Cate's Research-Investigation Bureau

From the end of the 1970s until the early 1980s, the Soviet Union created plans to modernize its ageing fleet of 2nd generation post-war tanks: the T-55, T-55A and T-62. The modernization programs would focus on tanks undergoing significant repairs, improving firepower, mobility, survivability and protection without significant changes to base vehicles. These vehicles would rival the Western bloc tanks such as the M48, M60, M60A1, Leopard 1 and the Chieftain Mk.2/Mk.3. Post-modernization, the T-55, T-55A and T-62 would be turned into T-55M, T-55AM and T-62M. The new modernized vehicles would rival more advanced upgrade versions of the previously mentioned Western bloc vehicles like the M60A3, Leopard 1A4 and Chieftain Mk.5. The following upgrade features were applied to T-55, T-55A and T-62 tanks.  Tank barrel thermal sleeves  More powerful munitions  Ability to utilize barrel-fired ATGMs to improve engagement ranges New FCS with laser rangefinder, electronic ballistic co...

TV Zvezda has released new footage covering the production of BMP-3 IFVs. Showcasing various footage of hull and turret production along with how factories refurbish/repair old or battle-damaged hulls and turrets to make new vehicles. The footage presented does not reveal any major changes in the production scale of BMP-3 IFVs.  This post expands on the topic of up-armouring vital components of the BMP-3 carried out by Kurganmashzavod.  The previous article can be found  here .  This article will not cover the armour packages presented in the analysed footage!  A double-shutter mechanism is used in the housing, which has two functions. The small shutter protects the optics from direct hits and can be opened/closed during combat or marches. The small openings have special cutouts, which minimize the chance that the optics (laser channel, day channel and thermal imaging channel) are hit by shrapnel or bullets.  The large shutter, which holds the small sh...

 LLC "PPSh Laboratory" a participant in the "Army-2023" expo, has provided a small glimpse of their newest EW module, which is made to combat FPV drones.  According to the manufacturer "PPSh Lab", the "Triton" EW module is one of several newly developed products aimed at combating FPV drones. Minor information regarding the frequency waves it can jam is also revealed. It is also revealed that the module can be operated using a remote system to protect the operator. The system can also operate fully autonomously using an onboard battery or directly connected to a vehicle's power distribution source.  In the promotional material, the manufacturer also advertises this module as something that can be mounted on AFVs. It is unknown whether the Russian MoD is looking into buying this equipment as a solution against drones.  Reference:  "PPSh Laboratory" Telegram