New in the T 14 test. Tank talk: The Ministry of Defense will receive the first production "Almaty" this year

The T-14 "Armata" tank, after modifications, entered mass production. The first batch of 16 updated vehicles will enter service with the troops before the end of the year. On May 9, the new T-14s will take part in the parade on Red Square. After this, to be tested under conditions close to combat, they will be distributed to military units located in different regions. According to experts, the Armata, with its uninhabited turret and armored capsule for the crew, is superior to all known ones. foreign analogues, including the American Abrams, French Leclerc and German Leopard 2.

By the end of the year, 12 T-14 Armata tanks and four T-16 ARVs will enter service with the troops, several sources in the Ministry of Defense told Izvestia. According to them, the serial “Armatas” differ from the previously presented experimental vehicles: after testing, a number of components and assemblies were replaced on them, and new systems also appeared.

The first production tanks will have to take part in the Victory Parade. And after the ceremonial passage along the cobblestones of Red Square, the “Armata” will be involved in military tests. 16 cars will be divided between military units located in different climatic zones.

The Uralvagonzavod corporation told Izvestia that UVZ has a contract with the Ministry of Defense for the production of Armata tanks and combat vehicles based on them, and it is strictly fulfilled.

Remote Power

Comparing the T-14 with Western models, military experts speak of superiority over the American Abrams, French Leclerc and German Leopard 2. Domestic car considered more effective and more survivable than tanks probable opponents, by 25–30%.

The main innovation of the tank is its uninhabited turret. In the Armata, the crew controls the gun remotely, located in an isolated armored capsule, which is located in the tank’s hull. The capsule allows you to save the life of the crew, making the tank more survivable on the battlefield. This solution to the layout of a combat vehicle is a new word in tank building.

It is known that the Armata has a new diesel engine with a capacity of 1.5 thousand hp. The firepower of the tank is provided by the 125-mm 2A82 cannon - in terms of technical level, as the developers say, it is 1.2 times superior to all existing tank guns. The muzzle energy of the 2A82 cannon is 1.17 times greater than the best NATO weapon - the 120-mm system of the Leopard-2A6 tank. But at the same time, the barrel length of the domestic gun is 60 cm shorter, which overall makes the tank more compact.

The tank is equipped with the Afghanit active protection complex. It creates an impenetrable “dome” around the tank, destroying automatic mode incoming anti-tank shells, bombs and missiles without the direct participation of the crew.

Tank tow truck

For Russian army"Armata" is a universal heavy tracked platform. On its basis it will be possible to produce not only tanks, but also heavy infantry fighting vehicles, engineering vehicles, heavy armored personnel carriers, tank support, reconnaissance and control vehicles.

The T-16 ARV based on the Armata, designed to evacuate damaged vehicles from the battlefield and carry out their subsequent repairs in the field, is already ready. It is equipped with a set of special equipment, such as a bulldozer blade, and differs from the existing BREM-1M in having a larger load-lifting crane, as well as a more powerful traction winch.

BREM T-16 based on "Armata"

The T-16 conning tower is located in the front part of the hull and is shifted to the left side - this is where the crew will be located. It consists of three people: a commander, a driver and an operator. The protected capsule also provides space for the crew of the evacuated tank. Behind the habitable compartment is the engine-transmission compartment, where the diesel engine and automatic reverse gearbox are located.

The ARV is not only heavily armored, but also has dynamic and electronic defense systems against guided weapons, and a mine clearance system with electromagnetic fuses. For its own defense, the T-16 is equipped with a combat module with a heavy machine gun, controlled remotely from an armored capsule.

The cold of Buryatia and the heat of the deserts

Last year, the Ministry of Defense announced that the Almaty would be tested in the Arctic. The issue of testing cars in the mountains and in desert-sandy areas, where high temperatures prevail, was also considered.

Inspection by the troops is necessary so that during operation crew members can “feel” the vehicle, military expert Sergei Suvorov told Izvestia.

Usually at this stage hidden shortcomings are discovered and design flaws come to light,” the expert noted. - Since Soviet times, all armored vehicles have been mandatory tested in different conditions- in hot climates, dusty areas and cold climates. In accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of Defense, the tank must operate stably in the temperature range from -50 to +50 degrees Celsius. For testing in cold conditions, the tanks will be sent to military units located in the north of the country or, for example, in Buryatia, where in winter the temperature often drops to the required critical levels. For heat testing Soviet times The tanks were tested in the sands of the Karakum desert, and now they are being sent to the Astrakhan region.

Serial tanks, which ultimately become the basis of armored forces, are seriously different from experimental ones, he told Izvestia. editor-in-chief magazine "Arsenal of the Fatherland" Viktor Murakhovsky.

Externally, the final version of the Armata is unlikely to be much different from the pre-production ones, noted Viktor Murakhovsky. - Mainly improvements should concern power plant, transmissions, sighting system and ammunition. A new range of ammunition will have to be developed for the tank gun, including guided, trajectory-detonating, and a number of others.

All tanks are modified in one way or another. In the USSR, as a rule, vehicle engines were seriously modernized - this primarily concerned the T-64 and T-80 tanks. So, the T-80, for example, actually received a new power plant before hitting the production line.

We present to your attention Armata tank test video. It is reported that the sights of the new T-14 Armata tactical tank can distinguish tank targets in the daytime at a distance of up to 5 kilometers. The same reports say that night sights can have a range of up to 3.5 kilometers.

In addition, it is known that the 48-ton modern Armata tank is capable of reaching speeds of 90 km per hour. The T-14 is equipped with an unmanned turret, no "exhaust device" and is designed for a crew of three, surrounded by a solid armored capsule. At the same time on Armata tank test video shows firing from a 125-mm smoothbore cannon, the rate of fire of which reaches 12 rounds per minute. The projectile's flight range reaches 11 kilometers.

Chassis.

The suspension is active, 7-roller with a variable steering mechanism. It smoothes out the vibration of the tank during movement. This allows you to reduce the target acquisition time by more than 2 times. The design of the auxiliary fuel tanks has changed in the T-14. Now they are built-in and covered with an anti-cumulative shield and armor. In addition, the tanks protect the engine because they take the blow. The exhaust of the tank's engines is produced from pipes running in the auxiliary fuel tanks. Taking into account the heat capacity of the fuel in the infrared range, the visibility of the tank is reduced.

Technical characteristics of the Armata T-14 tank

Maximum weight - 48 tons

The crew has been reduced to 3 people.

Speed on the highway - 80 - 90 km/h, on rough terrain - 70 km/h

Armor: active protection “Afganit”, armor resistance 900 mm

Military equipment

125 mm 2A82-1M smoothbore gun, controlled remotely.

Ammunition - 45 shells, range - 7 km.

The Kord anti-aircraft machine gun can also be controlled remotely.

Protection

The developers are confident that armor made from original steel can withstand a collision with any of the existing ammunition. Distinctive feature Almaty is an uninhabited tower. The crew of the vehicle is located in a special armored capsule, which allows tank crews to be guaranteed maximum protection when hit by a projectile. The capsule contains computers. This is necessary during combat operations.

It is worth talking in more detail about the active protection system. It includes masking and reflective elements. Heavy machine gun as part of the system allows it to intercept incoming projectiles. “Afganit” covers the entire front part of the vehicle’s hemisphere.

Engine.

Armata has a diesel, 12-cylinder. It is manufactured at the tractor plant in Chelyabinsk. The gearbox is automatic and has 16 speeds. It is possible to switch speed manually. The engine power range is 1200 hp. With. — 1600 l. With.

Mine protection

The bottom of the tank is V-shaped, armored, which is protection against explosions. In addition, the tank has remote mine detectors and a remote mine detonation system. When creating the tank, special materials were used that can absorb blast wave. Crew seats reduce impact load.

The Americans have already begun developing a new Abrams tank, which should become a counterweight to the Armata tank. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the main modern comparative characteristics tank data.

There are many different ways to classify tanks; they are divided depending on the tasks performed, weapons, weight, speed and layout. Many of the types of classification are clearly outdated; they are based on military doctrines dating back to the first half of the last century. IN lately It has become quite popular to divide combat vehicles into generations, although this classification is not considered indisputable.

According to the latest classification, there are four generations of tanks:

The first includes vehicles created in the 50-60s of the last century; the T-34-85, Panther, M26 General Pershing, T-54, and Centurion fell into this category.
The second generation includes cars that were released in the 60-70s: T-64, T-62, M60, M60A1, English Chieftain, Vickers Mk 1, French AMX-30, early modifications of the German Leopard.
The third generation of tanks includes vehicles that appeared after 80 of the last century: T-80, T-90, Chinese tanks Type 88 and Type 99, M1 Abrams, Challenger 1, Leopard 2.
The fourth generation of combat vehicles includes promising developments that have not yet been adopted for service. The only representative of this generation of tanks so far is Russian T-14 "Armata".

On at the moment One of the latest innovations of the Russian army is the Burlan tank.

Tank troops have been and remain the leading striking force of the Russian army. Unfortunately, it was not always possible to maintain them at the proper level. After the collapse of the USSR, the number of vehicles and personnel began to decline sharply. In the early 2000s, the main task of the military leadership of our country was the modernization of the tank fleet. Thus, based on the Armata platform, specialists created a new family of combat vehicles. T-14 was first demonstrated on May 9, 2015.

The pride of the parades and one of the most interesting exhibits at Army 2017, the T-14 tank will not soon reach the divisions. As Vyacheslav Khalitov, deputy general director of the Uralvagonzavod corporation, said in an interview with Interfax, serial deliveries are expected in a few years. The car is still undergoing preliminary tests. Meanwhile, the West is increasingly showing interest in lighter cars, so Russia risks being left out of business.

Khalitov told another very interesting thing - the T-14 tank, T-15 infantry fighting vehicle, T-16 ARV are being developed within the framework of one development work, therefore the deadline for completing the stages for all products is the same. This can only mean one thing - all three “Armata” will be put into service simultaneously, as a single link for waging a network-centric war (all machines are linked together by one program - editor’s note). This means we will have to wait for the end of testing of all three models.

T-15. Photo: GLOBAL LOOK press/Leonid Faerberg

And while the combat capabilities of the tank can still be assessed from videos from closed displays, little is known about the T-15. For example, that BMP more powerful than a tank T-90 one and a half times. And the military liked it during the tests, did not like it, were there any improvements - no comment. The same can be said about the T-16 BREM. Despite the fact that bright programs were broadcast about all the "Armata" on the "Zvezda" TV channel, they were and still are not among the troops. Unlike the same fire support combat vehicle "Terminator" or the deadly flamethrower system "Sun".

In June of this year, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said that experimental military tests of the T-14 tank would be completed next year. And two months later, Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov announced that the department would receive 100 tanks by 2020, and the contract had allegedly already been signed.

One can only assume that the car continues to be improved. So Uralvagonzavod reported that a robotic version of the Armata is currently being developed. That is, in the future the tank can transform into a combat robot. But how long will it take to improve it? And does the military need such a large and expensive tank, which is much easier to hit than the T-72B3, which is much smaller?

The T-15 also raises questions. And the most important thing is how relevant it is now fighting machine infantry with the level of protection of a tank. In theory, it can fight in the same ranks with the T-14, and its emphasis is on destroying drones and helicopters. But is such a heavy machine really needed for such purposes? Attack helicopter like "Alligator" or "Apache" is capable of coping with any type of armor, including reactive armor.

So the main supporters of network-centric warfare, the Americans, are in no hurry to create new tank, preferring to modernize the proven Abrams. And recently, as Defense News reports, the Pentagon announced a competition to create light tank. The vehicle is planned to be put into service until 2025 and used in ground brigades of the US Army. For testing, each company must provide at least 12 vehicles, which will be tested in conditions as close as possible to combat ones. The US Department of Defense first plans to purchase 26 vehicles, and then 54. It is already known that such companies as ST Kinetics, CMI Defense, BAE Systems, General Dynamics, Land Systems are participating in the competition.

M8 Armored Gun System. Photo: wikipedia.org

BAE Systems proposed an upgraded version of its M8 Buford Armored Gun System light tank, which never entered service. And CMI Defense offered to install a turret for the Cockerill Series 3105 armored personnel carrier on the new ST Kinetics tracked platform.

It turns out that the trend is not towards making tanks heavier, but vice versa. And as the experience of the war in Syria and Iraq has shown, a small vehicle is simply irreplaceable in a street battle. A small tank will squeeze into any street and pass where an infantry fighting vehicle or armored personnel carrier stops. Perhaps the Russian military still doubts whether the army needs such a number of heavy vehicles at a price of a quarter of a billion rubles each. After all, if you multiply this figure by 100, you get just some fantastic amount.

With the development of information technology, the doctrine of warfare has changed. The emphasis began to be placed not on massive strikes and concentrations of troops, but on tactical data exchange and the use of high-precision weapons.

Based on a similar concept, the United States developed the doctrine of network-centric warfare. Its key aspect is to coordinate the actions of units, exchange information in real time and effectively carry out strikes. The principles of this doctrine are adopted by other states, including Russia.

T-14 "Armata" (Armata) is a Russian main battle tank developed within the framework of the concept of network-centric warfare. Designed for action as part of a group, reconnaissance, adjustment and fire control. Significant emphasis is placed on the communication equipment of the machine.

History of development and generation of tanks

The history of the development of the Armata platform and tank is associated with the rivalry between the USA and the USSR in the creation of vehicles with an uninhabited turret. The first drawings of such projects began to be developed in the 1980s. Later they were continued by several developments - objects 195, 640 and 299.

Despite the economic difficulties of the 90s, the Russian designer managed to create the first tank focused on conducting network-centric warfare. The development was based on the creation of the universal combat platform "Armata", work on which has been carried out since 2009.

For its design, the developments of previous experienced tanks and combat vehicles. The peculiarity of the new platform was wide range its application. The modular system made it possible to supplement it with the necessary weapons in accordance with the specifics of the order.

Taking into account the versatility of the platform, the T-14 Armata turret is made uninhabited with automated weapons control. The crew itself is completely moved to the control compartment in the bow of the hull.

This arrangement provided the crew with additional protection. This aspect solves two problems at the same time - it increases the efficiency of the crew, who feel their “invulnerability” and protects trained professionals, whose value has become equal to the cost of the tank itself.

Also, when developing the Armata tank, the increased importance of infantry formations armed with modern anti-tank weapons was taken into account. missile systems. In this context, the concept of a single tank is considered obsolete. In the new concept of combat, the emphasis is placed on tactical units of several combat vehicles.

Taking this factor into account, the universal platform “Armata” was created. The T-14 developed on its basis performs the function of reconnaissance and coordination of actions with other tactical level vehicles. This does not reduce the combat characteristics of the tank, but it changes the conditions for its use in battle.

The name of the platform and tank has nothing to do with the armada. The name of the first Russian cannons of the 14th century is based on the Latin root arma, translated as “weapon”.

First demonstration

The first prototypes of equipment on the Armata platform were presented in 2013 at the international exhibition Russia Arms Expo in Nizhny Tagil. Two years later, several variants of military equipment were shown at the Victory Parade on May 9, 2015. It was then that the T-14 was presented as a promising modern tank.

Design of the T-14 tank

The design of the T-14 tank has several key features that distinguish it from modern analogues. Taking into account the versatility of the platform and modular assembly, the layout of the machine has been changed. Greater emphasis is placed on automation of the warhead and crew safety. Taking these aspects into account, the design of the tank is built.

"Armata" is equipped with a tank information and control system (TIUS). It provides automated control of machine components and assemblies. Any malfunctions are reported to the crew. Also this system determines which breakdowns need to be repaired first.

Armored capsule and uninhabited tower

The main problem of many tanks was finding ammunition along with the crew. This created a threat of its death if it was hit by a cumulative projectile; in this case, even a technically sound tank would fail.

Development of automated feeding of projectiles into a gun was carried out in many countries. The difficulty was in supplying ammunition when changing the position of the turret and the angle of fire. The trial mechanisms showed their unreliability, which is why many crews foreign tanks the loader is still present, although the ammunition itself is stored separately from the crew.

Russian developers managed to optimize this process, making it more reliable. Thanks to this middle part the hull and turret became uninhabited, and the ammunition was securely isolated from the crew. The latter has been moved to the front with its own armor separating it from the rest of the tank.

The turret armor consists of two layers - the main protection and the anti-fragmentation casing. The latter protects the devices from bullets, shrapnel and high-explosive shells. It also provides the vehicle with radar stealth and protection against radiomagnetic pulses. Part of the gun's ammunition is stored in the rear of the turret. Additional power for the machine gun is also located here. All charging is automated.

The T-14 armored capsule provides reliable protection for the crew and electronic equipment from cumulative and fragmentation shells. Survival is also ensured in the event of detonation of ammunition or fuel tanks. They are also insulated with armored partitions and have knock-out hatches that direct the force of the explosion away from the crew.

Phased array radar

Radar protection (radar) T-14 "Armata" is part of the "Afganit" system. Its key feature is the use of an active phased array radar (AFAR), made by analogy with developments for the Su-57 fighters. The technology is based on the use of low-temperature ceramics in the Ka-band 26.5-40 GHz (LTCC).

Structurally, the radar is placed on the tower in four panels, protected by a fragmentation shield. Their arrangement provides a 360-degree view without rotation. According to preliminary data, Armata is capable of detecting up to 40 ground and 25 air dynamic targets simultaneously.

The target detection radius is considered controversial. Sources indicate a coverage of 100 km. It is known that there was an attempt to reduce the radar power, but in the end it was decided to leave it as is. It was this aspect that predetermined the role of the T-14 in the tactical level - reconnaissance and target designation for firing by other vehicles.

In addition to the phased array radar, there are two radars for detecting targets on short distances. Their work is focused on detecting projectiles and targets when the main radar is turned off.

Active protection "Afghanite"

The Afghanit active defense complex is a radar recognition of threats and targets. Includes the following features and functions:

automatic rotation of the turret towards the approaching projectile, which exposes the most protected frontal part to attack;
opening return fire to protect the vehicle and nearby equipment, controlling a machine gun to shoot incoming shells;
protection against electronic warfare and detection;
providing stealth camouflage due to thermal insulation of the body and reducing radar visibility;
creation of smoke-metal curtains to protect nearby infantry, including landing on the vehicle body, electronic destruction of incoming guided missiles.

Given the range of the Afghanit radars, comprehensive protection is used both to repel threats and to coordinate and launch retaliatory strikes, including preventive measures. This aspect is relevant for actions as part of a tactical unit.

Layout

The T-14 "Armata" has a classic layout adjusted for crew accommodations. The design is divided into three parts:

in the front there is an armored capsule with three crew members and all equipment for controlling the vehicle;
the main ammunition is stored in the middle part, and the mechanism for feeding shells into the turret is also located here;
in the aft part there is traditionally an engine-transmission compartment with fuel tanks.

The uninhabited turret of the Armata tank communicates with its middle part. It has its own division; part of the ammunition is located in the rear part. The main radars, weapons, surveillance and guidance devices are also located here.

Protection

"Armata" has a combined complex protection in several levels. In addition to the Afghanit system, capable of repelling threats on approach, there is the Malachite complex. The operating principle of the latter is designed for the preemptive detonation of approaching projectiles.

Such a system protects the tank from armor-piercing shells, light RPG missiles and heavy anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM). Emphasis is also placed on protecting nearby infantry from ammunition detonation, as well as reducing the likelihood of blinding surveillance and targeting devices.

Passive protection of the T-14 hull is represented by the following elements:

frontal protection based on composite materials, according to unconfirmed data, is capable of withstanding hits from ATGMs with a caliber of up to 150 mm and armor-piercing finned sabot projectiles (BOPS) up to 120 mm;
internal armored fences isolating compartments in the event of hit and detonation of fuel tanks and ammunition.

Anti-cumulative screens are used primarily on the tower. They are also provided for fuel tanks, providing them with additional armor.

Mine protection

The Armata's mine protection is represented by two key aspects: a V-shaped armored bottom and remote mine detectors. The latter are connected to the remote mine destruction system. The explosion is carried out due to distortion magnetic field tank.

The V-shaped bottom is complemented by energy-absorbing materials (closed-cell aluminum foam) and special mine-resistant seats. The design of the latter makes it possible to significantly reduce shock wave and the load on the crew both from explosions and from movement on an uneven surface.

Missile defense

The missile defense of the T-14 "Armata" is represented by three stages:

the Afghanit active protection complex ensures interception of projectiles, suppression of their control, and destruction;
dynamic protection "Malachite" ensures the reflection and destruction of projectiles of various calibers at close range;
The tank's own armor protects against hits from ammunition that has passed the first two levels.

Information about the tank's ability to withstand hits from modern guided munitions does not yet have accurate data. According to experts, the frontal armor of the vehicle, even without dynamic protection, cannot be penetrated by the best NATO ATGMs. Many Western analysts also believe that the Armata's armor is capable of withstanding hits from the most modern anti-aircraft weapons. tank shells.

Stealth technologies

The Armata's invisibility technology is represented by the following aspects:

thermal insulation coating of the body on the inside;
system for mixing exhaust gases with cold air;
flat reflective edges in the hull design reduce radar signature;
painting the tank reduces heat from the sun and ensures absorption of radar waves;
There is a magnetic field distortion system.

All these factors significantly reduce the radar, infrared and magnetic signature of the Armata. In a number of cases, the identification of the T-14 as a tank or combat vehicle is excluded.

Engine and transmission

The Armata is equipped with a twelve-cylinder X-shaped four-stroke diesel engine with a 12N360 turbocharger. The power of the power plant is switchable and can correspond to one of three indicators - 1200, 1500 or 1800 hp. With.

The use of a four-stroke engine improved fuel efficiency, which increased the march range without refueling. The vehicle's service life has increased, it starts more easily at low temperatures, and requires less air for blowing, which reduces the tank's infrared signature. If necessary, the engine can be replaced within 30 minutes.

The Armata gearbox is automatic, with the option of manual shifting. There are 16 gears in total, eight each for forward and reverse.

Crew

The crew of the T-14 "Armata" consists of three people: a commander, a driver and a gunner. All three are located in the front part, in an armored capsule. The design of the tank, its layout, external and internal protection provide a high probability of crew survival even in the event of the loss of the vehicle itself.

Suspension

The Armata tank uses active suspension, which provides it with a significant advantage over previous generations of vehicles. Unlike uncontrolled hydropneumatic and torsion bar suspensions, the active one, due to sensors, takes into account uneven terrain and independently commands the suspension system to vertically shift the rollers.

This principle of operation allows the machine to adapt to uneven terrain. Accordingly, the smooth running of the tank is ensured, speed is maintained, and the accuracy of target designation and shooting in motion is increased.

Maximum speed

The Armata tank, with its weight, is capable of reaching a speed of 80-90 km/h on the highway, and its range is 500 km. On rough terrain, the speed is reduced to 45-60 km/h. The power reserve in this case depends on the soil and the complexity of the terrain.

Dimensions and weight

The technical characteristics of the Armata tank in terms of dimensions have the following indicators:

body length - 8.7 m;
total length with the gun facing forward - 10.8 m;
body width - 3.5 m;
height - 2.7 m;
track width - 2.8 m.

The weight of the Armata tank in tons is 48-55 tons, information varies depending on different sources. The specific pressure on the ground, taking into account the mass, is 0.775 kilograms per cubic centimeter.

Armament

Despite the concept of using the T-14 for reconnaissance and coordination of a tank unit, the Armata’s own weapons correspond to the parameters of the main battle tank. IN this issue The following aspects are highlighted:

125 mm gun 2A82-1M;
machine guns "Kord" and PKTM.

The guns and machine guns are guided by a fire control system (FCS). The ballistic computer makes the necessary calculations using the following parameters:

determining the tank’s own position using the GLONASS receiver and inertial navigation system;
gyroscopic calculation of the tank’s position based on its angular orientation in space;
calculation of wind direction and speed;
determination of air temperature and humidity;
taking into account barrel curvature during heating.

All sensors are located on the roof of the tank. Taken together, the system allows you to automatically calculate the necessary parameters. Many experts agree that this operating principle makes weapons control more similar to computer game, rather than actually controlling a combat vehicle.

Smoothbore 125 mm gun 2A82-1M

Armata tanks are equipped with 2A82-1M smoothbore guns with a caliber of 125 mm. Their range is 7 km, rate of fire is 10-12 rounds per minute. By technical specifications such guns are 17% superior to the best NATO tank guns in terms of muzzle energy and 20% in terms of accuracy.

The supply of ammunition is automatic. It is possible to load the gun with projectiles a meter long, which allows the use of high-power sub-caliber armor-piercing ammunition. The gun's total ammunition capacity is 45 rounds, but its staffing has not yet been approved.

If necessary, 2A83 guns of 152 mm caliber can be installed on Armata tanks. This weapon has the ability to penetrate armor equivalent to up to 1000 mm, which significantly exceeds the protection of modern NATO tanks. Given the power of such a gun, there is no need for armor-piercing shells - the kinetic energy of the fired ammunition is enough to tear off the entire turret of any tank.

Taking into account this factor, the installation of these guns is still considered inappropriate. This makes the T-14 upgradeable if necessary to enhance the firepower of a tank unit. The probable reduction in the ammunition capacity of the new gun is also taken into account - to increase it it is planned to use a turret niche.

Reflex-M missiles

In addition to standard tank shells, the T-14 can hit targets with Reflex-M solid-fuel anti-tank guided missiles. They are capable of hitting almost any highly protected surface, ground and low-flying targets.

The charging of these missiles is carried out according to a tandem scheme. The leading part is designed to overcome the dynamic protection of the target. The main charge is aimed at penetrating armor and directly defeating vehicles or pillboxes. The projectile's flight path is a helical line.

If necessary, the tank can use a version of the rocket with a thermobaric warhead. Such shells are designed to destroy enemy personnel, engineering structures and lightly armored vehicles.

PKTM machine gun

The Kalashnikov tank modernized machine gun (PKTM) on the T-14 is paired with a gun. Caliber - 7.62 mm. There is no information yet about the ammunition load. Designed primarily to defeat infantry and lightly armored targets.

Machine gun "Kord" for destroying enemy shells and missiles

The Kord machine gun plays a role anti-aircraft installation tank and its air defense. Integrated with active protection tank. It has its own robotic turret, thermal imagers and AFAR radar, thanks to which it is capable of hitting even high-speed targets at a distance of 1.5 kilometers. Designed primarily to destroy shells and missiles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Taking into account the design and performance characteristics of the T-14, the following advantages of the new tank are highlighted:

crew protection, improved protection of the vehicle itself and its components;
high firepower, firing accuracy;
high speed and smooth ride on rough terrain, taking into account how much the tank weighs;
invisibility of the machine in various ways detection;
high range of detection and destruction of targets;
a resource for further modernization of the tank, including increasing firepower.

Many characteristics and indicators remain unconfirmed or classified. However, the available data confirms the exceptional position of the Armata among modern tanks. At the same time, attention is also paid to the shortcomings of the T-14.

The main questions are raised by the decision to transfer the crew to an armored capsule. This increases its security, but does not allow visibility from the tower. Accordingly, the role of optical technology increases, which creates special requirements for its protection from damage and blinding.

Another disadvantage is the cost of a new tank. Even in mass production, its assembly costs about 250-350 million rubles, which casts doubt mass release such tanks for the army, as well as the likelihood of their production for export.

Despite the inconsistency and inaccuracy of a number of aspects, the project is assessed positively. Western military analysts point to the design understanding of Russian developers of the modern concept of combat operations. The creation of the Armata demonstrates a transition from the quantity of equipment used to the quality combat capability of small tactical groups.

Comparison of Armata with other tanks

Comparing the T-14 with modern tanks, Western experts agree that Armata belongs to the next generation. There are a number of advantages and developments that are combined for the first time in the design of one machine.

Thus, an AFAR radar capable of calculating the position of a shot based on an approaching projectile is also available in Israeli tank"Merkava". However, the latter does not have the ability to reflect ammunition, and its frontal armor is weaker. Taking into account the location of the engine in the front part of the hull, penetration of the frontal protection is almost guaranteed to disable such a vehicle.

British experts also express concerns about the ability of their own vehicles to engage in confrontation with the Armata. The current Challenger 2 is not capable of penetrating the armor of the T-14, which requires its urgent replacement.

The German Ministry of Defense put forward a similar assessment of Armata. According to his assessment, Leopard-2 is not capable of penetrating the armor of the T-14. Based on this aspect, a Franco-German concern was created to jointly develop a new modern tank.

Chinese developers are confident that their VT-4 is superior to the Armata, although they point to the better transmission of the T-14. At the same time, the government is considering the possibility of purchasing Russian tanks.

There are no official statements from the United States, however, according to experts and various news publications, the American Abrams is also inferior to the Armata in a number of parameters. An opinion is expressed about its modernization and its ability to be the first to detect the enemy, which increases its chances of survival.

Participation in exercises

The Armata tank has not yet taken part in large-scale exercises or combat operations. Since December 31, 2018, it has been undergoing state tests. Taking into account its cost, the initial purchase orders of the Russian Ministry of Defense were reduced. So far we are talking about assembling 132 vehicles, which include the T-15 infantry fighting vehicle.

Despite the absence of exercises using T-14, performance characteristics and design features"Armata" today form new requirements for the next generation tanks:

on rough terrain must be maintained good speed and accuracy of mobile shooting;
AFAR radar for detecting threats is becoming a mandatory attribute of modern technology;
the tank must be equipped with stealth technologies to reduce visibility, including creating jamming and dynamically changing signatures;
previous smoke screens are not capable of hiding a vehicle in the infrared and radar range, which requires the creation of new opaque multispectral screens;
the active protection of the tank must be able to defeat guided missiles and armor-piercing sub-caliber projectiles;
the anti-aircraft machine gun is also becoming obsolete, instead the emphasis is shifting in favor of robotic installations capable of knocking down objects high speed movements;
the tank's armament should include electromagnetic means of combat, at least against guided missiles;
the frontal armor of the tank must correspond to an equivalent thickness of 1000 mm;
the vehicle's reactive armor must repel attacks from hand-held grenade launchers and heavy anti-tank missiles with tandem warheads;
To significantly damage a tank, it is no longer enough to break through its turret; a significant impact force is required;
ammunition designed to damage the crew with shrapnel becomes ineffective in the presence of an armored capsule.

In the context of similar descriptions and requirements put forward by the development and testing of the T-14, it is expected that other states will actively begin to develop new generation tanks. Whether "Armata" will remain competitive after the appearance of analogues in other countries - time will tell.

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Interesting comments on the material on “Armata” in A. Khlopotov’s bogey:

Uralvagonzavod is ready to create a new tank on the Armata platform... well, of course!

Having dropped out of the news agenda dedicated to Russian tanks for some time, today I was catching up when I suddenly came across an unexpected revelation from Uralvagonzavod. Back on August 22, the RT channel published a material with the headline “Uralvagonzavod is ready to create a new tank on the Armata platform.” It’s short, so I’ll quote it in full here:
"The Uralvagonzavod corporation announced its readiness to create a new heavy tank on the Armata platform with a 152-mm cannon. TASS reports this with reference to the UVZ press service. According to a representative of the corporation, confirmation from the customer is required to start work. “The technical basis for creating a tank on the Armata platform with a cannon of increased muzzle energy is available. The decision is up to the customer – the Russian Ministry of Defense,” said the agency’s interlocutor. Currently, the Russian army is testing T-14 Armata tanks with 125 mm guns."

How did I miss it then?! Here's the thing, many said that UVZ is already working on such a tank. More more people assured that changing the gun on the T-14, replacing the 125-mm 2A82 with a six-inch 2A83, was a piece of cake. In turn, I constantly, over and over again repeated and repeated that installing a 125-mm cannon on a promising Russian tank is a mistake, and even more often I said that it was easy, " little blood", changing the 125-mm combat module to a 152-mm combat module on the T-14 will not work. Such work will, in fact, lead to the creation of a new tank. And voila, finally my words have received official confirmation. UVZ admitted that the rearmament " Almaty" with a caliber of 152 millimeters, will indeed require the creation of an essentially new tank.
For UVZ, and especially for UKBTM, this is an extremely profitable idea. They have already partially spent the money received for the T-14. At the same time, they issued a tank, which turned out to be unnecessary for the Ministry of Defense. And, lo and behold, the designers were not at all to blame for this! They actually fulfilled the customer’s technical specifications quite punctually. But what place did that same customer think?
By the way, I won’t be surprised that no one in the Ministry of Defense and the Government of the Russian Federation will suffer any punishment for the billions thrown away. They’ll stupidly write off the money as OCD and start new job. They'll cut even more.
Well, as for the technical basis, yes, it really exists - it has not gone away since the days of the T-95. We lost 8 years during which we could produce a heavy tank destroyer with a 152mm cannon - so that’s nonsense - no one attacked Russia during this time... Now, if we order it, we’ll spend 10-15 years... K Unfortunately, the existing socio-economic formation does not contribute to the real strengthening of defense capability. Our priority now is to earn money and transfer it abroad, to the accounts of LLC beneficiaries." Russian Federation", rather than a real concern for the safety and well-being of citizens.