Since the late nineties tense debate about the tank support combat vehicle. This concept envisages the construction of armored vehicle on tank chassis, capable of carrying a small-caliber artillery, guns, rocket launchers and guided missiles. The first widely known this kind of machine, which launched disputes, It was the Russian "Frame", aka "Terminator". Later such projects appeared and abroad. So, Ukraine in the recent past introduced its BMPT called "Guardian".
The existence of the original Ukrainian project became known in October last year, after the opening in Kiev of the international exhibition "The Weapon that Bezpeka 2017". State Concern "Ukroboronprom" and its member companies have brought to the exhibition a lot of samples of serial and prospective weapons. One of the most interesting exhibits was the support combat vehicle "Guardian" tanks, presented in the form of a mock-up or prototype.
BMPT “sentinel” at last year's show. Photo GK “Ukroboronprom” / ukroboronprom.com.ua
According to official data, project "Sentinel" was developed in cooperation of Kyiv and Zhytomyr armored plant, as well as companies "Artem". The effects of three participants of the project coordinated by 'Ukroboronprom ". The joint efforts of several plants were able to develop the project and to make the first sample of a promising machine, which was soon brought to the exhibition area. There could read with him all comers.
The design on the basis of finished products
A curious feature of "guardian" of the project was the architecture of the combat vehicle. In fact, no new units or units are not designed for it. The developers have taken some of the existing products and put them together in the hope of obtaining the desired characteristics and capabilities. Immediately it should be noted, that the result of such association turned ambiguous. It can be considered as some features of the "Sentinel" positive, while others should recognize the disadvantages.
The overall architecture is simple Ukrainian BMPT. The basis chassis of the machine is the T-64, devoid regular towers and equipped with large assemblies of dynamic protection blocks. Instead tower tank guns on the chassis suggested to establish a combat unit "Doublet". This product was introduced in 2016 year and, like all "Guardian", to some extent composed of a relatively old elements. It must be admitted, that this architecture can simplify the production technology. However, at the same time it prevents obtaining of high characteristics.
As a base for the "Sentinel" selected gear main tank T-64, manufactures in Kharkiv and enjoy a certain popularity among Ukrainian developers of new technology. Apparently, BMPT retains armored tank chassis with a front projection of the combined protection and homogeneous armor on the sides, veiled handed down screens. The layout of the machine as well remains the same: the bow is driving compartment, placed him fighting module, and the feed was given to the engine.
Front view. Фото Wikimedia Commons
To improve certain "Sentinel" survivability chassis fitted with reactive armor units. Of these, several large panels assembled, covers the upper and lower frontal part, and about two-thirds side skirts. In this case, there is only on the body such additional protection, but is absent in the line module. The consequences of such a design are obvious solutions.
From the published data it follows, that the equipment of the engine compartment has remained the same. The basis power plant is a diesel engine power 5TDF 700 HP. With him is mated manual transmission, Outstanding torque to the drive wheels feed. Chassis remains the same and includes six road wheels with torsion bar suspension on each side.
On a regular tower in pursuit of "Guardian" project proposes to install a new combat unit "Doublet" development Zhytomyr armored plant. This product is based on the dome of the armor steel. The known data, this dome is able to protect the crew from bullets only small arms and shrapnel. The tower can be divided into two main units: turntable, Mounted directly on the shoulder straps, and an upper box-shaped element with means for mounting the instruments and volumes for ammunition. The turret basket provides space for two-gunners operators.
The upper front parts "Doublet" module contains two large rectangular embrasures with settings guns ZTM-2. These guns are a Ukrainian version of the Soviet 2A42 caliber 30 mm. The guns are mounted on the different units, that, but, mechanically connected to each other - vertical guidance is performed synchronously. Next to the cannons on the two units placed on one machine gun CT 7.62 - a copy of the Soviet / Russian PKTM. Barreled weapons complex also includes an automatic grenade launcher KBA-117 caliber 30 mm (a copy of the AGS-17). It is mounted in the center of the roof of the tower and can be induced along with other weapons. Also on the roof of the tower, but its sides, are mounting for the four transport-launch containers with missiles of "Bar'єr".
Dynamic protection received almost all of the frontal projection of the housing. Фото Wikimedia Commons
Monitoring of the situation, Search and guidance of all weapons, including control processes antitank missile, carried by a single block of opto-electronic equipment. In its structure must be present devices day and night channel, as well as a laser range finder. The box-like housing unit that is mounted on the transverse bar, connecting the two masks guns. This ambiguous design solution provides simultaneous vertical movement of the entire barreled weapons and optics.
BMPT "Guardian" also carries the smoke grenade launchers. On the cheeks of the tower placed two blocks of three products in each. Firing is carried out in the forward hemisphere.
The crew of "The Guardian" is composed of three persons. The driver is in front of the building and has its own top hatch with inspection devices. Space commander and gunner operator under "doublets", and the people are below the level of the roof rack. Above them have their own hatches for planting. Thus hatches placed directly under the barrel guns ZTM-2, which leads to obvious problems.
When used as part of chassis BMPT tank T-64 does not undergo any drastic changes. This fact, and the use of relatively compact combat module allowed to keep the dimensions of the new car, generally, at the base of the tank. At the same gun, forwardly, do not protrude beyond the housing, and combat unit with its equipment is not very different in height from the standard tank turret. According to the developer, Combat weight tank support machine on the basis of T-64 is only 33 t. Specific power exceeds 21 HP. per ton, that allows you to get up to speed 60-62 km / h for a total tank level in mobility.
Similar devices are mounted on the sides of. Фото Wikimedia Commons
As planned by the developers, promising "Guardian" to work as part of tank units and other armored vehicles to protect from air and ground purposes tank hazardous. A wide range of weapons, supposed, It allows to attack various objects in a wide range of distances.
Advantages and disadvantages
easy to see, that the main advantages of Ukrainian "Guardian" are characteristic for the entire class - even if it's small - tank support combat vehicle. First of all, it is well protected tank chassis, providing the opportunity of movement and combat work in the same ranks with the main tanks. Hit an antitank grenade, projectile or rocket body may cause some damage, but the machine, with a high probability, retain combat capability and will be able to continue to perform the task.
The second plus BMPT as a class is the development of the armed, comprising a system of different classes. Depending on the type of the detected target, commander and gunner can use machine guns, launcher, guns or missiles. In this way, provided lesion purposes throughout the range of distances up to several kilometers using the most effective in the given situation weapons.
In the case of the "Guardian" can be considered a plus and architecture, providing for the use of ready-made components. As a part of the machine there is a minimum number of new components and assemblies, which in theory should facilitate mass construction and operation.
Side view: notably the absence of additional protection stern. Фото Wikimedia Commons
However, from combat vehicle "Guardian" is a very unpleasant feature. For every strong point falls on his lack of, and good, if only one. The general appearance and capabilities of this sample are spoiled near defects, some of which may reverse the existing advantages.
First of all it should be noted the relatively weak protection "Doublet" combat module and, Consequently, its lack of vitality. This product was originally created for the re-equipment of the infantry fighting vehicles, and in this case, the dome of homogeneous bulletproof armor was acquitted. Installation of such a module on armored car, intended to collaborate with the tanks, It does not make sense. If the body "Sentinel" is able to withstand the attack of anti-tank weapons, the tower will be destroyed or seriously damaged by the first hit. Successful module defeat, least, BMPT withdraw from the battle. Little of, detonation of ammunition in the tower can lead to the death of the crew in the turret space and even a fire of internal fuel tanks.
To obtain an acceptable survivability necessary to radically revise the combat module design or even create a completely new product of this type. Also, satisfactory results can give an additional installation of mounted modules booking. Installation of dynamic protection is excluded due to insufficient strength of the module's own armor.
Tank chassis further covered a large number of dynamic security modules. At the same time protected only frontal and side of the projection. Engine-transmission compartment is only with their own armor. Designers did not equip the "Guardian" latticed screens. Consequently, the tank chassis is particularly vulnerable to attack from the rear hemisphere.
fighting module “Duplet”. Features mounting muzzle brake Left (relative to the viewer) Gun show the level of production standards. Photo GK “Ukroboronprom” / ukroboronprom.com.ua
In the area of arms can also be found serious flaws. If the armament complex looks quite interesting and promising, the controls are clearly not consistent with the objectives. "Guardian" is equipped with only one block of opto-electronic devices for surveillance and guidance, which is also rigidly connected to the guns. It is easy to imagine, what problems it causes. Crew situational awareness is poor, and there is no possibility of the simultaneous use of different weapons for different purposes.
We can not ignore questionable ergonomics combat module "Doublet". If access to the control unit through a regular top hatch of a tank chassis is quite convenient, the commander and the gunner will be faced with problems. Are straight over their hatches trunks 30mm cannon, which can move only in a vertical plane. We can only guess, as such an arrangement complicates an emergency bailout crew compartment.
With regard to ease of manufacture and operation, and here there are specific problems, characteristic of all new developments Ukrainian. There is every reason to believe, that BMPT "Guardian" will remain purely showpiece. Ukrainian army has chronic funding problems and is unable to acquire all of the samples offered by her arms and equipment. In such circumstances, even relatively cheap armored car may be out of work.
Besides, "Guardian" may have a very limited export potential. Not all countries are interested in Tank support machines. The same army, felt that a similar technique required, already bought it from Russia. Who can and will be ordered BMPT Ukraine - a question without a clear answer.
"Guardian" against the "Terminator"
Considering curious Ukrainian project, difficult to resist the comparison of "Guardian" with the Russian "Terminator", which is actually a "trendsetter" in their field. Even a cursory examination of the two armored vehicles shows obvious superiority of the Russian sample.
Russian BMPT “Terminator” the parade. Awarded by “guard” evident. Photo Defense Ministry / mil.ru
The main use of the T-chassis 90 as a base for BMPT "Terminator". This machine appeared much later Kharkov T-64 and is characterized by a high mobility and protection characteristics. Besides, a chassis equipped with integrated dynamic protection. In the context of protection and it is worth remembering about the design of "Terminator" tower. She immediately created taking into account the work in the same ranks with tanks, which led to the adequate protection. However, public offering of units may reduce the number of real vitality, although in this regard, "The Terminator" is unlikely to lose, "Warden".
When a simple comparison "Terminator" armament ahead "Sentinel" by the number of grenade (two against one) and to the same extent it lags behind in the number of guns. However, be aware, that Russian BMPT anti means in the form of grenade launchers located on the housing and operate separately from the other weapons. In this way, "Terminator" can simultaneously fire more goals than the "Guardian". It is also necessary to note the characteristics and "origin" of weapons of two armored vehicles. Known issues and technical and industrial nature may reduce the actual characteristics of the "Guardian" and give the advantage of "The Terminator".
In terms of firepower and combat capabilities of the "Guardian" can be compared with the Russian BMPT-72 "Terminator 2". This car, under construction on the chassis of T-72, lost grenade on the body, and with them the two channel monitoring in the form of viewing devices shooters. Nevertheless, the opinion of its developers, such reduction of weapons does not lead to negative consequences.
A characteristic feature of the Russian "Terminators" from the Ukrainian "Sentinel" is the perfection of surveillance. Crew members and BMPT BMPT-72, under the tower, have hatches with viewing devices. Besides, at their disposal are complete optronic systems, and it works with the commander panoramic sight. In this way, in contrast to the "Guardian", "Terminator" can simultaneously observe the situation, and attack a target. Little of, even in the case of the BMPT-72 has a significant advantage in terms of monitoring channels.
BMPT-72 on the other chassis and with a reduced composition of weapons. NPK photo “Uralvagonzavod” / uvz.ru
Finally, Russian Research and Production Corporation "Uralvagonzavod" has all the features for the mass production of its cars tank support for the Russian army, and for foreign customers. In addition, in recent years, we were obtained several contracts for the supply of serial technique. Foreign "Guardian" can not yet boast of this, and it is not quite clear, Has this situation will change in the future.
comes, that in all major respects - from defense and weapons to the production and exploitation - a promising Ukrainian machine tank support is seriously inferior to the Russian model. Particularly interesting this situation looks in the light of the, what BMPT "Terminator" and its modifications have become the reason for the appearance of "Guard". A well-known principle of "newer - better" this time not worked. The reason for this can be considered the general problems of the Ukrainian military industry, associated with lack of funding, the lack of a coherent program of development of the armed forces, corruption and other significant factors.
Promising sample without a future?
Support combat vehicle "Guardian" of the corporation "Ukroboronprom" tanks until only demonstrated on the show floor. She was accompanied by triumphant demonstration of opportunities and big future. However, a careful study of this sample, as well as the events of recent years clearly show, curious project that can not get out of the test phase and display at exhibitions.
Ukraine does not have the possibility of serial construction of "Guardians" in quantities, forces required for effective work. It should be taken into account, that the normal use of this technique prevents a number of specific deficiencies in all major areas. In such a situation it is difficult to resist and not to note the irony, that the absence of serial "Guardians", least, will not have a negative impact on the ability of the Army.
Based on materials:
http://ukroboronprom.com.ua/
https://ru.tsn.ua/
https://ukrinform.ru/
http://uvz.ru/
http://gurkhan.blogspot.com/
With Suvorov. BMPT "Terminator". Return from oblivion // Equipment and armament, 2018 №8.
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