The new Armata T-14 has been described as the next generation in warfare technology.
Russia recently revealed its latest Armata tank made by Russian manufacturer, Renova. The tank will be deployed by the Russian armed forces as early as 2020, and sources claim that its design is tough enough to run comfortably on Mars.
In a report recently issued called Magic Starter: Armata Engines Make It Fit For Martian Temperature, it states that the T-14 Armata tanks utilize engine technology that uses supercapacitors to store enough energy for starting up. Because of this, the tank can operate at extremely low temperatures of -58 degrees Fahrenheit. The report issued by a Russian-backed news outlet, Sputnik.
While -58 degrees Fahrenheit may seem like an admirable temperature, Mars’ temperatures can often drop to -197 degrees. In addition to this, there is also the question of the diesel-operated engine requiring oxygen to actually function on the planet in the first place.
While the report may slightly overstate the Armata’s capabilities, the tank remains impressive.
Vast amounts of research, money, and manpower went into the creation of this next-generation warfare device. The tank was first announced in 2015 and was met with quite a commotion. The Armata T-14 quickly became known as the most revolutionary tank in a generation.
According to a report from The Telegraph, some of the features include the first fully automated, digitized, unmanned turret.
The diesel engine is controlled by a 12-speed automatic transmission. Batteries for the tanks are supported by the supercapacitors which are capable of functioning in harsh Russian winters.
In addition to a smooth start-up, even in harsh conditions, the power systems in the tanks work similarly to the stop-start feature as seen in most modern cars. This function keeps all electronics housed within the tank powered up, even before the engine is started.
The Armata is also surprisingly fueled efficient, as it can be switched on and off as is necessary and has an extended battery life.
The head of Renova’s department of high-technology asset management, Mikhail Livshits, said in an interview that they tested the super-condenser to start the tank engine after it spent several days in very cold conditions. Despite the batteries being dead, they were still able to rev the engine using a mobile power station built around a super-condensed, roughly the size of a briefcase.
Livshits added that by using supercapacitors, they were able to free up more space in the tank’s battery compartment. The makes for a lighter vehicle which has the capacity to carry more fuel.
According to Russian armor technology expert, Sergei Suvorov, the designers of the tank are working on a design to make the tank as fire-proof as possible. To achieve this, the removed the hydraulic system of weapons stabilizations and turret movement. They considered this system too much of a liability since it is unreliable and can be blown up when hit.
Using supercapacitors allowed them to use a magnetic system over a hydraulic one. As a result, the main gun and turret can be quickly activated which allows the fire control systems to remain activated even while the main engine is switched off.
