The Russian-made light amphibious tank Sprut-SDM1 for the airborne forces has successfully cleared tests. The vehicle demonstrated its reliable floating capability and high navigability in the Black Sea during the trials.
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The tests confirmed that the tank is capable of overcoming water obstacles of up to sea state 3 WMO without preparation, firing while afloat and easily landing to an unprepared shore.
The tank was built by Volgograd Tractor Plant and Kurganmashzavod of the High Precision Systems, a holding company of Rostec State Corporation.
“Given its purpose, the vehicle must meet very serious requirements. During state testing, the light tank successfully passed extreme trials at sea, in central Russia and the subtropics, where the air temperature reached 40 degrees. Low-temperature tests are scheduled for early next year,” said Bekhan Ozdoev, Industrial Director for the Armament Cluster at Rostec.
“Sprut-SDM1 is primarily intended for Russian paratroopers. It can be expected that the capabilities shown by the tank will also interest international customers,” Ozdoev added.
Each stage of trials in different conditions also included cannon firing tests. According to the results of state testing, the design documentation will receive the “O1” marking, which allows serial production of the tanks.
