From 2018, the Russian army plans to re-equip with a new generation of tanks, which will increase the share of the newest tanks to 70% of the total already by 2020. Thus it is planned to release about 2300 units of new combat vehicles.
At the moment there is a final period of development of the fourth generation T 99 tank. Naturally, we do not yet have any details about the equipment and technical characteristics of the tank. Since type T 99 is still under development, all information about it is unverified. According to rumors, the model will have a completely new projectile feed, an improved ammunition removal mechanism and much more. It is noteworthy that the new Russian T-99 tank will hold about three dozen different shells.
Also at the moment it is known that the model will be developed on a unified Armata tracked platform, which is used for machines weighing from 30 to 65 tons. According to preliminary data, the new car will be a less revolutionary technological solution than the failed T-95. Model T 99 will weigh less, which will make it mobile, but less expensive.
Development of the T-99 began in 2010. It was attended by UKBTM (Nizhny Tagil) and Uralvagonzavod (UVZ). Mass production is scheduled to begin at the end of 2018 with funding of 150 billion rubles.
Main technical specifications
- Layout The platform on which the T 99 will be manufactured has two layout options: a chassis with a front or rear engine / transmission compartment (PMTO or ZMTO).
- Transmission. The model will be equipped with a 6-roller suspension, controlled by paddle shock absorbers, as well as a differential steering mechanism with hydrostatic transmission (GOP). Transmission 12-speed with the ability to switch to manual mode.
- Controls. Handwheel, gear lever, accelerator and brake pedals.
- Power point. Turbo-piston engine A-85-3A for front-and rear-located MTO.
- Motor Resource. Not less than 2000 hours.
- Weight. Not more than 55 tons.
- The volume of the platform. Not more than 4 m3.
- Crew. 2 people: commander-gunner-shooter, driver-mechanic with dual fire control elements.
Armament and equipment
The new model is expected to be equipped with 140-150 mm smoothbore tank gun with a new type of gun, as well as stabilization in two planes. In this case, the ammunition will be at least 30 shots, ammunition from 700 rounds. The new model will also have a 12.7-mm stabilized high-precision machine gun with a barrel elevation angle of up to 90 degrees and the ability to rotate 360 degrees in the horizontal plane.
As for the equipment, the T 99 will use a completely new fire control system, a life support system, a surveillance system, and an active protection system. These innovative systems currently have no analogues. It is planned to launch the ROC in 2011 for these systems.
Crew T-99
The number of crew members in the T-99 is from 1 to 3 people. The crew is planned to be placed in a special armored capsule, which will be separated from the tower with automatic charging. The instrument will be located in a small separate tower, without crew. Such a solution will make the tank less visible on the battlefield, as the silhouette of the machine will be significantly reduced.
In addition to the above innovations, the safety of crew members will significantly improve due to the separation of the cockpit from the crew compartment with a strong armored seat. If the enemy projectile gets into the ammunition compartment, the energy from the explosion will go up through the expelling panels. Thus, the crew will not only remain alive, but not damaged.
According to the developers, the strength and invulnerability of the Russian tank will increase due to the modern, designed to the smallest detail layout of the main components of the machine. If one node fails, the tank will still perform its combat mission in full force.
New opportunities
According to the characteristics of mass, size and strength, the new Russian tank significantly exceeds its foreign counterparts. On the basis of this platform, various combat vehicles, combat control vehicles, as well as rocket weapons vehicles will be manufactured. In addition, it is planned to use this platform for military air defense and rear support vehicles.
