TOP-9: What’s New to See at Army-2017 Forum

Tank T-14 Armata

For the first time Russians saw the new tank based on the Armata platform at the rehearsal of the Victory Day parade in April 2015. Although T-14 attended the Army-2016 forum, it was demonstrated only for military experts at close-door presentation. This time the tank’s manufacturer, Uralvagonzavod corporation, is to demonstrate Armata tank to public.

The T-14 main battle tank based on the Armata platform features radically new characteristics, is equipped with new ammo feed system, 125-mm gun and remotely controlled unmanned turret. The combat vehicle saves the crew lives even in case of ammo detonation.

According to vice prime minister Dmitry Rogozin, Armata tanks are included into State Arms Procurement program for 2018-2025, however, exact supplies will be determined not earlier than in September.

Typhoon-VDV and line of armored cars

JSC Remdiesel will present the family of off-road armored cars Typhoon. The visitors will be demonstrated cars K-4386 Typhoon-VDV and K-53949 Typhoon 4х4, as well as the prototype of medical armored vehicle.

The project of air-dropped armored car K-4386 is a development of K-53949 model designed by JSC Special Automobiles. These vehicles are unified in terms of basic systems and chassis, however, there are significant differences: K-4386 is a hull vehicle, while K-53949 has a frame design.

The use of the hull vehicle concept helps to increase carrying capacity, mount heavier weapons and other systems. Lighter weight improves the off-road performance. Typhoon-VDV car has already passed manufacturer’s trials and will debut for wide audience.

Medical armored car is designed for evacuation of wounded personnel from the battlefield; it is based on the 10-seat K-53949. The car would speed up timely medical assistance within the first post-wound hour, which would raise the chances of survival. Машина позволит бойцам получить медицинскую помощь в течение первого часа после ранения, что повысит их шансы на выживание.

Another innovation is the K-53958 Tornado multirole chassis. Cars of this family are capable to carry wide range of payloads from 8 to 30 tons.

New military hardware for Arctic

Russian defense ministry’s tank automotive command announced presentation of the double-section transporter DT-10PM, snow/swamp-going amphibious tractor DT-ZPM and light tracked transporter GAZ, all designed for operation in severe road and climate conditions at ambient temperatures down to -50°C.

The updated Arctic version of armored tractor DT-ZPM is designed for transportation of personnel, weapons and vehicles, towage of artillery systems and army trailers. At first, DT-ZPM got the Yaroslavl-made 240-hp engine YMZ-540, but this year the vehicle was equipped with the more powerful YMZ -53677 (312 hp) that will improve the tractor’s riding performance.

In addition, the Trekol humvee on low-pressure tires will be demonstrated at the show as well. The car is capable to move along all types of roads and cross-country, virgin snow, thawed tundra and swamps.

SVCh sniper rifle

The Kalashikov Concern plans to present the most recent development, SVCh rifle (Chukavin sniper rifle). According to the company’s press service, the precision rifle is based on the uncommon for Russian small arms design: almost whole load is borne by the steel component, helping to reduce weight and improve reliability.

Earlier versions of the rifle were known as SVK. Having obtained a new code number, the rifle has changed externally as well. It is designed for three calibers: 7,62х54R, .308 Win. и .338 LM (in larger dimensions)

Magazine capacity is 10-20 rounds. Weight is 4.2 kg.

NBC robots

Among their new projects, designers and producers of nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) protection facilities will present two robots: mobile robotized system of remote control of anti-aerosol system (KDUD), and advanced mobile dispatching station for decontamination control (KRPP-2).

Also, visitors of the Army-2017 forum will see up-to-date NBC recon vehicles, mobile laboratory an multifunctional decontamination hardware.

Military drone helicopter Voron-777-1

The 602 design bureau Iskatel of the Moscow Aviation Institute will demonstrate Voron-777-1 remotely controlled helicopter equipped with small arms and an electronic warfare system. The drone has passed all tests, supplies of its updated version to the military are expected in 2018-2019.

Designers offer to use Voron-777-1 as a recon helicopter, also capable to hit the enemy by onboard weapons. In addition, the drone may carry payload and drop it upon the operator’s command.

The UAV can be controlled both by autopilot on the preset coordinates and remotely by the operator’s commands.

Submariners rescue equipment SSP-M

The SSP-M modernized rescue equipment for submariners is designed for individual salvation of submarine crews from depths of up to 220 meters. It will serve the crews of fourth-generation nuclear and diesel electric subs.

SSP-M allows escaping a distressed submarine not only through the rescue hatch but other lockout devices like torpedo tubes and conning tower pressure hull. Sailors dressed in such suits can be rescued from pressurized submarine sections.

The advantage of the new rescue equipment over the available one is the possibility of being used without breathing apparatus while leaving a distressed submarine thanks to a pressure-tight hood.

The new outfit was tested this summer in the Novorossiysk naval base.

Amphibious personnel carrier BT-3F

The amphibious armored personnel carrier BT-3F was originally designed for Indonesian marines, who in 2010 planned to purchase a batch of these vehicles to replenish the BMP-3F fleet. Then, Indonesian military finally decided to continue procurement of BMP-3F carriers, and then tried to switch over to Ukrainian amphibious BTR-4. However, the latter failed in water conditions, so Indonesian delegation is going to visit Army-2017 forum to shop around BT-3F again.

Combat weight of BT-3F makes 18.5 tons, crew is 3, landing party amounts up to 14 persons. The armored vehicle ensures protection from 14.5-mm bullets from the distance of 200 meters. Length is 7 meters, width is 3.3 meters, height is 3 meters. Powerplant is the 500-hp diesel engine; max speed is 70 kph on land and 10 kph afloat. Fuel endurance is 600 km.

The vehicle is armed with remotely controlled weapons module DPV-T with 7.62 PKTM machinegun. Optionally, BT-3F may be armed with AG-17A (30 mm) and AG-40 (40 mm) automatic grenade launchers.

Prototype of future warrior outfit

The Central Research Institute of Precision Engineering will present the prototype of combat outfit equipped with titanium exoskeleton and night vision device, and capable to react on weather changes. Designers explained that the exoskeleton would expand physical abilities and, thus, soldier’s endurance. It is also planned to develop more sophisticated armor helmet made of new prospective materials.

The third military and technical forum Army will be held in August 22-27 in the Patriot congress and exhibition center, Alabino range, Kubinka airbase, in military commands and the Northern Fleet. Over 1,000 Russian and foreign companies are expected to participate in the exhibition. According to the steering committee, the outdoor exposition will take 500,000 sq m, and over 100,000 sq meters in pavilions.