Cate's Research-Investigation Bureau

A batch of upgraded BRM-1K combat reconnaissance vehicles, which received the BTR-82A combat compartment, was delivered by the Ministry of Defense Uralvagonzavod (UVZ, part of Rostec). According to the company on Friday, the vehicles received a new engine, communication equipment and onboard electronics.  Additionally, the vehicles are equipped with navigation equipment, reconnaissance and surveillance devices. UVZ states, that the modernization aims to improve the effectiveness of tactical reconnaissance by expanding the technical characteristics and firepower of vehicles designed for reconnaissance on the battlefield. The equipment has passed all types of running and firing tests under the supervision of representatives of the Ministry of Defense.  Taken from: TASS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discord   -------------------------------------------------------------------------...

The Belarus State Military Industrial Complex is performing trials on their latest T-72B modernization.  According to publicly available information, the Belarus MoD is the main contractor for developing this new tank modernisation. The actual modernization is carried out by the 140th Repair Plant, within a restricted time frame. The trials started in the middle of July. In addition, the trials are being performed not only to test the vehicle's new capabilities but also to train the participating crew in preparation for the Army Games Tank Biathlon in August.   Taken from: Telegram

  The newest automated fire control system for air defence groups "Magister-SV" has entered mass production, reported the "Roselectronics" press service.  The first batch of the "Magister-SV" will be put into service by the end of 2023.  The system has completed state trials, and serial production has been launched. Penza NPP "Rubin" is engaged in the development and production of "Magister-SV". The unified module includes an optoelectronic station, a remote optoelectronic surveillance device, a small-sized radar array and a radio station. Taken from: VPK ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discord   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Throughout the development cycle of thermal imaging sights during the Soviet Union and subsequently Russia, engineers designed several variations of covers to protect newly developed tech. Ranging from simple covers to semi/fully-mechanised systems.  The "AGAVA" series of thermal imaging sights was one of the earlier systems to be mounted on Soviet tanks dating back to the 1980s. The first sight iteration mounted on a    T-80B utilized a simple protective housing with a hinge-mounted frontal cover. The front cover would be opened using a pull-string mechanism.  AGAVA on T-80B AGAVA on T-80B "AGAVA-2" made an appearance on T-80U, UM and UK tanks in the early-mid 1990s. The newer iteration still retained the same hinged door mechanism with a pull-string while also receiving a new roof cover which served as additional protection against variable weather conditions.  AGAVA-2 on T-80U - Swedish trials 1994 The overall complexity and ease of operation for this sight u...

ZU-219 on T-80 front view   From 1st of February to 1st of September 1973, Kubinka trial grounds tested several MBTs and medium tanks equipped with commander MGs. These being:  Manually controlled heavy MGs designed by UVZ design bureau: (ZU-72) on T-72 and (ZTPU-2) on T-55. Remoted-controlled heavy MGs designed by the Leningrad Kirov Plant (ZU-219) on Object 219 and Omsk Factory No.174 (ZU-62) on T-55A. Manually controlled systems were generally preferred due to their simple design and ability to mount them without obscuring observation through viewports. While being cheap in production, such systems brought over several issues. Lack of crew protection when in use, crew compartment depressurisation when used in territories with radioactive background and difficulty in using manual traverse mechanism.  After trials, the ZU-62 had the probability of being accepted as a mounting solution for T-62, and T-55 tanks and their modifications. While this system was not well-receiv...

Tula, KBP Instrument Design Bureau has presented a high-detail model of their latest "Pantsir-SM" modernization at the "Engineers of the Future" Expo. The new variant differs from its original predecessor, with its missile capacity increasing from 12 to 24. Additionally, the vehicle has received an extended abbreviation " ТБМ (транспортно-боевая машина) " - transport-combat vehicle which removes the previously inbuilt search radar. This change results in the vehicle relying on a separate targetting/command vehicle to perform its anti-air duty.  Taken from: ANNA-News ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discord   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------