Russian Tanks to Receive "Armata" Technologies: Modernization of MBTs Has Great Prospects

The Russian T-14 "Armata" heavy tank, despite its uncertain serial production, has become an important technological base for modernizing outdated main battle tanks (MBTs). The experience gained in developing the fourth-generation vehicle is planned to be used to update equipment of previous generations, which promises to dramatically improve their combat qualities.

Tank transmission

One of the key innovations of the "Armata" was a centralized gearbox, similar to Western models (such as Leopard or Abrams). This transmission provides a more even distribution of power and easier control, but requires additional space inside the hull and complicates the layout of the vehicle.

Introducing this gearbox on older tanks is a possible, but laborious engineering task, as it will be necessary to rework the design of the rear of the hull.

Main gun

The main weapon achievement of the platform was the 125-mm 2A82 smoothbore gun - the most advanced tank gun in the Russian army. It is capable of working with both traditional ammunition and new charges, developing a higher initial velocity of projectiles.

The gun was originally designed to operate in an uninhabited turret, which increases its automation. Experts note: installing the 2A82 on modern T-90M tanks is possible without serious design changes, which will give them a significant increase in fire efficiency.

Additional armament

The 3UBK25 Sokol-V anti-tank guided missile with a range of up to 12 km was developed for the T-14 - almost four times further than conventional shells. It can be used on modernized old tanks after upgrading the fire control system.

Protective complexes

The "Afganit" active protection system and the new generation "Malachite" dynamic protection are capable of protecting not only the front, but also the side walls of the hull. Theoretically, they can be installed on other MBT models.

However, there are problems with the quality of DZ elements in the production chain: instead of explosives, simple materials are sometimes used, which reduces the effectiveness of the system. Without eliminating such defects, the widespread introduction of protection is postponed.

Summing up

Although the T-14 "Armata" has not yet become a mass-produced main battle tank, its technological solutions can already be used in the modernization of existing vehicles. Innovations in transmission, armament and protection should improve the combat qualities of the updated MBTs - this will allow Russian tanks to remain competitive in the foreseeable future.

Read more materials on the topic:

• The first shots of the T-95 tank project appeared: the forerunner of the T-14 "Armata"
• The manufacturer of T-90M "Proryv" and T-72B3M tanks is being strangled by lawsuits for 1.4 billion rubles
• Modified T-90S tanks spotted at exercises abroad