Cate's Research-Investigation Bureau

  Previously, the TKN-AI commander's observation device with active-pulse illumination was used.  Compared with it, the new sight has a number of advantages, one of the main new features the allows better terrain observation in a circular view.  In addition to target identification of the gunner-operator, it is now possible to independently fire from standard weapons. There are two channels: television and thermal, two fields of view - wide and narrow, as well as the possibility of electronic zoom.  The maximum detection range of a tank-type target at night can reach 5000 meters. Setting a panorama greatly enhances the BMP-3s capabilities on the modern battlefield. Earlier, BMP-3M began to be equipped with modern multi-channel sights of the gunner-operator "Sodema" with a laser rangefinder, thermal imager and stabilization in two plains and automatic target tracking. The vehicles also received additional armour and anti-cumulative lattice screens. Taken from: Vestnik...

  The look of the modernized CV9035NL Mk III infantry fighting vehicle of the Netherlands army with a new turret (c) BAE Systems BAE Systems Corporation  announced  on January 14, 2021,  that it had received a contract worth more than $ 500 million from the Dutch defence procurement organization Dutch Defense Materiel Organization (DMO) for the repair and modernization of 122 CV9035NL Mk III infantry fighting vehicles of the Dutch army (with an option for another 19 machines).  The work will be carried out by the Swedish division of BAE Systems (BAE Systems Hägglunds), which is the developer and manufacturer of these machines.  It is reported that the basis of the modernization will be the equipment of the CV9035NL Mk III IFV developed and manufactured by BAE Systems Hägglunds with new turrets with enhanced protection, a new fire control system and installed launchers of the Israeli ATGM Rafael Spike-LR.  The main armament in the form of a 35-mm automa...

  As part of the execution of the state defence order in December 2020, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation received a batch of T-80BVM tanks produced by the Omsk Transport Engineering Plant, which is part of the Uralvagonzavod concern of the Rostec State Corporation.  The combat vehicle has been supplied to the Russian armed forces since 2019. Before entering service with the Russian army, the tanks have successfully passed a thorough check.  In order to control the quality of products, the state of all systems and mechanisms, as well as to assess the conformity of machines to the declared technical characteristics, a number of tests were carried out, both stationary - workshop, and at the test site. “All obligations to the Ministry of Defense were fulfilled on time.  This result was achieved largely due to the well-coordinated work of the team and the high organization of production.  Ensuring the country's defence is a priority for our company....

A cabriolet howitzer on a wheeled chassis is being tested.  In 2021, tests of the 2S43 "Malva" self-propelled unit will begin.  The 152-mm gun of the new artillery system is housed in the body of the Voshchina high-pass wheeled tractor.  Thanks to this solution, "Malva" is capable of making high-speed marches for hundreds of kilometres.  Until recently, all Soviet and Russian howitzers were produced only in tracked versions.  Together with the latest wheeled self-propelled convertible, a whole family of new highly mobile guns and mortars is in the final stages of development.  According to experts, the transition to such equipment is a modern trend in world artillery, and the new installation will be able to interest foreign buyers of domestic weapons. At present, the schedule of work on the newest self-propelled artillery installation ACS 2S43 "Malva" has been approved, sources in the military department told Izvestia.  The document was prepared at th...

 

The Omsk Transport Engineering Plant, which is part of the Uralvagonzavod concern of the State Corporation Rostec, completed the 2020 state defence order for an overhaul with the modernization of a batch of TOS-1A  "Solntsepyok"  heavy flamethrower systems.  The changes affected both the exterior and the internal equipment of the machines. The combat vehicle has built-in dynamic protection, as well as the GPS GLONASS satellite system, which allows the crew to determine the exact time, geographic coordinates, altitudes, and the graphic position of the object on an electronic map.  In addition, the system received a new modern radio station R-168 and switching and control equipment. Quote - “ Implementation of the state defence order is the main strategic direction of our enterprise.  For many years, we have been ensuring the fulfillment of planned targets within the SDO, and often ahead of schedule.  This year, the obligations to the Ministry of Defense of t...

  The RChBZ troops will receive a modernized heavy flamethrower system "Solntsepek".  Work on its improvement is being completed at industrial enterprises. The modernization will provide:  Will increase the range and accuracy of fire The  area of ​​destruction of one ammunition Reduce the rates of  ammunition  consumption . The improvement process is aimed at increasing the protection against anti-tank weapons.  The use of modern sighting and navigation systems, as well as new unguided rockets, will reduce the time for preparing and performing combat missions. Taken from: TV-Zvezda

 

 As previously mentioned in my earlier posts about "AGAVA-2", there was a T-90 variant that did, in fact, mount that sight.  The year is 2000-2002, by that point, Russia made several T-90 variants, including some export variants. Those being: T-90 Obr.1992, T-90K Obr.1994, T-90S Obr.1992, T-90C Variant No.1 Obr.1992, T-90S Obr.1999, T-90SK Obr.1999, T-90S "Bhishma" Obr.2000. The mentioned variants have at some point either been exported to countries in batches, created as proposed export designs or have been sent out for tank trials.  But Russia created another T-90S variant that came with some non-standard equipment. That being a T-90S being shown during a semi-closed demonstration of vehicles back in 2000-2002. The tank featured its standard OEAPS "Shtora-1" but came with an unusual sight that was very rare for early T-90 and T-90S tanks. That being the TO1-PO2RT "AGAVA-2RT" thermal imaging sight. The sight itself had several different upgrade...