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TL;DR: An ML-TBu fitted with an MB2-03 turret and dozer blade for use in the Arctic.
History:
The proper operation of a military in frigid areas has always been a challenge for both personnel and equipment, with armored vehicles being no exception, needing special equipment to keep them in working order or even running at all. This is hard enough in places that simply just get really cold, however, it’s even worse in the Arctic. Russia has quite a large claim in the Arctic Circle and wants to keep anyone and everyone off of it, which would require some sort of military presence. Training troops for the harsh climate is one thing, but getting military vehicles to work at all there is a whole different beast. For a while, the vehicles of choice were the BMP-2, BMP-3, BTR-80, and BTR-82A, however, all of them suffered multiple technical issues due to not having adequate heating equipment. They also weren’t equipped with adequate engineering equipment, which would be necessary for clearing paths through the dense snow and ice. What the Russian Arctic forces needed was a large and spacious APC with strong heating and engineering equipment that could also double as an IFV. This need would lead to Muromteplovoz developing and debuting the TOROS Combat Vehicle For Fire Support in September 2015 at Army-2015 held in Moscow. The TOROS was based off of their MT-LBu, an enlarged version of the famous MT-LB APC, and would be fitted with the MB2-03 turret, which is equipped with a 30mm 2A42 autocannon, 30mm AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher, and a 7.62mm machine gun. It would also be fitted with a self-contained diesel generator, self-contained heater, insulation, and a large dozer-blade. The heating upgrades allow the vehicle to operate and even stored in places with ambient air temperatures as low as -50°C. Despite the increase in weight from the standard MT-LBu, the TOROS still retains amphibious capabilities, though the dozer-blade may have to be removed. The status of the TOROS is currently unknown and it hasn’t yet been accepted into service with the Russian military in any capacity.
Place In War Thunder:
Autocannon-only carriers have slowly but surely been becoming more and more of a defined vehicle class in War Thunder. The USSR/Russia has a lot of vehicles of this type that would be suitable for the tech tree and even more that would make fun premium or event vehicles. The TOROS is one such vehicle. What we have here is a highly specialized monstrosity of an IFV that barely even looks real. It’s rather large and not too terribly quick, but the Soviet 30mm autocannon is a force to be reckoned with. The dozer blade would also provide an extra bit of armor to protect against HE and early HEAT rounds. Playstyle would be rather interesting. Your only real weapon is the 30mm, meaning that you’d have to take on lighter targets or surprise heavier ones. Your stabilizer and okay mobility would easily allow this. Getting into a protected position and scouting would be your best bet when it comes to the early game, however, as the enemy team dies and brings out increasingly lighter or lower-br vehicles, you’ll be able to start actively hunting. Even then, you’ll still want to stay out of sight and out of mind. As previously mentioned, the TOROS would best fit as a premium or event vehicle as it’s just a prototype and there are better service alternatives that would work in the tech tree.
Specifications:
Armament: 30mm 2A42 autocannon, 1x 30mm AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher, and 1x 7.62mm MG
Dimensions: 7.21m, 3.15m, 1.90m (L,W,H)
Weight: 15550kg
Armor: Proof against small arms fire and artillery splinters + at least an extra 10mm to account for the dozer.
Crew: 3-4
Ammunition: Same as BMP-2 in-game
Speed: 60kph (land) 4-6kph (water)
Horsepower: 310hp
Pictures:
Profiles:3/4th View:Side View:Dozer Blade Drives:Russian Data Sheet:
Video:
Sources:
Combat Vehicle For Fire Support And Escorting Troops "TOROS"
Army Guide - Toros, Infantry fighting vehicle