Firing tests for Ukrainian BMPT using Duplet turret and BMP-1 IFV chassis
Ukrainian Company Zhytomyr Armored Plant, part of the State Company Ukroboronprom, continues to work for the development of the Duplet combat module, designed to modernize and increase fire power of armored vehicles. During the Arms and Security 2017, a defense Exhibition which was held in Ukraine, the Ukrainian Company Zhytomyr Armored Plant has unveiled a new fire support vehicle called Strazh, Sentinel in English fitted with the Duplet weapon station.
Duplet combat module mounted on Soviet-made BMP-1 chassis during firing tests at Zhytomyr region firing grounds in Ukraine. (Picture source Ukroboronprom)
The Strazh is based on the tracked chassis of the T-64 Main Battle Tank (MBT) that was designed in Kharkiv, Ukraine, as the next-generation main battle tank by Alexander A. Morozov, the designer of the T-54 (MBT).
The Strazh as the Russian BMPT offers more protection against modern threats as Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) and Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs), compared to standard BMP-1 or BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). This type of vehicle can be used as fire support for tank and infantry units.
The Zhytomyr Armored Plant has added several improvements to the Duplet combat module including an advanced fire control system allows the turret weapon systems to track a target in automatic mode, independently calculate ballistics, and conduct accurate fire in all weather conditions, during day and night.
To increase its combat capability, the "Duplet" is now equipped with a new thermal imager, allowing to recognize targets throughout the range of fire with all "Duplet" armament, including ATGM (Anti-Tank Guided Missile) called "Barrier".
In April 2018, firing tests with the Duplet combat turret was performed at Zhytomyr region firing grounds in Ukraine. For these trials, the Duplet turret was mounted on a Soviet-made BMP-1 tracked armoured infantry fighting vehicle.The Strazh is based on the tracked chassis of the T-64 Main Battle Tank (MBT) that was designed in Kharkiv, Ukraine, as the next-generation main battle tank by Alexander A. Morozov, the designer of the T-54 Main Battle Tank (MBT).
The Zhytomyr Armored Plant has added several improvements to the Duplet combat module including an advanced fire control system allows the turret weapon systems to track a target in automatic mode, independently calculate ballistics, and conduct accurate fire in all weather conditions, during day and night.
To increase its combat capability, the "Duplet" is now equipped with a new thermal imager, allowing to recognize targets throughout the range of fire with all "Duplet" armament, including ATGM (Anti-Tank Guided Missile) called "Barrier".
In April 2018, firing tests with the Duplet combat turret was performed at Zhytomyr region firing grounds in Ukraine. For these trials, the Duplet turret was mounted on a Soviet-made BMP-1 tracked armoured infantry fighting vehicle.
Ukrainian BMPT with Duplet weapon station mounted on tracked chassis of T-64 main battle tank (Picture Army Recognition)
