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Transcript of Arms
he upcoming event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which
takes place on 19th of April, will be conducted in the wake
of Defense Service Asia Exhibition 2008, that is consid-
ered to be one of the world's top 5 Defense and Security
exhibitions and firmly remains the Asia Pacific region's
most vital procurement hub for Defense and Security. 712 compa-
nies from 49 countries participated at the 11th Defense Services Asia
Exhibition and Conference DSA 2008 in Kuala Lumpur, showcasing
their products and technology for the Army, Navy, Air Force as well
as the security and homeland enforcement agencies. The Malaysian
government signed a total of US $360 million of contracts with local
and foreign companies and agencies.
The Russian Federation traditionally has wide participation
in the DSA exhibitions. Last DSA 2008 Russian defense prod-
ucts of more than 490 types were put on display as a common
exhibition representing 17 enterprises, among them such world-
known arms manufacturers as the Almaz-Antei missile develop-
er, the Oboronnye Sistemy (Defence Systems), Uralvagonzavod,
and Izhmash. The Russian delegation was led by Mikhail Petukhov,
Deputy Director of the Federal Service for Military and Technical
Cooperation.
The Russian Federation put on view a broad spectrum of prod-
ucts of military purpose for all arms and services, including the lat-
est products of development studies in the field of land military
vehicles: the missile and gun tank T-90S, the armored repair
and recovery vehicle BREM-1M and highly mobile versatile GAZ-
39371 Vodnik designed to install functional modules for the trans-
portation of people and loads in heavy-going areas.
The hosters expect over 700 companies from more than 40 coun-
tries to be exhibited their products. More than 25,000 trade visitors
from over 60 countries/nations are forecasted to be present.
According to the Russian plans in the light of arms export,
Moscow plans to export $9–$10 billion worth of arms annually over
the coming years. Russia's combat aircraft accounted for some 50%
of exports followed by anti-aircraft systems and navy weaponry
and equipment.
Malaysia remains Russia's main customer. It is among the targets
of a marketing blitz aimed at winning new friends as well as to
restore defense industries. Already equipped with Russian fighter
jets, Kuala Lumpur is believed to be considering other acquisitions
from Russia, ranging from battlefield tanks to submarines and mis-
sile batteries.
Salamat Datang, Russia!
DSA 2010: LIVE UP TO EXPECTATIONS
T
Anton CHERNOVEditor-in-Chief of “ARMS” Magazine
C O N T E N T S2(52).2010
EDITORIAL STAFF
Editor-in-Chief of “Arms” MagazineAnton Chernov
Editor-in-Chief of “Arsenal” MagazineEduard Voitenko
Editor-in-Chief of “Airfleet” MagazineAlexander Gudko
Editor-in-Chief of “World Airshows” MagazineSvetlana Komagorova
EditorsAlexander Velovich, Viktor Murakhovskiy,Yaroslav Parkhomenko
DESIGN AND LAYOUTArt-DirectorAl'vina Kirillova
DesignersAlexander Strelyaev, Alexander Cheredaiko
Layout DesignerElena Shishova
GRAPHIC ARTSPhotoV. Kuzmin, V. Belogrud
PUBLISHING HOUSEDirector GeneralEvgeny Osipov
Deputy Director GeneralAlexander Kiryanov, Vyacheslav Schesnovich
Marketing Directorof “Arsenal” and “Arms” MagazinesValery Parshin
Deputy Marketing DirectorDmitriy Semenov
Projects ManagerYana Zhvirbo
IT SupportPavel Chernyak
OFFICE IN ST PETERSBURGDeputy Director General, Head of OfficeOleg Perevoschikov
Deputy Director GeneralViktor Mozgovoy
Deputy Head of OfficeMikhail Kybalny
Commercial DirectorSergey Baydak
Development DirectorStanislav Zhigimont
Circulation: 8000
The magazine is registered in the Committee for Press of the Russian Federation. Certificate № 016692 as of 20.10.1997. Certificate № 77-15450 as of 19.05.2003.Any material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the pub-lisher. The editorial staff’s opinion does not necessarily coincide with that of the authors. Advertisers bear re-sponsibility for the content of provided materials.
ARMS, 2010ADDRESSP.O. Box 77, Moscow, 125057, RussiaTel.: + 7 495 626-52-11Fax.: + 7 499 151-61-50E-mail: [email protected]
Office 1V, 2/6, Moskovsky prospect,Saint Petersburg, 190031, RussiaTel./fax: +7 812 310-61-46E-mail: [email protected]
www.interarms.ru
WEAPONS
20 Unified Fire
Control System for
Armoured Vehicles
NAVY
10 Russian Fleet
Submarine Forces'
Challenging Tasks
AIR DEFENSE
32 Upgraded ZU-23
Anti-Aircraft Mount
MEDICAL SUPPORT
4 Russian-Malaysian Military
Cooperation Promises
Bright Future
EXHIBITIONS
6 Tactical Level Battlefield
Medicine
14 From Peter the Great's
epoch of cannons
made of bronze up to
cutting-edge space
technology
24 Night Vision
Equipment:
From Generation
to Generation
36 Buk Air Defense
Missile System:
Old Friends are Best
LAND FORCES
42 Russian light
multirole Armored
Vehicles
p. 10
p. 24
p. 32
p. 42
EXHIBITIONS
4 ● ARMS Defence Technologies Review
he history of the bilat-
eral relations between
Russia and Malaysia
starts in 1966 when
the first direct con-
tacts between representatives
of the Soviet Union and Malaysia
took place in Moscow in September.
Later on, in the wake of the con-
tacts in Moscow, Malaysia hosted
a meeting in March 1967. As far as
the first agreements are concerned,
an intergovernmental agreement
on air communications was signed
in 1969, after that Aeroflot, then
Soviet Union Airlines, established
a direct link between Moscow
and Kuala Lumpur. The same year
saw the first Soviet trade and in-
dustrial exhibition held in Malaysia.
An important event in bilateral rela-
tions happened in 1972, when Prime
Minister Abdul Razak of Malaysia
paid his first official visit to the USSR
to sign economic-and-technical
and cultural-and-scientific cooper-
ation agreements.
The nowadays history is marked
by the visits of Prime Minister
Mahathir Mohamad to Russia in 1987
and 2002, as well as his working
visits to Khabarovsk and Ulan-Ude
in 1999. In 2007 Prime Minister
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi hold ne-
gotiations with Russian Federation
President Vladimir Putin concerning
space and defense cooperation, en-
ergy partnership and bilateral trade.
Regarding the visits of some
Russian high ranking officials,
the visit of the Russian President
Vladimir Putin in July 2003 became
a landmark event in bilateral rela-
tions where their effectiveness was
concerned. Noteworthy that the vis-
it was postponed one time. Due
to the terrorist attack in Tushino
(Moscow district) in June of 2003,
the visit was canceled. The Malaysian
authorities fully understood the de-
cision of then President V. Putin.
It once again proves the importance
of the development of cooperation
between two countries.
The most dynamic component
of Russian-Malaysian economic rela-
tions is cooperation in the aerospace
sphere. It is no wonder that the first
breakthrough took place in 1994
when the first 18 MiG-29 fighters
were delivered. That deal marked
the breakthrough of Russia to
the South-Asian market and showed
that not all countries would follow
the United States after the collapse
of the Soviet Union.
Currently the two countries have
been developing the $900 million
worth project on acquiring 18 Russian
serial Su-30MKM Flanker-C fighters
(six of them were delivered in October
2008). The Su-30MKM fighter is very
similar to a Su-30MKI version which
is delivered to India. However the dif-
ferences are that the Su-30MKM fight-
er is not equipped with Israeli avion-
ics, has thrust vectoring nozzle, ca-
nard surfaces and a phased array an-
tenna radar.
The chose of Su-30MKM Flanker-C
fighters does not mean that Malaysia
has not considered MiG-29 as a up-
to-date fighter. The decision to pur-
chase 18 Sukhoi jets shows the inten-
tion to increase the sector of its de-
fense as the Fulcrums well provide
closer sector. The task of the Flankers
to enhance Malaysia's strategic capa-
bilities to defend.
The Russia-Malaysia project is al-
so a unique one, as all Russian gov-
ernmental bodies, such as Ministry
of Defense, Defense Export State
Corporation Rosoboronexport,
Joint- Stock Com pany Sukhoi
Design Bureau etc. were involved
into the fulfillment of the project.
A very important role of it belongs
to the Russian President. So huge
participation of the state bodies pro-
ceeded from the competitors, who al-
so took part in the tender. First of all it
was an American fighter, F/A–18E/D.
The success of the Russian com-
panies on the Malaysian market is
RUSSIAN-MALAYSIAN MILITARY RUSSIAN-MALAYSIAN MILITARY COOPERATION PROMISES BRIGHT FUTURECOOPERATION PROMISES BRIGHT FUTURE
T
EXHIBITIONS
2(52).2010 ● 5
also stipulated by the verity of mil-
itary hardware, some Russian enter-
prises are able to offer, and creation
of some service centers, in particu-
lar for Su-30MKM Flanker-C.
The bilateral cooperation can
be assessed as good and the ten-
dency of the future development
offers great opportunities. In 2001
Malaysia bought the “Metis”anti-
tank system and in 2002 the “Igla”
air-defense system.
As far as future-oriented projects
are concern, it is necessary to men-
tion the interest of purchasing
the Be-200 and multipurpose am-
phibious aircraft and Be-103, a sea-
plane. Both designed by the Beriev
Aircraft Company and manufac-
tured by Irkut. The high perform-
ances of these planes were tested
by Indonesia in 2006, when the au-
thorities decided to rent the Be-200
aircraft for one year, by Azerbaijan
EMERCOM, that purchased one
Be-200 and by Greece. The latter or-
dered five planes of this type.
Besides, Malaysia is interested
in the Russian combat ships and pur-
chasing of some modern tanks T-90.
Rosoboronexport actively par-
ticipates in tenders for the sup-
ply of BTR-90 APC, the “Vodnik”
and “Vystrel” 4-wheel drive armored
vehicles and the “Avtobaza-M” ra-
dio-electronic surveillance system.
Malaysia expresses interest in the
Russian transport helicopters, Mi-
26MT, Mi-171 and Mi-17, as well as
in some anti-aircraft systems, such
as BUK-M2E and Igla.
In conclusion I'd like to men-
tion that apart of pure military co-
operation, Russia and Malaysia ac-
tively seek collaboration in com-
mercial space reclamation, de-
velopment of scientific and tech-
nical cooperation in the sphere
of advanced technologies, air-
craft and shipping development
as well as realization of investment
projects in Malaysia oriented to lo-
cal markets and Third Word coun-
tries, first of all the ASEAN countries,
realization of investment projects
in Russia and cooperated promo-
tion in markets of Third World
countries.
Anton Chernov
MEDICAL SUPPORT
6 ● ARMS Defence Technologies Review
n modern hi-tech wars,
soldiers die and are
getting wounded just
as at the time of the
Roman legions. There
is a continuous competition for sol-
dier lives between lethal weapon-
ry and survival kits on the battle-
field. The key role is played by mili-
tary medicine.
Progress in military medicine is
obvious. During World War II, the le-
thal outcome among wounded men
in the Red Army was 5.7%. 40 years
later, during the Afghan war, it de-
creased to 3.4%. 10 more years lat-
er, during the counter terrorist op-
erations in Chechnya, the lethal out-
comes compounded 1.2%. Such re-
sults were achieved owing to the de-
velopment of medical technologies as
a whole and closer attention to tacti-
cal level medical support of the troops.
For a wounded soldier the first 30
minutes are known to be crucial. This
is the time when most of the wound-
ed men die. That is why the improve-
ment in medical support at the tacti-
cal level is a key element for the sol-
diers’ survival on the battlefield.
There are three major aspects here.
First: how soon the wounded are
found on the battlefield and evacu-
IThe armored first-aid medical
vehicle is designed and equipped for setting up mobile dressing posts and rendering first aid in the combat zone.
The MT-LBu multipurpose track-ed armored personnel carrier, used as the baseline chassis, provides cross-country mobility, river cross-ing and protection of its crew against bullets and shell fragments.
Medical equipment and instru-ments, a stock of medicines and dressing materials are housed by the compartment of 8 m³ in the front part of the vehicle. Fold-back seats for the transportation of the lightly
wounded are fixed in it. Three lay-ers of stretchers with the critically wounded can be fixed there.
A special tent is set up opposite the rear door at the stern of the vehicle at the halt and is used as a wound-dressing compartment in the field conditions. When mobile the tent is transported in the bas-kets arranged on both sides of the vehicle.
The vehicle is equipped with the air filtration and climate con-trol units and a potable water tank. The portable 5kW AC diesel gen-erator is used to maintain self-con-tained power supply of the vehicle.
TACTICAL LEVEL TACTICAL LEVEL BATTLEFIELD MEDICINEBATTLEFIELD MEDICINE
MEDICAL SUPPORT
2(52).2010 ● 7
ated to the place where medical as-
sistance is rendered.
Second: immediate rendering
of basic medical assistance when the
person is wounded in order to stabi-
lize him or her and prevent the lethal
outcome.
Third: getting qualified medical
assistance to the battlefield and its
organization on the battalion level.
SEARCH AND EVACUATION
OF WOUNDED PERSONNEL
Nowadays search and detection
of the wounded have not changed
for the last several hundred years: vi-
sual observation and terrain comb-
ing. However, those methods are get-
ting ineffective as a theater of mod-
ern warfare is enlarged in scale, in-
creased in pace of combat and ri-
val armies are saturated with cut-
ting edge equipment. It is extreme-
ly difficult to search for the uncon-
scious wounded in combat vehicles,
urbanized areas and cross-country
terrain, etc.
Due to the entered-in-service ad-
vanced outfit kits as well as personal
radio sets the acuteness of the search
and rescue problem has slightly dis-
solved. However, in case of a sharp
pain shock, contusion conjugated
with loop of speech and hearing, as
well as unconscious condition a sol-
dier is not able to report on his or her
being wounded. That is why experts
suggest every soldier be equipped
with an “emergency button”. When
pushed, it brings into action a GPS
beacon which transmits the coordi-
nates of a wounded soldier.
Nowadays some outfit-in-built
systems, that are able automatical-
ly register physiological parameters
of a soldier, are under research. Such
systems are able to detect that a sol-
dier has been hit and transmit a sig-
nal to a relevant combat and combat
support network.
The detection of a wounded sol-
dier is only the first stage of casual-
ty evacuation (casevac). It is neces-
sary to whisk the casualty away from
the enemy fire to the nearest shel-
ter where a soldier can receive first
aid. Based on the Chechen Counter
Terrorist War experience, ad-hoc ri-
flemen/medics were commissioned
to a platoon level to search for
and evacuate casualties from the
battlefield. When necessary, special
search groups headed by a medic
or paramedic were organized. When
first aid had been rendered, the ca-
sualties were transfered to the shel-
ters where they could be protected
against direct fire of the enemy (the
so-called “nests of the wounded”. It
could be a trench, a wall, a basement
etc.), and then they were casevaced
by a combat or a medical vehicle to
the next stage of casevac.
Stretchers of various types were
used for foot evacuation. The wound-
ed were often dragged under enemy
fire. The special SH-4 stretches were
designed to evacuate the wounded
from combat vehicles.
In the future, it will be possible to
use remote control or self-contained
vehicles for casevac under fire such
as the BigDog quadruped robot de-
veloped by Boston Dynamics.
BММ and GAZ-59039 special-
ized armored medical vehicles, GTS
and MTLB tracked carriers, APCs
and IFVs are equipped and used for
casevac from ‘nests of the wound-
ed’ to the places where the first aid
would be rendered in the imme-
diate rear area (regimental or bri-
gade level).
At further stages of casevac, Mi-8
helicopters and An-72 and Il-76
“Scalpel” airborne hospitals would be
widely used.
FIRST AID EQUIPMENT
As was mentioned above, it is ex-
tremely important to render medical
aid within the first 30 minutes after
a soldier was got wounded to reduce
the possibility of the lethal outcome.
The GAZ-59039 (BMM) ar mo red multipurpose amphibious medical vehicle is used for search, collection and evacuation of the wounded on a battlefield and rendering them first aid during their transportation. It operates under various weather conditions on inaccessible terrain during day and night.
The vehicle is equipped with a special set of the medi-cal equipment. It consists of the
racks designed for fixation of the stretchers and medical equipment, safe, a tank for potable water, a washstand (a tap is controlled by elbows), a water tank with a bleed valve, a six-man seat with fastened belts. The fully loaded BMM weights 13.6 tons, is manned by three men, seven men can be placed in the medical compart-ment and two on the stretchers on the roof of a vehicle.
MEDICAL SUPPORT
8 ● ARMS Defence Technologies Review
If we could make some minor chang-
es in our common soldier medical
skills training, we could improve the
survival rate of 15–20 percent of all
battlefield deaths.
Based on the experience in the
Chechen War on Terrorism, it is ob-
vious that wounds of extremities
(63.1%) and head (24.4%) dominate
among all the wounds due to the
peculiarities of operations in urban-
ized areas, numerous snipers used
by the enemy and use of body armor
by personnel.
Heavy wounds totaled 25%. In ac-
cordance with the type of projectile
they are subdivided as follows:
■ 38% of gunshot wounds;
■ 58% of shell fragment wounds;
■ 4% of explosive wounds.
Most of the deaths on the battle-
field are caused by:
■ fatal trauma — 56%;
■ fatal hemorrhage — 28%;
■ Damage of vitals — 16%.
Statistical analysis of battlefield
deaths during the US Army opera-
tions in Iraq and Afghanistan showed
that soldiers die from the following
wounds:
■ penetrating head trauma — 31%;
■ uncorrectable torso trauma —
25%;
■ potentially correctable torso trau-
ma — 10%;
■ hemorrhage from extremity
wounds — 9%;
■ mutilating blast trauma — 7%;
■ tension pneumothorax (collapsed
lung under pressure) 5%.
Modern conflicts show that it is
necessary to improve medical train-
ing of troops and beef up individual
medical kits (for example, AI1 first-aid
individual medical kit and AV troops
first-aid kit) and group medical sets
(for example, Tactical Medical Kit).
In particular, self-tightening bandag-
es, new sets of stemming of the flow
of blood, etc are needed. It is neces-
sary to develop remote diagnostics
aids integrated into automated com-
mand and control systems.
THE GROWING IMPORTANCE
OF MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
During the Chechen War
on Terrorism, medical assistance
came nearer to combat units. The
following medical assistance was de-
termined:
■ on the forward edge of the battle
area (FEBA) — first aid and buddy
aid done by a soldier himself or by
ad-hoc combat lifesavers or medi-
cal instructors or paramedics;
■ in the company — advanced first
aid with the elements of first med-
ical assistance in urgent situations.
To exercise the task a company
paramedic shall be equipped
with an Airborne Medical Kit,
an aid man shall be equipped
with the “PF” Field Medical Kit
and a combat lifesaver with
a Tactical Medical Kit;
■ in the battalion — first medical
assistance in full;
■ in the regiment/brigade medical
aid station — the first medical
assistance in full with elements
of qualified medical assistance;
■ in special medical groups — qual-
ified medical assistance in full
with elements of specialized
medical assistance.
Medical personnel and special
medical equipment can be increas-
ingly vulnerable to enemy fire when
they get closer to the FEBA. This is
a main problem of medical assis-
tance on the battlefield. That is why
the necessity to equip battalions
with armored first-aid medical ve-
hicles was put on the agenda. Such
vehicles were designed by several
companies and can be batch-pro-
duced (for example, the PPMP mo-
bile medical assistance post devel-
oped by Minotor-Service in Minsk,
Belarus).
Viktor Murakhovskiy
MEDICAL SUPPORT
2(52).2010 ● 9
10 ● ARMS Defence Technologies Review
n the 5th of February,
2010 Russian President
D. Medvedev signed
a Decree that approves
the Military Doctrine. It
stipulates that Russia was, is and will
remain as a great power with its
own national interests. It means that
these interests shall be respected by
other states. This is the imperative
reality of the 21st century. Russia has
not only the biggest territory but al-
so the biggest sea border. The ap-
pearance of some cutting edge un-
der water technologies stipulates
the expansion of the economic and
military activities at the inner space.
Moreover, the rapidly depleting re-
serves of oil and gas put on an agen-
da the developing of under sea gas
and oil reserves as well as other ma-
terials not only at the shelf zones but
also at the abyssal planes. Therefore
the partition of areas of economic
influence in the World's oceans and
Seas is getting inevitable. It stands
to reason that these activities are
fraught with grave consequences
which can lead to the rise of military
tensions. The history of internation-
al relations has been showing that
approaches and leverages to settle
the tensions are characterized by
the real potential level and readiness
of the Navy of the conflicting par-
ties. The essence of the national pol-
icy of the sea-power states has not
been changed since the last centu-
ries and Russia will expect an inevi-
table contest on this field in the near
future. That's why the threats from
the seas and oceans will have a ten-
dency to be increased. In order to
neutralize military threats Russia will
need the powerful Navy and its inte-
gral part Fleet Submarine Forces.
Today Russian specialists have re-
stored and renewed technologies
of building nuclear submarines, have
embarked on the process of deep
modernization of the fleet as well as
launched new battle ship projects,
which are planned to be the face
of the new generation fleet, Fleet
of the 21st century. Today scientif-
ic facilities and industrial enterprises
are undergone the complex process
of transformation towards the new re-
alities of the 21st century. The Military
Doctrine is expected to push the proc-
ess of modernization and transforma-
tion. However to achieve the desire
hight some important disposal, con-
RUSSIAN FLEET SUBMARINE FORCES' CHALLENGING TASKS
O
Anton Chernov
NAVY
NAVY
2(52).2010 ● 11
struction and upgrading activities are
to be completed. It's clear that the use
of old infrastructure, scientific and in-
dustrial facilities as well as engineer-
ing capabilities give no chance for up-
to-date submarine forces.
Currently Russian engineers
are working on a New Look of the
Russian Navy at a quick pace. Rus sian
President D. Medvedev In a speech,
addressed to the high ranking mil-
itaries and politicians, heralds that
Russia needs the powerful Navy and
all efforts are done to achieve this
goal. He underlines that the time
when Russia patched the holes has
already past for good and the Russian
Federation has started the crea-
tion of the new Armed Forces lest
a thought to threaten Russia or its al-
lies should cross somebody's mind.
In accordance with the Naval
Doctrine, scheduled up to 2020,
the main task of the Russian Navy is
to provide the strategic deterrence
of initiation of a war against Russia
and its allies. In this vain, the sub-
marine forces are considered to be
the most effective element of the
Naval presence in the important ar-
eas of the oceans as well as in peace
and war time.
Today submarine forces are posed
as a backbone of the Russian Naval
Strength. At war possessing much
more combat stability in compari-
son with other forces of the Navy,
the Russian Submarine Forces such
as missile cruisers of general-pur-
pose naval forces and nuclear-deter-
rent naval forces are the most credi-
ble element to ensure retaliation. In
future operational flexibility and of-
fensive firepower of the Submarine
Forces are going to be improved
due to the phase-in operation com-
mand and control systems, including
the wide usage of multi-purpose and
multi-role robots and unmanned ve-
hicles, strike radio-electronic warfare
systems, navigation systems, com-
munications systems and up-to-date
facilities of coastal infrastructure.
It is worth to mention that
the Navy, and the Submarine Forces
in particular, will be the first to face
the cruise missiles and aircraft of a foe
in case a war breaks out. As all missiles
and aircraft should cross the Russian
sea border first. Taking into account
the experience of the Cold War,
the deterrence is possible in case if
Yuriy Dolgorukiy is the first SSBN submarine of the Borei class
Today Yuri Dolgorukiy-class
submarines are one of the best
in the world. In the nearest dec-
ade they will be the main Russia’s
strategic nuclear weapon in
the Navy. Having relatively low
cost, these vessels are powerful,
well-equipped and controlled
and possess an extremely high
stealthiness.
Laid down 2 November 1996
Launched 13 February 2008
Displacement ■ 14,720 t (14,488 long tons) surfaced
■ 24,000 t (23,621 long tons) submerged
Length 170 m (557' 9'')
Beam 13.5 m (44' 3'')
Draught 10 m (32' 10'')
Propulsion
■ 1 × OK-650B nuclear reactor
■ 1 × AEU steam turbine
■ 1 shaftSpeed 25 knots (29 mph; 46 km/h)
Complement 130 officers and men
Armament
■ 16 × Bulava SLBMs
■ 6 × SS-N-15 cruise missiles (21'' (533 mm) torpedo
tubes)
NAVY
12 ● ARMS Defence Technologies Review
unavoidable and unacceptable losses
be inflicted by All-Arms Naval Forces.
In this context the real combat readi-
ness of the Submarine Forces will play
the utmost important role.
One cannot slough off a role
of the Navy in the Sixth Generation
Wars, network centric warfare, with
great use of verity of robots and un-
manned vehicles in the air, on the
land and of course in the sea. For
sure, the Russia's activities in the seas
and oceans should be enough to
provide security and stable econom-
ic development of the country. In ac-
cordance with the International Law,
Russia has 12 million square meters
of sea-bed economic area. However,
some areas are disputable and moot-
ed by the neighboring states. If one
remembers the history of the past
wars, mostly they emerge from some
territorial disputes.
Nowadays a new territori-
al dispute can appear. It is Arctic.
The question about the Arctic terri-
tories is considered as a milestone
in the international relations of the
21st century. The question is getting
tougher due to oil and gas reserves
got depleted as well as due to the sit-
uation in the Middle East and North
African Countries which remains un-
predictable and volatile.
Today the intentions of groups
of the countries, which are aimed
at some territorial changes in Arctic,
have been determined. The first
group is composed of USA, Canada,
Norway and Denmark. These coun-
tries united and consolidated their
position in the framework of NATO
and stand for a solution by force.
They have already embarked on cre-
ation of a fleet armed with ice class
battle vessels, deployment of mili-
tary infrastructure and increase
of fishery and scientific-research ac-
tivities.
The second group is charac-
terized by some countries, for in-
stance China and Japan, which call
for fair partition of common herit-
age of mankind located in the Arctic
Region.
Taking into account the last de-
velopments over Arctic and posi-
tion of some countries Russia needs
the powerful Northern Fleet in order
to secure its own Northern border. To
face the challenging task the Russian
leadership has already done some
steps and propelled counter meas-
ures, in particular, Arctic troops were
created.
Speaking about the usage of ro-
bots and unmanned vessels its worth
to mention their big role and success-
ful implementation on the battlefield
based on the Iraq and Afghanistan
Wars on Terrorism. In many eyes re-
connaissance-and-attack robots are
going to become the main weapon
of the 21st century. Their main com-
bat feature is a high level of opera-
tional security and as a consequence
of this fluidity, surprise and unavoid-
ably of a strike. The vanishing-man
concept in the Armed Forces has
been launched and cannot be halt-
ed also due to the fact that a robot
does not take into account its own
life, so the only one thing can matter
is selection of a target and the way
the target has to be destroyed. It
seems that military multi-robot sys-
tems will play the main role on mat-
ters of the victory or devastated de-
feat during a network centric war-
fare. Unmanned underwater vehi-
cles, which are able to submerge
at a depth of more than 200 me-
ters and sail without refilling and re-
charging up to 400 nautical miles,
are considered today as a momen-
tous weapon. Their cheaper price
less tonnage than a submarine make
them far more attractive.
The project 941 or Akula class
submarine (NATO reporting name: Typhoon)
is a type of nuclear-
powered bal-listic missile
submarine deployed by
the Soviet Navy in the 1980s
Displacement ■ 23,200–24,500 t (22,830–24,110 long tons) surfaced
■ 33,800–48,000 t (33,270–47,240 long tons) submerged
Length 175 m (574' 2'')
Beam 23 m (75' 6'')
Draught 12 m (39' 4'')
Propulsion
■ 2 × OK-650 pressurized-water nuclear reactors, 90 MW
(120,700 hp) ea.
■ 2 × VV-type steam turbines, 37 MW (49,600 hp) ea.
■ 2 shafts
■ 7 bladed shrouded screws
Speed22.22 knots (41.15 km/h; 25.57 mph) surfaced
27 knots (50 km/h; 31 mph) submerged
Endurance 180 days submerged
Test depth 400 m (1,300')
Complement 163
Armament
■ 1 × 9K38 Igla SAM
■ 2 × 650 mm (26'') torpedo tubes
■ RPK-7 Vodopad AShMs
■ Type 65K torpedoes
■ 4 × 533 mm (21'') torpedo tubes
■ RPK-2 Viyuga cruise missiles
■ Type 53 torpedoes
■ D-19 launch system
■ 20 × RSM-52 SLBMs
NAVY
2(52).2010 ● 13
The Ocean Engineering is
a complicated, hard and com-
plex work that could be compared
with the Space engineering, thus
the work needs much concentra-
tion by the government to mobi-
lize the manufacturing, financial
resources and facilities as well as
combined research and scientific
activities not only of naval spe-
cialists but also other fields spe-
cialists. Every step on the path to-
wards the bottom line of the Ocean
requires up-to-date and break-
through sci-tech technologies and
bushels of money.
But efforts and money are worth
to be spent on if Russia does not
want to be hedged and isolated
within its land borders and final-
ly be destroyed. These active steps
should be done in the nearest fu-
ture even regardless of the financial,
technical and organizational burden
housed on the shoulders of mod-
ern Russia. The Ocean Engineering
stems from the necessity to acceler-
ate the process of the Russian indus-
try of the Undersea Fleet. This top-
ic is put on the agenda of some na-
tional oriented authorities as well as
militaries and politicians.
The unification of efforts
of a wide range of specialists, think-
tanks and manufacturing facilities
in order to create underwater weap-
onry, military and special equip-
ment of new generation should be
done in the framework of a Focused
Government Program calculated
on a five, ten, fifteen, twenty and
more year period. The Government
Program should have top-priority as
these weaponry military and special
equipment will provide the securi-
ty of the national interests of Russia
and assist to react towards challeng-
ing threats.
Only the successful implementa-
tion of the Government Programs
will lead to the creation of the cut-
ting-edge underwater weapon sys-
tems which provide the military and
economic security of the Russian
Federation on its sea borders.
The Soviet Union/Russian Navy Project 705 (Лира/Lira) was a sub-marine class of hunter/killer nuclear pow-ered vessels
The Russian border of the
Arctic Region is planned to be
secured by the FSB Boarder
Guards by 2016. Combined
troops are also expected to be
deployed in the region.
Class and type attack submarine
Displacement 2,300 tons surfaced, 3,200 tons submerged
Length 81.4 metres
Beam 9.5 metres
Draught 7.6 metres
Propulsion
■ OK-550 or BM-40A, 155-MWt Lead-bismuth cooled
fast reactor
■ 40000 shp steam turbine, one shaft
Speed 12 knots surfaced, 41 knots submerged
Test depth 350 m test
Complement 31 (all officers)
Armament
■ Six 533-mm (21-inch) torpedo tubes:
■ 18 SET-65 or 53-65K torpedoes
■ 20 VA-111 Shkval torpedoes
■ 21 SS-N-15 cruise missiles
■ 12 SS-N-16 cruise missiles
■ 24 mines
NAVY
14 ● ARMS Defence Technologies Review
he St. Petersburg “Arse-
nal” Enterprise is the
oldest Russian defense
factory, which was built
under the Peter the First'
s decree in 1711 to produce more ad-
vanced naval and army artillery am-
munition. At that time it was called
“Liteiny Dvor” (Mold Yard) and sit-
uated closer to the Niva at an ave-
nue which was called Liteiny (Mold).
The “Arsenal” factory was relocated
out of the city to the opposite bank
of the river in the middle of 19th cen-
tury. Afterwards the Arsenal quay
and the Arsenal avenue appeared at
the new place.
Unique up-to-date army and na-
val artillery guns have been pro-
duced along the all history of the
factory. However, not only the mod-
ern artillery pieces were produced
here. The famous Peter-on-Horse
monument by B. Rastrelli, which is
situated closer to the Engineer Castle,
and world wide known the Bronze
Horseman, monument to Peter the
Great by A. Falcone, were produced
by the molders of the plant. The first
missile launchers were developed
and manufactured in the 20s of the
19th century under the leadership of
a new chief of the plant, famous artil-
lery general, Alexander Dmitrievich
Zasyadko, the creator of the first sol-
id fuel rockets. However the main
output of the factory was naval artil-
lery for the Russian Navy.
A part of the factory was relocat-
ed in the rear. The engineers, de-
signers and workers who left at the
“Arsenal” plant managed to devel-
op and produce an anti-tank gun
based on the 45mm casemate artil-
lery piece within 24 days. By means
of hundreds of these guns an ene-
my tank assault was stopped. At the
same time mortars were also man-
ufactured at the plant and were de-
livered to the front line. Since 1944
for war effort “Arsenal” embarked on
the producing of the BS-3 100 mm
antitank gun — the danger for the
fascist “Tiger” heavy tanks.
After the war the Russian Navy de-
manded recovering and new up-to-
date military hardware. For that pur-
pose Central Design Bureau-7 (now-
adays Design Bureau “Arsenal”) was
founded at “Arsenal” in 1949, which
possessed experiment production
capacities for developing naval an-
ti-aircraft artillery automatic weap-
on. “Arsenal” has created more than
20 models of one-, two- and four-
gun artillery systems with the cali-
ber from 45 to 130 mm. The “Arsenal”
specialists also developed antiair-
craft naval missile systems and jam-
ming systems. The AK-130 multipur-
pose artillery system, which was put
into service in 1985, ranks second
Old building of “Arsenal”
Nowadays “Arsenal”
FROM PETER THE GREAT'S EPOCHOF CANNONS MADE OF BRONZE
UP TO CUTTING-EDGE SPACE TECHNOLOGY
T
NAVY
2(52).2010 ● 15
to none in the world for fire power.
The vast majority of the Russian bat-
tle ships have military hardware pro-
duced by the “Arsenal” enterprise.
The Design Bureau and facto-
ry manufactured strategic combat
missile systems armed with solid fu-
el ballistic missiles. The following
missiles were designed and hand-
ed over for trial performance: the
first in the world mobile combat
missile system armed with the RT-15
middle range missile was created
for the Strategic Missile Forces; the
D-11 combat missile system armed
with the R-31 medium range missile,
which was the first Russian solid-fu-
el ballistic missile, was created for
the Submarine Fleet.
Acting as a head contractor, the
“Arsenal” Design Bureau in 1972 mod-
ernized, completed and delivered to
the Strategic Missile Forces inven-
tory the RT-2P silo-based intercon-
tinental ballistic missile, which was
equipped with a suppression of an-
timissile defense system. The missile
had been in the combat duty during
20 years since.
Taking into the account the tech-
nical level of “Arsenal”, it was ordered
to develop high-accuracy and high-
AK 130 artillery piece
ZIF-122 launcher
AK 130 KEY SPECIFICATIONS
Number of guns 2
Caliber, mm 130
Range of fire, km up to 23
Preset limits of pointing:
elevation, deg
traverse, deg
–8... +80
±180
Rate of fire, rounds/min up to 60
Personnel 6
NAVY
16 ● ARMS Defence Technologies Review
power actuators with digital control
system for a swiveling chamber of
the liquid-fuel missile engines of the
“Energiya” (Energy) booster of the
“Energiya-Buran” expendable launch
system. Later on, after moderniza-
tion, an actuator was installed on
the RD-180 engine, which is used by
the United States of America at the
“Atlas-III” and “Atlas-V” expendable
launch systems.
Since 1969 “Arsenal” has been em-
barked on space-based technology.
In 1981 the “Arsenal” Design Bureau
was awarded a head contractor sta-
tus for some space complexes of a
naval space reconnaissance and tar-
get designation system. Since that
times space-based technology has
become a general guidance.
“Arsenal” produced two types of
spacecraft: radar surveillance and
communications surveillance craft.
The radar surveillance craft were
equipped with the “Buk” and “Topaz”
nuclear propulsion units. Around 30
craft of this type were launched into
space. World space technology had
no experience in use of the space-
craft equipped with nuclear propul-
sion units. The spacecraft of this type
have a specially designed system
which allows to shift a radiation haz-
ard part of a craft to a higher orbit af-
ter the term of usage.
Experience gained by “Arsenal”,
both Design Bureau and Machine
Engineering Plant, could be used to
develop some advanced spacecraft
equipped with much more powerful
nuclear propulsion units.
In 1980-s “Arsenal” exercised
modernization of the spacecraft
of the space complexes of a naval
Self-propelled launcher with RT-15 missile
Loading the RT-2P missile
to silo
R-31 ballistic missile
NAVY
2(52).2010 ● 17
space reconnaissance and target
designation system and improved
much their functional and perfor-
mance characteristics. The space-
craft equipped with radar surveil-
lance systems had been provided
Russian Navy with needed informa-
tion 24 hours a day under different
weather conditions for a long time.
The 300-year-anniversary of the
“Arsenal” foundation is getting closer
(it will be celebrated on October 15,
2011). During last decades the main
creative efforts of “Arsenal” and the
co-enterprises were aimed at the de-
velopment and ground-completion-
methods of a new space system de-
signed for radiophysical research of
the land surface (different terrain
and sea areas) in order to enlarge
broad spectrum of manifold chal-
lenges on behalf of different custom-
ers. The being created space com-
plex uses cutting-edge research-
and-engineering achievements
in the industry sector. Particularly,
the latest radio-technical and radar
equipment is used in the complex.
Nowadays the “Arsenal” enterprise
has embarked on flight tests and
full-scale development test of the
new generation spacecraft which is
integrated into the mentioned space
complex.
The “Arsenal” Design Bureau is
engaged into the diversification of
the space topics in order to provide
the economic stability under the
market relations which the Design
Bureau is involved in. The most ra-
tional decision of the diversification
for the Design Bureau is to design
some space systems for scientific
and social-economic purposes. For
instance, the Design Bureau created
a pilot scheme of the “Neva” Unified
Small Space Platform, as well as an
integrated working-out and several
projects of space systems were done
which are used on the basis of the
Unified Small Space Platform.
For example the “Zvezdny Patrul”
(Star Patrol) development activities
were furnished. The aim of the ac-
tivities is to develop a space sta-
tion to control over the circum-
terrestrial space and create opti-
cal transients to use them in outer-
space. The “Arsenal” Design Bureau
Submarine fir-ing the R-31 missile
R-31 missile salvo
NAVY
18 ● ARMS Defence Technologies Review
in cooperation with Institute for
Astronomy of the Russian Academy
of Sciences (INASAN, Moscow) in
accordance with design specifica-
tion by Central Research Institute for
Engineering Technology conduct-
ed scientific research of the possi-
ble layout of a future space com-
plex designed to control the circum-
terrestrial space as well as to solve
the problems with asteroidal threat.
The implementation of “Zvezdny
Patrul” can be done with use of
spacecraft which are built on the ba-
sis of low earth orbit and high earth
orbit variants of the “Neva” Unified
Small Space Platform. Roskosmos,
the Russian Academy of Sciences,
the Ministry of Defense and Ministry
of the Russian Federation for Civil
Defense, Emergency Management
and Natural Disasters Response
show their interest in this devel-
opment. Bearing in mind the ur-
gency of an issue, the “Arsenal”
Design Bureau suggested that the
“Zvezdny Patrul” development activ-
ities should be done before 2020. At
the same time some activities are
in progress on the foreign markets
to forward the projects where they
could find a use. For this purpose
an agreement with “Kosmoexport”
was inked.
It should be noted that the
“Arsenal” Design Bureau has been in-
volved in further research activities
to use spacecraft equipped with nu-
clear propulsion units to meet social-
economic and scientific challenges
including national and global secu-
rity tasks.
Coming closer to the 300 anni-
versary St. Petersburg “Arsenal” does
not forget its traditional assignment,
which was given by Peter the First, to
work out the A-192 new-generation
multipurpose gun mount.
“Arsenal” Design Bureau“Arsenal” Federal State Unitary
Enterprise, Press ServiceAdvertising and Public Relations Departmentof OJSC “MZ “Arsenal”
US-AM spacecraft
US-PU spacecraft
NAVY
2(52).2010 ● 19
20 ● ARMS Defence Technologies Review
WEAPONS
ne of the main factors
leading to increase
of combat effectiveness
of existing armoured
ve hicles is the use of
more advanced fire control system
(FCS). Therefore more and more of-
ten increase in combat effectiveness
is reached by means of upgrading
FCS of combat vehicles’ (CV) weap-
on systems.
For decades development of fire
control systems for light armoured
vehicles (IFV, AAV and APC) lagged
behind the development of tank-
mounted fire control systems.
For firing BMP-1 IFV’s 73 mm
gun coupled with a machine gun
and for firing the Malyutka ATGM
system the vehicle is equipped with
a combined periscopic gunner’s sight
with dependent (on the gun) LOS
and non-stabilized electric drive mo-
tor. Hence, BMP-1 IFV is capable of fir-
ing all weapon systems only in sta-
tionary position.
FCS for the BMP-2 IFV is the first
fire control system for light combat
vehicles featuring weapon system
stabilizer which enables firing 30 mm
gun and coupled machine gun both
in stationary position and on the
move, while firing ATGM only in sta-
tionary position.
While tanks were already equip-
ped with laser rangefinders and bal-
listic computers with fire conditions
sensors, combat vehicles, like BMP-2
IFV for example, were not.
Adopting BMP-3 infantry fighting
vehicle by the Russian Armed Forces
in 1987 was a qualitative leap for
lightly armoured vehicles. the BMP-
3 weapon system was created at KBP
Instrument Design Bureau. In terms
of its composition and fire power it
was a unique system, excelling both
existing series production systems
and future IFVs from all countries
of the world. the system includes
a 100 mm gun, a 30 mm gun, guided
weapon with a tube-launched mis-
sile and FCS, whose specifications
were not inferior to tank FCS being
even superior in some aspects.
For the first time BMP-3 FCS, as
opposed to BMP-2 FCS, used ana-
logue ballistic computer and gun-
ner’s sighting unit with independent
line of sight (LOS), the latter ensuring
firing on the move both unguided
and guided weapons. Some of the pa-
rameters were fed from sensors auto-
matically, e.g. vehicle speed and az-
imuth, angular speed of the target
in azimuth channel, vehicle roll, dis-
tance to target. Range was measured
by laser rangefinder mounted on the
barrel. the parameters which change
slowly, like ambient air and charge
temperature, atmospheric pressure
and muzzle velocity deviation could
be fed manually. Hence, develop-
ment of BMP1–>BMP2–>BMP3 FCS
demonstrates convergence of trends
of tank FCS and lightly armoured ve-
hicles (IFV in particular) FCS devel-
opment.
At the same time the BMP-3 ad-
opted more than 20 years ago pos-
sessed a sufficient reserve for en-
hancement of performance charac-
teristics. a new step in development
of IFV FCS was the KBP-developed
fire control system for BMD-4 air-
borne assault vehicle which in many
aspects excelled tank FCS.
The FCS consisted of the follow-
ing major components: combined
gunner’s day/night sight, command-
er’s panoramic sight, accuracy arma-
ment stabilizer, digital ballistic com-
puter with sensor package and IR au-
tomatic target tracker.
The combined gunner’s sight (GS)
combines range-finding, thermal
UNIFIED FIRE CONTROL SYSTEM UNIFIED FIRE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARMOURED VEHICLESFOR ARMOURED VEHICLES
O
BTR-90 armed with unified
FCS and Berezhok
fighting compartment
2(52).2010 ● 21
WEAPONS
imaging, sighting and missile guid-
ance channels in one module featur-
ing one head mirror which ensures
high accuracy LOS stabilization in
two axes. This allows detecting tar-
gets at large distances while mov-
ing, reliable target tracking in au-
tomatic and semiautomatic modes
with stabilization accuracy of 0.005–
0.10 mrad. Incorporation of ther-
mal imaging sight allowed firing all
types of ammunition both by day
and at night and under limited visi-
bility (haze, smoke) conditions at all
weapon operating ranges.
Limitation in number of ATGM
launch cycles typical of BMP-3 was
removed. Unified design of the mod-
ule ensures that misalignment of op-
tical axes of range-finding and sight-
ing channels in the course of life-cy-
cle with no adjustment carried out
does not exceed 0.1 mrad, this en-
hancing performance characteristics
of the sight.
Range-finding channel of the
sight ensures measuring distance
to target with a frequency of 4–5
Hz, this increasing efficiency of fire
against ground and especially aeri-
al targets.
Commander’s panoramic TV sight
(CPS) with independent two-axis
LOS field stabilization, with frequen-
cy laser range-finder and TV guid-
ance channel ensures quick and reli-
able search and detection of ground
and aerial targets, all-round surveil-
lance independent of the gunner’s
sight, accurate target designation
(up to 0.1 mrad) in azimuth and el-
evation and efficient firing all types
of armament.
FCS features full back-up of com-
mander’s actions during the process
of firing all types of armament in-
cluding guided missiles both by day
and at night.
Mirror pointing angles increased
to 60° in elevation and LOS angular
velocities increased to 20 deg/s in
“aerial target” mode, as well as high
frequency (up to 5 Hz) range-finding
ensure highly efficient firing against
aerial targets especially in automatic
tracking mode.
Ballistic computer with sensor
package. Adoption of digital ballis-
tic computers instead of analogue
ones makes it possible to process in-
creased data flow with higher speed
and accuracy and to use advanced
fire algorithms.
FCS of the BMD-4 and upgrad-
ed BMP-2 vehicles take account
of the following factors: CV speed,
roll and trim difference, target rela-
tive angular speed, distance to tar-
get, type of ammunition, CV bearing
angle, air temperature and pressure,
charge temperature, angle of target
position, changing distance to tar-
get during CV motion, projectile ex-
it angle, number of shots made by
the gun.
FCS of the adopted BMD-4 more
accurately than the 1V539 ballistic
computer (that of BMP-3) considers
parameters of target movement rel-
ative to the platform: LOS angular
speed in horizontal and vertical axes,
speed of target approach to platform.
Considering the following parame-
ters also adds significantly to the in-
crease of fire accuracy: angle of tar-
get position when determining aim-
ing angles, projectile flight time, fir-
ing range limits, non-linear depen-
dence of range corrections on me-
teoballistic factors — air pressure
and temperature and their non-lin-
earity and cross-effect in particular,
ballistic wind.
Moreover a newly developed fire
permission algorithm allows consid-
ering limiting characteristics of CV
subsystems during firing, e.g. it fea-
tures automatic prohibition of firing
beyond maximum aimed and aim-
22 ● ARMS Defence Technologies Review
WEAPONS
off fire distances, when exceeding
permissible LOS angular speed, etc.
However tank FCS considers only limi-
tation in permissible drive motor error.
The new 1V539M digital ballistic
computer in contrast to BMP-3 ana-
logue ballistic computer ensures easy
programming for use of virtually un-
limited number of ammunitions with
new ballistic characteristics and its
use as a component of FCS of vari-
ous CVs.
This combination resulted in in-
crease of firing accuracy. the maxi-
mum errors of aiming angle and lat-
eral lead calculation in 1V539M bal-
listic computer do not exceed tenths
of mrad.
Armament stabilizer along with
the gunner’s and commander’s sights
performs stabilization and laying
of the system’s weapons when firing
all types of ammunition in stationary
position, on the move and afloat.
The operation speed of the stabi-
lizer is enhanced owing to the con-
figuration of the stabilizer con-
trol unit in the form of an electron-
ic device based on a minicomput-
er as well as thanks to application
of a DC electric motor with commu-
tatorless electronic switching. As a re-
sult, armament stabilization accura-
cy is enhanced and dynamic errors
are reduced. the new stabilizer en-
ables optimal operation of the turret
and armament laying drives in var-
ious modes, as well as adjustment
of the drives in case of wide spread
of mechanical parameters of differ-
ent objects of control.
TV/IR automatic target tracker au-
tomatically tracks the LOS of the TV
(commander’s panoramic sight) or
thermal (thermal module of the gun-
ner’s sight) sight to the target as-
signed by the gunner or commander.
It also enables high-precision laying
of the aiming mark at the target in re-
al combat conditions, which is partic-
ularly important when firing a guid-
ed missile.
The TV/IR automatic target track-
er implements the “fire-and-for-
get” principle. the hit probability
of the missile becomes technical-
ly guaranteed because the man is
excluded from the guidance loop.
This enables to reduce the workload
on the operator, to have stable track-
ing in stress situations of the battle,
as well as to restore tracking after
its loss owing to the inertial tracking
mode in case of temporal interrup-
tion (up to 5 seconds) of the signal in
respect of the target.
The installation of the new FCS
on the BMD-4 imposed additional re-
quirements on the automatic loading,
and this issue was solved by a com-
mon automatic loader of unguided
and guided projectiles.
Automatic target tracking signif-
icantly increases fire accuracy, espe-
cially when firing at moving targets
and when moving with high speed.
the TV/IR automatic target tracker
enables to reduce errors of LOS stabi-
lization by a factor of 1.5–2.5.
The proposed FCS features mod-
ular design: various types of Russian
and foreign thermal imagers can
be installed; anti-tank missile guid-
ance modules can be replaced; vari-
ous ballistics of unguided projectiles
can be input; layout of the modules
on the CV can be varied. According
to customer’s request any FCS com-
position version can be installed, in-
cluding a reduced one.
The FCS modular design allowed
to use the prevailing part (up to 90%)
of the FCS of the BMD-4 fighting
compartment in the fighting com-
partment of the upgraded BMP-2:
the missile guidance channel is re-
placed in the BMP-2 FCS; the com-
mander’s sight is installed behind
the turret due to the lack of space.
In addition, the new FCS installed
on the BMP-2 has enabled to conduct
missile salvo firing to engage hardly-
armoured targets, to fire an automat-
ic grenade-launcher while stationary,
on the move and afloat, as well as to
fire other weapons.
Furthermore, in order to upgrade
lighter vehicles, e. g. BMD-2, the FCS
was installed in the reduced version:
only a part of the FCS and a part
of the armament (one launcher).
The FCS was tested on the T-72
tank in the course of its upgrade ac-
cording to one of the options.
The FCS has imparted the follow-
ing new features to weapon systems
of combat vehicles:
■ enhancement of gun fire accu-
racy; the effective range of fire
of 30 mm projectiles has increased
from 1100–1400 m up to 1800–
2000 m; the maximum range
BMD-4 armed with unified FCS
and Bakhcha fighting
compartment
BMP-3 armed with unified
FCS and Bakhcha fighting
compartment
2(52).2010 ● 23
WEAPONS
of fire of 100 mm projectiles has in-
creased from 4 up to 7 km; the ef-
fective range of tank guns has in-
creased by a factor of 1.3–1.8;
■ increase of target hit probabili-
ty by an anti-tank guided missile;
■ enhancement of target search
and detection capabilities, full
backup of firing all types of weap-
ons by the commander;
■ capability to kill a wide range
of targets (stationary, maneuver-
ing, small-size, high-speed targets,
including aerial targets) under ad-
verse weather and survey con-
ditions while stationary, on the
move and afloat, day and night,
by all weapons installed on the
combat vehicle;
■ increase of air target kill probabil-
ity by more than an order of mag-
nitude while reducing ammuni-
tion expenditure; the effective-
ness of air-defence fire of com-
bat vehicles approximates to that
of specialized close-in air-defence
missile-gun systems;
■ capability of firing from indirect
positions;
■ “fire-and-forget” missile fire;
■ engagement of current and ad-
vanced tanks due to salvo fire
of two anti-tank missiles in one
beam and due to elevated mis-
sile fire;
■ ease of usage, opportunities to
promptly increase the number
of types of weapons and ammuni-
tion being used and to orient one-
self in the combat situation; im-
provement of ergonomic charac-
teristics of the combat vehicle.
Thus, introduction of the unified
automatic round-the-clock FCS has
enabled to significantly increase
the effectiveness of armoured vehi-
cles armament under all conditions
of combat operation: typical target
kill probability of the BMD-4 is in-
creased by a factor of 3–4 as com-
pared to that of the BMP-3, and by
a factor of 4–7 for the upgraded BMP-
2 as compared to the BMP-2.
The KBP-designed BMD-4 and the
fighting compartment of the up-
graded BMP-2 with the unified FCS
currently have the performanc-
es, which are superior to those
of the best foreign counterparts:
Bradley (US), Marder (Germany).
This FCS can be used (totally or
partially) as a part of weapon systems
in the BMD-2, BMD-3, BTR-90, BMP-3,
in the T-72, T-80, T-90 tanks as well as
in weapon systems installed on river
and sea vessels.
KBP has studied an opportunity to
install weapon systems with the new
FCS of the BMD-4 on foreign custom-
er’s vehicles: Patria (Finland), ASCOD
(Austria) and FAHD (Egypt), and the
FCS of the upgraded BMP-2 — on ve-
hicles of the Italian company IVECO.
Thus, the proposed FCS is cur-
rently in quantity production at KBP
Instrument Design Bureau and can
be installed on various vehicles ac-
cording to customer’s request.
BMD-3 armed with unified FCS and Berezhok fighting compartment
BMP-2 armed with unified FCS and Berezhok fighting compartment
BMP-3 armed with unified FCS and Berezhok fighting compartment
24 ● ARMS Defence Technologies Review
WEAPONS
NIGHT VISIONNIGHT VISION
FROM GENERATIONFROM GENERATIONTO GENERATIONTO GENERATION
2(52).2010 ● 25
WEAPONS
ungary, to the south
and south-east of Lake
Balaton Soviet Union
troops were repelling
an assault of the large
infantry and cavalry German forc-
es». The Sovinformbjuro broadcast-
ing agency reported it on March
6, 1945 and repeated it without any
changes on March 7 and 8. One day
later it was announced “Soviet Union
troops were repelling an assault of
the large infantry and cavalry enemy
forces directed towards the Danube
to the south-east and south of Lake
Balaton in Hungary. Having suffered
heavy losses the enemy managed to
buckle in our defense line in sever-
al sectors. 72 German tanks and self-
propelled guns were destroyed on
March 9 in the region”.
The unimportant buckling in a
line was as many as 30 kilometers!
That was the first time during the
war the Germans had conducted an
offensive at night. They forced to the
Danube and were stopped at a great
cost of life. 33 thousand men were
killed, wounded or missed in action.
But the Germans also lost 40 thou-
sand men and half of the 900 tanks.
The Balaton only disappeared from
the reports on March 16.
Short on a time, but exclusive
on its dynamics and slogging bat-
tles the Balaton defensive operation
of the 3rd Ukrainian Front could be
compared with the battle of Kursk.
Anyone who knows the history
of World War II even a little will pay
attention to an unusual combina-
tion — the Germans and night bat-
tles, moreover offensive operations.
No doubt the German tank troopers
saw in darkness like cats!
THE BEGINNING …
That was almost in that way:
the image intensifier tube was devel-
oped in 1934. The electrons knocked
off the photocathode by the IR radia-
tion are accelerated and focalized by
EQUIPMENT:EQUIPMENT:
Mikhail Timoshenko
H““
26 ● ARMS Defence Technologies Review
WEAPONS
an electric magnetic field on the an-
ode drawing image visible in an eye-
glass on a luminescent screen. By
the end of the war Germany pro-
duced up to thousand IR-devices
a month. They were mounted on the
PzKpfw V Panther tanks. It allowed
SS-troops to buckle in the Soviet
defense line during the first days
of the battle of Balaton Lake though
the Soviet units had superiority
in tanks and artillery.
Those devices had low sensi-
tivity — for their usage (they al-
lowed engaging our tanks and guns
at the range of 400 m at night)
the auxiliary illumination was nec-
essary. It was provided by the flood-
lights covered with ebonite sheets
and mounted on the Sd. Kfz. II51/II0
Valke APCs. And they had their own
heel of Achilles — bright direct light
burnt the photocathode out put-
ting the image intensifier tube out
of action. Wasn’t that the reason why
our antiaircraft floodlights flood-
ed the Germans when attacking at
the Battle of the Seelow Heights?
Unfortunately, we’ll never find out
the truth. But what a brilliant exam-
ple of successful electronic warfare
it could be!
Those image intensifier tubes be-
came night vision device of gener-
ation zero. Disadvantages: necessi-
ty of an active auxiliary illumination
provided by the IR-floodlight which
is also a signature; lack of protection
against bright light (flash out protec-
tion) and low sensitivity.
Active IR devices with an aux-
iliary illumination were improved
in the first post-war decade. By
the end of 1950s the march speed
of American military convoys at night
was almost the same as in daytime.
But at night an IR-floodlight mount-
ed on the APC or tank was actually
“screaming”: ‘I am the target!’ And ac-
tive devices of generation zero were
replaced by the passive or image in-
tensifying ones.
GENERATION BY GENERATION …
Passive night vision device tech-
nology is based on the image in-
tensifier tubes (photomultipliers) lo-
cated between the photocathode
and the eyeglass. It allows the device
to intensify visible and an IR ranges
and draw the image. In other words
an electron knocked off the pho-
tocathode by light is transmuted
into the whole stream of electrons
because of the secondary emission
in several stages. And this stream
can be focalized to draw the visu-
al image.
The principle of operation of such
devices is based on the fact the bat-
tlefield is not dark; it is always illumi-
nated either by fires, moonlight or
stellar light. The human eye is capa-
ble to fix even a separate quantum,
but it is better to see the enemy —
and image intensifiers transmute
separate quantum into bright image.
There were several generations
of image intensifying night vision
devices. Gen I, tested in Vietnam,
produced a light amplification
of around 1000x and allowed to
fight at the light of the quarter
moon. Gen II (the Falkland War, 1982
and the Desert Storm, 1991) pro-
duced a light amplification of around
20000x and worked at the starlight.
Then the researchers managed to
resist the whiteout at the expense
of application of micro channel tech-
nology. Improved image-intensifier
tubes utilizing micro-channel plate
(MCP) accelerate electrons in a large
number of bypass channels of di-
ameter about micrometer. If any
of them is blinded there will be no
problem: a micron size bright point
will not spoil the image. Generation
III uses a photocathode made with
gallium arsenide, which further im-
proves image resolution and ampli-
fies to around 30000–50000x. They
are in use nowadays. And Generation
IV has an automatic gated power
supply and endless MCP system reg-
ulates the photocathode voltage al-
lowing the NVD to instantaneously
adapt to changing light conditions
and increase its range.
Photomultipliers are compact,
keep the platform camouflaged
and have the high-resolution capa-
bility ensuring confident target iden-
tification and exact sniper shooting.
But they are only effective against
darkness and ineffective against
aerosols (fog, smoke) and rain. As ill
luck would have it war always takes
place in bad weather!
YOU HAVE — TEMPERATURE!
That is why thermo vision tech-
nologies were also being devel-
oped along with image intensifica-
tion, the long-wave one which does
not need any celestial light. As all
the military science interesting ob-
jects radiate electromagnetic waves
in the infra-red spectrum. Even kids
know about an IR-homing head
of air-to-air missiles. And there are
also tank engines, radars, etc. If we
consider ourselves, body tempera-
ture of human being is 36.6°С.
First, this radiation was captured
by thermo resistances ruler, then —
sub matrix (both of them had me-
chanical scanning), and later — ma-
trix. The devices were to be cooled
to liquid nitrogen temperature in or-
der to suppress thermal interfer-
ence. That is why, for example, very
powerful compact cooler body was
one of the critical technologies used
in tank infra-red thermal imagers.
Finally, matrix on uncooled sil-
icon microbolometers appeared.
They require neither cooling nor me-
Restored PzKpfw V
Panther tank with night
vision device mounted on its
turret
GOES 34210M
2(52).2010 ● 27
WEAPONS
chanical scanning. However, such
a matrix usually uses the Peltier de-
vice which can both cool and heat
up and serves as a method of ther-
mal stabilization. In the English-
speaking literature such devices are
referred to as TEC (Thermoelectric
Cooler). Thermoelectric cooling us-
es the Peltier effect to create a heat
flux between the junction of two
different types of materials (normal-
ly bismuth telluride and silicon ger-
minades) which transfer heat from
one side of the device to the oth-
er side against the temperature gra-
dient (from cold to hot), with con-
sumption of electrical energy. If cool-
ing the heating part of a Peltier de-
vice, for example by a radiator or fan,
the temperature of the cold one will
become lower. In different equip-
ment these devices are often used as
the second or third stage of cooling.
It allows attaining the temperatures
of −80°К for one-stage refrigerators
and −120°К for the two-stage ones.
Quality of an image drawn by
thermal imagers does not depend
on the target’s illumination. And its
range does depend on the air con-
dition as it operates in a long-wave
spectrum. Effective range probabil-
ity of thermal imagers is about 90-
92%. They have better interference
immunity, but both thermal imagers
and night vision devices do not pro-
vide necessary range at unfavorable
weather conditions. Thermal imag-
ers are more complicated, expen-
sive and larger than photomultipliers.
They have lower resolution and do
not seem to like wet, covered with
dirt or snow targets. That is why re-
al weapons systems combine both
light amplification and thermo vi-
sion channels.
THE MISSION MATTERS
Modern night vision devices are
manufactured in several basic ver-
sions.
Night monocular is the simplest
variant — It is normally a telescope
of low magnification degree handed
by the operator.
Night vision binoculars have two
image intensifier tubes and produce
magnified stereoscopic picture.
Night vision goggles are fixed
on a head, provide wide field of view
and normally do not magnify the im-
age or have variable magnification
of 1х and more which allows us-
ing them as a binocular. Night vi-
sion goggles use pseudo-binocu-
lar (Cyclops) image intensifier tubes
when one image intensifier tube
sends picture to both eyeglasses.
Night sight is fixed on the small
arms and, as a rule, magnifies the im-
age and has a reticule. These devices
should stand the kick and it restricts
their application on high-power small
arms. The alternative for the night vi-
sion device laying is the IR laser tar-
get director which is an invisible la-
ser beam being watched through
the night vision goggles.
The night vision devices mounted
on combat vehicles are integrated in-
to their targeting systems.
WHAT IS THERE INSIDE NVD?
So, image intensifier tube is
the basis of any night vision de-
vice. Image intensifier tubes devel-
op in a close co-operation genera-
tion development of night vision de-
vices. Gen I of night vision devices
are based on one- and multistage
image intensifier tubes using a mul-
tislot photocathode of 220 μA/lm
made primarily of glass to accelerate
the electrons, input and output fi-
ber-optical elements. Gen II of night
vision devices are also based on im-
age intensifier tubes. They had input
and output fiber-optical elements,
micro-channel plate (MCP) and mul-
tislot photocathode which had a sen-
sitivity of around 300 μA/lm. This
generation is subdivided into invert-
er and biplanar image intensifier
tubes. These are two gaps with par-
allel electric field: photocathode- mi-
cro-channel plate and micro-chan-
nel plate -screen. Depending on sen-
sitivity of the multislot photocathode
night vision devices are subdivid-
ed into Gen II, Gen II+ and Gen II++
and based on the biplanar image in-
tensifier tubes. Gen III night vision
device is a biplanar image intensifier
tube using photocathode made with
gallium arsenide.
Gen II+, II++ and III are being
developed within the last 25 years.
However, Generation IV image in-
tensifier tube has become a real
achievement for the last few years.
This is an image intensifier tube with
the A3V5 photocathode with an ion-
barrier film on a micro-channel plate.
It has an automatic gated power sup-
ply. Such image intensifier tube has
increased impulse/noise ratio (above
33) and extended to 1000 lx opera-
tive illumination range. It increases its
effective range in extreme low light
conditions and allows conducting ef-
fective observation in the dynamic
lightning including urbanized areas.
As far as the other trends are
concerned it is necessary to note
Agava-II Thermal sight
Tank Thermal Vision "ESSA"
28 ● ARMS Defence Technologies Review
WEAPONS
interest and progress in the field
of hybrid-module intensifiers (HMI)
where there is an electron-raised
charge-coupled matrix built-in
the image intensifier tube. In such
HMI there are no losses caused
by the conversion of an electronic
stream to the image drawn on the
screen, losses of emanation and res-
olution in the optical devices. And
there are no screen luminophor
noises. The possibility of converting
the image to the analogue or digital
signal allows the operator to receive
the image on the monitor removed
from the sensor block and conduct
video processing.
Quality of image intensifier tubes
is expressed in a calculated factor
called Figure of Merit (FOM) which is
an abstract measure of image tube
performance, derived from the num-
ber of line pairs per millimeter (reso-
lution limit) multiplied by the tube's
signal-to-noise ratio. High quality im-
age intensifier tubes are known to
have a FOM of 1200–1500. Active
growth of Gen II + and III image in-
tensifier tube parameters decreased
in the last decade of the XX century.
It should be mentioned that Russian
image intensifier tubes of Gen II+
and III have increased their FOM dur-
ing the last years.
A number of design projects have
been completed in Russia recent-
ly. Biplanar image intensifier tubes
of Gen II, II+, II++ with multislot pho-
tocathode and Gen III tubes with
AIIIB5 photocathode for night vision
devices have been developed. Next
generation of night vision devices
based on biplanar image intensifi-
er tubes has been successfully de-
signed and their production has been
partially mastered. In particular, such
night vision devices as Naglaznik
pseudo-binocular goggles, Leader
pseudo-binocular night vision field
glasses, Skosok flying night vision
goggles, etc. Despite the mentioned
night vision devices a great number
of unusual ones based on the image
intensifier tube technology was de-
signed. Such as low-profile night vi-
sion goggles, wide-field goggles with
the user's field of view to around
60 degrees, etc.
The US companies mastered
the production of biplanar image
intensifier tubes of Gen III with rota-
tional image displacement and with-
out it; the European and Israeli pro-
duce biplanar image intensifier
tubes of Gen II+ and II++ for night
vision devices. The USA run a full-
scale production of night vision de-
vices based on Gen III image inten-
sifier tubes, the NATO countries’ re-
search is based on II++ ones. Key
characteristics of foreign night vi-
sion devices are comparable with
ours. In fact, night vision device
based on Gen III image intensifier
tubes are only implemented in poor
visibility (Е <1•10-3 lx). At this visi-
bility effective range of Gen III im-
age intensifier tubes excel Gen II++
ones. Gen III night vision devices are
~1.5–2 times more expensive than
generation II++.
The image intensifier tubes of Gen
IV should have 1.5 micron spectral
sensitivity, resolution of 64 lp/mm,
wave length sensitivity of 1.0 mi-
crons S> 100 μA/W, a signal/noise
ratio of more than 63. Night vision
devices based on the biplanar im-
age intensifier tube with the 1.1 mi-
cron photocathode sensitivity, mi-
Thermal Vision "Sosna"
2(52).2010 ● 29
WEAPONS
cro-channel and fiber-optical plates
with the 54 lp/mm resolution have
been designed. It is possible to re-
search new generation of night vi-
sion devices based on the new sen-
sitive elements and increase their ef-
fectiveness in 1.5–2 times. Such night
vision devices also ensure higher in-
terference immunity.
AND WHAT IS THERE INSIDE
A THERMAL IMAGER?
Thermo imaging development is
divided into four generations:
Gen I: thermal imagers on single
rulers of optical detectors on the ba-
sis of a MCT (mercury cadmium tel-
luride) liquid melt with two-dimen-
sional scanning. It should be men-
tioned that a MCT bulk crystal is
much more expensive than gold;
Gen II: thermal imagers on sub-
matrix on the basis of a MCT with
signal summation of more than
2 elements and one-dimensional
scanning;
Gen III: thermal imagers
on CdHgTe matrix with 20-micron
sensitive elements. Hyper sensi-
tivity of such optical detectors al-
lows gaining temperature sensitivi-
ty of T<0,07°С;
Gen IV: thermal imagers on un-
cooled thermal matrix on the basis
of silicon microbolometers or pyro-
electric matrix and other VO mate-
rials. There is no detector and deep
cooling system in Gen IV thermal
imager.
In Russia there is a concept
of thermal imagers based on rul-
ers with small number of elements
The mili-tary man is equipped with the Alfa-9022 monocular and Alfa-7115 laser target pointer fixed on the assault rifle
WEAPONS
(10–32). Though the concept of pro-
duction of such optical detectors
is very attractive they yield to for-
eign on 60-element optical detec-
tors. Within the limits of the Federal
Night Vision Developments Program
Ministry of Defense and civil com-
panies have designed the module
construction of thermal imagers.
Some modules as separate elements
were made for all the 4 generations
of thermal imagers.
Production of MCT bulk crys-
tals has been mastered in the USSR
in the 1980s, and thermal imagers
for some military equipment could
be produced in lots. That means that
USSR could have had tank and he-
licopter thermal imagers even
at the Afghan War. But … then oth-
er times have come, and capitalism
building in Russia ruined military-
industrial complex. The main tasks
of the Russian Ministry of Defense
were personnel reduction and logis-
tic support of those in service.
Russia produces Gen 0 Posobie-1
and Gen I Posobie-2 and Agava-2
thermal imagers. Posobie-1 is an IR-
camera based on a 50-element JnSb
optical detector for the reconnais-
sance post. Pokolenie-2, modification
of Posobie-1, uses Nevesomost-64
photo-receiving device which con-
sists of 64-element ruler of MCT crys-
tals. We also produce Agava-2 ther-
mo vision sight on the basis of Archa
photo-receiving device which is
based on the 128-element photo re-
sistor made from MCP.
Orion R&D designed thermal im-
agers with good system of a sig-
nal processing. They are based
on 128-element 4-column matrix
with staggered ordering of plots
and MCT matrix.
The US and NATO troops are
equipped with thermal imag-
ers of all generations. All the im-
agers have module construction.
Texas Instrumemts, Hughes (USA)
has developed gamma thermal
imager on the basis of microbo-
lometric and pyroelectric matrix-
es. There are gamma thermal im-
agers such as small arms sight
in mass of 1.77 kg and 800 m range,
and some other infra-red imag-
ers with excellent performances,
for example, the Sophie binocular
of French CSF Company on the ba-
sis of a 4х288-element submatrix,
2 kg in weight. It detects a human
being at the range of 1200–1300 m.
On the basis of this type of optical
detectors a driving thermal imager
was developed for driving of vari-
ous military vehicles and some oth-
er infra-red imagers.
The mili-tary man is
equipped with the PNV-10T night vision device Alfa-7115 laser
target pointer fixed on the assault rifle
www.airfleet.ru
targeting your audience
since 1997
AIR DEFENSE
32 ● ARMS Defence Technologies Review
AIR DEFENSE
2(52).2010 ● 33
pen Joint Stock
Company Podolsky
Electromechanical Plant
of Special Engineering
“PEMZ Spetsmash” and
Closed Joint Stock Company “NTC
Elins” have introduced to the world
market the up-to-date ZU-23M1-4
Anti-Aircraft Mount, that was built
on the basis of ZU-23 anti-aircraft
gun and modernization equipment
package.
The 23 mm twinned gun AA
mount has been soldiering for 50
years in different countries all over
the world, particularly in Army Air
Defense units and Airborne units of
the Russian Armed Forces. 14000
ZU-23 AA guns were produced dur-
ing Soviet Union time, Bulgaria and
China obtained a license to produce
and manufactured several thousand
mounts more. ZU-23 was exported
intensively to the Warsaw Pact coun-
tries, as well as Africa, Middle East
and other regions.
The outstanding AA mount capa-
bilities were proved and tested in dif-
ferent conditions and always demon-
strated its outstanding combat char-
acteristics. As a corollary the ZU-23
mount was considered to be a basis
for a much more cutting-edge weap-
on system.
Embarked on modernization OJSC
“PEMZ Spetsmash” and CJSK “NTC
ELINS” set a goal to update by far the
aiming and guiding systems of ZU-23.
Besides, the goal of modernization
was to provide day and night opera-
tional use capabilities of the system.
To achieve the goal the enterpris-
es, which were involved in the cre-
ation of ZU-23/30M1-4, fulfilled re-
search and development activities
as well as big number of actual fir-
ing exercises at real air targets were
executed.
After the modernization the
23mm ZU-23M1-4 twin anti-aircraft
gun mount was created to provide
protection of sites and non-mobile
objects against tactical and assault
aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles,
as well as to inflict damage on UAVs
and light armored combat vehicles
during day and night under condi-
tions of limited visibility.
Modernization equipment pack-
age of ZU-23 consists of:
■ Vertical and Horizontal Homing
Electrical Drives;
O
UPGRADED ZU-23UPGRADED ZU-23ANTI-AIRCRAFT MOUNTANTI-AIRCRAFT MOUNT
AIR DEFENSE
34 ● ARMS Defence Technologies Review
■ Optoelectronic Unit;
■ Tracking Automatic Unit;
■ Digital Computing System;
■ Display;
■ Control and Display Panel;
■ Operator Control Panel;
■ Electric Power Supply Unit;
■ Autonomous 27V DC Generating
Set;
■ Installation Kit.
The 2A14 anti-aircraft guns, load-
ing mechanisms and towed chassis
remain unchanged in ZU-23/30M1-4
Target search, finding the tar-
get, tracking the target (automatic
or semiautomatic), engaging the tar-
get are exercised at ZU-23/30M1-4 by
one operator instead of two at ZU-23.
The modernization of ZU-23 can
take place either in Russia or in an-
other place where a customer resides.
The modernization at the custom-
er's place is done at an enterprise,
designated by the customer, in coop-
eration with teams of Russian special-
ists and customer's specialists using a
modernization equipment package
as well as adjusting and alignment
equipment and tools, delivered from
Russia to update in-inventory ZU-23
mounts. As far as customer's special-
ists master the modernization proc-
ess of ZU-23, the upgrading can be
handed over to them fully or partially.
At the customer's discretion ZU-
23/30M1-4 can be equipped with
a target designation system, which
receives the coordinates and com-
mands via digital coded wire links
and radio links from the automated
command and control post of a unit.
Units with the in-service up-
graded Anti-Aircraft Mounts can be
equipped with spear parts tools and
accessories for the modernization
equipment package. In addition a
maintenance workshop can be com-
missioned. The workshop provides
maintenance and first line repairs of
ZU-23/30M1-4 in the field. The deliv-
ery package can also have simulators
which allow to train operators with-
out using the AA mounts and flying
targets.
Generally, the upgrade of ZU-23
to ZU-23/30M1-4 has provided:
■ Improvement of the effectiveness
while engaging air or ground tar-
gets;
■ Day and Night fighting capabil-
ities;
■ Automated process of aiming a
target and its tracking;
MAIN TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Type ZU-23 ZU-23/30M1
Armament Two 2A14 23-mm guns Two 2A14 23-mm guns
“Igla” (Igla-S) short range guided missiles
Platform Two-wheeled towed chassis Two-wheeled towed chassis of ZU-23
Guidance System Manual optical with mechanical sightOptoelectronic automatic, semiautomatic and
manual (as a backup)
Targeting System Manual using flywheels Electro drive
Effective Area of Engagement, km
Altitude
Range of Fire
Up to 1.5
Up to 2.0
Up to 3.5
Up to 5.0
Velocity of Effectively Engagement
of a Target, m/sUp to 50 Up to 400 (200 for guns)
Target Engagement Probability Not more than 0.023Not more than 0.7
(up to 0.2 for guns)
Ability to engage ground targets Yes Yes
Velocity of targeting, degrees./second
Horizontally 30 60
Vertically 40 50
24-Hour Fighting Performance Not provided Provided
Crew 2 1
Combat Load, kg 970 1100
AIR DEFENSE
2(52).2010 ● 35
■ No-live operator estimation of col-
lision;
■ The wide range of effective en-
gagement of fast moving targets;
■ Downsize of the crew.
Hereafter ZU-23/30M1-4 can be
armed with man portable SAM weap-
on “Igla-S” using the “Strelets” equip-
ment and module set. The “Igla-S” sur-
face-to-air missile can be launched
from a module that consists of the
ZU-23 chassis and “Strelets”. The
launch is controlled and command-
ed via ZU-23/30M1-4.
DIRECTOR GENERAL OPEN JOINT
STOCK COMPANY PODOLSKY
ELECTROMECHANICAL PLANT OF
SPECIAL ENGINEERING “PEMZ
SPETSMASH” CHICH SVYATOSLAV:
“The upgraded ZU-23M1-4 AA
mount was created by a group of
leading Russian specialists head-
ed by Head Designer V. Kokurin,
who unfortunately passed away in
2008. His work was continued by O.
Avdakov. Both were able to create
autonomous and high performance
complex, which has optimum struc-
ture, combat capabilities and price.
The backbone of the ZU-23 mod-
ernization was the integration of a
modern fire control system produced
by Closed Joint Stock Company “NTC
Elins” under the leadership of its
Director General TIKMENOV Vasily.
Our enterprise in cooperation
with Closed Joint Stock Company
“NTC Elins” totally finished the need-
ed work-out of the AA mount and is
ready to deliver it both Russian and
foreign customers.
ZU-23 M1-4's characteristics and
terms of delivery cause interest in
many countries and regions all over
the world: Latin America, Africa,
South-East Asia. The mount is need-
ed to be examined and for sure it
takes time. However we already
managed to ink a deal with a foreign
customer on delivery of several hun-
dreds of the AA mount. Preliminary
agreements have been reached with
other customers as well.
In cooperation with our counter-
agents and “Rosoboronexport” the
after-sale service of upgraded AA
mounts is provided in the customer's
place. The fulfillment of the after-
sale service in the customer's place
is facilitated due to the well engi-
neered modular structure of the sys-
tem as well as simplicity and mainte-
nance of the guns. I am sure that a cli-
ent will receive comprehensive high-
grade and high quality service.
Upgraded ZU-23
AIR DEFENSE
36 ● ARMS Defence Technologies Review
arious modifications
of the Buk air defense
missile system have
been in service in var-
ious countries for over
30 years. Why so long? First, the Buk
is being constantly improved to be
always up-to-date. Second, it proved
to be a reliable system working in se-
vere conditions without any prob-
lems. Third, the Buk can be easily in-
tegrated in air defense and aviation
combat control systems.
Its history dates back to 1972
which saw the creation of the Buk-
1 first-stage air defense missile sys-
tem designed to reinforce batteries
of Kub air defense missile systems
that were part of air defense regi-
ments of tank divisions — the main
striking power of the Soviet Army.
The 9A38 transporter erector
launcher and radar vehicle (TELAR)
placed on the GM-569 chassis com-
BUK AIR DEFENSE MISSILE SYSTEM:
OLD FRIENDS ARE BEST
V
AIR DEFENSE
2(52).2010 ● 37
bined functions of the self-propelled
target acquisition vehicle and self-
propelled launcher. It carried out
search for targets in a determined
sector, their detection and lock-in,
pre-launch actions, launch and hom-
ing of its three missiles as well as
three 3M9M3 surface-to-air missiles
(SAM) placed on a coupled 2P25M3
self-propelled launcher. The self-pro-
pelled launcher could receive control
and target information from both
the reconnaissance and targeting SP
vehicle and independently.
The 9A38 TELAR included
the 9S35 radar; digital computing
system; launching machine with
a servodrive; ground-based interro-
gator operating in the Parol recogni-
tion system; TV/optical sight; equip-
ment for data communications with
the reconnaissance and control ve-
hicle and wire communications with
the SP launcher; self-contained pow-
er supply system based on the gas
turbine device; navigation, location
and orientation equipment; life sup-
port system.
The progress in the develop-
ment of microwave devices, quartz
and electromechanical filters and
computers allowed the 9S35 radar to
operate as a target detection, track-
ing and illumination radar. It worked
in the centimeter band using one an-
tenna and two transmitters (pulse
and continuous emission). The first
transmitter was used for target de-
tection and tracking in the quasi-
continuous emission mode or, if
there are problems with unambigu-
ous range definitions, in the chirped
pulse mode.
The second continuous-emis-
sion transmitter was used for tar-
get and SAM illumination. The an-
tenna system provided sectorial tar-
get search in the electromechanical
mode, target tracking by angular co-
ordinates and range — in the mono-
pulse mode, while the signals were
processed by the on-board comput-
er. The noise factor of the radar’s sur-
veillance and direction-finding re-
ceivers was below 10 dB. The radar
reaction time was 20 sec. It was pro-
tected from active, passive and com-
bined jamming.
The 9A38 TELAR vehicle has
a launcher with replaceable guides.
The 9M38 SAM had a two-mode sol-
id-fuel propulsion. It featured a nor-
mal X-shaped configuration with
a low-aspect wing.
The front part of the missile suc-
cessively includes the semi-active
homing head, autopilot system,
power sources and warhead. In order
to reduce the alignment dispersion
by flight time, the grain chamber
is placed closer to the missile cen-
ter and the nozzle cluster includes
an extended duct surrounded by ac-
tuator elements.
The 9M38 missile was delivered
to the armed forces fully fitted in
a transport container. The period
of its maintenance-free operation
reached 10 years.
The 9M38 was able to engage air-
craft flying at altitudes of up to 3 km
from the range of 3.4 to 20.5 km
and at an altitude of 30 m — from 5
to 15.4 km. The missile could shoot
down targets at altitudes from 30 m
to 14 km, and at a course parameter
of up to 18 km. The aircraft hit prob-
ability equaled 0.70–0.93.
The 9S470 command post vehi-
cle placed on GM-579 chassis pro-
vided receiving, reflecting and pro-
cessing of target information com-
ing from the 9S18 target acquisition
radar (TAR) and six 9A310 self-pro-
pelled mounts as well as from higher
command posts, selecting dangerous
AIR DEFENSE
38 ● ARMS Defence Technologies Review
targets and their distribution among
self-propelled mounts in manual
and automatic modes, assigning their
responsibility sectors, depicting in-
formation on the availability of SAMs
on SP mounts and loading mounts,
modes of illumination transmitters
of SP mounts, their operation, oper-
ating regimes of the target acquisi-
tion radar. It also ensured the system’s
work in ECM environment and dur-
ing enemy’s employment of antira-
dar missiles as well as operation docu-
menting and crew training. The com-
mand post processed information
about 46 targets at altitudes of up to
20 km at a range of 100 km for one
surveillance cycle of the target acqui-
sition radar and sent up to 6 instruc-
tions to SP launchers.
The 9S18 Kupol 3D coherent/
pulse detection and tracking cen-
timeter-band radar featuring elec-
tronic scanning by elevation angle
and mechanical (round or in a spe-
cific sector) antenna rotation by az-
imuth using an electric or hydrau-
lic drive was designed to detect
and recognize aerial targets at alti-
tudes of up to 120 km (45 km at an al-
titude of 30 m) and submit air envi-
ronment information to the 9S470
command post vehicle.
Depending on the surveillance
sector by elevation angle and ECM
environment, the surveillance rate
was from 4.5 to 18 sec in circular
scanning and from 2.5 to 4.5 sec in
scanning within a 30° sector.
In order to prevent selective jam-
ming, methods of pulse-to-pulse
carrier frequency tuning, distance
interval blanking, change of linear
FM inclination and distance sectors
blanking were used. In case of noise
barrage jamming of self-protection
and external protection of select-
ed levels, the target detection sta-
tion could detect a fighter at a range
of 50 km. The station allowed target
tracking with a probability of at least
0.5 against the background of local
objects and passive jamming envi-
ronment by means of the moving-
target indicator canceller with wind
speed self-compensation. It was pro-
tected from antiradar missiles by
means of programmed carrier fre-
quency tuning within 1.3 sec, switch-
ing to circular ranging signal polar-
ization or pulsed light (glitter) mode.
The 9A310 TELAR vehicle differed
from the 9A38 one by the connec-
tion with the 9S470 command post
vehicle and 9A39 transporter-erector
launcher (TEL) with a data communi-
cations line.
In addition, four 9M38 SAMs were
placed on the launching machine
of the 9A310 TELAR vehicle. Its reac-
tion time equaled 5 min. It took 20 sec
to switch the system from the stand-
by to working mode, particular-
ly after changing its position with
switched equipment. The 9A380
TELAR was loaded with four SAMs
from the transporter-erector launch-
er within 12 min and from the trans-
porter vehicle — within 16 min.
The 9A39 TEL placed on the GM-
577 chassis was designed to transport
and store eight SAMs (four on the
launch machine and stationary lodg-
ments), launch four SAMs, self-load
its launch machine with four SAMs
from the lodgments and transport
containers, load and unload the SP
launch vehicle with four SAMs. Thus,
the Buk’s transporter-erector launch-
er combined functions of the trans-
port-launch vehicle and SP launch-
er. Besides the launcher with a ser-
vodrive, crane and lodgments,
the transporter-erector launcher in-
cluded the computing system, nav-
igation, survey control and orienta-
tion, data communications and pow-
er supply equipment as well as pow-
er supply units.
The system’s command post re-
ceived aerial situation data from
the command post of the Buk air
defense missile brigade (Polyana-D
ACS) and target detection station,
then processed it and sent instruc-
tions to SP launch vehicles, which
search for targets and tracked them
using this information. The SAM
was launched when targets reached
the engagement zone. The missile
was homed using the proportion-
al navigation technique ensuring
high homing accuracy. Approaching
the target, the seeker sent the close
arming command to the radio prox-
imity fuse. The warhead detonated 17
m away from the target. In case of ra-
dio proximity fuse failure, the SAM
self-destructed. If the target survived,
the second SAM was launched.
The Buk-1 system allowed the si-
multaneous engagement of up to six
targets by one division and, if need-
TABLE. COMPOSITION
Complex 9K37 "Buk" 9K37-1 "Buk-1"9K37M1
"Buk-M1"9K37M1-2
"Buk-M1-2"9K37M2E
"Buk-M2E"
Command Post 9S470 9S470 9S470M1 9S470M1-2 9S510
Surveillance Radar
9S18 Kupol 1S91M3 9S18M1 Kupol-M1 9S18М1-1 9S112 9S36
TELAR 9А310,9А38 9A38 9A310M1 9A310M1-2 9A317, 9P619
TEL 9А39 2P25M3 9A39M1 9A39M1, 9A39M1-2 9A316
TABLE. MISSILE
Missile 9М38 9М38M1 9M317
Missiles per TEL 4 4 4
Missile Weight 690 kg 690 kg 720 kg
Engagement range 4–30 km 3–42 km 3–45 km
Engagement altitude 30–14000 m 30–22000 m 30–25000 m
Maximum target speed (Mach) 2,5 4 4
AIR DEFENSE
2(52).2010 ● 39
ed, fulfilling up to six independent
combat tasks independently using
SP launch vehicles. It provided high
target detection reliability by means
of joint surveillance of the target de-
tection station and six SP launch ve-
hicles, enhanced jamming protec-
tion by means of the target seek-
er’s onboard computer and special
illumination signal and high target
engagement efficiency due to in-
creased SAM warhead power.
Practical and simulation launches
proved that the Buk air defense mis-
sile system can engage non-maneu-
vering targets flying at a speed of up
to 800 m/sec at altitudes from 25 m
to 18 km at ranges from 3 to 25 km
and course parameter of up to 18 km
with a single-launch hit probabili-
ty of 0.7–0.8. The hit probability re-
duced down to 0.6 if the target ma-
neuvered with G loads of up to 8.
Also, the system included
the 9V881 maintenance vehicle,
9V883, 9V884 and 9V894 technical
service and maintenance vehicles,
9V95 automated control and test
mobile station, 9T229 transport-
er vehicle with 9T319 technologi-
cal equipment set, 9T31M autocrane
and other assets.
The 9S18 TAR, 9A380 TELAR
and 9S470 command post vehi-
cles were made by the Ulyanovsk
Mechanical Plant. The 9A39 TEL was
produced at the Sverdlovsk Machine-
Building Plant.
In 1983, the Buk air defense mis-
sile system was modernized to raise
its combat performance and ECM
and antiradiation missiles protection.
The upgraded Buk-M1 featured lon-
ger aircraft engagement range, was
able to shoot down ALCM cruise mis-
siles with a single-launch hit prob-
ability of 0.4, Hew-Cobra helicop-
ters — with a hit probability of 0.6–
0.7 and hovering helicopters — 0.3–
0.4 at a range of 3.5–10 km.
The TELAR vehicle employs 72
pre-set illumination frequencies (in-
stead of 36), which raises its pro-
tection from mutual and intentional
interference. It can recognize three
types of targets — aircraft, ballis-
tic missiles and helicopters. When
compared with the 9S470 command
post, the 9S470M1 one supports si-
multaneous reception of data from
the own target detection station
and information about six targets
from the air defense command post
of the motorized infantry (tank) di-
vision or from that of the army as
well as comprehensive training of all
combat crews.
As compared with the 9A38,
the 9A310M1 TELAR allows target de-
tection and lock-in at longer ranges (by
25–30%) as well as recognition of air-
craft, ballistic missiles and helicopters
with a probability of at least 0.6.
The system incorporates a more
advanced 9S18M1 (Kupol-M1) TAR
featuring a flat elevation-scanned
phased array and basing on the GM-
567M tracked chassis.
The Buk-M1 system features ef-
ficient organizational and tech-
nical antiradiation missile protec-
tion. The Buk-M1’s combat parts
are interchangeable with the simi-
lar parts of the Buk system with-
out their upgrades. The organization
of their combat and technical units is
the same, too.
The system’s technological equip-
ment includes the 9V95M1 automat-
ed control and test mobile station
employing the ZiL-131 chassis with
a trailer; 9V883, 9V884 and 9V894
technical service and maintenance
vehicles based on Ural-43203-1012;
the 9V881 technical service vehicle
based on Ural-43203-1012; 9T229
transporter vehicle for eight missiles
or six containers with missiles based
on a KrAZ-255B; 9T31M autocrane
and MTO-ATG-M1 technical service
workshop based on ZiL-131.
In 1994-1997, the Buk-M1-2 ADMS
was created. Due to the employment
of a newer 9M317 missile and up-
grading other systems, for the first
time it gained the ability to hit Lance
tactical ballistic missiles and aircraft-
launched missiles at a range of 20
km, elements of high-precision weap-
ons and ships — at 25 km and ground
targets (parked aircraft, launch-
ers and large command posts) —
at 15 km. The aircraft, helicopters
and cruise missiles engagement ca-
pability was raised, too. The engage-
ment range was increased up to 45 km
and altitude — up to 25 km. The new-
er missile features an inertial-correct-
ed control system with a semi-active
radar target seeker providing propor-
tional navigation guidance. Outwardly,
the 9M317 differs from the 9M38 mis-
sile by a smaller wing chord length.
In addition to the improved mis-
sile, it is planned to equip the system
with a new part — the illumination
and guidance radar with a telescopic
antenna placed at a height of 22 m in
the working position. This radar con-
siderably raises the system’s capabil-
ity to engage low-flying targets, par-
ticularly cruise missiles.
The system can be equipped with
command posts and launch section
of two types: four sections each in-
cluding one improved TELAR vehicle
carrying four SAMs and able to simul-
taneously engage up to four targets
and one transporter-erector launcher
with eight missiles; two sections each
including one illumination and guid-
ance radar also able to simultaneous-
AIR DEFENSE
40 ● ARMS Defence Technologies Review
ly engage up to four targets and two
transporter-erector launchers with
eight SAMs on each one.
Upgrading the Buk-M system
(Buk-M1-2 and Buk-M2), the Start
Machine-Building Design Bureau
developed the 9P619 launcher
and 9A316 TEL on a tracked chas-
sis as well as the 9A318 launcher
on a wheeled chassis.
In general, the development
of Kub and Buk air defense missile
systems is an excellent example
of how weapons evolution can con-
tinuously enhance the combat per-
formance of army air defense at a rel-
atively low price.
Now, foreign customers can buy
the cutting-edge Buk-M2E medium-
range multifunctional mobile air de-
fense missile system manufactured
by the Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant. It
can defeat any aerial targets includ-
ing tactical and strategic aircraft, fire
support helicopters including hover-
ing ones, a wide range of tactical bal-
listic and antiradiation missiles as well
as special airborne and cruise missiles.
The system can engage sur-
face targets (destroyers and missile
boats) and ground radar-contrast
targets both in light and heavy ECM
environment. Its target engagement
zone is 3–45 km by range and 15 m —
25 km — by altitude.
The minimal deployment/clo-
sure time is 5 min given that the po-
sitions of its main combat assets
can be changed within 20 sec with
switched-on equipment. High-speed
tracked chassis provide the system
with high mobility.
The employment of advanced
phased arrays with an effective
phase control allows simultane-
ous tracking and rapid engagement
of up to 24 targets. The efficient op-
toelectronic system based on the
submatrix IR and charge transfer ma-
trix TV channels provides round-the-
clock operation of its main combat
asset — the 9A317E TELAR vehicle.
The optical mode largely rais-
es the system’s jamming protec-
tion and survivability. All combat as-
sets are integrated into advanced
digital systems allowing rapid data
processing and selecting the most
dangerous targets, their lock-in
and tracking. A single and salvo
launch can be made 10-12 sec after
target detection.
High mobility and survivabili-
ty, wide range of engaged targets
and high single-launch hit proba-
bility (0.9–0.95) attracts attention to
the Buk-M2E air defense missile sys-
tem and raises its popularity on in-
ternational arms markets.
The Ulyanovsk Mechanical Plant is part of the Almaz-Antey Air Defense Concern and is one of the leading manufacturers of high-performance air defense systems and the only producer of Buk-M2 air defense missile systems and Tunguska-M1 air defense missile/gun system. The company carries out the modernization of ZSU-23-4 Shilka and Buk-M1 systems.
The plant is conducting R&D works on the modernization of previously-made items and overhaul of combat and technical assets of Buk and Tunguska systems.
CONTACTS:OJSC ULYANOVSK MECHANICAL PLANT
Moskovskoye Highway 94, Ulyanovsk, Russia, 432008Phone: +7 (8422) 42-03-70, fax: +7 (8422) 32-61-63
E-mail: [email protected]
OJSC ALMAZ-ANTEY AIR DEFENSE CONCERN
Vereiskaya St. 41, Moscow, Russia, 121471Phone: +7 (095) 780-54-10, fax: +7 (095) 780-54-11
E-mail: [email protected]
AIR DEFENSE
2(52).2010 ● 41
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LAND FORCES
42 ● ARMS Defence Technologies Review
RUSSIAN LIGHT MULTIROLE RUSSIAN LIGHT MULTIROLE ARMORED VEHICLESARMORED VEHICLES
LAND FORCES
2(52).2010 ● 43
Viktor Murakhovskiy
LAND FORCES
44 ● ARMS Defence Technologies Review
At the end of the 20th century,
the changing nature of military op-
erations required the urgent equip-
ment of armed forces and police
with light armored vehicles. The new
important tasks emerged, namely
counter-terrorist and peace-keeping
operations, patrolling missions, bor-
der protection, etc.
Performing these missions, mili-
tary units and law enforcement bod-
ies can be attacked in any place
and any time in a situation when
there is no front and rear. Command
and support units are threatened
at the same level as combat units
do. Combat units possess combat ar-
mored vehicles, but other structures
used to employ thin-skinned ones.
Thus, the losses of general purpose
vehicles in local wars were too large.
Soon, many countries realized
the need in light multirole armored
vehicles and started their crea-
tion. The US HMMWV Hammer was
a kind of symbol of such vehicles.
At present, dozens of companies all
over the world manufacture such
cars, for example, Renault (France),
KMW (Germany), Iveco (Italy), FNSS
(Turkey), Bin Jaber Group (UAE) and
others.
Such vehicles are used both
in military structures and law en-
forcement bodies as well as in many
other fields requiring protected and
mobile vehicles.
As for the Russian Federation,
the first order for developing light
multirole armored vehicles was made
by the Federal Border Service at the
Special Machine-Building Science-
Production Center of the Bauman
Moscow State Technical University.
As a result, the BPM-97 Vystrel ar-
mored border vehicle was created.
Later on, Russia designed other
light armored vehicles — the GAZ-
3937 Vodnik and GAZ-2330 Tigr, em-
ployed by the Defense Ministry,
Interior Ministry and other law en-
forcement bodies.
KAMAZ-43269 VYSTREL
The light multirole armored vehi-
cle is delivered in various configura-
tions — command, patrol, medical
and reconnaissance.
The armored bodywork is
made by Kurganmashzavod, while
the Naberezhnye Chelny-based
Remdiesel plant carries out the final
assembling and installs series parts
of the KAMAZ 4326 truck. This so-
lution allowed extending the over-
haul life up to 270,000 km — an out-
standing characteristic for armored
vehicles.
The hull is assembled from rolled
armor sheets with optimal slope
angles. The armor in the top part
of the hull protects from the 12.7-
mm NSVT heavy machine gun from
300 m, while the bottom part and
rear — from the 7.62-mm SVD snip-
er rifle from 30 m. The cupola pro-
vides for the installation of the 14.5-
mm KPVT machine gun, 12.7-mm
Kord machine gun, 30-mm Plamya
grenade launcher and antitank mis-
sile system.
The BPM-97 has two 125-liter pro-
tected tanks and an extra 20-liter
tank in the armored hull. The vehi-
cle features an autonomous heat-
er to maintain working temperature
in the troopers compartment irre-
spectively of the engine operation.
Also, it has an air filtration unit.
In Russia, the KAMAZ-43269
Vystrel is mainly used to carry explo-
sives, money and valuable cargo. In
2005, several vehicles were sold to
the Interior Ministries of Kazakhstan
and Azerbaijan.
GAZ-3937 VODNIK
It is a light multirole armored ve-
hicle of modular configuration. Its
hull is welded from rolled armored
sheets and represents a combina-
tion of front and rear modules. The
space limited by the front mod-
ule includes the powerplant and
control compartments separated by
KAMAZ-43269 Vystrel
The point, that the use of infantry units during a warfare even without chemical or bacteriological
weapon is going to be diminished, obtains a wide circulation not only on bush-league forums but
even among some professionals. However, the last local conflicts, for instance in Georgia, show that
Infantry remains the most all purpose branch of the Armed Forces which is capable effectively fight
against foe's infantry units as well as small guerrilla units. Moreover, the infantry units shall become an
absolute obstacle for mechanized units. To full fill the mentioned tasks an infantry unit is supposed to
have superiority in fire power and last but not least modern attached armored vehicles
LAND FORCES
2(52).2010 ● 45
a sealed bulkhead. The rear module
represents usable volume designed
for transporting people and cargo,
mounting special equipment and
armament.
The two-seat cab with tandem
seats is in the front on the left side. It
is equipped with a heating/air con-
ditioning unit and adjustable seats.
To the sight, one can see a six-cylin-
der row turbocharged 175-hp 6.23-
l engine from the GAZ-5423. The
6.4-t GAZ-3937 can reach a speed
of 112 km/h on a highway. The pow-
er take-off device allows switching
a water-jet motor, a winch and oth-
er devices.
Due to the quick-release coupling
of the rear module and the hull bear-
ing flange, various modules can be
easily replaced on a vehicle on the
field. Thus, various modules allow
using one chassis for transporting
people, cargo, mounting special
equipment and armament.
The selectable front-wheel drive,
steering booster, heating and air
conditioning system provide
high cross-country capability and
comfort.
The independent torsion suspen-
sion, central tire inflation system,
smooth bottom side and high clear-
ance ensure the vehicle’s smooth
movement in cross country condi-
tions. The hermetic hull allows cross-
ing water obstacles afloat at a speed
of up to 4 km/h.
The GAZ-3937 is the basis for
the 39371 version featuring armored
hull, altered cab and turret.
The vehicle is highly unified with
GAZ series vehicles, which provides
high reliability and serviceability.
GAZ-2330 TIGR
It is a 4x4 vehicle featuring ring-
bridge structure, armored single-
volume three-door bodywork and
designed to transport up to 9 peo-
ple and 1,200 kg of cargo. The car-
go compartment is separated from
the passenger one with a bulk-
head and accommodates addition-
al seats for 2–4 persons. The inde-
pendent double fishbone suspen-
sion of all wheels with hydraulic
shock absorbers as well as the pow-
erplant consisting of the diesel en-
gine, clutch with an air-hydrau-
Vodnik has her-metic hull and is amphibious
LAND FORCES
46 ● ARMS Defence Technologies Review
lic booster, five-stage mechanical
gearbox, two-stage transfer case
with an interaxle differential includ-
ing an electropneumatic differen-
tial lock drive, engine systems (cool-
ing, fuel, etc), two limited slip ax-
les, wheel-hub drives and wheels
with tires adjusted for cross-coun-
try conditions are mounted on the
stiff welded frame.
The unit unification with
the BTR-80 armored personnel carri-
er and GAZ-39371 Vodnik multifunc-
tional armored vehicle, which are
checked by multi-year experience,
guarantees the Tigr’s high reliability
and long overhaul period.
This multifunctional vehicle was
ordered by the Defense Ministry
of the UAE, which spent $60 million
for developing and manufacturing
test models. The first Tiger HMTV ve-
hicles were presented in Abu-Dhabi
at the IDEX-2001 exhibition. Though,
the consumer liked the vehicles,
the supply contract was not signed.
Several vehicles were put into test
operation with the Moscow Special
Rapid Response Unit of Russia’s
Interior Ministry. As a result, this min-
istry ordered the special police ver-
sion of this vehicle for its units. The
Tigr’s series production is carried
out at the Arzamas machine-build-
ing plant.
The Tigr special police vehicle
(SPM-1 and SPM-2) is designed for
transportation and operational mis-
sions conducted by Interior Ministry
forces during anti-terrorist opera-
tions, territorial defense and assist-
ing Russia’s Federal Border Service.
The Tigr SPM-2 version provides
Level 5 ballistic protection. Its roof
has two hatches. The cabin has plac-
es for the crew as well as for the ra-
dio station and radio-controlled
bomb locking device. The SPM-1 ver-
sion provides Level 3 ballistic pro-
tection and has some extra equip-
ment, namely the conditioning sys-
tem, arm support for weapons, etc.
The STS GAZ-233014 Tigr is
a special-purpose vehicle designed
for military troops. It provides
Level 3 ballistic protection. There
is a rotating hatch with a folded
cap and arm supports for weapons
in the roof. Opening armor win-
dows in the doors and sides allow
using side arms by the troopers.
The cabin has seats for the driver,
vehicle commander and 4 troopers.
The size of the pivot hatch allows
two crew members to fire in two
directions at once. Inside the STS
GAZ-233014 Tigr, there are cases
for the machine gun and grenade
launcher ammunition loads, arm
supports for machine guns, auto-
matic grenade launcher, reactive
antitank grenades (RPG-22, RPG-
26 and RShG-2) and manpads (Igla
and Igla-S).
The Tigr’s army version has two
controllable powerful pilot lights,
one mounted in front and the oth-
er — at the rear on the roof.
There is a versatile arm support
with sockets for communication sys-
tems in the hull on the transmission
tunnel. Arm supports for communi-
cation antennas are mounted out-
side. The hull and door windows are
bulletproof and the interior spall lin-
ers protect personnel against spalls if
the hull is hit by bullets or fragments
and exclude ricochet from the oppo-
site side if the hull is pierced.
The series STS Tigr vehicles are
constantly improved. The current
version has a board information
control system (BIUS) and a multi-
plex electric equipment control sys-
tem. These systems are integrated
into the on-board network by he
CAN multiplex bus. In December
2009, a new Tigr version powered
by the 420-hp diesel engine was pre-
sented in Nizhny Tagil. The previous
versions were powered by 2-5-hp
diesel engines.SPM-2
SPM-1
LAND FORCES
2(52).2010 ● 47
The KShM R-145BMA Tigr is a com-
mand and control vehicle used by
the commanders of Special Forces
to control their troops, communi-
cate with superior chiefs and coop-
erating bodies. The vehicle provides
communications on the move and
stand and commutation with sta-
tionary communications systems.
The means of communication work
in various bands and include satellite
communications systems, ciphony
equipment, commutation systems
as well as various power sources.
This command and control vehicle
was jointly created by the Military-
Industrial Company and Tambov ra-
dio plant Signal.
SPM-3 MEDVED
This special-purpose armored po-
lice vehicle was first shown in pub-
lic in autumn 2008 in Moscow. It was
initially planned to make a family
of vehicles on the chassis of SPM-3
APC designed for the Internal Troops.
Featuring better ballistic protection
and especially strong anti-mine pro-
tection, the SPM-3 can be used for
delivering infantry units to the bat-
tlefield and fire support missions,
too. The SPM-3 can be widely used
in the armed forces for the follow-
ing purposes:
■ for escort and patrolling missions,
commandant control service, spe-
cial post service, transporting
and keeping secret documents
in field;
■ as a protected command and con-
trol vehicle. Its large usable inte-
rior volume (about 12 cu.m) al-
lows installing the necessary com-
munications and control systems
and providing comfortable work
of the combat crew;
■ as a reconnaissance scout vehi-
cle. In this case, its advantages
in speed, protection and place for
reconnaissance equipment and
systems are used;
■ as a self-propelled antitank com-
bat vehicle (it has large internal
volume);
■ as a self-propelled mortar;
■ as a armored medical vehicle for
MEDEVAC missions;
■ as a NBC reconnaissance vehicle,
etc.
CHARACTERISTICS VODNIK VYSTREL TIGR
Configuration 4 x 4 4 x 4 4x4
Cab seating 3 + 8 men 2+8 2+7
Weight (empty) 6.6–7.5 t 10.5 t 7.6 t
Maximum load 1.5–2.5 t 1.5 t
Length
Width
Height
5.38 m
2.6 m
2.15 / 2.57 m
5.3 m
1.9 m
2.3 m
5.7 m
2.3 m
2.3 m
Engine power 175 hp 240 hp 205 hp
Maximum road speed 112 km/h 90 km/h 140 km/h
Amphibious speed on water 4–5 km/h — —
Range up to 1000 km up to 1100 km up to 900 km
Gradient 60,00% 60,00% 50,00%
Armor bulletproof bulletproof bulletproof