Armata" is not afraid of dirt
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Russian tank builders are successfully implementing the concept of a single combat platform
Oleg Odnokolenko
Deputy managing editor of HBO
Tags:
weapons ,
Armata ,
14 m ,
15 m ,
black eagle ,
Abrams ,
Leopard ,
chariot ,
t 90 ,
Alpha Bank ,
Uralvagonzavod
Russian tank "Armata" - this is a new generation of weapons.
Photo: Reuters
On why the "Merkava" believe roadblock on the tracks, and the "Armata" You can fight in a white shirt, a columnist for "NVO" Oleg Odnokolenko said Deputy General Director of NPK "Uralvagonzavod" Vyacheslav Haliti.
- No sooner had the "Armata" appear on her immediately poured a pile of dirt. What do you think Vyacheslav Gilfanovich fear or respect?
- I think, and then, and more. Tank on the unified platform "Armata", in other words, the product of T-14 and T-15, we've got very promising. It is quite clear that it was not all pleasant.
- And then in the course went even antitank weapons - the press?
- In competition decent manners do not work, there is all good. That stream flowed "analytical assessment". But since most of the so-called experts are far from tank construction, and "Armata" seen except on TV, basically in these examinations is small, and policy excess. However, we were ready for everything. Yes, and something to fear "Divan" experts? T-14 - tank of the future, and are not afraid of mud tanks.
- Who came up with the name "Armata"? Like in the Middle Ages, so called gun.
- I like this explanation, "arm" - "strength", "ata" - "father", it turns out - "the power of the father." And you can say - "power of the ancestors." Beautifully?
- You say that your tank on the platform of "Armata" - perfect, but it is believed to okolotankovyh circles like a tower at the "Black Eagle" was better, and it does not needlessly put on the T-14.
- To explain everything: a Nizhny Tagil "Black Eagle" has no relation to the "Armata", it is clear, too. "Black Eagle" takes Omsk KB, and the T-14 was created at the Ural Transport Engineering Design Bureau. His closest relatives - the T-90 and T-95, which began to develop in the Soviet times on the program development work "Improvement-88."
- So, the tower "Black Eagle" has not approached the T-14 on ideology - not the blood?
- It is necessary to talk not about ideology, but about design decisions. It is worth noting that the "Black Eagle" - this is not quite the tank, it is a concept. Even without experimental design and research work - in short, creative search. For example, search for solutions, how to move the body of the automatic loader on the tower. That, by the way, even before the "Black Eagle" implemented to "Abrams" and on the other tanks. Now here is the T-14. By the way, a similar layout designer painted in 30-ies of the last century. But when T-14 show in Red Square as the German edition written, if that option was developed in Germany in the 90s, and Russian, they say, it copied ... nonsense! Place the figure in the center of a power plant, in the stern or in front of the tank and the student will be able to today. You show a real car, as they say, in the metal! By the way, uninhabited combat module, which we used on the T-14 - the same invention 30s. Just at that time I did not have the technological capacity to implement such an idea, and ideology was different. About people in particular did not think needed a tank fleet - larger tanks, the better. Today, another concept. Ultimately, we will move on to the robot, and the first step has been taken - a combat unit on the T-14 is known to be inhabited. And even better, so that in the tank was empty. And in the future it will be so. Let's start with the fact that we will reduce the crew. For example, I think more than a gunner, who, in fact, duplicates the tank commander. It can be operated by the crew and together.
- And who is now a better chance in the confrontation "armor - a shell?" Have weapons?
- After the "Almaty was" no longer exists. Ensuring high survivability machines on the battlefield - a very important task. We need a car, ensuring a long stay on the battlefield. Why do we "matchboxes" who punched 30-mm ammunition? For an impressive total combat potential? In fact, these thousands of poorly protected machines can be attributed to the deadweight loss after the first operation. I think it is better to do more tenacious machines capable longer be in a combat system and perform combat missions. "Armata" just refers specifically to the category of combat vehicles that have implemented the principle of maximum high survivability - the machine itself and the crew.
Heavy infantry combat vehicles T-15 created in our country for the first time.
Photo: Reuters
- So, the persistence above all?
- The rest of the combat characteristics, we also are not left unattended. For example, mobility.On the "Armata" a more powerful diesel engine. At the same time we have tried to maintain an optimal weight of the machine. As you know, the limit for medium tanks - not more than 55 tons. This is due to many things - Airmobile, freight rail, bridges again ... Do not remodel the entire theater of military operations under a single machine. In addition, the Ministry of Defense adopted the concept: we have heavy, medium and light tanks. We only have a main battle tank - MBT. In these settings we fit when creating "Armata". This solved two problems simultaneously - unification and standardization. Unification - is that a single platform can be used a large range of different weapons systems. For example, anti-aircraft missiles, self-propelled artillery, various engineering machinery, etc. The idea of a unified platform is finally beginning to be realized. And draw particular merit in this - just life has prompted the market economy.
- What will happen to those who are now making the platform for SAM and other equipment? Selects a stranger bread!
- Of course, not everyone will like it, because corporations have already developed. For example, "Almaz-Antei" is his native chassis - GM-569, where they do BUK-3M and other complexes. And if the Defense Ministry says all switch to "Armata", their native enterprise automatically drop out of the production chain.
Yes, problems with partners most likely not be avoided. We disturb the current of them for many years co-operation. But there will have to sacrifice something: economic feasibility - are stubborn things. Yes, and it is necessary to have finally become statesmen, not obsessively defend exclusively corporate interests.
- And who has to give the command: all, go to the "Armata"?
- Supreme Commander orders, and everything will be done.
- Well, that BMP T-15 did not have such problems
- As well as the T-14 heavy infantry fighting vehicles T-15 - combat vehicle front edge - this is a very interesting product. Nothing of the kind in the world. Although attempts to create heavy BMP-protected crew compartment at the base of the tank were both here and abroad. For example, in Kharkov, he saw the so-called armored landing capsule to set the train springs creation diy. It looked very funny - sort of like a barn on the tracks. In Nizhny Tagil perform complex development work on the creation of heavy infantry fighting vehicles. I repeat: the first time in the history of the world tank building.
- Rate?
- Some experts argue that the heavy infantry fighting vehicles do not need, because not all tasks can execute. For example, to overcome water obstacles. With aerotransportabelnostyu problems too - on each machine on the aircraft. A further claim that the speed of the T-15 is less than a light armored vehicles. Moreover, I note that with proper organization of the march T-15 at an average speed exceeds a certain BMP (simulation result).
- And there is another statement, though the crew in the so-called capsule - like sprats in the bank.
- Nonsense! It used to tankers meters taller than seventy trying not to take in the "Armata" no restrictions on growth. In general, the crew created a very comfortable environment - it is also very important. The crew has to perform the task, and on what not distracted.
- According to the chronicle, the German tankers during WWII fought almost white shirts. Is it possible from the "Almaty was" without changing clothes, to go to the ball?
- The fact that we have a part-tank crew was also a repair brigade, perform basic repairs and maintenance. This is because at a mass withdrawal of tanks damaged power repair units lacked. And we did, "Armata" completely maintainable and remontoudobnoy. For example, to replace the power unit in the T-90, the crew had to work without sleep or rest day. The "Armata" to perform this operation takes only one hour. There is a difference?
- How to "Abrams" with the replacement of the power unit?
- They also quickly cope. On the "Leopard" even faster. And they decided the issue for a long time. We caught up with them just now.
- You say that "Armata" - the best that today is in the tank world. But the first impression of her appearance on Red Square was held, and the West began to say that there are tanks in which the speed of the above, more powerful weapons ...
- Assess the need to jointly combat performance and not on individual some parameters, such as speed ... For this, there is a technique of evaluating the combat potential of the machine or the military-technical level. WTU - an integrated component, conventionally it was divided into five positions: firepower, mobility, protection, command and control operation of the properties. For him and formed factor VTU, allowing more or less the exact composition roster in the tank system. It should be understood that if improving some individual characteristics, and the integral index increasing. So if we take the unit benchmark T-72 the very first issues, then "Almaty was" would quadruple. Imagine how integral index rose! This suggests that we have raised all fighting properties machines, walked on all parameters. But a special emphasis on improving the security and survivability.
- And what was achieved?
- Multilevel protection from both conventional weapons and on the perspective, including the high-precision weapons. What is the design of "Almaty was" introduced a number of systems. The first - a system to prevent detection. Achieved through the use of deep stealth technology, a special color and sound machine architecture.
- However, a silhouette in the T-14 will be higher than that of T-72.
- It is not so important. Today, anti-tank systems so perfect as a mouse in the grass make out. Although "Abrams" and "Leopard" above "Almaty was" that is visible to the naked eye. If you find the system works to prevent hits, which itself consists of a complex of active protection systems. From system to counter precision weapons with multispectral sensors detect threats and automatic smoke screen, including the upper hemisphere. The complex of anti-destruction of ammunition on the approach to the product and the system of electromagnetic protection to counteract ammunition with magnetometric fuse.
- And if the shell still will reach the goal?
- The last obstacle in his way - a system to prevent fire. It provides for the application of new steels and protivosnaryadnym set removably modular protective devices with dynamic protection of new generation. I must say: in that armor steel, which is applied to the "Armata", unique in the world is definitely not.
- Therefore, open-hearth furnaces are burning?
- Of course, burn. And if the armor will not stand still, will be the turn of survivability in the defeat of the tank, which consists of the original layout: a secure habitation module separated from the combat pack, and the uninhabited combat module, various systems of collective protection and splinter-proof fabric screens such as "Kevlar". If we imagine figuratively, multilevel protection "Almaty was" - is something like a multi-layered cake, cake napoleon, if you like, that just will not break.
- A well-known case of the parade showed that a tank driver's eight-class education is not planted.
- It is undesirable, of course. Incidentally, at the dawn of Soviet tanks and tank-building pilots valued as equals, and even received the same pay. Then the aircraft pulled ahead. Now everything is back to square one - the tank has also become very complex system, and this system requires a special approach. So I think that in the tank units for example Aviation Technician need to enter the tank - the technician has a plane, let it be and techniques of the tank. His task - to competently prepare complex war machine to use, and the task of the crew - to take their seats and performing combat tasks. And with the eight-grade education in the "Armata" do, of course, nothing. Illustration - event on Red Square. This suggests that the preparation of the crews of these vehicles must also be special. Features should be the content of "Almaty was" in the armed forces: after all, the fifth generation of the car. In short, it is necessary to change the whole system, and we offer to the Ministry of Defense to enter into contact not just a contract for the delivery and the contract for the entire life cycle, such as in aviation.
- By the way, the T-50 has long been flying, but the right engine, which had been planned as yet brought to mind. What degree of readiness "Almaty was"? This is the finished product?
The chief designer of the project "Armata" Andrew Terlikov (right) told Vladimir Putin on the forum "Army 2015" about the peculiarities of modern armored vehicles.
Photo courtesy of the press service of Uralvagonzavod
- The machine is at the stage of preliminary tests, so a complete answer can be given only after the state tests. Speak Now that all problems are solved, yet. There is development work, and after each stage of changes are made is fulfilled working documentation. It helped us a lot Ministry of Defense, having purchased a pilot batch which will go to the army, and we get a huge operation statistics, and in a shorter time. If earlier showgirl accumulated through the exploitation of a few samples, and it was a very long time, but now, when tested in the army goes the whole lot, production of "Almaty was" adopted surely accelerate.
- It seems to be "Armata" will be cheaper, "Abrams" and "Leopard." At what expense?
- Some say the opposite, but it is speculation. It should be borne in mind that "Armata" - a prototype, and who understand the pricing, should be aware that the price of the prototype can not be lower than the cost of the serial car. With the start of series production, "Armata" cheaper. However, it is now cheaper than any foreign analogues.
- At least the approximate cost would be called?
- Trade secrets, do not want to. But one thing is still observed. Domestic arms always benefits from the efficiency / cost. According to this index being equal, we do not, so today we are the first in the world to export tanks.
- By the way, potential buyers have already shown themselves?
- It is too early to speak. But many are interested - try to understand what it is Russian made. But to find out more does not mean buy. Serious commercial interest "Armata" indicated, when it will be adopted. That's when we put it into operation, and if the Ministry of Defence will allow us to deliver the "Armata" foreign customers, then we are going to do the implementation. And why not? In my opinion, the "Almaty was" a huge export potential.
- Dmitry Rogozin said that in the long term to the "Armata" may appear more powerful gun - 152 mm. This option is being considered?
- In developing this car, we have provided an opportunity to use different combat units - with guns of 30 mm, as the T-15, up to 152 mm. And significant structural interventions to be installed on a platform fighting module with 152 mm gun is not required.
- After the premiere of the T-14, our Western partners have declared that they are going to make the same tank. And now - again the arms race?
- I do not doubt that the West would certainly try to somehow respond to the emergence of "Almaty was." But I do not agree with the assertion that "Armata" will be an occasion to intensify the arms race. No politics in the fact of its appearance there. Just it was necessary to better means of warfare - the T-72 is in service with almost half a century, it is time to prepare a replacement.
- How much time do "Armata" - from conceptual design to iron?
- Two years. But it must be borne in mind that by the time the ROC we already had created a certain technological advance. In addition, there is another very important condition: the absolute and uninterrupted funding. With the "Armata", figuratively speaking, all the planets came together - technical reserve, uninterrupted funding, a wonderful team of designers, excellent management and the timely establishment of the corporation. Therefore, to receive for two years - from sketch to iron.
- And the sanctions have not prevented?
- On the "Armata" almost all domestic.
- Supreme Commander saw a tank?
- As without the Supreme Commander! Of course, I did.
- Defense Minister?
Absolutely. And today, in comparison with previous years related to military and defense industry has changed dramatically for the better. A small example. Nizhny Tagil six years ago: a nondescript town with a broken, unlit streets, with houses unrepaired. I remember thinking: how can people live? Today, nice to see - the city of light, all paved, people are happy, there are prospects for further development.
- Civil society does not interfere with the corporation? Maybe we should go back to the mailboxes - as in the old days?
- No, the military and the civilian sector balance and support each other.
- However, the conflict with the "Alfa-Bank" has arisen due to the financial problems it is for civilian products?
- So what now?I think that the story of the "Alfa-Bank" registered. And all of it was made specifically for the Victory Day, as if the problem did not exist back in February and March. And what they wanted? To emphasize its "significance". And when banks are in the midst of the crisis were falling one after another, it does not help the state? And now, when it was necessary to support the state case ... Well, what else to say!
- "Uralvagonzavod" is clearly becoming the number one in the domestic tank building, and part of the production of its competitors have not. And what about the creative competition?
- In 2013 I was asked to hold a conference with a large Chinese delegation of generals and customers. I was asked the same question: why, in Russia there is no second "Uralvagonzavod"? As you know, the Chinese love to philosophize, so I answered them with a question: why China does not have a second tank factory and why you are issued only one tank? The silence, thinking, and then they say we remove the issue. And really, why the country a lot of tank factories? For, as in Soviet times, one to do with T-80 turbine engine, and another T-64 engine 5TDF? In this same tower, armor absolutely identical, differing only on some elements of the chassis and the power block. But while costs were enormous: it is necessary to include all its bureaus, factories, build each product under their cooperation. It's more than 100 companies under each product!
- Well, the contest between the CB?
- A good designer talented inventor anywhere from us to stay, still come to us with their ideas. We have 45% of employees aged 25 to 40 years. We are actively looking for talent and motivate them well, all conditions for work and creativity. Therefore, in recent years, and there were many new developments. For example, recently in Omsk Commercial Bank set up a special fire truck. Correct to say, not a machine, but a complex of fire fighting and rescue operations. It is made on the base of the tank, so it can be used in the epicenter of the explosion, carrying 25 cubic meters of water - a small pond.
- That's called the T-90 flying tank. And as the "Armata" in part to overcome the obstacles?
- In better times. The "Almaty was" getting better. And then there is a belief that if the car turns out to look beautiful, that it is technically perfect.
- The taste and color, as we know, no friends. Some, for example, admire the "Merkava-4." They say, very efficient machine and easy - there's even a place to sleep on a camp bed. The "Leopard" is also missing fans.
- I saw the "Merkava". It's more a checkpoint on the tracks. He has such a chassis that can fight it only at the Promised Land, we have it firmly stuck at the first of the swamp.
- And the best song about tanks and tankers, probably - "We will draw from the wreckage ..."?
- That this song is not exactly about the "Armata", because it is very tenacious.
Vyacheslav Gilfanovich Halitov - Major General, the author of books and articles, expert in the field of special and military equipment, a graduate of the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces. He started as a platoon commander of the repair to the Chief of Staff of the Main Tank-Automotive Directorate of the Ministry of Defence. Member of fighting in Chechnya, South Ossetia, Transnistria peacekeeping campaigns and Tajikistan. At the present time - Deputy General Director of JSC "Scientific and Production Corporation" Uralvagonzavod "by a special technique, the head of the military division. He was awarded the Order "For Military Merit" and the medal, thanked by the president of Russia.
