As previously noted, although the focus of production of the Russian industrial complex is placed on the provision of combat platforms, it is also advancing in parallel in the delivery of new support vehicles for the Ground Forces. This is evidenced by the confirmation of the delivery of new UBIM universal engineering vehicles, which combine in a single armored platform the functions that until now would require three separate vehicles.
Days ago, from the state conglomerate Rostec, it was reported that the company Uralvagonzavod delivered new universal engineering vehicles to the Russian Ground Forces, designated as “universal armored engineering vehicle” (UBIM, by its acronym in Russian).
Following Russia’s design and employment doctrine, the UBIM, like other vehicles for engineering units—whose tasks are vital for supporting the ground combat of other units—is based on the platform of the T-90M Proryv, specially modified and adapted to fulfill three essential roles.
In detail, the UBIM can perform recovery and evacuation functions for vehicles, breaching and demining, functions which to date were carried out by three specialized vehicles separately, namely: BREM, IMR and BMR, respectively; these also based on tank platforms such as the T-72 and T-90 in different versions.
To fulfill these functions in a single platform, the UBIM is equipped with a universal bulldozer blade system and a crane arm fitted with a universal excavator with a grab (which can also be replaced by a hydraulic hammer), main and auxiliary winches to evacuate various types of armored vehicles, as well as demining systems.
As noted, the UBIM is based on the T-90M Proryv, being powered by a 1,130 hp engine, and operated by a crew composed of the commander, the driver-mechanic and three sappers.
From Rostec they stated that: “it presents a high level of protection and survivability. Its design предусматриes the installation of two sets of modular protection: one reinforced against conventional means of combat and another against radiation. The commander has a modern sight with television and thermal channels, as well as a laser rangefinder, which allows him to conduct search and observation on the battlefield. The neutralization of targets is carried out by means of a remotely operated combat module with a 12.7 mm machine gun. The concealment of the UBIM is ensured by a smoke screen generation system and thermal smoke equipment.”
Finally, from Uralvagonzavod it was indicated that the company’s main function is the provision of combat vehicles for the Ground Forces, which continues steadily. However, efforts have been made to ensure that “… optimized production processes and constant deliveries of combat vehicles to the troops have made it possible to expand the product range with engineering and special equipment, in particular the UBIM, which has been adopted by the customer.”
*Photographs used for illustrative purposes.
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