The Soviet-era BAT-2 Engineering Bulldozer still defends Ukraine's frontline
According to an article from ArmyInform on August 2, 2023, the Ukrainian forces are utilizing the BAT-2 in the Donetsk region. The BAT-2 is an engineering bulldozer with the additional capability to function as an artillery tractor. This vehicle has proven crucial for the Ukrainian defenders, as it aids in clearing roads for evacuating the wounded and transporting provisions and ammunition.
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The Soviet-era BAT-2 Engineering Bulldozer still defends Ukraine's frontline in the Donetsk region (Picture source ArmyInform)
As per the article, the BAT-2 is being deployed across all combat areas for road construction and debris clearance, especially in wooded, field, and sometimes urban environments, given the continuous shelling intensity.
While the BAT-2 has practical applications, its specialized nature poses unique challenges. Engineers acknowledge that it becomes a priority target for enemy attacks during certain operations due to being categorized as specialized military equipment. There have been instances where the enemy focused on attacking engineer vehicles alongside infantry and tanks.
The operators of the BAT-2, however, stress that the vehicle is relatively easy to maneuver, highlighting the importance of being familiar with its dimensions and having a genuine commitment to their work. A crew of up to three individuals is required to operate the specialized vehicle effectively, and they conduct thorough checks before each mission to ensure all mechanisms, fluids, filters, and oil are in working order.
Furthermore, the article emphasizes the significance of collaboration with various military units, as their tasks often vary, requiring prompt and coordinated execution. The engineers work closely with sappers, infantry, reconnaissance, artillery, and electronic warfare units to ensure the safety and efficiency of their operations.
The BAT-2 (БАТ-2) is a Soviet engineering tank that was developed as a specialized bulldozer and road-layer for mechanizing engineering works during the laying of convoy roads and the preparation and maintenance of military roads. It has become an essential asset for military engineering operations.
The BAT-2 was developed in the 1970s at the Design Bureau named after A. A. Morozov, under the guidance of Chief Designer P. I. Sagir. Initially known as "Izdeliye 454" during its development phase, the BAT-2 aimed to replace older BAT-M bulldozers in divisional units. Production began in 1980 and continued until 1993, with the vehicle entering service in the Soviet Armed Forces in the same year.
Manufactured primarily by the Ukrainian society Stroydormash from Kyiv, the BAT-2 saw limited production due to budget constraints and changes in military priorities during the "perestroika" era in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Nonetheless, it proved to be a versatile and effective engineering tank, gaining recognition not only in the Soviet Union but also in various countries around the world.
The BAT-2's dimensions are as follows: a length of 9640 mm, width of 4000 mm, height of 3690 mm, track gauge of 2730 mm, and a ground clearance of 425 mm.
The vehicle is powered by a V-46-4 model engine, capable of generating 710 horsepower. It can reach a maximum speed of 60 km/h on the highway and a speed ranging from 28 to 35 km/h on cross-country terrain. With a highway range of 500 km and a specific ground pressure of 0.8 kg/cm², the BAT-2 is designed to operate in various conditions.
The BAT-2's main purpose is to create and repair roads and paths in combat conditions. It is equipped with bulldozer equipment at the front, allowing for layer-by-layer development and movement of soil, including tasks like digging, leveling, clearing snow, and creating passages.
At the back, the BAT-2 features loosening equipment designed for preparing the ground for construction, ensuring a solid foundation for roads and bridges.
Additionally, the BAT-2 is equipped with crane equipment for mechanizing loading and unloading operations. Its crane has a 360-degree rotation capability and a lifting capacity of two tons, enabling the handling of heavy loads and various construction-related tasks.
The vehicle's hydraulic drive controls the bulldozer, loosening, and crane equipment, allowing for precise and efficient operation. The electrical equipment enables remote control of the hydraulic drive and ensures the safe operation of the mechanisms.
The BAT-2's comprehensive engineering capabilities have shown impressive technical productivity in various terrains, making it an invaluable asset for military engineering tasks.
Despite its effectiveness, the BAT-2 has some drawbacks, mainly related to its high specific ground pressure due to its increased weight, which makes it more susceptible to getting stuck in soft terrains.
Overall, the BAT-2's combination of bulldozing, loosening, and crane equipment, along with its robust hydraulic drive system, has made it a significant asset in military engineering operations. Its deployment in various countries underscores its effectiveness in addressing engineering challenges on the battlefield. Despite its limited production, the BAT-2 remains a notable piece of military engineering technology from the Soviet era, leaving a lasting impact on military engineering capabilities.