Cate's Research-Investigation Bureau

The Ministry of Defence has published video footage of T-80BVM MBTs production. The MIC is pushing for more standardization across all tank platforms. The new batch of T-80BVM tanks is now closely following the adaptations present on newly made T-72B3M tanks with the introduction of additional ERA around the commander's cupola. Along with covering up less armoured turret parts, a new protective cage now comes standard from the factory with similar mounting points as seen on T-72B3M tanks.  Interestingly enough, the cage is shaped to not obstruct the crew from quickly leaving the turret and features plexiglass/mesh panels positioned right above the hatches. The protective measures have also been altered and now the cage features gabled protective modules which are presumably hollow.  Additionally, the MIC has now started to procure the Nakidka multi-spectral masking tarp on the T-80BVM, which was previously exclusively mounted on the T-90M MBT.  Taken from: RF MoD Telegr...

Having covered the new T-72B3M batches quite extensively over the last couple of blog posts, more images have been released, clearing up one of the far-fetched speculations written by me.  As mentioned in these blog articles: " New UVZ assembly line video footage showcasing new T-72B3M and T-90M changes " and " New T-72B3M modernization batch " , the unidentified stubs mounted next to the gun breach that I called part of an electronics suite are not what they seem to be. Initially, they resembled some type of receiver that could have been part of GLONASS.  Images released from the " 61 Bronetankovyy Remontnyy Zavod" - 61st tank repair factory, have shown that these stubs are for mounting "cope cages" as users of the Internet call them. An improvised cage that is intended to protect the turret roof from loitering munitions or RPG-style munitions fired from higher elevations.  The presence of these 4 stubs completely rules out the idea of it being ...

More video footage has been released showing more defined assembly features of T-72B3M and T-90M tanks produced by UVZ.  This post expands on the previously created analysis, which can be read here .   Previously identified features present on the T-72B3M, seem to have been fully integrated into further batches of this vehicle.  New T-90M style mudguards, 2x2 ERA slab mount covering the smoke launcher array, additional ERA protection around the gun mantlet, more ERA tiles in front of the commander's cupola and unidentified electronics in the front of the turret.  Along with the already-known features, 2 new interesting details seem to have appeared in this  batch.  The gunner's auxiliary sight does not match any of the standard sights used on T-72B (1K13-49) or T-72B1 (TPN-3) tanks. The new housing seems to have additional mechanical parts installed on top. It is worth theorizing that this certain vehicle could have received a one-off sight housing. In...

A live news report was published recently, covering the work process of the 130th Factory Assembly hall (Lower Tagil). The video report showcased the assembly of new T-90M and T-72B3M tanks. At first glance, UVZs aim is to unify certain features across several MBT variants.   One of the first notable changes is the integration of a spring-loaded housing for the thermal sight , which was previously present as a standard feature on BMPTs and T-90M variants exclusively.  Another significant change, additional ERA bricks have been placed in parallel with the gun barrel. These ERA bricks traverse together with the gun and seem to protect the mantlet and breech. Two additional ERA bricks were placed next to the upper mantlet part to protect the weakspot from potential top attacks. This design choice might have been influenced by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.  Along with the reactive protective measures, UVZ seems to have integrated several short antennas mounted on the...

TSNIITOCHMASH, the developer of the newest 120-mm self-propelled artillery gun 2S42 "Lotus", developed for the VDV (Airborne Forces), has begun manufacturing a second prototype of the SPG to participate in state trials. The preliminary testing phase was completed in August of this year. The prototype of the Lotus SPG, which has completed preliminary tests, is currently undergoing a design rework based on the experience gained during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. According to an informed source, the onboard electronics, the fire-control system and the suspension needed revision. At the same time, the production of the second prototype of the SPG began, which will also take part in state tests, scheduled for the end of 2023. Taken from: Topwar -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discord ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------...

  A T-80U with "Drozd" APS, part of the  Kantemirovsk division (Lower Moscow),  has been sighted at the "Zapad-2021" training event. The vehicle is being sent back to its original deployment area.  Interestingly enough, its countermeasure launch tubes are missing.  The vehicle seems to be in service but with its APS system being decommissioned, hence why it is lacking the launch tubes.   Example: marked in red is what is left of the APS Taken from: TVZvezda ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discord   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

T-90M with an extendable periscopic multichannel viewer shown at "Army-2021" for additional observation capabilities. This variant is probably related to the newly signed contracts , that were publicly stated during the 24th of August during "Army-2021". Currently, it's unknown whether this upgrade will be part of the new T-90M batches. But it's an interesting addition nonetheless, considering the CITV may not fulfil the needs set by the MoD and UralVagonZavod is opting into adding additional observation devices.   Photos by: Alexey Khomyakov, Igor Zinnatullin ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discord   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation has signed more than 40 state contracts for the supply of more than 1300 samples of weapons and equipment worth more than 500 billion rubles during the seventh International Military-Technical Forum "Army-2021". This was stated by the Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation Alexey Krivoruchko following the signing of contracts on August 24, 2021.  "Today, four state contracts were awarded and 41 were signed with 27 enterprises of the military-industrial complex worth more than 500 billion rubles," Krivoruchko said. According to him, the signing of this package of contracts will be an important stage in the implementation of the State Armament Program. "As a result of the implementation of these state contracts, the Russian Armed Forces will be replenished with more than 1,300 new models of equipment, repairs will be carried out with the modernization of more than 150 units of weapons, military and s...

  The 'Trona-1' positioning system is designed to enhance the accuracy and credibility of navigation data by integrating the vehicles navigation system with GLONASS and NAVSTAR satellite navigation systems.  The 'Trona-1' system presents the tactical situation in real-time and full detail and enables the crew to receive additional navigational information. An electronic mapper based on vector charts enables the operator to control the entire navigation system. The system is made out of advanced computing components and microprocessors and incorporates the following devices: gyroscopic course setter, a gyroscopic course indicator, control panel, converter, coordinator, mapper, course indicator and antenna.  Taken from: "Armored Vehicles The XXI Century Encyclopedia Russia's Arms and Technology"

  T-55AM-1 equipped with protective textile package (photoshop proposal) Protective package made out of a textile material that contains pockets to house 4S20 "Kontakt-1" ERA elements. The package is secured to the tank using special belt mounts. The weight distribution of this package is around 8kg/m ². "Kontakt-1" ERA elements provide protection against chemical shaped charges.  Protective textile package Taken from: Armored Vehicles The XXI Century Encyclopedia Russia's Arms and Technology ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discord   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Previous article:  T-72B3 Obr.2016 equipped with Arena-M APS   The article above contains previously covered footage about the T-72B3 with Arena-M, while this article continues this current Arena-M topic.  Today TV Zvezda premiered another episode of their weekly "Military Acceptance" show,  where they present different military equipment.  In today's episode, TV Zvezda released more footage about the T-72B3 Obr.2016 with Arena-M APS. T-72B3 Obr.2016 with Arena-M equipped with Nakidka thermal masking tarp.  T-72B3 Obr.2016 with Arena-M APS mounting. Commanders position.  Arena-M launch shafts and countermeasures.  The T-72B3 in this video had to part-take in underwater tests. Mainly to see if the electronics and the APS can still function after being submerged underwater for 30 minutes.  The countermeasure charge is marked as a mockup aka dummy charge and doesn't seem to be a real active one. Arena-M computing block. Writes note: They ...

The BMPT was created with the efforts of UKBTM, now known as UralVagonZavod, led by Boris Domnim with the participation of specialists of the NTC of the Main Armored Vehicle Directorate, the Military Academy of Armored Troops and the Military Academy named after M.V.Frunze.  The project had several main problems, those being, overall weapon systems and general layout. To solve these problems, UKBTM created several different prototypes that featured different weapon systems and layouts.  One of the intermediate prototypes shown during the Lower Tagil vehicle presentation in the year 2000, had a single 30mm 2A42 autocannon paired with a 7,62mm machinegun, 4 'Kornet' ATGMs and 2 remote-controlled 30mm AG-17A automatic grenade launchers, taken from an aviation arsenal. The gunner was provided with a combined day/night sight, and the commander's position was equipped with his own independent panoramic sight.  Additionally, the FCS featured a ballistics computer and several wea...