Volgograd 2S25 Sprut-SD

     Notes: The 2S25 is a light tank designed for use by the VDV (Airborne Forces) and Naval Infantry, although the Russians call it a self-propelled antitank gun. Currently the only users of the 2S25 is one brigade of the Airborne forces of the Russian Army, though South Korea and India have expressed interest in the design.

     The 2S25’s chassis is based on that of the BMP-3.  The hull is extended and there are one more roadwheels on either side of the vehicle, increasing the number of roadwheels to seven on each side. The driver has a hatch on the front deck, the commander and gunner have hatches on the turret deck.  The crew are protected by a complete NBC suite, which includes protection from radiation and an NBC Overpressure system. A pintle mount is supplied by the commander’s hatch.  The 2S25 is fully amphibious, propelled by a pair of hydrojets.  The 2S25 may be airdropped from the Il-76 or aircraft of a similar size.  The 2S25 is equipped with a hydropneumatic suspension, which lowers completely for parachute drops, and allows a ground clearance variable of 190-590 millimeters to give the 2S25 a better hull-down positioning. The hydropneumatic suspension also slows for a smoother drive and contributes to the recoil buffering of the main gun. The 2S25 is powered by a 510-horsepower 2V-06-2S multifuel engine, coupled to an automatic transmission which has five forward and five reverse gears.

     The 125mm gun is a low-pressure version of the standard Russian 125mm gun (which uses standard 125mm rounds) and has an autoloader. The 2A75 Sprut-SD main gun fires the same ammunition as standard Russian 125mm guns, but the recoil forces are heavily-buffered and the gun barrel is shorter at L/51. The main gun can fire in both direct and indirect fire modes. The gun and coaxial machinegun may elevate to +15 degrees and depress to -5 degrees, though if the turret is rotated to the rear, elevation changes to +17 degrees and -3 degrees. The autoloader holds 22 of the vehicles ammunition supply; however, 9M119 Svir ATGM rounds do not fit into the autoloader and must be loaded manually by the gunner. The main gun may be fired while the vehicle is fully swimming, with accurate fire capable up to Sea State 3, though if fired while swimming the turret may only be rotated up to 17.5 degrees to either side of the front. The 2S25’s fire control computer can be set to automatically track a target and rotate the turret and elevate and depress the weapons as necessary, in a manner similar to that of the newest generation of main battle tanks such as the M-1 Abrams, Challenger, or T-90. The 2S25’s commander and gunner may also operate as a hunter/killer team, as the gunsights and vision gear have separate heads. The 2S25 has the standard for Russian vehicles PKT coaxial armament, and all 2000 rounds in the ammunition supply are ready to fire. A bank of three 902-series Tucha smoke grenade launchers are found on each side of the turret towards the rear.

     The Sprut-SDM1 is a newer version with an upgraded fire control system and an RWS over the commander’s station; commander’s armament remains the same, though ammunition supply is larger.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The 2S25 was present in small numbers for fighting in China, Norway, and Poland.

*Belly armor for the 2S25 is 6.

**AV for the RWS is 5 in all directions except the roof, which is AV3.

Uralvagonzavod BMPT “Terminator”

     Notes: This is another one of those vehicles that is not easily placed into one category or another; based on a T-72 tank hull, it is not really a light combat vehicle; carrying no dismount troops, it is not a heavy APC; and not having a heavily-armed, heavily-armored turret, it is not a tank.  The Russians call the BMPT a “Tank Support Vehicle;” its job is to tackle the infantry; during the First and Second Chechen Wars, it was quickly discovered that foot soldiers hiding in buildings and ruins could easily tackle tanks by striking from above, They have lately also been marketing the BMPT as the “Terminator.” APCs and IFVs, and other light vehicles to free tanks to take on other tanks and fortifications.  The BMPT was first demonstrated to the public in 2000.  It is normally based on a T-72 chassis, but the modifications can also be made to a T-90 chassis to provide a vehicle with better armor protection and mobility. 

     The hull is basically a modified tank hull which has the same level of armor protection as the base tank hull and a new engine; the turret, though fairly heavily-armored, is not anywhere as nearly protected as the hull.  The modified turret has 2A42 or 2A72 30mm autocannons for use against lightly-armored or unarmored vehicles, two medium and one heavy machinegun for general antipersonnel or antiaircraft use, and an armored box launcher on the left side of the turret containing four launchers for AT-9 Ataka ATGMs.  The ATGM launchers have an elevation of +25 degrees and a depression of -5 degrees. The autocannons may elevate to +45 degrees and depress to -5 degrees. A rumor states that the reason that two autocannons were mounted is because the Russians are having a problem with the dual feed mechanism on the 2A42 and 2A72 cannons, so they mounted two autocannons and have them feed from different ammunition types.  As I said, this is only a rumor.

     On each side of the hull above the front track skirts is an AGS-30 grenade launcher for use against troops in the open.  Each grenade launcher may be rotated to the right or left (depending on what side of the vehicle they are on) 27 degrees, and to the opposite direction 5 degrees. The maximum elevation is +20 degrees and the maximum depression is -5.5 degrees. Each side of the turret has six 902-series “Tucha” smoke grenade launchers to provide obscuring smoke.  The hull has lugs for ERA on the glacis and hull front and the side skirts, and the BMPT is equipped with an NPC overpressure system and radiation shielding.  Each crewmember has their own hatch; the driver is in the center front, the commander/right AGS-30 behind the driver on the right, the left AGS-30 gunner behind the driver on the right, and the turret gunners with hatches on either side of the autocannon on the flat portion of the forward deck of the turret.  Any crewmember except the driver may take control of all the weapons if necessary, or replace an injured or dead crewman without leaving his station.  The BMPT can also function as a hunter/killer team, as the commander and gunner have independent sights and the commander’s sight may move and rotate independently of the turret. The gunner normally uses the turret weapons, but the commander may take control of the turret from the gunner with an override switch.

     Fence-type armor protects the vehicle from the rear, in addition to the normal armor; this functions as spaced armor, except that it stops only 1d6 damage instead of 2d6. Power is provided by a V-92S2 diesel engine developing 1000 horsepower. A 5kW APU is located in an armored box on the right side of the vehicle. The BMPT is equipped with a GLONASS-based land navigation system. The BMPT is equipped with a soft-kill APS; chief among this system is a laser-warning system that automatically fires smoke grenades in the direction of the laser’s source. The BMPT is equipped with lugs for Relikt ERA on the hull front, turret sides, and hull sides. The BMPT may be fitted with a KMT-7 or KMT-8 mine plow.  The crew has the protection of NBC Overpressure.

     Future versions of the BMPT are planned, with different armament packages and possibly on different tank chassis. One of these is the BMPT-14 “Terminator-3,” based on a T-14 Armata hull, but I have not found enough information on this variant to accurately stat it up.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: This vehicle's existence was rumored as early as 1995, but examples were not seen until 1998, in Iran, China, and Poland.  These versions were the T-72-based BMPTs; the T-90-based model was not built during the Twilight War.

MT-LB SNAR-10 Jaguar

     Notes: This is an MT-LB armored personnel carrier with a dish and equipment for the SNAR-10 (NATO reporting name Big Fred) ground surveillance/counterbattery radar system.  The radar is on a turntable at the rear of the vehicle and can be rotated 360 degrees.  Maximum range for vehicle and structure detection is 16 km while for counterbattery work the range is 10 km.  The vehicle has a radio dedicated to datalink duties with higher headquarters and usually has at least two other radios.  The radar can be set up for work in 5.5 minutes with an experienced crew. Unlike the APC version of the MT-LB, the SNAR-10 is not amphibious, as the radar assembly unbalances the vehicle.

     The engine of the MT-LB is a 240-horsepower YaMZ-238 diesel engine.  This engine, while only modest in power for an armored vehicle, generates considerable torque and the MT-LB is capable of towing 6.5 tons. Like most Soviet-designed vehicles of the period, the MT-LB’s suspension is of conventional torsion bars and has shock absorbers on the first and last set of roadwheels.  Construction of the MT-LB is largely of steel and armor is rather thin, especially on the sides and rear. The machinegun cupola is retained; the turret uses 360-degree manual traverse, and the machinegun has manual elevation from +30 to -5 degrees. The commander has a hatch between his position and the driver’s; the turret has no hatch. The driver can replace his front vision block with a night vision block, and the commander has a small, short-range WL/IR searchlight with a range of about 40 meters; this is primarily to aid the driver when driving at night. The engine is in the front of the vehicle. A small aisle between the commander and driver gives access to the troop compartment.

     The SNAR-10M Pantera is an upgraded version of the SNAR-10.  This radar has a range of 40 kilometers for vehicles and structures and 25 km for counterbattery work. The SNAR-10M is capable of detecting low-flying helicopters, aircraft, and drones.

VTZ Kirov PT-76

     Notes: This light scout tank was developed shortly after World War 2, going into service in 1950.  In most of the Warsaw Pact, various reconnaissance models of the BMP-1, BMP-2, and BMP-3 have long replaced it, but it is still quite common in other parts of the world, being used in countries ranging from Vietnam to Cuba.  The PT-76 chassis also formed the basis of the BTR-50 series armored personnel carriers.  The chassis is a boat-hulled design for full amphibious mobility, and topped by a turret mounting the same 76.2mm D-56T gun used in the T-34 tank of World War 2, though ammunition has been upgraded over the years.  In addition, any one PT-76 is about 50% likely to have a mount on the turret roof for a DShK machinegun. The PT-76 is powered by a 19.1L 240-horsepower diesel engine.  There is a three-man crew, with the commander also acting as the gunner and radio operator.  (His hands are therefore full in combat.) The driver is on the center front, while the commander is on the left side of the gun and the loader on the right.  The commander and loader have a large oval double hatch on the turret roof which opens to the front. Under the driver’s seat is an emergency exit which can also be used to pick up a casualty from the battlefield. The commander has a TPKU-2B day vision periscope which also has an illuminated reticule and can be rotated 360 degrees. His gunner sights are 4x and a sight/rangefinder. The loader has a simple vision block to assist him in firing the coaxial machinegun. At the rear of the PT-76 are four mounts for external long-range fuel tanks. The PT-76 is equipped with a gyro compass and an extendible long-range antenna. Though the PT-76 has been steadily upgraded over the years, it is a dated design.

     In 1957, the PT-76’s design was updated, with the D-56T gun being replaced with the D-56TM – incorporating a double-baffle muzzle brake and a fume extractor. (The fume extractor is at the rear of the turret.) PT-76s already in service had their guns updated. In addition, ground clearance was raised by 13 centimeters by beefing up the suspension, enhancing off-road mobility and making entrance to water easier.  A collective NBC system was fitted. Finally, new radios were installed and better night vision gear replaced the Active IR sensors and IR searchlight combination (though the searchlight was retained).

     In 1957, the earlier models were replaced by the PT-76B.  This version used the improved D-56TS main gun, which had the double-baffle muzzle brake, fume extractor, and a cartridge ejector.  The gun also had one-axis stabilization. The PT-76B also has a collective NBC system for the crew and radiation liners in the armor walls. It has an automatic fire extinguishing system, an improved gunsight, a filtration-ventilation system, and improved vision blocks. The PT-76B has a new engine developing 263 horsepower; this engine is essentially half of the V-12 used on the T-54 MBT. Additional internal fuel tanks were fitted, and it makes a PT-76B identifiable due to the change in the shape of the hull armor, which is bulged slightly. A recent upgrade replaces the engine with a V-6M developing 300 horsepower.

     The PT-76A is a PT-76B with a circular, rotating mount for a DShK heavy machinegun at the commander’s hatch and separate hatches for the commander and loader.  The PT-76K is a PT-76B command variant with an additional long-range radio, additional antenna, and a 1.5kW generator on the rear deck in an armored box.

     The PT-85 (not to be confused with the North Korean Type 82 or the Israeli up-gunned PT-76) is a PT-76 armed with an 85mm gun. It first appeared during the invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968.  The PT-90 (again, not to be confused with the Israeli up-gunned PT-76) was armed with the 90mm D-62 main gun; it did not get out of the technical design phase.

     The PT76RKh is a PT-76B converted for the NBC Reconnaissance role.  In this role, some of the ammunition storage is replaced with a second long-range radio and NBC gear such as a pair of Geiger counters (set to detect different radiation) and chemical sniffers (several, to detect different agents).  There is also a mini-lab for diagnosis of samples taken (which must be taken by dismounted crews).  The PT-76RKh also carries a complete NBC suit spare for each crew member. The cupola has a dome above it to allow observation without breaking NBC seals.  At the rear of the vehicle is a flag dispenser with 40 flags. The PT-76RKh is protected by an NBC Overpressure system.

     The PT-76M may refer to two different variations of the PT-76.  The Russian variant was designed for the Naval Infantry, but as this PT-76M did not have the technical enhancements of the PT-76B, the Naval Infantry snubbed the PT-76M in favor of the PT-76B.  This PT-76M has an enlarged hull with flotation cells, allowing for more freeboard and a higher amphibious speed.

     The second PT-76M was fielded by Belarus and is a variant of the PT-76A with a 300-horsepower engine.

     Just to be more confusing, the Indonesian Marines fielded the Israeli up-gunned PT-76, calling it initially the PT-76(M) and later the PT-2000.  This version is fitted with a Cockerill Mk 3 90mm main gun, an FN MAG as a coax, and another FN MAG mounted on a pintle mount by the commander’s station.  The main gun sight has been upgraded including a laser rangefinder and ballistic computer, and the vehicle is powered by a 300-horsepower Detroit Diesel 6V92T engine. For a short time, the IDF used this variant of the PT-76, calling it the PT-71 (not to be confused with the PT-71 below). A further proposed upgrade of the PT-2000 includes a Cockerill LCTS 90MP turret with the same Cockerill Mk 3 main gun with the enhancement of an autoloader. This main gun would also be able to launch Ukrainian-made Falrick-90 ATGMs. This upgrade would also include a Cummins 400-horsepower VT400 engine, and an Allison automatic transmission. The upgrade would also include a Zaslon-L hard kill APS, a Bazalt inertial land navigation system, and frequency-hopping radios by Harris.  This additional upgrade has been delayed indefinitely due to the Russo-Ukrainian War.

     “PT-71” was the unofficial designation for a PT-76 (1957) equipped with an external AT-3 Maljutka ATGM mounted by the commander’s hatch, similar to the mounting on the BMP-1.  Some main gun ammunition storage was sacrificed to provide space for reload missiles.

     The PT-76E is fitted with a new turret armed with a 57mm autocannon and a commander’s machinegun with separate hatches for the commander and loader.  The engine may be a 300-horsepower UTD-20 multifuel engine, a 350-horsepower UTS-23 multifuel engine, or a 420-horsepower V-6BF diesel engine. 40-60 PT-76Es are in use by the Russian Naval Infantry. The PT-76E is not to be confused with the fictional PT-57 in Best Light Combat Vehicles That Never Were.

     The PT-76 was used in some numbers by the OPFOR at NTC at Ft Irwin in California.  They were modified by replacing the engine with a more reliable Caterpillar 300-horsepower diesel.  As the exhaust system of the Caterpillar engine was very different than the original, the exhaust system outlets where the waterjets once were, robbing the NTC’s PT-76s of their amphibious capability.

     The PT-76 was involved in a notable first – a North Vietnamese example was the first combat kill of the TOW missile, in Apr 1972. The PT-76 was used by some 41 operators, with about 20 still using them.