Cate's Research-Investigation Bureau

Recently new images came to light, of a T-80 equipped with a familiar-looking combat module. Closely resembling the "Burlak" combat module which was previously mounted on a T-72B hull back in the early 2000s.  On the photographs, it can be easily identified that the hull is the same as on the Object 219M "T-80BV-RM" which one of the prototype T-80BV upgrades made by Russia more than 10 years ago.    The design of the turret is very similar to the "Burlak" CM, made back in the early 2000s by Omsk KBTM, now known as Omsktransmash. The turret itself seems to be in a more complete state, with a more refined turret design and finalized components.  It sadly is unknown when this variant was tested and will it ever be accepted into the armoured forces. But the images show that the development of a new combat module has been continued past the "Burlak" and its presence on other vehicles other than the T-72B. 

This is a continuation and expansion of the previous article. If you haven't read the previous article which covers Anti-radiation material usage in Armoured Fighting Vehicles, it is recommended to read it first. That article will cover the basics of AFV protection against radiation. While this page will expand upon it with the explanation and theory behind calculating radiation protection of AFVs, and is not required to be read to understand what was mentioned in the previous article.  Сalculation of radiation protection of AFVs. The methods of calculating radiation protection for tanks are based on the principle of superposition with the concept of albedo doses, according to which the dose in the calculated biological hotspot is considered as a set of radiation doses passing through individual structural elements. Increasing the dose in already calculated points inside an object, which results in increased amounts of radiation reflection includes the usage of the albedo coefficie...

The latest self-propelled artillery gun (SPG) 2S43 "Malva" will enter the state testing stage next year, 2022. This is reported by RIA Novosti, citing a source in the military-industrial complex. According to the source, in 2021, the prototype of the SPG will pass acceptance tests, during which the compliance of the gun with the requirements of the technical specification will be confirmed. State tests are scheduled for 2022. According to the source:  "As part of the acceptance tests, which will begin in the spring or summer of this year, the "Malva" must shoot a certain number of shells, as well as pass the tests of the chassis on various soils. Factory tests of the SPG were completed at the end of 2020." SPG 2S43 "Malva" is being developed by the Central Research Institute "Burevestnik" within the framework of the ROC "Набросок" - "Sketch". For the first time, the howitzer was presented in 2019 in closed mode, deta...

Anti-radiation material usage in Armoured Fighting Vehicles. The penetrating radiation of a nuclear explosion consists of 2 things, a stream of neutrons and gamma radiation, which both pose a danger to vehicle crews. One of the countermeasures against such threats is the usage of steel in armour. That is why streams of neutrons (a portion of which outside of the tank's armour exceeds the level of gamma radiation almost by 2-3 factors) pose the main danger when penetrating the tank's main armour. To prevent high-level doses of neutron radiation, the best solution is to use materials that can be enriched or are rich in hydrogen.  Anti-radiation material in the form of additional shielding can primarily be mounted on the amour itself, which needs to have certain abilities to be used in the long run. The main factors are, being able to withstand high temperatures either from direct fire or combustible liquids and deactivating liquids against materials covered in radiation. Addition...

  The development of an Active Protection System in the Soviet Union dates back to the 2nd half of the 1950s.  The creation of the first operational prototype which included the usage of an active method of protection was started in 1958 within the "Дикобраз" - "Porcupine" APS framework.  The basic principle of operation of this APS consisted of covering the probable direction of attack against ATGM. This was achieved by separating the system into different sectors and each sector was protected by a launcher that fired a counter-projectile at an incoming threat.  The development of the next APS prototype, which showed the fundamental possibility of detecting an incoming chemical projectile and countering it at a distance of 1000-1500 meters relative to the tank equipping such APS, was started in the 1960s. The APS was called "Веер" - "Fan", development was carried out by NIIStali together with NIIETI.  The system was made out of 15-20 protective ...

The scientific and technical centre "Elins" showed at the exhibition" Army-2020 " a line of new sighting systems. One of the company's developments, equipped with a thermal imaging system, is intended for the modernization of the anti-aircraft missile and gun complex "Tunguska". The sample has already received the letter "O1", the developers are preparing for serial deliveries. Among the features of the new equipment is the deepening of robotization. Another novelty called "Vityaz", developed on an initiative basis is intended for installation on the BMP-3. The fire control system includes television and thermal imaging cameras and can be equipped with a laser rangefinder if necessary. The presented sighting complex is a platform solution with an open architecture. That is, at the request of the customer, the product can be supplemented with new equipment that expands the functionality. Also among the features is the complete interc...

Hanwha Defense Australia announced on 16 March that it has achieved the integration of two Israeli-made systems with its new Redback infantry fighting vehicle (IFV). The company said in a statement that integration of the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems’ Iron Fist active protection system (APS) with the Redback was successfully demonstrated in late 2020, while several Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missiles – also made by Rafael – were successfully test-fired from the IFV in early February. The company said that both tests, which it referred to as “key milestones in the validation of the Redback’s offensive and defensive protection systems”, were conducted in Israel. Hanwha Defense Australia’s Redback IFV test-firing a Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Spike LR2 ATGM in February 2021. (Hanwha Defense Australia) The Redback, which is currently competing with Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s Lynx KF41 for the Australian Army’s AUD18.1–27.1 billion (USD14–21 billion) IFV requirement, is being of...

Nexter Announces new 120mm APFSDS shell "SHARD" Nexter recently announced a new 120mm APFSDS shell for all 120mm NATO standard guns, the so-named SHARD. It recently had test firings in extreme conditions and was confirmed to have the performance expected, the ammunition sets a new performance standard. In 2021 the lastest architectural optimizations will be completed and will be ready for customers in 2022, to fight the latest armoured threat in the 21 century. The performance in this new shell is all thanks to the innovative design, defined by Nexter Munitions technical teams at Bourges. SHARD achieves this level of performance thanks to an optimized Sabot and elongated rod in a new tungsten alloy developed with Plansee Tungsten Alloys, as well as a combustible cartridge case and high-performance low-erosion propellant developed by EURENCO. "SHARD is the result of Nexter Munitions expertise in the development of very high-performance ammunition. The validation and qua...

  A batch of 8 units of modernized T-90M "Proryv" tanks was delivered to the Sevastopol Motorized Rifle Brigade of the Guards Tank Army of the Western Military District. "We received this month several units of T-90M tanks, which are the most advanced machine in the T-90 family and the most adapted to action in the conditions of modern combat," said the commander of the tank army of the ZVO, Lieutenant General Sergei Kisel. After receiving the order from the factory representatives, the tanks will be trained to participate in the Victory Parade on Red Square in Moscow. The T-90M is equipped with a new combat turret module with a powerful 125 mm tank gun, which provides the use of new high-efficiency ammunition, as well as a guided missile that allows you to destroy enemy tanks at a range of up to 5 km. The high-speed characteristics of the T-90M tank, fuel efficiency and power reserve are provided by a diesel engine with a capacity of 1,130 hp. Taken from: MOD , Zve...

Uralvagonzavod (part of the Concern "Uralvagonzavod" is part of the State Corporation Rostec) sent a batch of T-90M "Proryv" tanks to the customer. The T-90M tank was developed by the Ural Design Bureau of Transport Engineering (as part of the Uralvagonzavod Concern, part of the Rostec State Corporation). It is the most advanced machine in the T-90 family and the most adapted to action in the conditions of modern combat, including due to the presence of all-angle protection, modern all-day highly automated fire control system and the implementation of measures to increase survivability.  The T-90M is significantly superior in combat effectiveness to its predecessor, the T-90, but it retains its advantages, such as exceptional reliability and minimal maintenance during operation. The T-90M tank is equipped with a new combat turret module with a powerful 125 mm tank gun, which provides the use of new high-power ammunition, as well as a guided missile that allows you t...

  Preparation for combat. The action of the gunner-operator in preparation for firing in the daytime with standard weapons and the installation of the operator's console The action of the gunner-operator in preparation for shooting during the day with standard weapons. At the command of the tank commander to prepare for firing or independently after loading ammunition, the gunner-operator performs the following actions. Turn on the switches on the gunner's console in the following order: Toggle switches Top row: Ballistics computer (2nd on the left) Converter (4th on the left) Bottom row toggle switches: Rangefinder (1st on the left) Autoloader (3rd on the left) After that, the gunner reports to the commander on the readiness for battle. and the gunner begins to monitor the appearance of targets. Installation of the operator console. While holding the remote control (2), connect the plug connectors (1) and (6), secure them with the cap nuts. Install the remote control (2) on th...