Discover the Soviet Union's 'unique' laser-firing tank.

According to Techinsider, in the late 1980s, Soviet military experts developed a self-propelled laser system, the 1K17 Szhatie, based on the Msta-S self-propelled artillery platform, using a T-80 tank chassis and a T-72 tank engine for a maximum speed of 60 km/h.

The 1K17 Szhatie was developed to disable enemy electro-optical equipment. The Szhatie was specially designed to generate a laser beam through a 30 kg artificial ruby ​​mass.

Close-up of the Soviet 1K17 Szhatie laser-launching tank. Photo: Wikipedia

The turret size on the Szhatie was significantly increased to accommodate the electro-optical equipment. The optical system, consisting of 15 lenses, was installed at the front of the tank. To power the Szhatie, a powerful generator with a backup battery system was developed.

According to the manufacturer, reflective lenses positioned at the end of a coiled silver tube amplify the laser beam and increase its focus. Each lens emits a laser at a different frequency and uses its own control system, making it impossible for the opponent to block the entire beam.

The Szhatie was also equipped with a 12.7mm or 14.5mm machine gun for self-defense against enemy infantry and aircraft.

Photo: Wikipedia

In December 1990, a prototype of the 1K17 Szhatie was built. In 1992, the device passed the tests. However, due to the collapse of the Soviet Union, many weapons development projects were halted, and the development of a laser tank became unnecessary.

Only two versions of the 1K17 Szhatie were ever fully built, but one was later dismantled. The other is on display at the Military Technology Museum on the outskirts of Moscow. The laser generator system has been removed from its compartment.

Laser-firing tanks were not introduced into the Russian army, but many of their technical characteristics are still being studied today.

According to Sandbox experts, although laser tanks are not mass-produced, they are a highly effective platform capable of blinding enemy electro-optical equipment long before being detected.