Cate's Research-Investigation Bureau

  I initially doubted that UVZ would make a remote-controlled assault tank based on the T-72/90 chassis. Conceptually, it is an interesting design with roots in Soviet and Russian "Teletank" programs. Looking at existing information, some things don't make sense, and it's too early to have a full grasp on the vehicle, what it is intended for and how it will be integrated into the RF army. Considering this is a new turret design, it lacks any armour, yet can carry crew members. How will this design operate at long ranges when you have communication delays for input controls and vice-versa, especially in city environments where buildings act as obstacles for radio communication? If this vehicle were to be used as a fully remote-controlled unit, the cost for a special command vehicle should also be considered.  Advancements in electronic miniaturisation and control systems have made it possible for the vehicle to support the presence of crew members, but this is a partia...

This article is a simplified approach to explaining how Soviet/Russian engines are cooled.  The T-72 and T-90 series of vehicles are equipped with standard V-84 and V-92 engines. Both engine types feature an enclosed liquid cooling loop with active air-cooling circulation facilitated by a fan.  The T-80 and its GTD series of engines, including the GTD-1000 and the GTD-1250, utilize active air and oil cooling for the turbine. DETAILED LOOK AT THE T-72/T-90 ENGINE COOLING LOOP T-72 engine cooling loop and layout The T-72 uses a closed liquid loop system to cool the engine and two oil lubrication tanks. Coolant heated by the engine is divided into three streams within the engine bay:  The main coolant stream is pumped into the radiators and cooled with atmospheric air, which is pulled into the engine bay using a ventilator. After passing through the radiators, the coolant enters the engine water pump. The second stream flows towards various components, such as the coils ...

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...

A New Kurganmashzavod video showcased one of their vehicle assembly lines. KMZ actively produces BMD-4M vehicles, but video footage only shows hull assembly.  In the video, various other assembly lines, like the assembly of BMP-3 turrets with ERA fitting brackets, can be observed.  Lastly, a Kurganets hull has been sighted in one of the assembly halls. While it is still to be determined if this hull is old or has been produced recently, this occurrence could highlight the chance of the Kurganets project's revival into production.  BMD-4M hull assembly BMD-4M hull assembly Kurganets hull  Closeup of Kurganets hull BMP-3 turret closeup More about the BMP-3 ERA package in these articles: BMP-3 ERA topic continuation  and NII Stali BMP-3 ERA package premier  Taken from: VK

In the 1980s, the Soviet Union determined that the widespread use of thermal imaging devices for reconnaissance significantly outperformed the maximum detection ranges of devices based on electro-optical image converters. It was reported that these new thermal imaging systems had ranges of 3km compared to electro-optical image converters with ranges of 1,5k-2km. To mask AFVs from thermal reconnaissance means, it was determined to create algorithms that would compute a thermal imaging result based on variables like thermal emission and background (ambient temperature). The simulated detection process proceeded as follows: search for targets in a specific area, identify a target with higher display contrast than the surrounding area, and recognise the target through its poorly detailed silhouette.  To avoid complexity, the article will not cover the entire computing algorithm.  Algorithm used to form thermal imaging result Thermal imaging result based on the computed algorithm...

Over half a year ago, I promised to write an article about T-80 rubber flaps and their purpose, which would have completed the trifecta article collection: T-80 aerodynamic features and  T-80 MBT engine air filtration and dust prevention systems . This article builds up on the T-80 aerodynamic features topic and will conclude this series.  Unfortunately, I have come across zero primary sources, that directly mention the purpose of these rubber flaps, which makes it difficult to write an article with primary sources. There are 2 disputed arguments on this topic; one argument states that the flaps on the T-80s are meant to redirect airflow and reduce air contaminants like sand and dust from entering the engine. The other argument is that these flaps are used as additional protection to prematurely detonate HEAT warheads. I will discuss this topic by only talking about the presence of the flaps on T-80s. Firstly the rubber skirt, is present on the lower frontal plate of T-80s. I...

Camouflaging armoured fighting vehicles is an essential task to prevent the vehicle from being detected by enemy forces. Camouflaging can range from basic methods to more layered approaches which cover a wider spectrum of masking. Regardless of the method used, masking an AFV can apply to both ground and aerial detection, which operate in different spectrums of identification.  Camouflaging methods work in different spectrums against various detection methods. Optical detection can be combated with camouflage paint patterns or netting. Thermal imaging detection can be combated with paint or material that reduces infrared signature/reflection. Lastly, electronic detection (radar), can be defeated with methods consisting of several layers.  This article will cover commonly seen camouflage methodology present on Soviet and Russian AFVs. Paint Camouflage   The most basic method is paint camouflage. Various paint schemes paired with specially designed camouflage patterns can b...