to significantly extend the life “- the paper concludes.

Battalion “Azov” creates a heavily armored infantry fighting vehicles based on the T-64 chassis

Through the efforts of enthusiasts from the battalion “Azov”, being developed is a heavily armored infantry fighting vehicle based on the chassis of the main battle tank T-64.

According to reports from workers involved in repair plants and experts of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, which are responsible for the performance of a new concept of the combat vehicle.

Additional is the protection cutting boards organized by the dimensions of the fenders.

The layout of the tank as a whole remained the same, the engine was in the stern. As a result, there will be something in the style of BMO-T, but without weakened areas in the frontal projection is located where the driver’s hatch. True enthusiasts will decide how the issue of management of the new machine is a mystery.

Combat vehicles of this class are badly needed as Ukrainian law enforcement officers during the conflict in the east of Ukraine in the battles lost a large number of poorly protected infantry fighting vehicles BMP-2 armored personnel carriers BTR-80 type.

UAE BMP-3 hits Yemeni Mines

This UAE BMP-3 ran into some Yemeni Mines.

BMP-3 will receive a remotely controlled weapon station with a 57-millimeter cannon

Concern “Tractor plants” will show at the exhibition RAE-2015 in Nizhny Tagil, new versions of the BMP-3, equipped with remote-controlled weapon stations, according to Tass .One of the modifications will be equipped with 57-mm cannon in high ballistics unmanned combat module development CRI “Petrel”, part of the Corporation “Uralvagonzavod”.

Version of the BMP-3 with 57-millimeter cannon received code “Derivation”. The second modification, under the code “Dragoon”, has undergone a major change. In particular, changed the layout of the machine motor, located on the base version of the BMP-3 in the diet, moved to the bow, which will increase the troop compartment and equip it for the exit ramp.”Dragoon” save standard armament of the BMP-3 100-millimeter gun ballistics low, coupled with her ​​30-mm automatic cannon and machine gun PKT, but also weapons will be located in an uninhabited module. Source

Help RG:

Russia Arms Expo – international exhibition of armaments and equipment. Consistently since 1999, held in Nizhny Tagil. Russia Arms Expo-2015 will be the tenth in a row exhibition. In addition to Russian companies, the audience will also be able to see defense companies from France, Turkey, Belarus and Kazakhstan.

Sniper complex «accuracy» vs. ORSIS T-5000

Along with the rearmament of the Russian army from cruise missiles, submarines and armored vehicles to small arms and communications, they are actively being worked on in addition to sniper rifles. So in the near future, namely in the next year troops will have a new sniper rifle.

The development of the new sniper complex is under the name“Precision” it became known in 2013. Five companies have been involved in production to include TSNIITOCHMASH . The final version of the weapons comes available in two calibers, unique to Russia: 7,62×51 mm caliber (NATO cartridge) and 8x.6×69 mm (Lapua Magnum). The effective range of the rifles is out to half a kilometer. The reason for manufacturing weapons in two calibers is the features of the ballistics for bullets. For example, one is to achieve maximum accuracy at distances up to 500 meters possible with the caliber 7.62×51 mm, and to maximize the destruction of targets at distances more than 500 m is most suitable for the  caliber 8.6×70 mm.

ORSIS T-5000

In turn, rifle ORSIS T-5000 is manufactured at the factory “ORSIS” concern “Survey Systems” in Moscow, and is known in military circles as “the Russian Terminator.” The rifle exists in three caliber versions: 7.62 × 67 mm (Winchester Magnum), 7.62 × 51 mm (Winchester) and 8.6 × 70 mm (Lapua Magnum). The material of the barrel is stainless steel 416R, and rifling in the bore is made ​​by cutting in a single pass, which today is the most accurate. The material of main parts, including the trigger mechanism of T-5000 is stainless steel.

Lodge rifle aluminum alloy D16T, which is not inferior to the strength of steel, but at the same time it is just as strong if not stronger. Additionally, it is not affected by changes in temperature, for example, when moving the rifle from a warm temperature into the cold. In fact during testing of the T-5000, researchers were shooting in 73-degree cold temperature, and such a low temperature had no effect on accuracy.

ORSIS T-5000 with a short barrel

The new Four-chamber muzzle brake, kompensotora significantly reduces recoil. It comes with a frfle bipod attached to the forearm console on which the Picatinny rail is attached. It is also fitted with an adjustable butt stock. It comes with a three position safety device and box detachable magazine able to carry 5 to 10 rounds. The weight of the T-5000 varies from 6.1 to 6.5 kg, and the length unfolded rangers from 1060 to 1270 mm.

The resource barrel can withstand 5,000 shots of 7.62×51 (Winchester) without degrading the accuracy. At the T-5000, this figure is half a minute of arc (at a distance of 800 meters spread fire hit no more than 11 cm). No pre zeroing needed in any weather and at any time of the day or night T-5000 hits a target at a distance of up to 1650 m. In the future, a modernized version will increase the distance up to 2000 m.
There is a thought that “accuracy” should be replaced with time efficiency that the  T 5000 offers, as well as foreign high-precision sniper rifles, which are now in service with, for example, the British Accuracy International and Sako TRG , and the Austrian Steyr-Mannlicher SSG 04 . But most likely the sniper complex will complement the “Russian Terminator” and will effectively will complement the full range of problems faced by the Russian special forces.

Sako TRG

Steyr-Mannlicher SSG 04

Medium Caliber Effectiveness vs Urban Targets

Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) are expected to perform two main combat missions:

• Engage light armored vehicles of the enemy using armor piercing ammunition
• Support organic infantry by fire

In today’s asymmetric battlefields including urban scenarios, the infantry needs to closely work together with their armor.

• The infantry might pinned down by enemy fire behind cover such as walls either be it brick or adobe or concrete. In this case, the IFV must be able to effectively fire through the wall and incapacitate the enemy team behind cover.

•  In order for the infantry squad to enter a suspicious building covered by walls, the IFV is neded to create an opening thru the wall for the infantry to enter the compound.

In some parts of the world a material called Adobe (not the software company… 😉 is very common in building walls.

Wikipedia defines Adobe as:

 Adobe is a natural building material made from sand, clay, water, and some kind of fibrous or organic material (sticks, straw, and/or manure), which the builders shape into bricks (using frames) and dry in the sun. Adobe buildings are similar to cob and mudbrick buildings. Adobe structures are extremely durable, and account for some of the oldest existing buildings in the world

The image below shows different calibers and types of rounds fired against a 20cm thick concrete wall.

TNO, “Capability Gap in Urban Ops”, 2012

Some information on the types of rounds fired:

FAPDS: Frangible Armor Piercing Discarding Sabot. The round breaks up upon impact with soft and hard targets. On the one hand, the projectile’s lethality is due to its penetrating power; on the other, to the effects of fragmentation. Consisting of a tungsten heavy metal alloy.

PELE: Penetrator with Enhanced Lateral Effect.
Crucial to its success is the specially engineered projectile, which combines two materials with different levels of density. Containing neither a fuse nor explosives, the round’s lethality derives from its high penetrating power coupled with fragmentation, blast and incendiary effects.

APDS: Armor Piercing Discarding Sabot.

P-ABM: Programmable Air Burst

MP: Multi Purpose

The other below shows the effects of again different calibers and types against a 80cm thick adobe wall.

TNO, “Capability Gap in Urban Ops”, 2012

Adobe Hut

Conclusions from the TNO’s study are remarkable:

Projectiles with fuze (20 to 35 mm HE & MP) are
NOT capable to defeat 80 cm Adobe wall
– Fragment debris in front of wall
– No fragment debris after the wall
NOT capable to breech

KE projectiles (25 to 35 mm APDS and APFDS) are
capable to defeat 80 cm Adobe wall
– No fragment debris in front of wall, but during flight
– No fragment debris after the wall

PABM and KETF unprogrammed are capable to defeat 40 cm Adobe
– No fragment debris in front of wall
– Fragment debris after the wall

Frangible and PELE-PEN (25 to 30mm) projectiles are
capable to defeat 80 cm Adobe wall
– No fragment debris in front of wall
– Some Fragment debris after the wall.