Project SAMUM: From Prototype to Field Model
The IV International Military-Technical Forum (IMTF) "Army 2018" was held in the Moscow region from August 21st to 26th.
At this year's exhibition, the Podolsk Electromechanical Plant (PEMZ) presented the result of further development of the "SAMUM" project – a prototype combat vehicle.
As a reminder, the "SAMUM" project was first presented at the "Army 2017" exhibition as a mockup. The author of the project concept is State Duma Deputy Umakhan Umakhanov (United Russia).
Plant representative Maxim Tulkin emphasized that the development and creation of the prototype were funded entirely by the plant.
Plant specialists are currently developing and testing a remote fire control system from the cockpit, and are also conducting road tests of the vehicle.
Tulkin explained that the vehicle has a universal purpose. In particular, it can be used to cover stationary targets, moving convoys, for reconnaissance operations, combat operations in urban environments, etc. The high-speed anti-aircraft mount is easy to maintain, repair, and operate, and has a 1,000-round ammunition capacity. Thanks to its chassis, the vehicle offers excellent cross-country ability, maneuverability, and a tight turning angle, capable of reaching speeds of up to 160 km/h both on and off-road.
The vehicle was designed as a reliable means of engaging drones, tactical aircraft, helicopters, lightly armored ground and surface vehicles, and personnel. Its functionality is comparable to that of close-range air defense systems.
The approximate cost of the vehicle will depend on the customer's specifications, but according to a plant representative, it is significantly cheaper than similar vehicles.
Speaking about the technical aspects of the project's development, Tulkin explained that the proposed remote control of the anti-aircraft gun from the protected cabin is fully duplicated with the controls located directly on the modernized anti-aircraft mount. Specifically, in addition to the operator's control panel, the cabin houses a monitor displaying the target environment, which receives data from the optoelectronic unit, which in turn consists of a laser rangefinder, a thermal imaging sight, a television channel, and a display panel. The latter allows for the introduction of various modes and adjustments, including for weather conditions.
Tulkin noted that the cable channel connecting the anti-aircraft mount to the cabin is reliable and resistant to various forms of signal jamming.
When demonstrating the system in operation, he emphasized that the vehicle maintains stability when the anti-aircraft mount rotates. The platform's mechanical components are capable of high-speed traverse of the anti-aircraft gun horizontally and vertically – 60 degrees per second, with a 190-degree rotation range and a barrel elevation/depression angle of -5 to +90 degrees.
In the future, according to Maxim Tulkin, there are plans to develop a target designation system that will acquire all the necessary data.
Foreign delegations have expressed interest in the plant's products, including the SAMUM project. In particular, representatives from several countries in Latin America, Asia, and Africa have expressed interest in the system. The military of the Republic of Armenia has shown particular interest.