Ukraine highlights MT-LB Shturm-SM-2 tank destroyer

[Zarvan]

Provisional drawing of the MT-LB Shturm-SM-2 tank destroyer based on the MT-LB with the four-round RK-2M missile launcher raised (top) and lowered within the protection of the hull (bottom). Source: UkrInnMash

Ukraine’s UkrInnMash Corporation is developing the Shturm-SM-2 tank destroyer based on the widely deployed MT-LB multipurpose tracked armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) that was originally manufactured in the Ukraine and in service with over 20 countries.

The rear troop compartment of the baseline MT-LB has been raised to provide greater internal volume for its new role and fitted with a retractable launcher which can be raised up to a maximum height of 3 m.

The launcher is equipped with four RK-2M laser guided missiles (LGM) in the ready to launch position with the day/night target engagement pod in the middle. The vehicle carries eight missile reloads internally.

The RK-2M LGM can be armed with several warhead types, including a tandem high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead that is claimed to penetrate at least 1,100 mm of steel armour protected by explosive reactive armour (ERA). It can also be fitted with a high explosive fragmentation/explosively formed penetrator (EFP) warhead which is claimed to be capable of penetrating at least 120 mm of armour.

The missile has a stated minimum range of 400 m and a maximum range of up to 5,500 m with a 25 second flight time to the target at maximum range.

The baseline MT-LB is typically equipped with a manually operated turret armed with a 7.62 mm PKT machine gun (MG).

However, this has been replaced by a locally developed remote weapon station (RWS) armed with a stabilised 12.7 mm MG aboard the Shturm-SM-2 variant.

The combat weight of the Shturm-SM-2 is being quoted as 14.5 tonnes and, like the original vehicle, it is fully amphibious being propelled in the water by its tracks at a maximum speed of up to 5 km/h.

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http://www.janes.com/article/81139/ukraine-highlights-mt-lb-shturm-sm-2-tank-destroyer