Self-propelled artillery mount SAU 125. Upgraded self-propelled anti-tank gun "Sprut-SDM1". What difficulties did the developers encounter when creating landing gear?

The mechanical engineering and industrial group Concern Tractor Plants publicly presented the first prototype 125-mm self-propelled airborne anti-tank gun 2S25M "Sprut-SDM1", which is a deep modernization of the 2S25 "Sprut-SD" system ("Object 952"), developed by the design bureau of the Volgograd Tractor Plant and produced in 2005-2010 at this enterprise in small quantities for Airborne troops Russia.

First

Unlike 2S25 "Sprut-SD", which used a chassis close to the BMD-3/BMD-4, a new self-propelled gun 2S25M "Sprut-SDM1" in terms of components and parts of the chassis, as well as in the engine-transmission compartment (with the UTD-29 diesel engine) is unified with the BMD-4M airborne combat vehicle, which began serial production at the Kurgan Machine-Building Plant OJSC (part of Concern "Tractor Plants"). On"Sprut-SDM1" installed modern system fire control, approximately similar to that used on the T-90M (T-90SM) tank and including a panoramic round-the-clock sightcommander "Hawkeye" and new sight gunner-operator with a thermal imaging channel.The sights are equipped with automatic target tracking. It is also reported that "m The machine is equipped with a software and hardware complex that allows you to integrate the machine into unified system tactical control link."

In addition, the Sprut-SDM1 is equipped with a remote-controlled combat module similar to that used on the T-90M (T-90SM) tank with a 7.62 mm machine gun with 1000 rounds of ammunition.

Representative Concern "Tractor Plants"" stated that mass production 2S25M "Sprut-SDM1" for the Airborne Forces is planned to begin in 2018.

First prototype of a 125-mm self-propelled airborne anti-tank gun 2S25M "Sprut-SDM1" developed Machine-building and industrial group "Concern "Tractor Plants". Kubinka, 06/19/2015 (c) bmpd

2S25 « Octopus -SD "(GABTU index - object 952)

1 high-ballistic gun of 125 mm caliber; 2 Multifaceted armored aluminum turret; 3 gunner's sight

4 linear device; 5 filter-pumping device; 6 power plant engine; 8 Water jet propulsion; 9 air spring for body suspension; 10 support roller; 11 rotating electrical contact device; 12 automatic charging; 13 caterpillar; 14 working seat for the driver; 15 sealed housing;

16 Viewing devices; 17 wave-reflective shield; 48 sights.

Development information

In the early 90s joint stock company The Volgograd Tractor Plant created a new 2S25 anti-tank self-propelled gun on the extended base of the BMD-3 airborne combat vehicle. The artillery part for this vehicle was developed in Yekaterinburg by specialists from artillery plant N 9, which produces both tank guns and artillery systems of up to 152 mm caliber.

"Octopus" traces its history back to being developed in the late 70s light tank“object 934”, which was armed with a lightweight 100-mm 2A48 rifled gun equipped with an automatic loader for 19 rounds. New lightweight the tank received a 125-mm smoothbore tank gun 2A75, which can use the entire range of shots intended for the main battle tank, including a complex of controlled missile weapons. Considering the need to install the gun on a lighter chassis, specialists from artillery plant N 9 equipped the gun with a new type of recoil device.

Although the self-propelled gun was originally intended for the Russian airborne troops - it is designed for parachute landing with a crew on board from an Il-76 military transport aircraft - it is currently also being offered to the Marine Corps in order to provide anti-tank and fire support during landing operations. Unfortunately, currently Russian army does not have sufficient funds to purchase a 2S25 self-propelled artillery mount, but representatives of the armed forces of the Republic of Korea and India have shown interest in it.

Firepower

The control compartment is located in the front part of the self-propelled gun's hull, the fighting compartment with a turret occupies the middle part of the vehicle, and the engine and transmission compartment is located in its rear. IN stowed position the vehicle commander sits to the right of the driver, and the gunner to the left. Each crew member has observation devices with day and night channels built into the roof. The commander's combined sight is stabilized in two planes and combined with laser sight for guiding 125 mm projectiles along a laser beam.

As an auxiliary weapon, the anti-tank self-propelled gun is equipped with a 7.62-mm PKT machine gun, coaxial with a cannon, with an ammunition load of 2,000 rounds loaded into one belt. Since the 2S25 self-propelled gun was developed on the basis of the BMD-3, its design used many components and assemblies of the chassis and power plant of the base vehicle.

The fighting compartment is equipped with a high-ballistic smoothbore gun of 125 mm caliber with a recoil size of no more than 700 mm. The gun is equipped with a computerized fire control system from the commander and gunner's workstations, ensuring their functional interchangeability, and with a weapon stabilizer in 2 planes;

Fighting compartment 2S25 "Sprut"

Workplace The commander is equipped with a day-night sight with a stabilized field of view, with a laser range finder, an information channel for launching and guiding a guided missile, a backup ballistic device with communication channels with the ballistic computer of the gunner's sight, a system for entering aiming angles and lateral lead into the position of the gun relative to the line of sight, a remote control for autonomous control of the automatic loader and guidance drives with the ability to quickly transfer control of the complex at the command of the commander from the gunner to the commander and vice versa.

The commander is provided with the ability to observe the terrain with a stabilized field of view during the day with a magnification of 1x, 4x, 8x and at night with a magnification of 5.5x, as well as equal capabilities with the gunner aimed shooting from a cannon and machine gun, choosing the type of ammunition, loading, measuring the range with a laser rangefinder. Based on the initial data, the tank ballistic computer automatically enters the aiming and lateral lead angles into the guidance drives, which provides the commander with the ability to independently fire without retargeting from the rangefinder mark to the aiming mark or transfer the target to the gunner with high accuracy.

The developed computerized fire control system provides fundamentally new functionality for fire control from the commander’s workplace, namely:

• implementation of terrain surveillance mode with a stabilized field
  vision, target search, target designation using the optical system of the commander's sight;
• combining in the commander's sight the functions of launching and controlling a missile and conducting targeted firing of artillery shells;
• possibility of duplicating a ballistic computing device
  gunner's instrument system;
• possibility of autonomous activation and control of guidance drives and automatic loader;
• the ability to quickly transfer control of the complex at the command of the commander from the gunner to the commander and vice versa.

Automatic charging device

Cassettes with shells and charges in the automatic loader conveyor are installed at an angle, equal to the angle loading the gun, the loading angle is interconnected with the dimensions of the projectiles and charges, the height of the chassis body, the installation dimensions of the trunnion, the swept radius of swing of the breech in the gun recoil position and the dimensions of the rotating contact device, and the catcher of the pan removal mechanism is located on the end part of the gun breech with the possibility of delaying the pan ensuring a gap between the end surfaces of the gun breech and the pan

Automatic loader 2S25 "Sprut" the main components of which are shown in the figure

The gun automatic loader includes: a rotating conveyor 33 with twenty-two shots, a chain mechanism for lifting 30 cartridges with a shot, a mechanism for removing 26 spent pallets 25, which has a catcher, a chain rammer 29 for shots from a cartridge 31 into gun 1, a drive for the cover 28 of the cartridge ejection hatch and movable tray 27, electromechanical stopper 24 of the gun at the loading angle, control unit. The cassettes 31 contain projectiles 32 and charges 25.

Cassettes 31 with shells 32 and charges 25 in the frame of the automatic loader conveyor are installed at an angle a = 11°, equal to the gun loading angle. The magnitude of the loading angle is interconnected with the dimensions of the types of projectiles and gun ammunition charges, the height of the chassis body, the installation dimensions of the axle, the swept radius of swing of the breech 37 in the recoil position of the gun 1, the internal overall dimensions of the linear device, the housing 15, the turret 2 and the dimensions of the rotating electrical contact device located on the bottom of the chassis body 15, and the catcher of the pallet removal mechanism is made without a movable frame and is placed on the end part of the breech 37 of the gun 1 with the possibility of delaying the pallet 25 to provide a gap between the end surfaces of the breech 37 of the gun 1 and the pallet 25.

To ensure increased recoil, the automatic loader has a widened cassette lift frame 30, inside which are parts of the mechanism for catching spent pallets during recoil. The mechanism for catching 26 and removing spent pallets 25 is designed to make it possible, when a spent pallet 25 passes through it with its bottom forward, to temporarily block the back side of the end part of the gun breech and, with the subsequent movement of the spent pallet, to blow through the breech area with air from a cleaning system having an air duct from the filter-pumping device 5 into the gun breech area and crew positions using a rotating air device.

In the lower part fighting compartment a conveyor 33 of the automatic loader rotating around a vertical axis is installed, the shape and dimensions of which allow crew members to move inside the vehicle from the fighting compartment to the control compartment and back along the sides of the hull 15.

Protection

The armor of the frontal part of the tank provides protection from a 23-mm projectile from a range of 500 m. The hull and turret were made of aluminum alloy, the frontal part of the turret had steel linings.

Mobility characteristics

In the engine and transmission compartment of the 2S25 self-propelled gun, a 2V-06-2 multi-fuel diesel engine is installed, developing a maximum power of 331 kW. A hydromechanical transmission with a hydrostatic turning mechanism is interlocked with it. The automatic transmission has five forward gears and the same number of reverse gears.

The suspension is individual, hydropneumatic, providing a change in ground clearance in the range from 190 to 590 mm from the driver’s seat. In addition, the hydropneumatic suspension provides high cross-country ability and smoothness. The chassis, for one side, includes seven single track rollers, four support rollers, a front drive wheel and a rear idler wheel. There is a hydraulic track tensioning mechanism. The caterpillar is steel, double-ridged, lantern geared. When driving on a highway, the car develops a maximum speed of 65-68 km/h, and on dry dirt roads shows average speed 45 km/h. The vehicle's standard equipment includes a computerized fire control system, a weapons of mass destruction protection system and a set of night vision devices.

Like other Russian lightly armored combat vehicles, the 2S25 self-propelled gun is amphibious and moves in the water with the help of two water-jet propulsors, the maximum speed of the vehicle on land is 71 km/h, and afloat 10.5 km/h. To carry out the swimming, 8 water jets with impellers with a diameter of 340 mm are installed in the machine.

To increase buoyancy, the vehicle uses road wheels with closed air chambers and powerful water pumps that pump water out of the hull. The vehicle has good seaworthiness and, while afloat, can operate effectively in seas of 3 points, including conducting targeted fire in the forward sector of fire equal to ±35º.

The specific ground pressure is 0.052 MPa with standard tracks (0.035 MPa for a snow and swamp track), and the maximum road speed is 71 km/h (10 km/h afloat). The IL-76 military transport aircraft can transport by air and land two SPTP 2S25 with a crew of 3 people inside the vehicle.

Photo

Airborne combat vehicles BMD-4 and SPTP Sprut-S, -D.

Reinforced parachute company on BMD-4 with support self-propelled artillery at an experimental tactical exercise. Dubrovichi training ground, July 26, 2006

The fire capabilities of a paratrooper company armed with modern BMD-4 and Sprut-SD combat vehicles.

Complex "Stroy-P" (UAV), SPTP Sprut-S, -D and BMP-3M (BMP-4).

2S25 "Sprut-SD" ("object 952") - Russian self-propelled anti-tank gun(SPTP), which belongs to the category of self-propelled guns. It is a light airborne amphibious vehicle, the main purpose of which is the destruction of armored moving targets. The vehicle can be used to destroy defensive structures and strongholds, as well as provide fire support for airborne units Marine Corps and airborne forces at any time of the day.

The chassis for the Sprut-SD is a BMD-3 base extended by two rollers, equipped with a hydro-pneumatic chassis of a new design. SPTP is capable of independently landing from cargo ships, firing while afloat and returning back to the landing ship.

The BM has a classic layout. In the front of the vehicle there is a control compartment, then there is a fighting compartment with a gun turret, and the engine and transmission compartment is located in the rear. When performing a march, the gunner is located to the left of the driver, and the commander is to the right.

Each of the three crew members has individual surveillance devices that operate in day-night mode. The new control system at the SPTP consists of a gunner's sighting system, a commander's combined sight, stabilized in two planes and combined with a laser rangefinder, a set for targeting missiles included in the 9K119M complex, and a set of several sensors that provide automatic input of corrections into other SPTP equipment.

The control system, mounted at the commander’s workplace, is fully automated and provides him with all-round surveillance of the terrain, stabilizing the broadcast image in two planes, searching for targets and issuing target designations using the commander’s optical sight system. The 2S25 project solved the problem of combining two functions in the commander’s sight: launching and controlling missile launchers, organizing targeted firing of artillery rounds.

To increase reliability, the ballistic computer installed in the gunner's instrument system is duplicated. Backup control is also provided for the gun's automatic loader (control of guidance drives and autonomous activation). All this allows you to quickly transfer control of the complex to the commander or gunner.

Chassis and power point SPTP are in many ways identical to the prototype (“object 934”). The engine is a multi-fuel diesel engine. There is a power take-off for two water-jet propulsors. The automatic variable transmission has five gears for forward and reverse. Hydropneumatics, individual for each track, allows you to change the ground clearance of the Sprut-SD within a few seconds, and the suspension design gives the gun a high smoothness and maneuverability.

To increase the buoyancy of the structure, the SPTP is equipped with support rollers with closed air chambers, pumps for pumping out water. The vehicle has fairly high seaworthiness and is capable of operating effectively afloat. For example, in case of waves of force 3, the Sprut-SD can conduct targeted fire in the forward sector of fire (±35°). The standard gun kit also includes a collective protection system against weapons of mass destruction and several sets of night vision devices.

The design and weight and size characteristics of the SPTP allow it to be delivered to the combat area as by airplanes military transport aviation, and landing ships. It can be dropped by parachute (without or with a crew). The vehicle is capable of independently overcoming water obstacles without prior preparation for crossing them.

Used for shooting artillery shells after firing, they can be aimed at the target using a laser beam using the commander’s sight. Real-time target data is generated by the gunner's laser rangefinder and sent to the ballistic computer. The main weapon of the SPTP is a smoothbore tank gun, the prototype of which was the 2A46 gun used to arm Russia's main battle tanks. Since the SPTP chassis is much lighter than a tank, a number of serious changes were made to the design of the gun. An ejector, a new recoil device, and a thermal insulating casing were installed. There is no muzzle brake. The gun is structurally stabilized in two planes and is designed to fire any type of 125 mm ammunition, related to shots with separate case loading. Laser-guided projectiles are capable of hitting armored targets at ranges of up to 4 km. The maximum rate of fire is 7 rounds/min. The gun is loaded using a horizontal automatic loader, which is installed behind the artillery turret. The machine gun is equipped with 22 artillery rounds, ready for immediate use. If the machine gun fails, the gun can be loaded manually. The PKT machine gun (SPTP auxiliary weapon) is paired with the cannon. For protection, a smoke grenade launcher is used.

The automatic loader conveyor rotates around a vertical axis. It is mounted in the lower part of the fighting compartment. This allows SPTP crew members to move from the first to the second compartment and back along the sides. "Sprut-SD" is equipped with a forced ventilation system for the crew's workplaces and the gun breech.

Characteristics:

• Combat weight, t: 18;
• Layout scheme: classic;
• Crew, people: 3;
• Case length, mm: 7085;
• Length with gun forward, mm: 9770;
• Case width, mm: 3152;
• Height, mm: 3050;
• Base, mm: 4225;
• Track, mm: 2744;
• Ground clearance, mm: 100...500;
• Armor type: bulletproof;
• Caliber and brand of gun: 125 mm 2A75;
• Gun type: smoothbore gun;
• Barrel length, calibers: 48;
• Gun ammunition: 40;
• Angles VN, degrees: -5...+15;
• Angles GN, degrees: 360;
• Sights: 1A40-1M, TO1-KO1R, 1K13-3S;
• Machine guns: 1 x 7.62 mm PKTM;
• Engine type: 2V-06-2S;
• Engine power, l. p.: 510;
• Highway speed, km/h: 70;
• Cross-country speed, km/h: 45-50, 9 afloat;
• Cruising range on the highway, km: 500;
• Cruising range over rough terrain, km: 350;
• Specific power, l. s./t: 28.3;
• Suspension type: individual hydropneumatic;
• Specific ground pressure, kg/cm²: 0.36-0.53;
• Climbability, degrees: 35;
• Wall to be overcome, m: 0.8;
• Ditch to be overcome, m: 2.8;
• Fordability, m: floats.

The final preparations for the upcoming Russian Arms Expo-2013 exhibition, which starts in Nizhny Tagil on September 25, are being completed. The list of participating companies is already known and information is being received about what types of weapons and equipment will be demonstrated at the exhibition. According to Rosinformburo, the Tractor Plants concern will show the 2S25 Sprut-SD self-propelled artillery mount at RAE-2013. The latest information about this project suggests that a modernized version of the self-propelled gun may appear at the exhibition.

The Sprut-SD self-propelled gun is not a new product. Development of the project began shortly after the breakup Soviet Union. The Volgograd Tractor Plant and Plant No. 9 (Ekaterinburg) in the early nineties began creating a promising self-propelled anti-tank gun intended for arming airborne troops. It was assumed that new car will help paratroopers fight potential enemy tanks and other targets that require a powerful 125 mm caliber gun to destroy.

The chassis of the BMD-3 infantry fighting vehicle was chosen as the basis for the new self-propelled gun. To install a gun turret and all the necessary systems, Volgograd designers modified it. Accommodation large quantity relatively large units required lengthening the armored hull. In connection with this, the chassis received two additional road wheels per side. In addition, the project used some developments created as part of the Object 934 light tank project of the late seventies.

The armored body of the Sprut-SD self-propelled anti-tank gun is generally similar to that of the BMD-3. It is made of aluminum alloys. The body provides all-aspect protection from small arms bullets, and the frontal projection can withstand a 23-mm projectile from a distance of 500 meters. The turret of the Sprut-SD combat vehicle is also made of aluminum, but its frontal part is additionally reinforced with steel sheets.

In the front part of the self-propelled gun hull there is a control compartment with a driver's workplace. Next to the driver there are seats for the commander and gunner, on which they are located during the march. When the vehicle is brought into combat position, the commander and driver move to their workplaces in the turret. The fighting compartment is located in the middle part of the hull. Engine and transmission - in the stern.

The engine and transmission compartment of the Sprut-SD is equipped with a multi-fuel diesel engine 2V-06-2 with a capacity of 510 Horse power. It provides the 18-ton machine with quite high power density at 28 hp per ton of weight. The engine is coupled to a hydromechanical transmission with a hydrostatic turning mechanism. The transmission includes an automatic transmission with five forward and reverse gears. Torque is transmitted to the drive wheels located at the rear of the sides of the machine.

The chassis of the Sprut-SD self-propelled anti-tank gun is similar to the corresponding units of the BMD-3, but at the same time it has a number of differences, primarily associated with the lengthening of the vehicle body. Seven road wheels on each side of the vehicle have individual hydropneumatic suspension. Suspension mechanisms allow you to adjust the vehicle's ground clearance in the range from 190 to 590 millimeters. The operation of the chassis is controlled by the driver. The chassis units used provide high cross-country ability and a smooth ride, regardless of the type of surface.

Powerplant and chassis allow the combat vehicle to accelerate on the highway to a speed of 70 km/h. When driving over rough terrain, the maximum speed is reduced to 45-50 km/h. Cruising range on the highway is 500 kilometers. To cross water obstacles, the self-propelled anti-tank gun is equipped with two water cannons in the rear of the hull. Using water cannons fighting machine can swim at speeds up to 10 km/h. The parameters of the sealed armored hull allow the self-propelled gun to float in seas up to force three and fire until reaching the shore. In this case, however, shelling of targets is possible only in the front sector with a width of 70°.

The “main caliber” of the Sprut-SD self-propelled gun is the 125-mm smoothbore gun-launcher 2A75. This gun is a further development of the 2A46 tank gun used on modern Russian tanks. As part of the adaptation of a tank gun for use on a light self-propelled gun, several interesting technical solutions. First of all, it is necessary to note the new recoil devices, which effectively dampen the recoil impulse and provide a recoil of no more than 700 mm. The high-ballistic weapon is capable of using the entire range of available ammunition for 125 mm smoothbore guns, including guided missiles. Since the Sprut-SD is a self-propelled anti-tank gun, the weapon, stabilized in two planes, can be aimed in a vertical plane only in a limited range of angles: from -5° to +17°. Horizontal aiming is circular, produced by rotating the turret.

Like modern Russian tanks, the 2S25 Sprut-SD anti-tank self-propelled gun has an automatic loader. It consists of a rotating carousel-type conveyor for 22 separate cartridge shots, lifting and dispensing mechanisms. At the command of the gunner or commander, the conveyor rotates to the desired angle and delivers the required type of ammunition to the lifting mechanism. Next, the chain lifting mechanism brings the ammunition to the loading line, where the dispensing mechanism directs it into the breech of the gun. First, a shell is fed into the cannon, then a partially burned cartridge case. After firing and opening the shutter special mechanism catches the spent cartridge case tray and throws it out of the fighting compartment through a hatch in the rear plate of the turret. The automatic loading mechanisms are designed in such a way as not to interfere with the work of the crew. The transition of the commander and gunner from the control compartment to the combat compartment and vice versa is carried out without leaving the vehicle.

The automatic loader conveyor can accommodate up to 22 shots various types. Another 18 shots are in storage. After the ammunition in the automatic loader is used up, the crew can use shells from other stowages by loading the gun manually. At the same time, the rate of fire drops significantly.

Self-propelled as an additional weapon artillery installation"Sprut-SD" carries a 7.62-mm PKT machine gun coaxial with a cannon. IN cartridge box machine gun fits one belt with 2000 rounds of ammunition.

The combat compartment of the 2S25 Sprut-SD self-propelled gun contains the commander's and gunner's workstations. The fighting compartment systems are designed in such a way that both the commander and the gunner can aim and fire the gun independently and independently of each other. The commander has a sight with a thermal imaging channel and a field of view stabilized in two planes. The commander's sighting devices also have a laser rangefinder built into them, which can be used to guide guided anti-tank missiles launched from the launcher gun. The commander and gunner can independently observe the terrain, search for targets and aim weapons at them. Both crew members can attack targets with a 125 mm gun, coaxial machine gun or guided anti-tank missiles.

In the middle of the last decade, 2S25 Sprut-SD self-propelled anti-tank guns were put into service. Due to their size and weight, they can be transported and dropped by Il-76 military transport aircraft. Each aircraft can take on board two combat vehicles. Unfortunately, total The Sprut-SD self-propelled guns in the Russian armed forces do not exceed several dozen. Moreover, in 2010, reports appeared according to which this type of equipment was planned to be excluded from the list of purchased combat vehicles. As it turned out a little later, the Airborne Forces still plans to purchase and use self-propelled guns, and in the future they intend to receive its modernized version.

In mid-August, new photographs became publicly available, showing the Sprut-SD combat vehicle with some large-sized on-board screens. As it turns out, the Tractor Plants concern is currently modernizing a self-propelled anti-tank gun. The result of this work should be an increase in the level of protection of the combat vehicle, as well as the unification of a number of units with the latest BMD-4M airborne combat vehicle. There is also information about a significant update of electronic equipment, including the fire control system.

It is quite possible that a prototype of a new version of the Sprut-SD self-propelled gun with enhanced armor protection will be shown at the upcoming Russian Arms Expo-2013 exhibition. However, even in its original, non-modernized version, this combat vehicle is of great interest to both specialists and the general public.

Based on materials from sites:
http://rosinform.ru/
http://arms-expo.ru/
http://btvt.narod.ru/
http://otvaga2004.ru/

We have prepared an article about the Russian Tier 8 progressive tank destroyer, which will soon appear in the game.

"Sprut-SD" is a Russian airborne self-propelled anti-tank gun, developed in the 80s specifically for the USSR Airborne Forces. Many problems arose during its creation, which led to significant delays and reduced production. However, this fate befell many vehicles intended for the Airborne Forces.

The idea of ​​​​"Octopus" arose at the same time and under the pressure of the same needs as the BMD-1. Any airborne troops act with aggressive methods and land deep in enemy positions. During such operations, landing forces usually encounter infantry, armored vehicles, and long-term fortifications. BMDs were intended to counter enemy motorized infantry, firepower And combat missions which were generally the same as those of the infantry fighting vehicles.

However, the smooth-bore 73-mm Grom cannon had a number of disadvantages, and fundamentally different weapons began to be installed on the vehicle. This is how the BMD-2 and BMD-3 appeared.

To combat enemy armored vehicles, it was proposed to create a floating landing vehicle. In essence, we were talking about a light tank.

The USSR had sufficient experience in the production of light tanks: remember, for example, wartime equipment or the later PT-76. However, this class gradually became a thing of the past, being replaced by infantry fighting vehicles: after all, everyone believed that the 73-mm smoothbore gun and the Malyutka ATGM would do anything light tank outdated. To some extent, they were right, but still the thought of creating such equipment did not leave the minds of influential military figures of that time, for example, Marshal A. A. Grechko. In addition, such a way out of the situation would entail lower costs: one projectile costs much less than a guided missile.

Perhaps, attempts to create a real light tank ended with the PT-85 prototype, created to replace the PT-76. Nevertheless, the idea was not completely abandoned, although the focus of the development of such vehicles shifted to providing fire support. The classic role of the light tank was partially changed, but these changes were more tactical. In reality, the light tracked vehicle “Object 934 “Judge”” being developed, equipped with a large-caliber gun, could pass for both a light tank and a tank destroyer.

The reason for this ambiguity was that even the USSR did not know what results it wanted to achieve. The development of Object 934 ended in failure due to disagreements between various government agencies: They could not agree on the appearance of the next car. As a result, the project was closed, and resources Soviet army were allowed to create the “Object 688”, which later became the BMP-3.

Despite the failure, Object 934 set a new direction in the development of light tanks: fire support. By the mid-80s, NATO armed forces had at their disposal formidable MBTs: Leopard 2, Challenger and early Abrams, which became dangerous opponents for light infantry fighting vehicles.

However, a ray of hope did appear. The situation was changed by the appearance of the new Il-76 aircraft, which had an increased carrying capacity, which gave the USSR army the opportunity to transport fairly heavy vehicles. As a result, in 1982, the idea of ​​a basic chassis was proposed, suitable for some vehicles, including self-propelled anti-tank guns, capable of destroying the most protected enemy MBTs.

The concept was approved. Development started in the same year self-propelled gun with a 125-mm smoothbore gun, the same one that had been installed on Soviet tanks since the 60s. On July 29, 1983, the project received approval. His goal was to create a weapon system on a basic chassis that would be suitable for use on the BMD-3.

The following people took part in the project:

• Central Research Institute of Precision Engineering (TsNIITochmash);
• Artillery Plant No. 9 in Sverdlovsk (now Yekaterinburg);
• Volgograd Tractor Plant.

Designers from TsNIITochmash were responsible for the initial stage of the project, during which the search for the base chassis was carried out. It soon became clear that the chassis from the Object 934 was suitable for use. The Institute requested one of three prototypes of this machine for further modifications. In 1983, the request was granted, and already in 1983-1984, based on the Object 934, a full-size mock-up of a self-propelled 125 mm gun was created. Initially, options for a semi-closed type IT or even an open installation of a gun were considered, but in the end they settled on the classic turret design. During preliminary tests, the model on a light chassis showed firing accuracy comparable to MBT. Such positive results gave impetus to further developments and tests, and the project itself was named “Sprut-SD” (GRAU index - 2S25).

In 1984, the final requirements for the project were approved, and it was transferred to the chief designers. Official purpose The work was the creation of “a new 125-mm self-propelled anti-tank gun for the air force.”

The weight of the vehicle turned out to be very small, only 18 tons. Its low weight is due to its special design: the chassis, based on the Object 934, is made of aluminum. Only some parts of the machine are reinforced with steel plates, so as not to further burden the structure. Such a reservation provided:

• protection against 12.7 mm bullets in a sector of ±40 degrees;
• all-round protection against 7.62 mm bullets and artillery shell fragments.

The figures are not too high, but for a machine of this type more was not required. Additionally, it was equipped with a protection system against weapons of mass destruction and the 902V “Tucha” system for firing 81-mm 3D6 smoke grenades.

This vehicle was truly impressive in one respect: the accuracy of the 125 mm 2A75 smoothbore gun (L/48 caliber), which is a modification of the Soviet 2A46 smoothbore tank gun. Installing a tank gun on a vehicle with such a light chassis was a very bold decision. The recoil of such a gun could damage the machine and destroy the suspension. Initially, it was planned to solve the problem by installing muzzle brake, but in the end they took other measures:

• the barrel's recoil length was increased to 740 mm (so that the gun would roll further after firing);
• They installed a hydropneumatic suspension, which helped compensate for the recoil force.

The gun is stabilized in two planes and equipped with an automatic loader, allowing it to fire up to 7 rounds per minute. Loading occurs using a conveyor mechanism located under the turret (as in other Soviet tanks, ammunition is stored separately). The gun is suitable for any standard 125 mm ammunition, including guided ones anti-tank shells"Reflex". The carried ammunition is 40 rounds, 22 of which were loaded into the AZ. The standard ammunition load includes 20 high-explosive fragmentation, 14 armor-piercing sub-caliber and 6 cumulative (or guided) projectiles.

The gun is aimed in the range from −5 to +15 degrees when firing forward and from −3 to +17 degrees when firing backwards. Do not forget that the Sprut-SD is an amphibian, so it can fire while afloat (within ±35 degrees in front).

The vehicle's crew consists of three people: a driver (in the hull), a commander and a gunner (both sitting in the turret). For aiming and shooting, a 1A40M-1 sight with a built-in range finder and ballistic computer is used. For night operations, a TO1-KO1R optical-electronic complex with a TPN-4R gunner's night sight is installed, allowing target recognition at a distance of 1.5 km. The commander's station is equipped with a 1K13-3S commander's observation device for operation in both day and night conditions.

"Sprut-SD" is driven by a 6-cylinder diesel engine 2V-06-2S with a power of 510 hp. s., allowing you to accelerate to 70 km/h (45-50 km/h off-road). In addition, the car floats at a speed of 9 km/h without additional training.

The active development process took place from 1984 to 1991, when state tests were carried out. The project was received positively, despite the fact that the problem with the air delivery system, typical of airborne vehicles, remained unresolved. Further development was complicated by the collapse of the Soviet Union.

There is not much information about the state of development in the 90s. It was not canceled, however, it did not advance far due to difficulties with the P260 landing system, which was based on the P235 (used for landing the BMD-3). In 1994, the designers finally gave up and began to develop a new strap-down landing system, the P260M, work on which was completed only in 2001.

About 10 years after the first state tests, another one was carried out, and the 2S25 Sprut-SD was finally put into service. This happened on January 9, 2006. In 2005-2010, mass production of the vehicle began, during which only 36-40 units were produced. By 2010, production was stopped and a modernization program was launched: by this time the car was already two decades old. As a result, the Sprut-SDM prototype was created, the production of which is planned in the future.

On this moment"Sprut-SD" was not exported and did not participate in battles.

In conclusion, I would like to briefly talk about two modifications of the Sprut-SD that are worthy of mention. "Sprut-SSV" is a modification for ground forces. If the “D” in the name meant “landing”, then “SV” - ground troops. The modification featured a new Glider chassis, created in Kharkov. The project remained at the prototype stage.

"Sprut-K" is a modification using the BTR-90 chassis. Development also did not progress beyond the prototype because this lightweight chassis was unable to provide sufficient firepower.

IN Armored Warfare: The Armata project "Sprut-SD" will take its place among the 8th level tank destroyers. Among the vehicles of its class and level, the Sprut-SD stands out for its best firepower. In addition, players will have the ability to fire guided missiles. Compared with light tank The "Dragoon" vehicle is more mobile, powerful and accurate, and much more difficult to detect. However, the level of protection of the Octopus is lower. Those who choose this technique to play will need to think ahead about tactics in order to successfully reach their destination, despite the low maximum speed. However, once in place, changing positions will be easy - thanks to excellent mobility.

We hope you enjoy your new car. Follow the news and see you on the battlefield!

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