BREM-80U: MODERN ARMORED RECOVERY AND REPAIR VEHICLE

Taking into consideration the demands of the domestic and international markets, the Transport    Machine- Building Design Bureau developed and the Plant of Transport Machine-Building produced the BREM-80U new armored recovery and repair vehicle developed from the T-80U MBT. Taking into consideration the demands of the domestic and international markets, the Transport Machine- Building Design Bureau developed and the Plant of Transport Machine-Building produced the BREM-80U new armored recovery and repair vehicle developed from the T-80U MBT.

The key role is played here by comprehensive repair and recovery vehicles operating on the frontline where no fixed repair or overhaul facilities are available. Most tank-producing countries developed and manufactured for these purposes multirole armored recovery and repair vehicles designated BREMs. 
 

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Until recently the BREM-1 vehicle developed from the T-72 tank family was operational in Russia's Armed Forces. However, the advent of the T-80 main battle tank (MBT) entailed difficulties in its operation caused by the complexity of logistical supplies for tank elements. In addition, technical characteristics of the BREM-1 developed by the Transport Machine- Building Design Bureau more than twenty years ago could not fully meet modern requirements. The introduction of the T-80U tank on the international market revealed a natural desire among customers to buy recovery and repair vehicles intended for this tank. Taking into consideration the demands of the domestic and international markets, the Transport Machine-Building Design Bureau state-run enterprise developed and the Plant of Transport Machine-Building production association produced the BREM-80U new armored recovery and repair vehicle developed from the T-80U MBT. This recovery and repair vehicle retains general characteristics of the T-80U MBT in terms of power-to-weight ratio, speed of movement, negotiable obstacles, etc., and also boasts enhanced capacities in using special equipment. 

The main winch can provide a 35 tf rated line pull and while using snatch blocks it can provide a 140 tf maximum line pull, thereby exceeding the characteristics of the BREM-1 winch (25 tf and 100 tf respectively). In addition, the BREM-80U winch has better characteristics both in terms of its cable unwinding speed – 50 m/min, instead of 20 m/min provided by the BREM-1 winch, and its cable winding speed – 17 and 50 m/min instead of 13 m/min. Availability of two cable winding speeds, one of which is three times higher, extends service life and reduces fuel consumption and recovery time of light vehicles. The pulling power of the auxiliary winch on the BREM-80U is increased up to 1 tf that exceeds the pulling power of the BREM-1 two-fold, expanding the  range of operations. 

The jib crane load lifting capacity is increased from 12 to 18 tons. This capacity, together with a new jib configuration, allows it to lift the turret laden with an ammunition load during repairs. 

The BREM-80U has a crew of four: commander, mechanic-driver, fitter and welder-rigger. The BREM-80U is also equipped with an additional seat  to accommodate another specialist or evacuate injured troops from the battlefield. 
   
To repair T-80U MBTs in the field, the BREM-80U is equipped with spare parts and repair tools housed in two containers carried on a cargo platform. 

The BREM-80U's armament consists of the 12.7mm AD machine gun mount, four AKS-47 assault rifles, RPG-7 hand grenade launcher and a flare gun. The vehicle is camouflaged on the battlefield by firing smoke dischargers. 

The electric welding equipment is fed by a self-sustained power unit with a power drive actuated by an auxiliary gas-turbine engine developing 24.5 hp. This feature reduces fuel consumption and increases the service life of the main power plant. To improve working conditions of the crew operating in various climatic zones, the BREM-80U is outfitted with an air-conditioning system. 

To protect road pavement, the BREM can be outfitted with rubber-clad tracks.