Cate's Research-Investigation Bureau

Kurganmashzavod continues to report on BMP-3 IFV production. In the latest video, KMZ showcased the latest changes to the BMP-3. The newest change is the reworked armoured housing for the gunner's main sight. The old housing used on the PPND "Sodema" utilized a dual shutter mechanism. The updated housing utilizes a double shutter mechanism. The small shutter placed in the centre is intended for in-combat use to reduce shrapnel damage to vital components. It is operated using a pull-string mechanism. The sight opens using a spring-loaded hinge which forces open the shutter if the pull-string is not actuated.  It is unknown what the purpose of the large shutter is. However, it is worth pointing out that it does not have any mechanism to open and close it. It can be observed that there is a bolt in the top left corner. This might indicate it is a general service shutter for maintenance or repair.  In addition, the spokesperson in the video states that an additiona...

Recently, I have observed many minor details that I missed previously. A detail that was missed is the presence of splicing in UVZ's old vehicle demonstration footage. To summarize; UVZ showcases their T-90K from the outside and inside.  This vehicle  is rare,  followed by even rarer video footage.    In the second half of the video, the CRT and control panel of the sight do not resemble AGAVA-2, used on T-90K MBTs in the early-mid 1990s. Although, the CRT matches perfectly with the version used on early ESSA modules. Another interesting feature is a similar control panel on the BMP-3 IFVs with Vesna-K TIS. What is rather interesting is the presence of the 1A40 main gunner's sight and not the 1G46 that is usually  installed  on T-90/S/A variants. This detail makes it difficult to determine whether it is some type of mockup or not.   Gunners position Commanders position ESSA thermal imaging sight ...

The Sprut-SDM1 (2S25M) was recommended to be adopted by the Russian army. Kurganmashzavod claims it is ready to put the 2S25M into serial production.  During a briefing between Rostec and the Russian MoD in which the following was stated:  "The 2S25M self-propelled anti-tank gun has successfully passed state tests and is recommended for adoption by the Russian army. In the near future, we are ready to start serial production of the product, relevant studies are underway with the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation." Taken from:  Lenta.ru

With the adoption of the BMP-3 in 1987 by the Soviet Army, the vehicle featured many improvements and integrations that set it apart from its predecessors. A new combat module with a paired weapon system consisting of an autoloaded 100mm cannon and a 30mm autocannon. Several onboard systems added more combat capabilities to the vehicle. One of the newly installed onboard systems was a toilet.  The toilet is located under the left seat in the rear troop compartment. Using the toilet is relatively straightforward, a bag with chemicals would be placed inside of the container and after usage disposed of.  It is important to note that a vehicle deployed in a march or active combat should have onboard features that comfort its crew.  After developing the BMP-3, Kurganmashzavod has been working on the Kurganets-25. An IFV is meant to replace older generations of IFVs currently serving in the armed forces.  The Kurganets-25 is similar to the BMP-3. Utilizes a centrally-mo...