During recent tests, the T-14 “Armata,” Russia’s futuristic main combat tank, reportedly displayed an astounding firing range. According to shooting range reports, the tank’s 2A82 gun and the 3UBK21 “Sprinter” tank projectile effectively struck a fictitious airborne target 8 kilometers away.
Based on earlier Russian data, this performance is especially noteworthy since it exceeds the T-14 tank’s previously stated maximum firing range of 7–7.5 kilometers.
The 125 mm gun 2A82 was originally intended for the T-72 and T-80 tanks. It was initially developed in the 1990s as part of an effort to update armaments.
During that period, the latest Soviet tank models could not compete with Western tanks, such as the American “Abrams” or the Israeli “Merkava,” particularly in armored vehicles.
After extensive research, two formidable artillery cannons were developed: the dependable 152mm gun 2A83, designed for the modern Russian T-95 tank, and the 125mm gun 2A82, designed to upgrade the T-72 and T-80.
These guns were considered for installation in the T-14 “Armata.” However, the 2A83 was rejected because it imposed restrictions on existing ammo. As a result, the decision was made to equip the new tank with a 125mm cannon (2A82). However, if the situation calls for it, the T-14 can be equipped with a second gun.
The 2A82 cannon, mounted on the T-14 “Armata” tank, has unique characteristics. It can deliver pinpoint attacks from up to 3.5 kilometers away and detect targets within a radius of more than 8 kilometers, whether on the ground or in the air.
Not only that, but the gun can be operated remotely, and other ammunition alternatives are available besides 125mm shells. Other options available to the artillery include deadly fragmentation shells called “Telnik,” which can detonate remotely at any point along the trajectory, armor-piercing sub-caliber shells like 3BM59 “Svinets-1” and 3BM60 “Svinets-2,” 900mm shells recently dubbed “Vakuum-1” and “Vakuum-2,” and 3UBK21 “Sprinter” missiles with an astounding range of up to 12 kilometers.
The Soviet Union developed the 3UBK21 “Sprinter” tank projectile. It is an anti-tank-guided missile that fires directly from the tank’s main cannon. Its main objective is to find and destroy opposing armor. This projectile was made specifically for the T-14 “Armata” tanks’ 2A82-1M cannon. A tandem cumulative, high-explosive anti-tank weapon and a semi-automated guidance system with a millimeter range are included in the standard kit.
Sprinter’s effective range is from fifty meters to twelve thousand meters. It has been reported to penetrate up to 950 millimeters of homogenous steel armor after overcoming explosive reactive armor. Furthermore, it does not neglect risks that arise at lower altitudes. The missile may engage low-flying aerial targets, such as helicopters.
The Sprinter’s upgraded navigation system includes a semi-automatic line-of-sight navigation system, which makes it more convenient for the operator. One of the operator’s responsibilities is ensuring that the targeting line remains focused on the target until the missile hits it. The guidance system sends instructions from the operator to the missile through a radio link. The guidance system continuously modifies these instructions, which ultimately ensures that the missile will successfully arrive at the target it was designed to reach.
Because of its improved weaponry, the T-14 “Armata” tank outperforms its competitors, including those in NATO arsenals. One of its distinguishing features is its gun, which has the largest caliber among tanks developed recently.
The previous main rival in this area was Rheinmetall’s 120mm RH120 L/55 cannon, which was used on German “Leopard” tanks and American “Abrams.” According to Russian sources, the “Armata” 2A82 gun’s muzzle energy outperforms all comparable models by 1.17 times. Regarding other technical metrics, they surpass their average counterparts by 1.25 times.
The T-14 “Armata” tank is distinguished by its unmanned turret. Instead of being located in the turret, the crew finds themselves strategically positioned inside an armored capsule housed within the tank hull.
The innovative concept significantly improves personnel safety. It eliminates the need for a bore evacuator, which is typically used to clean the barrel between shots. Additionally, this layout protects the crew from chemical exposure. As a direct result, the new weapon system has a higher rate of fire than its predecessor.
The barrel is built out of ultra-durable steel, and it has an additional layer of chrome plating on the surface of the barrel bore.
Even with the T-14 “Armata’s” clear advantages over modern Russian tanks, the Russian military has indicated that it would rather use less costly T-90 fleet upgrades. Although the T-14’s longer gun range should increase its combat effectiveness, financial constraints might impact the next battle tank generation’s purchase decisions.