Russia's new super tanks and Terminators conquer Europe

Russian Vice Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, who oversees the military-industrial complex, praised the domestic weapons this week. In his words, Russian weapons are not inferior to world's best standards and may sometimes exceed them. In particular, he pointed out the sniper rifles, which are produced by a private company supported by the Russian government. The company "produces the best sniper rifles of different calibers in Europe," said Rogozin without making any clarifications, Interfax reports.

Photo: Source: Itar-Tass

The Vice Prime Minister added that Russia currently conducts certification tests for its new gun, "Swift," which after a few months will be accepted for service to replace the Makarov pistol. "This gun is superior to such samples as the Austrian" Glock ", caliber 9 to 19, 18 rounds of ammunition in the magazine. It's a pleasure to even hold it in your hand," Rogozin said.

The Vice Prime Minister advocates the interests of the Russian defense industry in general. However, he now praises Russian products against the background of Eurosatory-2012 international arms show, in which Russia participates. The show takes place in Paris from 11 to 15 June.

For the first time in many years, Russia exported samples of full-scale combat vehicles and small arms to exhibit abroad. And it's not only the development of the old Soviet designs, but also completely new product, the Rossiyskaya Gazeta said.

The exposition of the Russian delegation is represented by 14 companies of the military-industrial complex. Among them is Rosoboronexport, Instrument Design Bureau, Uralvagonzavod, Izhmash, Concern PVO Almaz-Antei,  and others. The exhibition represents about 200 samples of the Russian defense industry, ITAR-TASS reported.

The highlight of the program is an exhibition of Uralvagonzavod, the main exhibits of which include an upgraded version of the T-90C - T90CM and tank support combat vehicle (BMPT) "Terminator."

The opportunities of Eurosatory-2012 do not make it possible to demonstrate  the T-90S and the "Terminator" in action. In Paris, one can only see that on a giant screen. The actual demonstration takes place at a similar show in Nizhny Tagil.

The tank is the main striking force of ground troops in any army of the world. Second World War showed, though, that the formidable machine can be easily vulnerable under certain conditions. It's a simple thing to combine the power of a small caliber machine-gun and the destructive power of tank guns. And it was Russian scientists who did it first, the newspaper wrote.

"The new upgraded version has all combat characteristics of the tank enhanced: firepower, mobility and security," chief designer of the vehicle, general director of the Ural Transport Machine Building Design Bureau (UKBTM) Andrew Terlikov said.

He described the performance of the tank as follows: "The upgraded T-90C equipped with a new 24/7 fire control system that comes complete with the modern aiming system. The sights have both daytime and nighttime thermal imaging channels with modern thermal imagers."

The new model provides the range to 5 miles and striking probability close to 100% at both day and night time. The target-servicing time does not exceed 10 seconds, which makes the T-90CM superior to all analogues in the world.

A distinctive feature of the control system is its new digital technologies. "In fact, the design of the modernized tank introduces the concept of an electronic digital board, which was developed in Russia fully," said Terlikov.

According to him, the new machine has a forced induction engine power to 130 hp higher than that of the T-90C, with the same indicators of reliability and simplicity of operation, as well as the ability to work in the harshest conditions (high temperatures in a desert, or in the highlands).

The modular armor of the T-90CM ensures protection against all anti-tank weapons. Modularity allows to replace damaged parts of the armor in combat operations. In addition, they can also be replaced as new means of protection are developed, providing thus a high potential for an improved version of modernization.

Traditionally, Russian tanks on the upgraded T-90C version has a protection system against laser weapons.

According to experts, the modernized version of the vehicle will be in demand on the market. Active marketing is currently being conducted for the T-90CM tank on traditional markets (India, North Africa and CIS countries), and in the South-East Asia, South America, Central Africa. The serial production of the new tanks is planned to be launched in 2013.