Cate's Research-Investigation Bureau

The most recent UVZ publication, celebrating 50 years of the T-80, showed several interesting sightings and additions.    This variant of T-80U-E1 has a retrofitted hull that integrates Relikt. The combination of an existing T-80U-E1 turret with a Relikt integrated hull is interesting, even though Relikt integration is nothing new on older T-80 hulls, such as the T-80BV. Another minor detail is the presence of anti-slip coating on the ERA hull.  Apart from the more obvious points, the presence of thicker rubber flaps around the turret geometry is something worth discussing. They seem to be twice the size of the original rubber flaps and are much thicker, having the layers bolted together.  The layered composition is hard to identify in the original video, but it resembles the old flap design, with more layers. It is hard to say why the edges are bolted down. The old design was thermally bonded into aramid-style woven material, which provided rigidity and temperatur...

 Earlier this year I covered the implementation of a variety of new things on batches of newly made T-80BVM tanks. A new Combat Approved - "Военная Приёмка" episode dedicated towards the T-80BVM has provided further footage, which expands on some previously covered topics centred around the tank. This episode featured closeups of several improvements made to the T-80BVM. One of the more interesting showcases was the anti-drone/top-attack cage. As stated in an earlier blog post  ( Combat experience application to the newest batch of T-80BVM tanks ), the cage uses gabled protective plates, which are hollow. Also, the new cage uses 2 hinge mounted panels, which use a steel mesh material as a solution to stop threats from above.  Close-up view of the gabled plates  The gabled plate design is presumably made using steel sheets which are separated by a layer of air, which is intended to act as spaced armour to combat shaped charge munitions. In the aforementioned bl...

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...

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 noticed many minor details I missed before . 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,  and so is the 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  Lastly,...

The T-80U with the "Drozd" APS was a project designed and created by the Omsktransmash design bureau in the late 1990s. The vehicle in question was a standard T-80U fitted with the "Drozd" active protection system. T-80U "Drozd" This leads to an interesting plan mentioned in the Omsktransmash book. This book mentions that 3 "Block" upgrades were planned for the T-80U. "Block 1" and "Block 2" were upgrades to incorporate modernization for already existing weapon systems, improvements towards the fire-control system and protection improvements. "Block 3" was a plan to completely rework the design of the vehicle, an entirely new compartment arrangement, a new fire-control system, a new hull and welded turret. The turret was to feature a bustle-style autoloader mounted in the rear.  Considering the provided features for each "Block", many of the previously made T-80U variants would fall under some of these cate...

UVZ is delivering a new batch of T-72B3M tanks. The vehicles loaded onto the echelon have received several noticeable changes, compared to their previous batch counterparts dating back to 2016. Several new changes seem to have been integrated. Additional ERA containers were added to the rear of the turret. Another major change was the overhaul of the side skirts, compared to the standard batch from 2016 onwards, the new batch features full-length protection, covering the engine-transmission compartment As discussed in a  previous article covering the T-72B3M batch modernization , new features such as    T-90M style front mudguards, ERA containers covering the smoke launcher array, additional ERA protection above and around the gun mantlet, are all present.    The batch being worked on at the 130th assembly hall seen earlier may be the same one being shown here. In addition to the earlier identified upgrades, the new batch seems to feature T-90M style netting und...

For full image quality open the file in a new tab.    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discord   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today, TV Zvezda has covered the testing procedure for BMP-3 IFVs in sub-optimal conditions reaching temperatures as low as -50 ° C. BMP-3 IFVs performing this test are put inside a special chamber that simulates negative temperatures. Tests are conducted after the vehicle reaches the desired temperatures, the goal is to achieve a full system check and engine start.  In addition, Kurganmash has revealed one interesting modification that was mounted on their BMP-3M that was shown for the first time in 2015. This vehicle features attachable 'Duckbills' to reduce the overall ground pressure of the vehicle on soft terrains like sand and snow. The 'Duckbills' are attached through extended end connectors which are welded onto the main track assembly. Images of attachable extended-end connectors  Note: It would be interesting to see this vehicle in this exact configuration in the future, considering these duckbills can significantly improve the mobility of a BMP-3 in harsh ter...

  During the JSC Rosoboronexport live stream on YouTube which was showcasing the T-90MS to potential buyers (26th August 2021) at the Army-2021 event in Patriot Park, the T-90MS was shown in closeup video. The tank featured a new gunner's multichannel sight, which was also shown at Army-2019 on a different T-90MS in this post . PNM-T sight The tank is fitted with the PNM-T domestic sight with new gunner's and commander's control panels, replacing the old Thales manufactured ones. The sight in this instance is green under the beige protective cover, meaning it is a newly produced one compared to the older beige sight on the T-90MS at Army-2019, that had time to be painted in the tank's colours. This brings the confirmed number of tanks which house this sight up to at least 3. Gunner's position The characteristics of the sight are not yet known but it is theorized that it uses the latest domestic Russian matrix which is used on other sights as well (640x512). Comman...

During the annual military-patriotic holiday dedicated to the day of the Airborne Forces in the Patriot park, several new vehicles have been shown.  During the dynamic display, the paratroopers demonstrated the reconnaissance and command vehicle of the Kornet-D1 ATGM battery commander and the Kornet-D1 airborne self-propelled anti-tank missile system (SPATGMC) on the BMD-4M chassis.  Among other novelties, the Zavet-D automated control kit based on the Typhoon-VDV chassis, the120-mm 2S42 Lotos SPG and the 2S41 "Drok" self-propelled gun based on the Typhoon-VDV armoured vehicle. Reccoinnanse and command vehicle "Kornet-D1" Airborne self-propelled anti-tank missile system (SPATGMC) "Kornet-D1" The military equipment already in service with the Airborne Forces was also demonstrated: the AM-1 all-terrain vehicle, the Lynx, Tiger, Typhoon-VDV, BTR-82A armoured vehicles, airborne combat vehicles of all generations, the Shell-MDM BTR-MDM, and also artillery syste...

A new BMP-3 variant was spotted in a video published by TV Zvezda "Military acceptance". The video covers the BMD-4M and its 'Bakhcha-U' combat module, although the authors managed to reveal a familiar-looking vehicle.   The vehicle in question is a BMP-3, that features ERA mounting brackets on the turret front. These brackets feature the same layout as on the  BMP-3 with 4S24 from the year 2000 .    The hull doesn't seem to have vertical mounting brackets like on the old variant.  Considering no new variants have been confirmed as of late for the BMP-3, it is highly likely "Kurganmashzavod" is preparing to unveil a new variant, possibly during ARMY-2021 military expo. In addition, there are at least 6 of these variants being prepared (see the last image).    Taken from: TV Zvezda  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discord   --------...