Cate's Research-Investigation Bureau

 R&D "Dilemma" was the last "Akatsiya" modernization program carried out by "Transmash". Due to domestic artillery modernizations lagging behind western SPG systems in various aspects like unified munition types, improved targeting systems and mainly SPGs functioning in fire-support groups for armed forces. "Burevestnik" design bureau was chosen to lead the program and was responsible for bringing together various other bureaus for joint program development.  "Transmash" took the position of the co-lead bureau and worked on technical solutions for "Burevestnik" based on a deal made on 13.07.2004. The main goal of the "Dilemma" R&D program was improving the firing range. OKB-9 was tasked with modernizing the 2A33 using various methods; increasing barrel length to 6000mm or improving the existing barrel with the standard 4240mm with improved recoil absorbers, modern efficient muzzle device, and enhanced or new ...

R&D "Vydelka" was a modernization proposal drafted by "Transmash" (formerly known as OKB-3) for the Russian Ministry of Defence. The modernization focused on improving the firing range along with internal vehicle changes. The modernisation would be done by "Uraltransmash" during major vehicle repairs since the 2S3M and M1 variants were no longer produced. The initial plan to increase the firing range was to integrate newer 2S19 munitions like 3OF45, and 3OF64 but that was impossible due to the rifling count and length of the 2A33, which caused instability. As a solution, the barrel length was increased by 1760mm, this was enough for the aforementioned munitions. The estimated ranges with these changes are as follows: 19,7km for 3OF45, 21,5km for 3OF64 and 25,1km for 3OF61.   The ammunition stowage inside the vehicle did not undergo significant changes and was based on the 1985 layout. For fire-control solutions, it was proposed to install the 1V519, re...

A new vehicle variant was recently spotted at the UralVagonZavod tank factory in Nizhny Tagil. The vehicle at first observation is based on a T-72 chassis with a frontal engine compartment. The vehicle resembles older programs, namely the BTR-T (Omsk) and BMO-T, of which, both programs did not see large production runs. The chassis is heavily reworked by having a frontal mid-plate, which raises the UFP. As said this was done to accommodate a frontally located engine-transmission compartment. The engine is most likely an A-85 X-shaped engine, which could mean the vehicle uses a monoblock engine, which can be lifted together with the transmission (like on the T-14 Armata). Front-side view of new heavy BMP vehicle The vehicle crew sits behind the engine compartment. The images show 2 crew hatches and sets of periscopes located closer to the mid-section of the raised hull structure.  Side view of new vehicle It would be sensible to say that this could be a heavy IFV or APC but wit...