Ukraine’s UkrInMash 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.
That was reported by Jane's 360.
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 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. It can also be fitted with a high explosive fragmentation/explosively formed penetrator 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.
However, this has been replaced by a locally developed remote weapon station armed with a stabilised 12.7 mm MG aboard the Shturm-SM-2 variant.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.
Christopher F Foss, London - Jane's International Defence Review
