GM-569 life support systems

 The GM-569 series of tracked armoured vehicles is a universal platform created in 1978 by the Mytishschi Machine-Building Plant. In 1980, several modification variants of the GM-569 were made. The GM-577, GM-579 and GM-567. GM-577 and GM-567 are used as platforms to launch SAMs while the GM-579 is used as a mobile command post. In the 90s, a new generation of GM-569 chassis was laid out. In 1990 the GM-562, 1992 GM-5959, 1993 GM-5951 and GM-5952, in 1994 GM-5955 (chassis of the "TOR-M1") and in 1995 the GM-5975 (chassis of the "Tunguska-M1").

The hull structure comprises 3 segments; a crew compartment in the front, a central section (combat section) and an engine-transmission section, which are hermetically isolated. The GM-569 series strives far from its predecessor hull GM-575 used on the "Shilka", "Kub" and others. While the chassis is intended for larger combat modules as listed previously, the volume of the GM-569 is much larger, which removed internal volume restrictions. 

One of the main key features of the GM-569 series is an advanced life support system for the crew compartment. The onboard life support loop consists of; a collective protection system (CPS), and air-conditioning with ventilation and heating. The collective protection system (CPS) is intended to create excess internal pressure and high air purification using a filter ventilation unit. The filter unit FIT-200 is used to purify air from toxic fumes, gasses, bacterial spread (biological threat) and radioactive aerosols. The system incorporates an automatic gamma-radiation detector GD-IM, to automatically seal all hermetic shutters in conditions when it is necessary. 

1 - compressor; 2 - cable; 3 - compressor intake valve; 4 - valve hull; 5 - bolts; 6 - dust discharge valve; 8 and 10 - dampeners; 33/40 - hoses; 34 - adaptor; 35 - additional air supply intake....

The filter ventilation unit uses a centrifugal force ventilator with inertial force to purify the air. Purified air is supplied at a rate of 0,110m^3/s with a purification coefficient of not less than 99% with intake air contamination of 2,5g/m^3. The unit can deliver 200m^3/h of air to the crew. 

To stabilize the internal microclimate, an air-conditioning unit with ventilation is used to regulate temperature and retain stable humidity levels inside the crew compartment. The air-conditioner and air-supply unit are inside the crew compartment on the left. Outgoing hot air is dumped through a hatch in the hull. 

1 - distribution pipe; 2 - central compartment air distribution pipe; 3/4 - front compartment air distribution pipe; 5 - partition plate; 6 - replaceable air cooler fan; 7 - MK-5T2 air conditioner; 8 - air outlet window; 10 - seperator flap; 11 - roller; 12/23 - springs; 13/17 - rods; 14 - ventilation valve; 15 - traction relay; 16 - fixation lock; 18 - limiter switch; 19 - ventilation valve handle; 20 - roller; 21 - locking hammer; 22 - spring; 24 - valve body; 25 - suction manifold; 26 - air outlet valve handle; 27 - air outlet valve control drive; 28 - air outlet valve; 29 - rubber compensator; 30 - thermo-regulator 

1 - compressor; 2 - partition wall; 3 - air cooler; 4 - air cooler fan; 5 - electric motor for air cooler fan; 6 - temperature regulator; 7 - air inlet duct; 8 - receiver; 9 - condenser fan; 10 - air outlet for operating condenser fan; 11 - access hatch; 12 - electric motor for condenser fan; 13 - condenser; 14 - AC electric motor for compressor; 15 - direct current motor for compressor drive

For deployment in colder regions, the GM-569 series has an integrated heating system. The heater is located next to the cooling unit, isolated in a different compartment. The heater has a separate 20L fuel tank and can be filled with different fuel types, depending on operating conditions and regions. With a maximum heating capacity of 6500 kcal/h, the unit consumes 1,2L/h of fuel. The unit can provide 250m^3/h of hot air at full load or 150m^3/h of hot air at half load with maximum temperatures of 95°C. 

1 - combustion chamber; 2 - spray nozzle; 3 - fuel level indicator; 4/10 - superchargers; 5 - glow plug; 6 - absorbing filter; 7 - fuel pump; 8 - friction clutch; 9 - electric motor; 10 - collective protection system (CPS) compartment; 12 - ignition lock; 13 - air intake pipe for heater; 14 - fuel tank access; 15 - battery compartment; 16 - engine partition; 17 - duct; 18/21 - fans; 19 - dampener; 20/24 dampeners; 22 - heating-ventialtion system; 23 - clamp; 26 - outlet duct; 27 - fuel line fitting; 28 - air intake pipe; 29 - drain pipe; 30 - pipeline; 32 - solenoid valve; 33 - tap; 34 -  filter semeperator; 35 - removable nozzle; 36 - heated air outlet pipe leading to front compartment; 37 - fan air intake; 38 - air intake flap; 39 - fuel tube; 40 - burnout compartment; 41 - heat exchanger; 42 - diffuser; 32 - fuel tank; 44 - tap

Chart depicting all onboard systems and their functionality relative to their operating modes along with valve controls related to operating modes. 

The diagram below shows the movement of air through the heating, cooling and collective protection units. 

1 - protective intake mesh; 2 - air duct; 3 - condenser; 4 - condenser ventilator; 5/25 - electric motor; 6 - ventilation valve; 7 - condenser compartment; 8 - valve for dumping air into atmosphere; 9 - intake valve for supercharger; 10 - FVU compressor; 11 - filter; 12/18/21 - heating tubes; 13 - CPS and heating unit compartment; 14 - battery compartment; 15 - release valve for releasing loop gases into atmosphere; 16 - air release valve; 17 - air exit duct; 20 - air intake for additional air supply; 22 - air-cooler ventilator; 23 - seperator; 23 - air suction collector; 26 - air-cooler; 27 - separation duct; 28 - air separator; 29 - front compartment (crew); 30 - air conditioner

A reference schematic for unit location

While the GM-569 variants share many components, certain variants differ depending on the use of the chassis. 

Chassis differences between 579A and 569A

The 579A chassis differs from the 569A by having:

• Different hull construction 
• 6 seating positions 
• Access hatch from the engine-transmission compartment into the crew compartment
• The air extraction valve is located on the left side
• Presense of 2 air-conditioning units 
• and several other changes.....

Chassis differences between 577A and 569A

The 577A chassis differs from the 569A by having:

• 3 seating positions 
• Wench mounting position on the rear of the hull
• additional communication devices (5Ya373 and 9S728 instead of 9S623 and 9S727)
• Placement of stowage bins for personal items
• An additional block of generators
• and several other changes...

Chassis differences between 567 and 569A

The 567 chassis differs from the 569A by having:

• Different hull construction 
• Installation of internal battery unit 6ST-190TRN with integrated heating 
• Improved electrical box 
• Different arrangements of CPS
• Presense of 2 air-conditioning units
• Old gamma detector was replaced with GO-27  

References: 

1. Гусеничная машина ГМ-569А и её модификации ГМ-577А, ГМ-579А, ГМ-567. Техническое описание и инструкция по эксплуатации. Москва военное издательство 1987.