BMPT Terminator
The BMPT "Terminator" (Боевая машина поддержки танков - Tank Support Fighting Vehicle)[3] is an armored fighting vehicle (AFV), designed and manufactured by the Russian company Uralvagonzavod. This vehicle was designed for supporting tanks and other AFVs in urban areas. The BMPT is unofficially named the "Terminator" by the manufacturers. It is heavily armed and armored to survive in urban combat. The AFV is armed with four 9M120 Ataka missile launchers, two 30 mm 2A42 autocannons, two AG-17D grenade launchers, and one coaxial 7.62 mm PKTM machine gun.
| BMPT Terminator | |
|---|---|
(top) Tank support combat vehicle "Terminator-2" during the "Armiya 2020" exhibition (middle) BMPT Terminator at the 2009 Russian Expo Arms (bottom) BMPT-72 Terminator 2 at the 2016 'Army-2016' | |
| Type | Tank support combat vehicle Missile tank |
| Place of origin | Russia |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2011–present |
| Used by | Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, Algeria |
| Wars | Syrian Civil War[1] War in Iraq (2013–2017)[1] 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Ural Transport Engineering Design Bureau |
| Designed | 1998–2002 |
| Manufacturer | Uralvagonzavod |
| Produced | 2002–present |
| No. built | 300+ Ordered |
| Variants | BMPT-72 |
| Specifications (BMPT) | |
| Mass | 48 t (53 short tons; 47 long tons) |
| Length | 7.2 m (23 ft 7 in) |
| Width | 3.37 m (11 ft 1 in)[a] 3.8 m (12 ft 6 in)[b] |
| Height | 1.94 m (6 ft 4 in)[c] 3.44 m (11 ft 3 in) |
| Crew | 5 |
| Armor | Combination of composite armor, reactive armor and steel |
Main armament | 4× 130 mm Ataka-T GWS launchers 2× 30 mm 2A42 autocannons (850 rounds) |
Secondary armament | 2× 30 mm AG-17D or 2x AGS-30 grenade launchers (600 rounds) 1× 7.62 mm PKTM machine gun (2,000 rounds) |
| Engine | V-92S2 diesel engine 1,000 hp (736 kW) |
| Power/weight | 20.4 hp/tonne (15.0 kW/tonne) |
| Suspension | Torsion bar |
| Ground clearance | 406 mm (16.0 in) |
| Fuel capacity | 1,200 L (320 US gal) |
Operational range | ≥550 km (340 mi) |
| Maximum speed | ≥60 km/h (37 mph) |
The BMPT is built on the chassis of the widely used T-72 main battle tank. The BMPT was designed based on combat experience gained during the Soviet–Afghan War and the First Chechen War. Multiple prototypes of a tank support combat vehicle were created prior to the design of the current BMPT. The Object 199 "Ramka" was the prototype later to be designated the modern BMPT with the official producer being Uralvagonzavod. By late 2013, the only operator of the BMPT was Kazakhstan.
A small number were delivered to the Russian Ground Forces for evaluation beginning in 2005. The Russian Defence Ministry finally ordered the BMPT in August 2017.[citation needed] Deliveries of more than 10 vehicles were begun in early 2018. On 1 December 2021, the first BMPT company of nine combat vehicles was introduced into one of the tank regiments of the tank division of the Central Military District.[4] The version, unofficially dubbed the "Terminator-3", incorporates the chassis, hulls, and components of the T-14 Armata tank.[5]
Examples of an "upgraded" version of the BMPT-72 were reported on 18 May 2022 to be in use by the Russian military in the battle of Sieverodonetsk in Ukraine.[6][2]
Design history
The history of the BMPT's development can be traced back to the Soviet–Afghan War. Combat experience during the lengthy war revealed that infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) like the BMP-1 and BMP-2 cannot fully deal with infantry, despite the BMP-2's high gun elevation. Although main battle tanks (MBTs) possessed a high amount of firepower, the limited elevation and depression angles of the main gun made them easy targets in mountainous and urban terrain. In the 1980s, the Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant began designing prototypes for the new concept, early prototypes being Object 781, Object 782 and Object 787. It was evident that a new vehicle concept was needed. The main requirements for this new machine were to possess large firepower, high angles of elevation and depression, and a protection equivalent to that of an MBT. An additional requirement that was meant to supplement the latter was enhanced protection from close-range hand-held RPGs.[7]
The need for such a vehicle became even more evident during the First Chechen War. When using conventional armor during urban engagements, Russian forces suffered heavy losses in manpower and equipment, including the destruction of an entire mechanized brigade during the first battle of Grozny. While these losses cannot be entirely blamed on technology, it became clear that a dedicated anti-personnel fighting vehicle would provide valuable assistance in an urban environment. Self-propelled anti-aircraft guns were used as a temporary solution in Chechnya. However, these vehicles weren't well-armored and didn't possess the obstacle-clearing capabilities of an MBT.[8]
There have been several different prototype designs of a tank support fighting vehicle, like the Object 193A and the Object 745. A mock-up of the Object 199 was shown for the first time in public during the summer of 2000. This vehicle was slightly different from the current design, being armed with only a single 2A42 30 mm gun and with four 9M133 Kornet missiles located on one side of the turret. The production model of the BMPT was introduced in 2002 and featured twin 30 mm autocannons, two independent 30 mm automatic grenade launchers, and four Ataka missile launchers.[7]
Mission
When used in urban terrain, each main battle tank is to be deployed with two BMPTs. Outside of urban warfare that ratio is reversed with one BMPT protecting two main battle tanks.[9] This results from the complexity of fighting in urban terrain and the need for a versatile anti-personnel platform that can engage multiple targets at once and on different height levels. The introduction of such a vehicle makes urban fighting less stressful on MBTs and can relieve them of some of the workload so that they can concentrate on their main objective of engaging other tanks and hardened targets. The BMPT's armor protection is equal to that of an MBT and its powerful armaments allow it to engage virtually any enemy formation while operating in a common battle formation. Thanks to the multiple weapons systems found on the BMPT, this vehicle is able to fire at multiple targets simultaneously.[7] These features significantly help increase the combat effectiveness of tank units and decrease their losses from enemy close-combat assets.[10]
Description
Armament
The armament includes an unmanned turret[11] armed with:
- four launchers for the 130 mm 9M120 Ataka-T anti-tank guided missile (ATGM)
- two 30 mm 2A42 with 850 rounds
- either two AG-17D or two AGS-30 30 mm grenade launchers with 600 rounds
- one 7.62 mm PKTM machine gun with 2,000 rounds
Anti-tank guided weapons
The BMPT uses the Ataka missile to defeat heavily armored vehicles like tanks (shaped charge), infantry (thermobaric warhead) or aircraft (continuous rod). These missiles are carried only within their launchers, without any additional ones stowed away. A pair of ATGM launchers is located on each side of the turret. These launchers have an elevation of up to +25° and depression down to −5°.[12] Laser beam riding SACLOS is the method of guidance used by the Terminator's ATGMs. The original 9M120 Ataka missile is 130 mm in diameter and features a tandem warhead capable of defeating explosive reactive armor (ERA). The tandem warhead penetrates 800 mm of Rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) behind ERA with later variants capable of penetrating 950 mm of RHA after ERA. The anti-personnel variant (9M120F) contains a thermobaric warhead and yields a blast effect of 9.5 kg in TNT equivalence.[13][14] This missile's average speed for all variants is 400 m/s when reaching a target located 5.8 km from the launcher for a flight time of 14.5 seconds. The 9M120 has an operational range of up to 6 km[d] and travels at a supersonic speed of 550 m/s.[13]
Autocannons
The main weapons of BMPT are the two 30 mm 2A42 autocannons. A total of 850 rounds of ready-to-use ammunition can be carried. These twin autocannons have a combined fire rate of 600 rounds per minute, which gives a continuous fire time of 85 seconds (1 min 25 sec) before running out of ammo (not considering the constraints that limit the practical rate of fire, such as barrel overheating). Traverse of the autocannons is synchronised with the turret and they can elevate between −5° and +45°. The twin 2A42s are stabilized in the vertical and horizontal planes.[12] One of the guns fires armor-piercing rounds while the other fires anti-personnel rounds. A wide range of ammunition is used by the 2A42 autocannon and they include: High Explosive-Tracer (HE-T), Armor-piercing discarding sabot (APDS), High Explosive Fragmentation (HE-FRAG) and Armor-Piercing-Tracer (AP-T). These rounds have effective ranges between 2,500 m and 4,000 m depending on the variant. The muzzle velocity of the projectiles is 960 m/s.[15] A 7.62 mm PKTM machine gun is mounted coaxially with the main armament and holds 2,000 rounds.[7]
Grenade launchers
A pair of either AGS-17D or AGS-30 grenade launchers[16] are carried, one located on each side of the BMPT, and operated by a single crew member. A total of 600 rounds of 30 mm grenades are carried for both grenade launchers. There is no reloading for the grenade launchers because each one holds 300 rounds in a single belt.[7] Only vertical stabilization is provided for the grenade launchers. The horizontal angles that the AG-17Ds can cover are from 5° (to the left) to 27° (to the right) for the right grenade launcher and from 27° (to the left) and 5° (to the right) for the left grenade launcher. The maximum vertical elevation is +20° and the minimum is −5.5°.[12] The muzzle velocity is 185 m/s and the fire rate is 420–480 rds/min, which gives a continuous fire time (both barrels combined) of 37-43 seconds before running out of ammo (not considering the constraints that limit the practical rate of fire, such as barrel overheating). An effective range of 1,700 m is provided while the kill radius of the 30 mm grenades is seven meters.[17] Automatic grenade launcher operators are equipped with the "Agat-MR" day/night independent stabilized sights.[7]
Fire control system
To enable the BMPT to engage targets in both day and night conditions and when the BMPT is stationary or moving, a computerized fire-control system is fitted. The sight of the gunner includes a thermal channel, an optical channel, a guided ATGM channel, and a laser rangefinder. The field of view sight has an independent stabilization in two planes. The sights provide detection of targets at ranges up to 7,000 m in poor weather conditions.[7] The commander's B07-K1 panoramic sight is located at the top of the BMPT and has a 360° field of view. This panoramic sight has optical, low-level laser rangefinder and television channels. The B07-K2 standard gunner's sight consists of optical and thermal channels and a laser rangefinder. The vehicle also has hunter-killer capabilities with its separate commander's panoramic sight and gunner's sight which can detect both ground and aerial targets. The gunner is able to use the commander's sight to engage targets if his own sight is disabled or destroyed. The commander of the vehicle also has the ability to override the command to take control of the turret and guns from the gunner. The navigation system used by the BMPT is a combined GPS/GLONASS module.[7]
Protection
The Terminator possesses a System 902A automatic smoke grenade launcher on both sides of the turret which serves as camouflage and provides protection against infrared weapons.[10] Special attention was paid to the survivability of the BMPT and its crew. Certain measures were taken to ensure this like placing the fuel tanks in a sealed housing compartment and fastening the seats towards the roof in case of a mine penetration.[10] There are additional fuel tanks located in the rear of the hull in an armored compartment on the left fender. The vehicle is equipped with an automatic fire fighting system to fight any fires that will ignite within the vehicle.
Mobility
The maximum speed of the vehicle is 60 km/h over highways and a cruising range of 550 km with external fuel tanks. The BMPT can cross a trench that's as long as 2.7 ± 0.1 m and over come vertical obstacles as high as 0.85 m. Like the T-72, the transmission of the engine is manual with seven gears for forward and one gear for reverse. The maximum gradient for the BMPT is 30° and 25° when climbing forwards and travelling along a side respectively. Fording capabilities are provided by the BMPT. It can cross water obstacles with a depth of 1.2 m without preparation and 1.8 m with five minutes of preparation. When installed with a snorkel kit, this vehicle is able to cross rivers up to five meters in depth.[12]
Crew and life support
The rear of the driver's compartment, at the front of the vehicle, has been raised, providing greater internal volume. It uses proven elements from those fitted to the T-90 MBT.[10] The Terminator has a crew of five which consists of: a vehicle commander, a driver, a gunner, and two grenade launcher operators. NBC protection is provided to the crew to ensure survival against radiation, chemical and biological weapons. As an option, the BMPT can be fitted with mine-clearing devices such as the KMT-7 or KMT-8 mine sweepers. T-72 tanks can be also converted into BMPT.[10]
BMPT-72 Terminator 2
[18][19] This vehicle was identified as the BMPT-72 "Terminator 2" and was built as a successor to the BMPT. The "Terminator 2" vehicle is substantially similar when compared to its predecessor. The Terminator 2 can be effectively used to destroy enemy tanks, armored personnel carriers and other armored assets, and to suppress enemy firing emplacements and infantry using grenade launchers and antitank weapons systems.[20] Unlike the Terminator 1 however, the Terminator 2 is a retrofit only package, with only old T-72s and similar being upgraded to BMPT-72 standard (no new build vehicles). The Terminator 2 is aimed at the export market (in particular as part of offset deals).
A Uralvagonzavod spokesperson told a select audience at the exhibition that "the key advantage that the BMPT-72 gives to all the countries that operate T-72 tanks is that they can promptly and at minimal cost upgrade their armies to an ultra-modern level, and enhance capacity, mobility, protection and armament without purchasing new high-cost machines."[21] In addition, the conversion process of the obsolete vehicles can be undertaken at the customer facilities.[22] The overseer of the Russian defense and space industries – Dmitry Rogozin – said future versions of the BMPT will likely be based on the Armata Universal Combat Platform.[21]
Armament and FCS
The two automatic grenade launchers are removed along with its operators, reducing the crew to three;[22][20] the number of munitions for the Ataka missiles, 2A42 autocannons, and PKTM machine gun remains unchanged. A new and improved FCS is installed in the BMPT-72.[23] The ballistic computer is electronic and fully digital with a set of weather and topographical sending units.[20]
Air burst munitions are under development for BMPT and other Russian military vehicles.[24][25][26][27]
Protection
Although the weight of the new BMPT is reduced by four metric tonnes, it still boasts a high level of protection like its predecessor.[20] The Terminator 2 is shorter and thinner than the original Terminator. The BMPT-72 has a height of 3.33 m and a width of 3.6 m while the Object 199 Ramka had a height of 3.44 m and a width of 3.8 m. Additional slat armor is fitted on the rear and sides of the chassis to increase protection against rocket propelled grenades. Missile launchers for the Ataka missiles are fitted with extra armor to provide protection against splinters and small arms fire.[23] CBRN protection is provided for the crew members and is collective.[20] A type R-168-25UE-2 radio is installed on board the Terminator 2.[20]
Mobility
The mobility of the BMPT-72 does not differ significantly from the original BMPT.[20]
An auxiliary diesel APU is also fitted that allows to keep most of the functions activated while the main engine is off. Two options are available, a small 5 kW DGU-5-P27 5-VM1 and a 8 kW DGU-8-P27 5-VM1.
BMP T-15 ("Terminator 3")
BMP T-15 ("Terminator 3") - (БМП="Боевая Mашина Пехоты T-15", ie. IFV="Infantry Fighting Vehicle T-15", industrial designation "Object 149") is a new design model of Tank Support Fighting Vehicle based on the Armata Universal Combat Platform. It will have an automatic gun turret RCWS and in the future may have integrated air defense systems and be fully unmanned.[28]
The T-15 is powered by a new generation 1,500 hp multifuel diesel engine coupled with a hydro-mechanical automatic transmission (unlike the two predecessors), with a maximum road speed of 65–70 km/h (40–43 mph), an operational range of 550 km (340 mi), and a power-to-weight ratio of over 30 hp/tonne.[citation needed]
Operators
Current operators
- People's National Army (Algeria) – In April 2016, Russia and Algeria concluded an agreement for the delivery of 300 Russian "Terminators". Deliveries were scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2018 and completed as of the end of August 2021.[29][30][31]
- Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan – 10 BMPT units were ordered in 2010 and delivered by Russia from 2011 to 2013.[32] In 2012, an additional 30 BMPTs were selected but may have not yet been ordered by late 2013.[32] As of early 2014, in addition to the purchase of the vehicles, licensed assembly will be implemented with a number of techniques from kits supplied by Russia. This dual production between UralVagonZavod and Kazakhstan was scheduled to open by 2015.[33][34]
- Russian Ground Forces – The first contract was signed in 2017.[35] Deliveries started in March 2018.[36] Entered service in April 2018.[37] It took part in the large-scale Russian-Belarusian exercise Zapad in September 2021.[38] There have been a few photos and sightings of Terminators during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, however their location and ultimate fate currently remain unknown.
Potential operators
- Azerbaijani Land Forces – At the DEX 2014 defence exhibition in Baku, Rosoboronexport proposed an in-depth modernization of the current T-72 tanks to the Tank Support Combat Vehicle configuration. Azeri President Ilham Aliyev expressed interest in the "Terminator-2" along with the Ka-52 "Alligator" helicopter.[39]
- Peruvian Army – Uralvagonzavod proposed a solution for modernization of old Russian made T-55s by installing the turret of the BMPT. The land forces of the Peruvian army wanted to purchase a new main battle tank in late 2013. According to Uralvagonzavod, the engine, transmission, and suspension of T-55 tank should not be changed if the upgrade takes place. It is also possible to upgrade the powerpack and suspension to increase the level of mobility.[40]
See also
- T-15 Armata: Russian heavy infantry fighting vehicle
- Hunter AFV: A networked-capable Singapore Army armored fighting vehicle
- Achzarit: An Israeli armored personnel carrier (APC) based on the T-55 chassis
- BTR-T: A Russian heavy infantry combat vehicle based on the T-55 chassis
- Namer: An Israeli APC based on the Merkava IV chassis
- BMPV-64 ru:БМПВ-64/uk:БМПВ-64: A Ukrainian heavy infantry combat vehicle based on the T-64 chassis
Notes
References
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- ^ a b "Ukraine war: Russia moving the 'Terminator' around city ahead of expected assault, says military expert". Sky News. 18 May 2022. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
- ^ "BMPT Tank Support Combat Vehicle - Army Technology". from the original on 2 September 2018.
- ^ "The first full-time company BMPT Terminator was formed in the tank division of the Central Military District". Mil.ru (in Russian). 1 December 2021. from the original on 2 December 2021. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
- ^ First BMPT tank support vehicle delivered in 2018 to Russian army 21 January 2018 at the Wayback Machine - Armyrecognition.com, 17 January 2018
- ^ "Putin unleashes Terminator tanks". The Independent. 19 May 2022. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "BMPT "Ramka-99"". btvtnarod.ru (in Russian). from the original on 24 August 2014. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
- ^ Grau, Lester W. (January 1997). "Russian-Manufactured Armored Vehicle Vulnerability in Urban Combat: The Chechnya Experience". Red Thrust Star. from the original on 17 December 2014. Retrieved 17 December 2014.
- ^ "Rossiyskaya armiya vooruzhitsya tyazhelym "Terminatorom"". LƐNTA·RU (in Russian). 15 March 2005. from the original on 10 August 2014. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
- ^ a b c d e . warfare.be. Archived from the original on 30 September 2013. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
- ^ "BMPT-72 Terminator 2 tank support armoured fighting vehicle". from the original on 23 December 2018.
- ^ a b c d . UralVagonZavod (in Russian). Archived from the original on 25 June 2014. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
- ^ a b "9M120 ATAKA-B". airwar.ru (in Russian). from the original on 21 November 2016. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
- ^ a b "V.A. Degtyarev Plant: 9M120 (9M120F) Ataka Missile". Open Joint Stock Company V.A. Degtyarev Plant. from the original on 3 August 2014. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
- ^ "KBP Instrument Design Bureau – 2A42". KBP Instrument Design Bureau. from the original on 7 April 2019. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
- ^ "BMPT Tank Support Combat Vehicle | Military-Today.com". from the original on 9 October 2018.
- ^ "AG-17 30mm Automatic Genade Launcher – Minotor-Service, Minsk, Belarus". Minotor Service. from the original on 8 August 2014. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
- ^ "The Russian BMPT-72 Terminator 2". TankNutDave.com. from the original on 2 July 2018. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- ^ "Terminator 2 version of Russian BMPT infantry support vehicle unveiled at REA 2013". Army Recognition. 16 September 2013. from the original on 30 September 2013. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
- ^ a b c d e f g "TERMINATOR 2 – UralVagonZavod". UralVagonZavod. from the original on 3 August 2014. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
- ^ a b "Russia Unveils 'Terminator-2' Tank Support Vehicle". RIA Novosti. 25 September 2013. from the original on 29 September 2013. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
- ^ a b Foss, Christopher; Williams, Huw (26 September 2013). "RAE 2013: Terminator 2 makes its debut". Jane's. from the original on 8 August 2014. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
- ^ a b "BMPT-72 Terminator 2 Tank support armoured fighting vehicle". Army Recognition. from the original on 15 August 2014. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
- ^ "Russia's Military Built a 'Terminator' And Now It's Getting Smart Weapons". Newsweek. 21 June 2018. from the original on 8 October 2018.
- ^ "Cloud from shrapnel: how controlled ammunition will strengthen the power of Russian armored vehicles - International News". from the original on 16 October 2018.
- ^ "TASS: Military & Defense - Russia to develop anti-drone shrapnel ammunition". from the original on 28 October 2018.
- ^ "UVZ to unveil modernized BMP-1 with 2A72 cannon at Army 2018 | August 2018 Global Defense Security army news industry | Defense Security global news industry army 2018 | Archive News year". from the original on 19 August 2018.
- ^ "Will Russia's 'Terminator' battle machines become fully robotic? - Russia Beyond". rbth.com. 18 June 2018. from the original on 3 July 2018. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- ^ Dmitry Sudakov (8 September 2017). "Israel and Syria fight for Russian meat-grinding 'Terminator'". pravdareport.com. from the original on 10 August 2018. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- ^ "Algeria acquiring BMPT armoured vehicles from Russia". Defence Web. 11 September 2017. Archived from the original on 11 September 2017. Retrieved 11 September 2017.
- ^ "Russia delivers Terminator combat vehicles to African country — military cooperation chief". from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
- ^ a b "SIPRI Arms Transfers Database". Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. from the original on 14 April 2010. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
- ^ "BMPT razrabotki Uralvagonzavoda mogut sobirat'sya v Kazakhstane". VPK News (in Russian). 10 April 2014. from the original on 13 April 2014. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
- ^ "Vypusk BMPT "Terminator" startuyet v Kazakhstane v 2015 godu". Novosti Kazakhstana (in Russian). 10 April 2014. from the original on 15 May 2014. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
- ^ "Russian Army Ordered Latest TSCVs Terminator and T-90M Tanks". mil.today. from the original on 10 August 2018. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- ^ "Партию бронемашин "Терминатор-2" передали Минобороны для участия в параде - РИА Новости, 27.03.2018". ria.ru. 27 March 2018. from the original on 10 August 2018. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- ^ "TASS: Military & Defense - Russia's top brass accepts Terminator tank support combat vehicles for service". tass.com. from the original on 4 August 2018. Retrieved 9 August 2018.
- ^ "Strike drones, Terminator tank support vehicles assist in offensive at Zapad-2021 drill". from the original on 10 January 2022. Retrieved 17 September 2021.
- ^ Novichkov, Nikolai (18 September 2014). "Baku expresses interest in Ka-52 and BMPT-72 'Terminator 2'". Jane's. Baku. from the original on 22 September 2014. Retrieved 21 September 2014.
- ^ "Russian Company Uralvagonzavod offers to upgrade Peruvian T-55 tank with BMPT Terminator turret". Army Recognition. 5 July 2013. from the original on 7 January 2015. Retrieved 5 August 2014.