Russia to start trials of Sprut-SDM1 SPATG in early 2018.

"The trials are scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2018 and last about a year," the analysts of the think-tank say, citing Russian media outlets. The program of the trials will include tests of the vehicle`s driving and firing performance, as well as its swimming capabilities and the firing performance of the Sprut-SDM1 in water. The tests will also include a paradroppimg from an Il-76 heavy airlifter to check the mobility, rapid deployment and transportability of the SPATG.

The Sprut-SDM1 was presented at the Army-2015 international military-technical forum held in June 2015 in Kubinka outside Moscow.

The Sprut-SDM1 self-propelled gun has been developed by the Volgograd Tractor Plant (VTZ, a subsidiary of the Tractor Plants concern).  According to the official information issued by the manufacturer, the Sprut-SDM1 is a tracked amphibious armored vehicle that can be airdropped with its crew inside. The SPATG has a full combat weight of 18 t, and its crew totals three (a commander, a gunner and a driver). The vehicle is powered by a UTD-29 diesel multifuel engine with a power output of 500 hp that produces a speed of up to 70 km/h on road and up to 7 km/h in water. The Sprut-SDM1`s armament suite incorporates a 2A75 125 mm smoothbore main gun, a coaxial PKTM 7.62 mm medium machinegun and a PKTM machinegun integrated with a roof-mounted remotely controlled weapon station. The 2A75 is coupled to an autoloader that drastically increases its firing rate. The gun can fire anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM). The self-propelled gun is also fitted with six Tucha-type smoke dischargers mounted on the turret.

The gunner`s seat is fitted with a PNM Sosna-U sighting system combined day-night sight with independent field-of-view (FOV) stabilization, an integrated rangefinder, a calculator and ATGM laser guidance channel. The Sosna-U has been complemented by a PDT optoelectronic backup sight with stabilizer and an autonomous power source. The commander of the SPATG has received a PKP combined day-night panoramic sighting system with independent FOV stabilization, an integrated rangefinder and a calculator. The Sprut-SDM1`s firepower is almost equal to that of the T-90MS main battle tank (MBT), owing to the integration of a modern fire control system. The SPATG and the MBT fire the same munition range, the manufacturer of the self-propelled gun says. The Sprut-SDM1 is a reliable vehicle that can be operated in mountainous terrains and hot climate. The vehicle also features high power-to-weight ratio.

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