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Welcome to the post for the T-15 Armata! This is specifically for the variant equipped with the Bumerang-BM turret, armed with a 30 mm 2A42, and four 9M133 Kornet-Ms as its main armament. Let’s find out a bit more!
Overview
The BTR-T, an IFV based on the T-55.
In response to urban fighting in Chechnya, Uralvagonzavod based out of Nizhny Tagil developed its BTR-T infantry fighting vehicle. This was based on the hull of a T-55 tank and could mount a variety of armaments. The idea was that a vehicle like this could be more survivable in tight areas where RPGs would fire at close range, which happened to BTRs and BMPs in Chechnya. Ultimately though, this did not pan out, and the BTR-T was never adopted.
Around 2009, Uralvagonzavod began work on a family of vehicles under the name Armata. The concept for the future family was showcased at the Russian Arms Expo in 2013. Similar to the BTR-T developed over a decade ago, the Armata family would be a heavily armored vehicle capable of mounting various weapons. Finally, during the Victory Day Parade in Moscow in 2015, the new Armata family was paraded through the city, and received massive media attention. Most notable were the T-14 and T-15, a tank variant and infantry fighting vehicle variant respectively.
The Bumerang-BM remote controlled turret.
The T-15 Armata’s basic configuration is equipped with the Bumerang-BM turret, also known by the name ‘Epoch’. This turret features a 30 mm 2A42 autocannon, four 9M133 Kornet-M anti-tank missiles, as well as a coaxial 7.62 mm PKTM. It also features thermal imaging for both the gunner and commander, allowing them to see at any time of day. A couple other turrets were featured for the T-15 later on, which includes the AU-220M Baikal turret equipped with a 57 mm autocannon and a pair of 9M120 Ataka anti-tank missiles, as well as the DUBM-57 Kinzhal turret with a similar armament.
Perhaps the most notable feature of the T-15 is its hull. Heavily armored and driven by an automatic transmission and 1,500 hp engine, the T-15 is estimated to reach speeds of up to 70 km/h. While the vehicle’s armor is classified of course, it is known to be equipped with the ‘Afganit’ hard-kill Active Protection System, smoke grenade launchers, 44S-sv-Sh steel armor, as well as ‘Monolith’ reactive armor. This is all intended to protect the crew, who sit in an armored capsule toward the front of the vehicle, as well as up to 8 dismounts seated in the rear. One notable fact is that the T-15 features a front mounted engine, as opposed to the rear mounted engine on the T-14.
While the T-15 Armata represents a promising concept and shift in direction for Russian armor, the series has faced numerous delays in development, production, costs, and procurement. Despite this, the Armata platform has entered service with the Russian Ground Forces in small numbers, with an announcement being made in 2021 that the T-14, T-15, and T-16 ARV would be produced in a pilot batch.
The T-15 Armata during the Victory Day Parade in Moscow, May 9th, 2015.
Specifications
- Mass: 48 t
- Crew: 3 + 8 dismounts
- Main armament: 30 mm 2A42 (500 rounds) & 4× 9M133 Kornet
- Secondary armament: 7.62 mm PKTM (2,000 rounds)
- Engine: 1,500 hp 2V-12-3A
- Maximum speed: 65 - 70 km/h
- Maximum range: 550 km
