State trials for new Russian UBIM engineer armored vehicle for this year

On Friday, January 4, 2019, the communications department of the Russian Ministry of Defense has announced that state trials of the UBIM engineer armored vehicle based on the T-90 MBT Main Battle Tank chassis will started this year. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, trials will include operating the vehicle in conditions of enemy fire, and in areas contaminated by nuclear radiation.

New Russian-made UBIM tracked engineer armored vehicle based on T-90 tank chassis at Army-18, International Military Technical Forum near Moscow, August 2018. (Picture source Army Recognition)

The UBIM is a new Russian-made engineer tracked armored vehicle based on the T-90 MBT (Main Battle Tank) designed and manufactured by the Russian manufacturer of combat vehicles Uralvagonzavod. The vehicle was unveiled in August 2018 during the International Military Technical Forum that was held in Moscow.

After its launching at Army-2018, the UBIM was quickly nicknamed "Battle Scorpion" by Russian media for its aggressive silhouette, dozer blade and 'stinger', the rear boom used to pick up rubble and manipulate the surrounding environment.

Developed and design by the tank and armored vehicles manufacturer Uralvagonzavod using the chassis of T-90 MBT, a 55-tonne vehicle which has 1,130 horsepower engine, advanced communications equipment. For its self-protection the UBIM is equipped with a remote-controlled weapon station armed with one 12.7-mm heavy machine gun.

Standard equipment of the UBIM includes thermal imager system and laser rangefinder. The front of the tank chassis is fitted with a dozer blade can be switched out and replaced with a hydraulic hammer to destroy heavy fortifications or other obstacles. The vehicle has a crew of two, and can carry three sappers in the hull.