"Russian army Arctic brigade could be equipped with..." Topic

…150 fire support armoured vehicles for 2017.

"Russia's Machine-Building Enterprise Muromteplovoz is ready to deliver 150 fire support and escort fighting vehicles to Arctic brigades within a year and a half, Enterprise CEO Yevgeny Tretyakov said at the ‘Innovation Day of the Russian Defense Ministry 2015' exhibition.

We are ready to build up to one hundred vehicles annually using our production facilities. Thus, a brigade-size set will be manufactured within a year and a half. The vehicle has already passed trials. The commanders of Arctic brigades are satisfied with its configuration. Now, it is up to the Russian Navy to take the decision about its entry into service," Tretyakov said.

Muromteplovoz is testing a family of armored vehicles on the MTLBu tracked chassis designed for Arctic brigades and Northern Fleet coastal defense forces…"

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That is a nice looking vehicle, and camo scheme.

I wonder if it floats?

Interesting new twist on what we used to call the ACRV (1V13?).

The original vehicle was certainly amphib-capable, though I can't imagine that's possible with a snowplough attached.

The MTLB is a 1960's era armored vehicle, they just put a 'dozer blade in front.

Good thing Russia can make 100 of these a year.

Yes, even saw captured MTLBs at the NTC … in the 80s. I think the IDF gave them to us.

That snow plow may effect how well they will float now ?

The MTLB is a much flatter-looking, lower vehicle. These are the MTLBu, which is essentially the same chassis, but is quite a bit taller and longer and usually seen functioning as an artillery command/OP vehicle (1V13 etc – referred to in old NATO recognition manuals as ACRV).

MTLB:

MTLBu:

Cool looking vehicle. I wonder if the blade is for earth moving or just pushing snow.

So we pretty much agree it is an old vehicle, just with a 'dozer blade in front?

Well, the Russkis will crank these things out cheaply and equip an Arctic brigade in a couple years. If the U.S. Commenced to do the same it would take a few billion $$ in product development, would overrun the original cost by 100%, would never work as well as advertised, and would be ready in 2030.

So you're saying that the Russians can take 1960's technology, combine it with a push blade (200-300 AD tech); and manufacture them at the alarming rate of 100-per-year.

These are not "old" vehicles both rather new ones that uses a tried and tested design for some parts. if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

MTLBu always had excellent mobility in Artic conditions both in winter and summer time. The dozer blade is an optional feature rather than a permanent fixture and not the only part. Protection has been increased as has firepower now that the vehicles sport a well armed turret unlike earlier versions which were usually various types of specialist vehicles (command, EW, fire control and so on)

Together with the SPG and SPM versions mentioned these vehicles will provide a significant boost in firepower for units that operate in terrain that severly limits the use of conventional armoured vehicles (particularly tanks)
Back in the days of the cold war the "artic" motor rifle units had very diffrent equipment and organisation compared to their counter-parts in Germany in order to cope with the terrain. (MT-LB instead of BMP, significant chunk of the tanks replaced with PT76 and towed artillery rather than spg. A drop in firepower in order to gain mobility)

Arctic units organized & equipped differently because they were naval units, not army.

These vehicles are based on PT-76 chassis… If the argument about using "tried & tested" technology holds water, then why not go back to T-62 tanks of same era?

I'm not convinced this is anything special, just an old factory trying to stay alive and repackage their obsolete technology.

Isn't Russia trying to promote their reborn military with all new technologies?

Seems so my friend. (smile)

Amicalement
Armand