The Sprut-SDM1 light amphibious tank, created by the High-Precision Weapons holding company of the Rostec State Corporation, has passed the first stage of state trials in maritime conditions.
As part of the first stage of sea trials, the vehicle demonstrated both high navigation capability during tests in the Black Sea and the ability to be transported by large landing ships.
The second stage, which includes testing firing capabilities when afloat, will begin shortly. During this second stage, the vehicle has to pass firing trials using its 125-mm self-propelled anti-tank gun 2S25 in sea states of up to 3 points.
“Sprut-SDM1 is not inferior in firepower to tanks such as T-80, T-90, and its mobility on land and water is at the level of BMD-4M,” said the Industrial Director of Weapons, Ammunition and Special Chemistry at Rostec, Bekkhan Ozdoev.
“The tank is capable of completing complex tactical missions, in particular, reconnaissance, working as part of raid or forward detachments, defense maneuvers, attacking through water obstacles, amphibious operations, and territory control.”
Designed for the Russian Army, Sprut-SDM1 is equipped with a 125-mm 2A75 cannon and corresponds to the T-90MS tank in terms of firepower. The cannon can fire modern armor-piercing sub-caliber, cumulative, high-explosive fragmentation shells, as well as ammunition with remote detonation to destroy targets up to 5 km away.
The UTD-29 500-horsepower multi-fuel diesel engine outputs power required to move an 18-ton combat vehicle with a crew of three at speeds up to 70 km/h on land and up to 10 km/h on water.
Climatic tests will be carried out later this year. The tank has already proven its performance in high temperatures, now it must withstand operation in cold conditions. The full cycle of state trials is scheduled to be completed in early 2022.
