Rostec Brought the Sprut-SDM1 Light Amphibious Tank to State Tests

24 Agustus 2020

Sprut-SDM1 is a 18 tonnes amphibious tank with 125mm gun (photo : Rostec)

"High-precision complexes" of the State Corporation Rostec handed over the upgraded prototypes of the Sprut-SDM1 tank for state tests. Over the next year and a half, the machine will be tested in the field in the military formations of the RF Ministry of Defense. 

"Sprut-SDM1" will be tested in sea and high altitude conditions, in different climatic zones, including at air temperatures from -40 to +40  o C, shooting tests are provided for at each stage. Based on the results of state tests, the design documentation for the new tank will be approved with the assignment of the letter "O1", which will allow to start serial production. Subsequently, following the results of the work of the interdepartmental commission, the vehicle will be recommended for adoption by the Russian army. 

"The modernized light amphibious tank" Sprut-SDM1 "has become more mobile due to the installation of the engine, transmission, undercarriage assemblies, information and control system of the chassis, previously tested on BMD-4M and BMP-3. In addition, it was possible to achieve an increase in command control; the updated machine has a software and hardware complex for operation as part of an automated tactical control system. Combat power is enhanced by a new digital fire control system. There are no analogues of Sprut-SDM1 in the world, and therefore it has a high export potential, ”said Vladimir Artyakov, First Deputy General Director of Rostec State Corporation.

Sprut SDM1 light amphibious tank (photo : Rosoboronexport)

Light amphibious tank "Sprut-SDM1" is a combat armored tracked amphibious vehicle with an artillery and missile system of weapons of 125 mm caliber, which can, without refueling, make marches at a distance of 500 km, transported by landing ships and military transport aircraft, parachute landing and parachute way together with the crew on board. 

The vehicle is capable of conducting combat operations in high mountains and hot tropical climates against highly armored vehicles, fortified strongholds and enemy manpower, without preparation to overcome water obstacles in waves of up to 3 points while firing afloat. If necessary, the tank can be equipped with snow and swamp tracks, which further expands the possibilities of its use. 

“In terms of firepower, the Sprut-SDM1 is not inferior to the T-80, T-90 tanks, and in terms of mobility on land and water it is at the level of the BMD-4M. These and other qualities, combined with the circular rotation of the turret and stabilization of weapons in two planes, make it possible to use the Sprut-SDM1 as a light amphibious tank, "said Alexander Denisov, General Director of the High Precision Complexes NPO. 

The machine was designed and developed by PJSC Kurganmashzavod, which is part of the High-Precision Complexes holding of the State Corporation Rostec. 

(Rostec)