Super tank Armata (Russia) can withstand even depleted uranium shells

Russian scientists have designed a new modification to the Armata tank's active protection system, which will enable the vehicle to withstand APDS depleted uranium armor-piercing rounds.

Armata super tank. Photo: Wikipedia.

The Afganit active defense system that Russia uses to protect its tanks is capable of protecting the vehicle against rockets and anti-tank grenades coming from all directions.

However, scientists at the KBP Instrument Design Institute have now taken the system to a whole new level by adapting it to be able to intercept and destroy APDS depleted uranium armor-piercing artillery shells, according to the Russian newspaper Izvestia.

Thick orange peel

Depleted uranium artillery shells were first revealed by the US during the first Gulf War.

The use of uranium - a heavy element - in artillery shells fired from US M1A1 Abrams tanks allows these shells to tear aparttankSoviet-era T-55s, T-62s, and T-72s were smashed to pieces. But this feat came at a price: Radioactive metal fragments were toxic to both the user and the environment.

Yet the Pentagon and NATO allies continue to use this dangerous ammunition and insist it is completely safe.

Sharp nails

“The first APDS interception tests were carried out this year. The new system (active defense system) can handle even difficult targets, despite the fact that previously it was considered impossible to intercept APDS missiles. Special attention is now being paid to the processing of the core of the APDS used by the armies of NATO countries. We are currently working on upgrading the system and improving the computer algorithms responsible for intercepting targets,” said a source in the Russian Defense Ministry familiar with the testing of the new method.

The Afganit active defense system is a complex defense mechanism developed by the KBP Instrument Design Bureau.

The system combines an active phased array radar with a UV detector to identify and track incoming projectiles, while mini mortar systems use shrapnel to deflect and destroy threats mid-air.

The Afganit system is installed on the T-14 Armata main battle tank and the T-15 heavy infantry fighting vehicle./.

According to Datviet