BMP-3 'Manul': Pouncing Predator

YontzeeUA · August 27, 2024, 5:48pm

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BMP-3 ‘Manul’: Pouncing Predator

A BMP-3 ‘Manul’ Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle on display.

Description :
- The BMP-3 Manul represents a significant evolution of the venerable BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle, showcasing Russia’s ongoing efforts to modernize and enhance its armored combat capabilities. Developed under the “Close to the next generation” design philosophy, the ‘Manul’ combines advanced features and technologies by integrating a remote combat module, enhancing the fire control suite, new EW-systems, creating a transitional model that bridges the gap between existing and next-generation combat vehicles. The BMP-3 ‘Manul’ itself is actually an evolution of another infantry fighting vehicle, the BMP-3M ‘Dragoon’ (image below).
  
  Precursor of the ‘Manul’, the ‘Dragoon’.
  The most notable changes from the BMP-3M ‘Dragoon’ to the BMP-3M ‘Manul’ is the integration of the TKB-945 Bumerang-BM unmanned combat module that is seen on the Kurganets-25, the K-17 Bumerang, and other next generation vehicles. This combat module frees the interior by removing the turret basket while still retaining the firepower through a 30mm 2A42 autocannon (capable of firing APFSDS-T), 4x Kornet-EM ATGM’s, and a coaxial PKTM 7.62mm machine gun. The vehicle is enhanced with 3rd-generation thermal viewers for the Commander and Gunner, while providing situational awareness for the driver with front and rear day/night thermal cameras. The module is also equipped with an EW suite, smoke countermeasures, and a laser warning receiver. When visually compared to the standard BMP-3, the ‘Manul’ boasts improved ceramic armor protection while maintaining the mobility and amphibious capability. This vehicle has been in development for several years and is expected to enter service within the Russian Armed Forces in the near term. The vehicle itself embodies the philosophy and commitment to fielding a modernized and adaptable armored force that can effectively respond to a wide range of operational scenarios.
Armament:
Combat Module: TKB-945 Bumerang-BM
- Primary Weapon: 2A42 30mm Automatic Cannon (w/ 500rds)
  - Rounds:
    - 3UBR11 APFSDS-T
    - 3UBR8 APDS
    - 3UBR6 APBC-T
    - 3UOR8 HEI
    - 3UOR6 HE-T
  - Depression/Elevation: −8/+74 Degrees
- Additional Weapons:
  - Coaxial: 7.62mm PKTM Machine Gun (w/ 2,000rds)
  - Tertiary: 2x Dual 9M133 Kornet ATGM Launchers (4x ATGM’s Ready-to-Fire/4 Total)
    - 9M133M-2 Tandem-HEAT Warhead
    - 9M133FM-3 High-Explosive Warhead
Maneuverability:
- Engine: 660hp UTD-32T Turbodiesel Engine
- Transmission: Mechanical Transmission (8-Forward, 4-Reverse)
- Chassis: Torsion Bar
- Max Speed: 70km/h Forward, 20km/h Reverse, 9.5km/h on Water
Dimensions:
- Length: ~6.7m
- Width: ~3.4m
- Height: ~3.2m
- Weight: ~22t
Crew (3x):
- Commander
- Driver
- Gunner
Features:
- Ceramic Addon Armor:
  - Sources claim that frontal protection can withstand 30mm APDS rounds.
  - Protection against small arms, shrapnel, and low-caliber APDS rounds.
  - Composition based on corundum, silicon carbide and boron carbide.
- Amphibious (with or without Ceramic Armor Equipped)
- Optics (Scout Capability):
  - Gunner: Optical-TV Imager/3rd-generation Thermal Viewer
  - Commander: Optical-TV Imager/3rd-generation Thermal Viewer
  - Driver: Front and Rear Day/Thermal Cameras
- Laser Rangefinder
- Laser Warning Receiver
- IRST
- Amphibious
- Countermeasures:
  - Classified EW Suite
  - Smoke Grenade Launchers
Reason for Implementation:
- Estimated BR: 10.7
- The BMP-3M ‘Manul’ is likely the Russian Army’s next major infantry fighting vehicle to enter service. It is heavily armed with a unique unmanned combat module which helps in crew survival, equipped with ceramic addon armor, and still has speed capacity to maneuver as needed. It would be able to be used at top rank and compete against both light and heavy vehicles, while being able to engage in low-flying aircraft as well.
Sources: