|
February 2 2023 来源：Ways of modernization: BMP "Manul" with a combat module "Baikal"
"Manul" with "Baikal" and wrong signature. Photo "Kurganmashzavod" A few years ago, the Russian defense industry presented a promising Manul combat vehicle based on the serial BMP-3. At the same time, it became known that various combat modules with one or another weapon could be mounted on the chassis of this vehicle. In particular, it is proposed to sharply increase the firepower indicators by installing the AU-220M Baikal module with a 57-mm automatic gun. The existence of such a project became known only a few days ago. Modern developments The Manul project based on the BMP-3 is being developed at the Kurgan Machine-Building Plant PJSC. Work on this model began at the end of the 2020s, and the first prototype in its original configuration was presented at the Army-XNUMX forum. Now it became known about the new version of this BMP. In recent weeks, Kurganmashzavod, on its page on the Vkontakte social network, talked about armored vehicles of the BMP-3 family, developed and produced by it. January 17 in the next issue of such historical chronicles mentioned the last few representatives of this line, which appeared in recent years. It should be noted that all these samples are already known to the public, but there was also new interesting information. Among the modern developments, they mentioned the option of upgrading the serial BMP-3 with the installation of the Epoch combat module, equipped with a 57-mm low ballistics cannon. They also talked about the Derivation project, which proposes to install an original combat module with a long-barreled 3-mm cannon on the BMP-57 chassis.
Another new development is the BMP-3 Derivation. The list of new developments includes the product "Manul". This is a deeply modernized version of the BMP-3, which is distinguished by the front location of the engine compartment. The vehicle is reportedly equipped with an uninhabited weapon station with a 30mm cannon and missiles. However, the illustration of the material does not match the description. The photo (or high-quality photo collage) shows the Manula chassis with the Baikal combat module and a characteristic long-barreled automatic gun of increased caliber. At the same time, a 30-mm gun is again indicated on the slide with such a machine. Apparently, an error crept into the Kurganmashzavod publication, and therefore the photo and description do not match. However, in this case, the picture is of great interest. It shows that the development company continues to develop both the entire BMP-3 family and the new Manul project. This ensures the growth of the main characteristics and maintains a high degree of unification with other equipment of its family, incl. with the latest developments. Basic platform The Manul project provides for the restructuring of the BMP-3 with a radical change in layout to obtain a number of characteristic advantages. At the same time, all the main units of the base vehicle are preserved, and the same level of performance characteristics is achieved. In addition, Manul, like the BMP-3, has significant potential for modernization. Unlike the Troika, the new Manul is made front-engined. The engine compartment was moved to the bow of the hull, and because of this, the three-seat control compartment was moved back. The center of the vehicle is occupied by a fighting compartment with room for a turret or a combat module. The stern is completely given under the troop compartment with boarding and disembarking through the aft ramp / door.
An experienced Manul with the Epoch combat module at the Army-2020 forum. Own protection of the machine as a whole remained the same; all booking changes are related to the new layout only. This provides for the installation of hinged booking modules that enhance the protection of the onboard plane. Despite the restructuring, Manul retains the UTD-32T diesel engine with an HP 660 power. Transmission units are located next to it and drive the front drive wheels. The design of the chassis as a whole has not changed - with the exception of the transfer of the drive wheels and sloths. Despite all the improvements, driving characteristics, mobility and cross-country ability generally remained at the level of the base BMP-3. The speed on the highway reaches 70 km / h, on the water with the help of water cannons - 9,5 km / h. The reconfiguration did not have a fundamental impact on the capacity of the hull. The front compartment still accommodates up to three people - the driver and a couple of paratroopers. Six more seats are located in the aft troop compartment. The placement of the commander and gunner-operator depends on the type of fighting compartment. Depending on the availability of appropriate volumes, they work in a tower or in a hull. Pluggable modules BMP "Manul" can be equipped with different combat modules. Apparently, it is possible to install a standard turret from the BMP-3. In this case, the armored vehicle will receive a 100-mm gun-launcher, a 30-mm automatic cannon, a machine gun and smoke grenade launchers. During the premiere at the Army-2020 forum, the vehicle was demonstrated with an uninhabited TKB-945 Epoch module. It carries a 2 mm 42A30 automatic cannon and a coaxial 7,62 mm machine gun, and also has launchers for four Kornet-D missiles. The module is also equipped with modern optical-electronic sights and a digital fire control system.
Updated feed "Manula". In a recent picture, a promising machine is shown with the AU-220M module, also known as the Baikal. This is an uninhabited turret with a oscillating mount for a 57 mm 2A91 automatic gun. It has a rate of fire up to 80 rds / min. and is capable of hitting armored targets at ranges of several kilometers, depending on their protection. Also on the module is placed a coaxial machine gun and optical-electronic sights of the commander and gunner. A promising combination A published photo or collage of a Manul infantry fighting vehicle equipped with a Baikal combat module predictably attracts attention. If this is a real development, and not a graphic demonstration of the fundamental possibilities, then such a project is of great interest from the point of view of technology. In addition, the army may be interested in them - with understandable consequences in the form of testing and launching production. A curious feature of the new modification of "Manula" is to obtain completely new opportunities through the use of only existing units. So, the front-engine BMP is as similar as possible to the serial Troika, and it is proposed to install a combat module on it, which is already being tested and has been used in several projects. In fact, the new version of "Manul" is maximally unified with other equipment, which will give well-known advantages. The Manul project was developed with the aim of improving the ergonomics of the base BMP-3 and increasing the level of protection. Thus, the transfer of MTO to the nose of the hull made it possible to strengthen the actual protection of the habitable compartment. The damaging element will now have to penetrate not only the frontal armor, but also the engine with units, which increases the safety of the crew and troops. In addition, the troop compartment has been redesigned. It has become larger and more comfortable, and the stern ramp / door makes it easier to get on and off.
Experienced "Manul" at the manufacturing plant, 2020. Obvious advantages are provided by the Baikal module. Modern armored vehicles of a potential enemy are designed for shelling from guns with a caliber of up to 25-30 mm. The larger 57mm projectile is guaranteed to penetrate such armor from a distance of up to several kilometers. High performance is also achieved when firing at other targets, incl. buildings and tanks. Thus, the new version of "Manula" combines a fairly high level of protection, increased firepower and a certain ease of production and operation. At the same time, he is able to solve the same tasks as the base infantry vehicle BMP-3. Probably, such a combination of characteristics and capabilities may be of interest to the customer. With unknown prospects Over the past years, the prospects for the development and modernization of the existing BMP-3 have been actively discussed. In parallel, various options for upgrading this machine are being developed to obtain certain advantages. In addition, work continues on a promising combat module AU-220M with an increased caliber gun. "Baikal" must ensure the superiority of our equipment over enemy vehicles. BMP "Manul" with "Baikal" is at the junction of these areas and ideas. So far, it is known only from one photograph, and it is not known whether a real sample was taken, or if it is a collage to demonstrate its capabilities. Nevertheless, all the necessary components are already there, and there is a fundamental possibility of creating a real sample of such a look. Whether such an infantry fighting vehicle will be of interest to the armed forces, time will tell. She probably has a chance. AUTHOR: Ryabov Kirill |
|
|
