Marine Corps Fighting Vehicle: Design and Implementation

A few years ago it became known that new specialized armored vehicles could be developed for the marines of the Russian Navy. Then only conceptual images of new types of equipment were presented. However, it has now become known that a promising project has advanced to the production of a prototype, however, there is still no implementation.

Marine Corps fighting vehicle: there is a layout, there is no implementation.

For a long time, the need to create a promising combat vehicle of the Marine Corps, which would have specific characteristics and capabilities, was discussed. In 2013, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation ordered the development of the appearance of the future BMMP in order to make fundamental decisions. In 2017-2018, it became known that NPK Uralvagonzavod was working on its own version of equipment for the Marine Corps, which provides for the creation of a full-fledged unified platform. in 2022, a photograph appeared on specialized resources, which shows a mock-up or prototype of an infantry fighting vehicle, similar to the previously shown design image. Perhaps this layout has already existed for several years, however, so far the matter has not progressed further.

Despite this, the details of the development of the BMMP are still unknown, and no news has appeared for several years, which may indicate a possible problem or non-compliance with customer requirements. However, the layout allows for research and advancement in the development of equipment for the Marine Corps.

Firepower and capabilities

Based on published materials and a recent photograph, you can see a general view of a promising BMMP from UVZ, its technical features and project goals. The designers wanted to get the best possible performance on the water, seaworthiness and speed.

The proposed BMMP has a tracked vehicle with an armored hull of a characteristic shape. She has an elongated nose with an inclined lower part, on which lies the splash guard in the stowed position. Apparently, the shape of the front part is due to the specifics of the movement of the combat vehicle through the water. The shape of the remaining parts of the hull does not fundamentally differ from other domestic armored vehicles.

For the BMMP, an unusual architecture of the power plant and propulsion units was proposed to ensure high performance on land and on water. The use of a gas turbine engine with a power of up to 1500 hp was envisaged. with the distribution of torque to the caterpillar mover and water cannons. The maximum speed on the water, according to calculations, should have reached 35-37 km / h, which makes it possible to force a river one kilometer wide in just two minutes.

The machine has a tracked chassis with five track rollers on board and a front drive wheel. The suspension is made manageable. Before acceleration on the water, it should pull up the tracks, improving the flow around the lower part of the car.

Both in the diagrams and in the photo, the BMMP from "UVZ" is equipped with an uninhabited combat module "Dagger". This product is equipped with a 57-mm automatic cannon and machine gun, as well as a developed set of controls. At the request of the customer, other modules with different weapons can be installed, corresponding to the selected role.

The Marine Corps vehicle is controlled by a crew of three, located in a common compartment in the nose. In the stern there is a troop compartment for 10 people.

Airborne protection and new features

The project of the Uralvagonzavod company is to create a tracked armored combat vehicle for transporting troops, which has several unusual features. It will improve key characteristics and efficiency in solving problems. BMMP has the ability to move on the water very quickly and at a maximum speed, which is orders of magnitude superior to the modern serial equipment of domestic production. BMMP can also use various combat modules, including those with relatively powerful weapons. It can support the landing force with fire and deal with threats, as well as be the carrier of missiles and artillery. In general, the BMMP can be considered as a convenient, successful and promising means for carrying out amphibious assaults. It is characterized by increased speed and driving performance, which allows you to quickly deliver troops to the shore. It also has great firepower and a roomy troop compartment.

Narrow focus, but wide opportunities

To solve the problems of the marines, a new combat vehicle can be created that takes into account the specific needs of this type of troops. At the same time, its development should take into account the state and prospects for the development of the landing fleet and coastal troops. The new equipment must be seriously different from the equipment created for other branches of the armed forces, and fully correspond to their tasks.

However, it is not known what happened to the project of the marine corps combat vehicle from UVZ, since it could be of interest to the RF Ministry of Defense and be developed behind closed doors, or remain a theoretical development without real prospects. In any case, the developments obtained during the development of this project can be used to create other models of military equipment.