Cate's Research-Investigation Bureau

An echelon of  ZTZ-96Bs (hull numbers 366 to 369) of the PLA ground forces is sent to Russia to participate in the "Tank Biathlon - 2021". This year, China will be represented by tank crews of the 75th Army Group of the PLA Southern Combat Command Zone, instead of the tank crews of the 78th Army Group of the PLA Northern Combat Command Zone, which took part in the "Such Biathlon" from the very beginning of its holding within the framework of the International Army Games. Taken from: livejournal

In the 1970s, UKBTM conducted experiments with high calibre rifled guns, primarily using 130mm designs as their main focus. At the time, the Soviet Union standardized their 125mm 2A26 guns.  The idea was put in motion in the year 1970 by S.A. Zverev who at the time was the head of the Ministry of Defense and Industry. According to a document issued in 1970, the first three Object 172Ms were to be equipped with three different guns: a standard 125mm 2A26, a 130mm rifled gun with a hydraulic lifting mechanism made by Uralmashzavod or a 130mm rifled gun with mechanical lifting mechanism, designed by the Perm Machine-Building Plant.  However, in October of 1970, the order for 130mm guns was cancelled for unspecified reasons.  3 years later in 1973, designers returned to the idea, after a mockup of a tank with a 130mm LP-28 rifled gun was created.  Ability to quickly change the barrel without having to remove the entire gun assembly from the tank (first time in the USSR)  Ability to fire gu

This post expands on a previously covered topic, being the BMP-3 with ERA . Potentially sealing this topic until later when more information comes to light.  ERA package components:  ERA containers filled with 4S24 ERA elements, containers are mounted on the front and both sides of the hull. Slat armour mounted on the rear of the vehicle protects the engine compartment. Overall package performance:  Protection against AT rocket-propelled grenades (RPG) PG-7V, PG-7VS, PG-7VL, PG-7VM, PG-9S and other types of grenades capable of penetrating up to 600mm RHA within a 180 ° fire arc.  In areas covered by ERA containers, the probability of protection is at least 80%.  In areas covered by slat armour, the probability of protection is at least 50%. Protection against small arms:  Areas covered by ERA containers 12.7mm B-32 rounds at 0m within 180 ° fire arc 14.5mm B-32 rounds at 50 m within 180 ° fire arc Areas covered by slat armour and steel plates 12.7mm B-32 rounds at 35 0m within 180 ° fi

  The 'Trona-1' positioning system is designed to enhance the accuracy and credibility of navigation data by integrating the vehicles navigation system with GLONASS and NAVSTAR satellite navigation systems.  The 'Trona-1' system presents the tactical situation in real-time and full detail and enables the crew to receive additional navigational information. An electronic mapper based on vector charts enables the operator to control the entire navigation system. The system is made out of advanced computing components and microprocessors and incorporates the following devices: gyroscopic course setter, a gyroscopic course indicator, control panel, converter, coordinator, mapper, course indicator and antenna.  Taken from: "Armored Vehicles The XXI Century Encyclopedia Russia's Arms and Technology"

  T-55AM-1 equipped with protective textile package (photoshop proposal) Protective package made out of a textile material that contains pockets to house 4S20 "Kontakt-1" ERA elements. The package is secured to the tank using special belt mounts. The weight distribution of this package is around 8kg/m ². "Kontakt-1" ERA elements provide protection against chemical shaped charges.  Protective textile package Taken from: Armored Vehicles The XXI Century Encyclopedia Russia's Arms and Technology ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discord   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Placement of armoured vehicles in storage and servicing them at regular intervals. Development and implementation of measures aimed at reducing the time required to remove the vehicle from storage. Inspection of technical conditions of armoured vehicles placed in storage, quality control of maintenance operations performed on them and quick removal of detected defects. Correct planning and technical support for recording performed maintenance on stored equipment. Construction of armoured vehicle depots, warehouses, servicing lines for performing standard maintenance and storing equipment.  Short-term storage (up to one year) Long-term storage (more than one year) Before equipment is sent to storage, it has to go through 2 different optional preservation methods.  Equipment is treated with preservation grease without sealing   Equipment is sealed with preservation grease and placed for internal dehydration before final sealing  All open-top vehicles placed in short-term/long-term storag

 Previous article:  T-72B3 Obr.2016 equipped with Arena-M APS   The article above contains previously covered footage about the T-72B3 with Arena-M, while this article continues this current Arena-M topic.  Today TV Zvezda premiered another episode of their weekly "Military Acceptance" show,  where they present different military equipment.  In today's episode, TV Zvezda released more footage about the T-72B3 Obr.2016 with Arena-M APS. T-72B3 Obr.2016 with Arena-M equipped with Nakidka thermal masking tarp.  T-72B3 Obr.2016 with Arena-M APS mounting. Commanders position.  Arena-M launch shafts and countermeasures.  The T-72B3 in this video had to part-take in underwater tests. Mainly to see if the electronics and the APS can still function after being submerged underwater for 30 minutes.  The countermeasure charge is marked as a mockup aka dummy charge and doesn't seem to be a real active one. Arena-M computing block. Writes note: They are progressively releasing mor

  A prototype version of T-90A/S equipped with the KE2K power/air conditioning unit, designed by SPA "Electromashina". KE2K is mounted in the rear of the turret, replacing the spare parts container. This unit was designed to provide the crew with stable temperatures in extreme climates, help cool the gunners thermal imaging sight and act as an APU to provide additional power.  The power unit-air conditioner, developed and manufactured by SPA "Elektromashina", is intended for;      - cooling of electronic devices, incl.  thermal imager "ESSA"      - preservation of the resource of the main engine      - power supply of electrical equipment of the tank (weapons, radio station, etc.) for when the main engine is not used      - automatic charging of the main storage batteries      - increasing the efficiency of the crew Output voltage: 27.5 V Power produced:       - in air conditioner mode - 0.5-4 kW      - in power unit mode - 6.5 kW Number of cooling units -

  The 61st Armored Plant, part of the unified UVZ group, carried out a major overhaul of T-72B3 tanks as part of a State Defense order. All components and assemblies of the transmission, chassis, power plant and onboard electrical equipment have been restored in accordance with the requirements of the repair documentation. The components were replaced with new ones, which allowed restoring the resource of the machines to the required level. After conducting all types of control phases, running and firing tests under the supervision of military representatives, the repaired armoured vehicles were sent to the customer. Taken from: UVZ Press Service