Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1407425
warheads of the first variants of the Spike missile featured a precursor - they were able to penetrate 700 mm of RHA. The current Spike LR warhead can penetrate 1,000 mm of steel. It also features a precursor. The total quantity of ammunition carried depends on the carrier platform, and the mission defined for the said carrier platform. One may assume that the APC carries at least five Spike ATGMs (two on the turret, three inside), 1,250 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition for UKM- 2000C in five boxes, along with 400- 450 rounds for the ATK Mk 44 gun - 300 ready for immediate use, and 100-150 rounds stored within the hull. One may also assume that the ammunition quantity may be higher, in extraordinary circumstances. The ammunition quantities available, along with the weapons systems, make the ZSSW-30 a very capable solution. Selecting the 30x173 mm round is optimal. It entailed the compatibility of the caliber with the allies, low weight of the gun, and high capacity of the magazines. This comes along with effectiveness that would last for at least several upcoming years. The analysis of protection levels offered by the latest Russian vehicles (Kurganets, Manul, BMD 4M, BTR 82M), and their derivatives, shows that the Eastern designers would still try to fuse amphibious capabilities with protection sufficient to stop the NATO 30 mm APFSDS-T projectiles. The ability to penetrate around 110 mm of steel at 1,000 meters - characterizing the 30x173 mm NM225 round - would leave the Russian MoD with a tough choice. Either they leave the amphibious capabilities behind, implementing heavy steel-ceramic armor, or face the music and come to terms with the fact that even the latest variant of the Kurganets vehicle may be neutralized by the Bushmaster gun, at a typical Polish fighting distance, from the front. Noteworthy, the Russian industry has obtained the capacity to series manufacture steel-ceramic armor this year - using the silicon carbide and alumina (aluminum oxide) as the base materials. It seems that, for doctrine-related, infrastructure- related, and costs-related reasons, the Russians are still planning to ANALYSIS