VNII-100型突击喷火坦克——曾经只存在于“传说”中的苏联喷火坦克
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In the past, the Red and Soviet Army were equipped with flamethrowers Tanks built on the basis of serial technology. In domestic practice, such a technique was created by retrofitting the finished armored vehicle with the necessary units. The jet flamethrower expanded the capabilities of the tank, but its characteristics could be insufficient to effectively destroy some targets. Further development of flamethrower weapons led to the appearance of jet flamethrowers. One of the first samples of this kind was proposed to be used as part of the so-called. assault flamethrower machine.
过去，苏联红军曾装备过一些建立在一系列技术基础之上的喷火坦克。在国内实践中，这种技术是通过对组装好的装甲载具进行必要的改装而制造出来的。压缩气体喷射式火焰发射器扩大了坦克的能力，但它的特性可能（导致其）不足以有效摧毁一些目标。火焰喷射器的进一步发展导致了压缩气体喷射式火焰发射器的出现。这类最早的试验车之一被提议发展为所谓的火焰喷射突击车。
In the early sixties, it became clear that existing jet flamethrowers, including those with gunpowder emissions, no longer have a future. The firing range reached maximum values, and its increase was either impossible or required unreasonable complication weapons. In this regard, the Soviet military, scientists and engineers recalled a different way to deliver flammable liquids to targets. Ognesmes should be sent to the target in a container-projectile with an active or reactive launch method. The container ensured that the entire charge of the mixture was delivered to the target without loss, which ensured the growth of the flamethrower’s power.
在六十年代初，很明显（当时）现有的压缩气体喷射式喷火器【译者注：以下简称“JFt”】，包括那些火药燃气助推式喷火器【译者注：以下简称“GFt”】，它们的前途一片黑暗。当时它们的射程陆续达到最大值，增加它的射程是不可能的，或者说需要一些不合理且复杂的武器。在这方面，苏联军方、科学家和工程师想到了一些向目标投送易燃液体的不同方法。Ognesmes应以主动发射或被动发射的方法的将容器弹丸射向目标。该容器弹丸确保了（易燃）混合物的全部装药毫无损失地投射到目标，从而提高了火焰喷射器的威力。
New weapon
一款新型的武器
In 1961, the country's military and political leadership launched a research project, the purpose of which was to study the concept of a rocket flamethrower for promising samples of armored vehicles. The program attracted a number of research and development organizations. They had to find the best options for container shells, choose the right fire mix and work out the look of the launcher. In the future, the launcher-flamethrower should have been used on promising models of armored vehicles.
1961年，该国的军事和政治领导层启动了一个研究项目，目的是研究火箭火焰喷射器的理念，并安装在有前景的装甲载具之上。该项目吸引了许多研究和开发组织。他们必须找到容器炮弹的最佳选择，选择正确的火力组合，并确定发射器的外观。在未来，发射器火焰喷射器应该被用于有前景的装甲载具中。
Experimental EPU-180 launcher, left rear view
EPU-180型发射装置，左后侧视角
The main contribution to the new research was made by the experts of the VNII-100. Already in the early sixties, they formed the look of a new complex, and also developed several weapon variants. New type of flamethrowers were similar to each other, but differed in caliber, dimensions and characteristics. Of greatest interest was the experimental launcher EPU-180. It was she who was later used in the project of a promising assault self-propelled gun.
VNII-100的专家对这项新研究做出了主要贡献。早在（20世纪）60年代初，他们就建立了一个新的综合体外观，并开发了几种武器变体。新型火焰喷射器彼此相似，但在口径、尺寸和特性上有所不同。最令人感兴趣的是实验性发射装置EPU-180。正是她后来被用于一种“前景广阔”的突击自行火炮的项目。
The EPU-180 product was a recoilless closed-type weapon with a rifled guide rail. The barrel caliber 180 mm had attachments for mounting a breech with a bolt, as well as pins with which the gun could be mounted on a machine or armored vehicle. Loading ammunition was carried out from the breech. Such a flamethrower could be used on various models of armored vehicles, but its installation along with the standard weapon was excluded. The new EPU-180 differed from the previous powder flame throwers with increased dimensions, which imposed restrictions on its installation and use.
EPU-180产品是一种有膛线且无后坐力的封闭式武器。180毫米口径的炮管可用于安装带螺纹炮闩的后膛附件，（后部）还有用于将炮安装在汽车或装甲载具上的销钉，弹药从后膛装填。这种火焰喷射器可以用于各种型号的装甲载具，但其与标准武器的安装被排除在外。新的EPU-180与以前的火药燃气助推式火焰喷射器（GFt）不同，它的尺寸变大了，（这一特点也）限制了其安装和使用。
For EPU-180 developed several options so-called. fire shells. First of all, the proposed product of the active type. They represented a kind of artillery shells with a cylindrical thin-walled body and a large internal cavity, which was proposed to fill with a combustible mixture. At different stages, liquid, viscous and metallized compounds were considered. The shell was equipped with a conical warhead with a fuse. On the longitudinal axis of the body was placed the explosive charge, necessary for the effective destruction of the projectile and splashing of the fire mixture in the surrounding space. It was also proposed to use projectile active-reactive type. In this case, at least half the length of the hull was given for the installation of a compact solid-fuel jet engine. The remaining volume occupied a reduced charge of fuel composition.
（研究人员还）对EPU-180开发了几个所谓的项目。（第一个是）火焰炮弹（项目）。首先，它是一种发射型的装置。它是一种具有圆柱形薄壁体并拥有大内腔的炮弹，炮弹内部计划用可燃混合物填充。在不同情况下，设计师还考虑给内部填充液体、粘性和金属化化合物。炮弹上装有一个带引信的锥形弹头。弹体的中心位置装有炸药，这是有效爆破弹丸并向周围空间抛溅混合燃烧物的必须条件。也有人建议采用弹丸主动-反应型（项目）。如果使用了这种项目，那么至少有一半的车体长度会被用于安装紧凑型固体燃料喷气专用设备【译者注：即喷射型火焰发射器的改进版，该设备可大大加长火焰的喷射距离】。剩余的体积也造成了燃烧物的装载量减少。
Soon began the development of a third ammunition. To expand the range of tasks to be solved, it was proposed to create a high-explosive projectile, in its structure similar to firing. The only difference was the filling of the head of the case: instead of the fire mixture it contained an explosive charge.
（专家们）很快就开始研发第三种弹药。为了扩大能执行的任务的范围，（军方）建议研制一种结构类似于发射用的高爆弹（的炮弹）。（它与高爆弹）唯一的区别是炮弹前部的填充：它并未装有混合燃烧物，而是将炸药安置在其中。
An active 180 caliber of shells, mm, was supposed to have a length of 840 mm and a mass of 40 kg, of which 15 kg was in the fire mix. The projectile was larger and had a length of 1100 mm. Its mass increased to 45 kg, but the charge was reduced to 9 kg. The specific design of the projectile was supposed to limit the flight speed and affect the firing range. At reasonable elevation angles of the launcher, the range did not exceed 1000-1200 m. According to calculations, in the summer, an active projectile could hit living force in open areas up to 450 sq. M. In the cold season, the area of the “burning out” area was reduced to 330 sq.m.
这是一枚直径为180mm的炮弹，长840mm，质量40公斤，其中15公斤是混合燃烧物。它的弹丸更大，长度为1100mm，质量增加到45公斤，但装药量减少到9公斤。炮弹的具体设计会限制飞行速度并影响射程。在发射器的合适仰角下，它的射程不超过1000-1200米。根据计算，在夏季，一枚该型炮弹可以在爆心周围450m²的开阔区域中产生威力巨大的杀伤效果。在寒冷季节，“燃尽”后的区域的面积减少到了330 m²。
Breech EPU-180
EPU-180的后膛部位
In 1961-62, the VNII-100 manufactured several experimental flame throwers of various types, including an experimental EPU-180. After checking on the stand, this product was installed on the existing armored vehicle. The first carrier of the jet flamethrower was a converted self-propelled gun ISU-152. With it removed the staff gun ML-20, and in its place installed a new weapon. At this stage, it became clear that the rocket flamethrower can not be installed on an existing platform with its standard weapon. Probably, these conclusions soon led to the emergence of a full-fledged project of a promising assault self-propelled installation.
在 1961年至1962 年，VNII-100项目量产了几种各种类型的实验性火焰喷射器，包括实验性的 EPU-180（火焰喷射器）。在经过了试验台上的检验后，该产品便被安装在现有的装甲载具上。一辆改装后的ISU-152自行火炮“光荣”地作为了压缩气体喷射式火焰发射器（JFt）的第一个载体。该车作为底盘，移除了原有的ML-20火炮，并在其位置上安装了新武器。显而易见的是，在这个底盘上，火箭弹式火焰喷射器（RFt）不能将其标配武器（也就是火箭助推燃烧弹）安装在现有平台上。也许，正是这些结论很快就导致了一个前景广阔且（技术）成熟的突击自行式装置项目的出现。
New armored car
The findings after testing experienced MIS-152 led to the start of a new phase of work. Experts of the VNII-100 took up the study of the installation of the EPU-180 product on various armored platforms, both serial and advanced. As the future carriers of such weapons were considered the chassis of medium tanks - T-55, "432 Object" and "167 Object". At the same time, the tank, regardless of its specific type, needed the most serious restructuring of the combat compartment. In fact, it was necessary to create a completely new car based on one of the existing ones.
在经过对MIS-152的一系列测试后，一些发现导致了新阶段工作的开始。VNII-100的专家开始研究EPU-180产品在一系列高级装甲平台上的安装。由于此类武器的未来载体被规定为T-55中型坦克、“432工程”和“167工程”的底盘。同时，无论其特定类型如何，该坦克都需要对战斗舱室进行最严格的重组。事实上，（工程师们）有必要在现有底盘的基础上创造一个全新的底盘。
An optimal medium tank “Object 167” - the option of further development of the serial T-62 with updated powerplant and chassis - considered the optimal base for future self-propelled guns. It was planned to borrow from the tank most of the hull, powerplant and chassis. The tower and equipment of the fighting compartment were removed; it was also planned to remake the department of management. The front and central parts of the corps were combined into a habitable compartment with the functions of the fighting compartment. It was necessary to enter the styling for ammunition and a new weapon.
最佳的中型坦克——“167工程”是对进一步开发具有更新动力装置和底盘的T-62系列坦克的不二之选，同时，它也被认定为是未来自行火炮的最佳基础（底盘）。它计划借用该型坦克的大部分车体、动力装置以及底盘。战斗舱中的炮塔和设备被拆除，此外，（官方）还计划改装车辆的管控系统。车体的前部和中央部分被组合成一个具有战斗舱功能的可居住隔间。现在，开启弹药和新武器的造型设计工作是十万火急的。
The new project, which did not receive an official designation, provided for the use of the revised tank hull of the “167 Object”. First of all, a new frontal part of a modified form with a gun mount was proposed. No superstructure or chopping over the fighting compartment was used. An interesting consequence of this was a sharp reduction in the size of the car in comparison with the base tank. Its height was determined mainly by the roof of not the tallest building.
尽管新项目没有得到官方指定，但（有关部门还是）规定使用基于“167工程”修改后的坦克车体。首先，（工程师们）提出了一种带有改良炮架的新型正面部件。车体上没有加装炮塔，也没有对作战舱进行分划隔离。这恰巧导致了一个有趣的结果：与基础油箱相比，车体的尺寸大幅减小。整车的高度主要是由非炮塔的顶部离地高度决定的。
The aft compartment of the hull accommodates a B-26 diesel engine with 700 horsepower. and manual transmission. From the 167 Object, the assault installation received a landing gear with six road wheels with a torsion bar aboard. Apparently, all units of the chassis without changes should have been borrowed from the base armored vehicles. Among other things, it was supposed to provide a certain similarity in driving performance.
车体的后舱可容纳一台 26 马力的 B-700 柴油发动机和手动变速箱。从“167工程”中我们可以看到：它的底盘上安装了一个带有六个扭杆悬挂负重轮系统的避震装置。显然，底盘的所有单元都没有变化，这应该从基础的装甲载具上“借来”的。除其他外，它还在驾驶性能方面（同其它装甲载具一样）具有一定的相似性。
Active type fire projectile
主动型火焰炮弹
The front of the case served as a fighting compartment. It was proposed to mount the EPU-180 gun on the frontal installation of the hull. It was possible to provide horizontal guidance in the sector width 20 ° and vertical angles from -5 ° to + 25 °. The designers abandoned the loader, replacing it with automation. Immediately behind the instrument were the aggregates of the automatic loader. Almost the entire central compartment of the hull was a large mechanized installation. All types of shells were placed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the machine on two racks, one after the other. In four horizontal stacking rows placed before 60 shots.
底盘的正面变成了一个战斗室。也有人提议将EPU-180火炮安装在车体的前部，这样就可以在扇区宽度20°和垂直角度-5°至+25°范围内肆意攻击地方目标了。似乎，设计者并未在车上给装填手预留有座位，而是将自动装弹机安装了上去。紧挨在装弹机的正后方是它的相关精密结构。几乎整个车体中央舱都是一个大型的机械化装置。所有类型的炮弹都平行于装弹机的纵轴放置在两个弹药架上，一个接着一个。在进行60次射击前，（它们将被）水平放置在四个（不同的）弹药架中。
According to calculations, the automatic loader allowed to get the rate of fire to 10 shots per minute. The maximum firing range of the fire projectile was determined in 1200 m. The target of the armored vehicle was to be the enemy's living force in open areas and in unprotected buildings, as well as some types of equipment and structures.
根据计算，自动装弹机可以将火炮射速提高到10发每分钟。炮弹所能达到的最大射程确定为1200米。该车的目标是在开阔地区的敌人和未加固房屋中的有生力量，以及某些类型的设备和建筑。
The crew of the assault self-propelled installation included only two people - the commander-gunner and the driver. The crew members were in front of the car, on the sides of the gun. Above them were hatches with viewing devices. All the necessary controls for driving or using weapons were placed in the workplace. Crew reduction was facilitated by the use of automatic loader and other design innovations.
突击自行火炮的车载人员仅包括两个人——驾驶员，车长兼炮手。两名坦克乘员全坐在车体前部，分布在火炮的两侧。在他们上方是带有观察装置的舱口。驾驶控制装置和武器操纵装置的都安装在在工作区域（也就是车体前部）。自动装载机和其他创新的设计使得乘员数目降低。
As you can see, the total length of the assault installation, taking into account the gun, exceeded 9-9,5 m. Width - 3,3 m, height - only 1,76 m. Combat weight was reduced to 28 t. ". The latter on the highway accelerated to 167 km / h, had a cruising range of 60 km, and could overcome various obstacles. There is reason to believe that the flamethrower self-propelled gun could show greater speed and mobility. At the same time, the protruding trunk seriously restricted the maneuverability on rough terrain.
正如你所看到的，算上炮管长度的话，该车的总体长度超过了9m—9.5m。宽度为3.3m，高度仅为1.76m。战斗重量降至28吨。后者可以在高速公路上加速至167公里/小时，巡航距离为60公里，可以克服各种障碍。军方也有理由相信，喷火式自行火炮可以表现出更大的速度和机动性。同时，那修长的车身也严重限制了其在崎岖地形上的机动性。
According to some sources, the project of an assault flame thrower was brought to the construction and testing of the prototype. The available tank chassis was re-equipped as required, and then sent to the landfill. During the tests, it was planned to check all the basic qualities of the resulting sample and draw conclusions about its prospects and future.
据一些消息来源称，突击喷火车项目曾被纳入原型的建造和测试。根据需要重新配备了可用的坦克底盘，然后将其送往了废品填埋场。在整个测试过程中计划检查所得样品的所有基本质量，并就其前景和未来得出结论。
Jet ammunition for EPU-180
适用于EPU-180火炮的火箭喷气式弹药
Tests of the experimental machine passed in the early sixties. During inspections, her gun made an 53 shot at targets. The conclusions drawn from the test results can be judged only by other data on the development of domestic rocket flame throwers. Apparently, the presented sample did not suit the designers and the military. Further development of the concept implemented in the new project did not make sense. New weapons should be used in a different way.
原型车的测试在60年代初就通过了。在测试期间，她的火炮共向目标发射了53发火焰炮弹。从试验结果中得出的结论只能通过国内火箭弹式火焰发射器（RFt）发展的其他数据来判断。显然，所提供的样品不适合设计师和军方。在新项目中实践的概念的进一步发展（以此来看）没有意义。新武器应该以不同的方式投入使用。
Results and consequences
结局
The proposed project of a new flamethrower cannon and a self-propelled artillery installation under it was of some interest, but could not find a place in the army. With all its advantages, these systems had a number of significant drawbacks that prevented their effective use on the battlefield. However, the project experience did not disappear, and soon found application in the development of new artillery and flame-throwing systems.
一门新的火焰喷射炮及其下的自行火炮装置的拟议项目引起了（军方的）一些兴趣，但是它绝对不可能在军队中出现。尽管这些系统有其独特的优点，但也有许多显著的缺点，这也就自然而然地阻碍了它们在战场上的有效使用。然而，研究该项目所获得的的经验并没有消失，而是很快就在新型火炮和火焰喷射设备的开发中得到了应用。
One of the main problems of assault self-propelled guns was associated with the type of used chassis. It was based on the experienced medium tank "Object 167", which never reached the series. The basic elements of the self-propelled gun could be transferred to another chassis, but this would lead to delays in the work, as well as the need for a new test cycle. It is unlikely that the customer could arrange such features of the project.
突击自行火炮的主要问题之一与其所用底盘的类型有关。它以阅历丰富的“167工程”中型坦克为基础，但从未进入到该系列中。自行火炮的基本部件可以转移到另一个底盘上，但这将导致工作延迟，并需要新的测试周期。客户不太可能安排该项目的此类功能测试。
However, the fate of the project was primarily affected by the features of the proposed weapons. EPU-180 was a completely new specialized system without any unification with other weapons of the ground forces. At the same time she had a specific ratio of basic combat qualities. The shells of the new types combined a relatively short firing range with high power.
然而，该项目的命运主要受到拟议中的武器的特性的影响。EPU-180 是一种全新的专用型（武器）系统，它自身与地面部队的其他武器没有任何相似之处。同时，她还具备特定比例的基本作战品质。新型炮弹也结合了相对较短的射程和强力的杀伤效果。
It should also be borne in mind that fire-projectiles can only be used against specific targets, and this reduced the overall potential of the self-propelled gun. In particular, she could not effectively deal with armored vehicles having good protection. Thus, the prospective model needed not only further improvement, but also the search for methods of its combat use. He needed to find a place in the structure of the ground forces.
还应牢记的是，该炮弹只能用于对付特定目标，这降低了该自行火炮的整体潜力。特别强调，它甚至无法有效地对付有良好防护的装甲车。因此，该预期模型不仅需要进一步改进，还需要摸索出其专门的作战方法。它需要在地面部队的组成结构中找到一个属于自己的位置。
Scheme assault flamethrower machine
突击喷火坦克方案
With a special combination of technical characteristics and combat qualities, the assault flame-thrower installation from the VNII-100 failed to interest potential customers. By the mid-sixties, work on this project was halted due to the lack of real prospects. However, the developments on the new flamethrower systems have not disappeared. In the very near future, new projects were launched with real results.
凭借技术特性和战斗品质的特殊组合，VNII-100型突击喷火坦克未能引起潜在客户的兴趣。到（二十世纪）六十年代中期，由于缺乏真正的前景，该项目的工作停止了。然而，新型火焰喷射系统的发展并没有停下脚步。不久以后，新项目成功启动并取得了实际成果。
According to the results of the pilot project, the military and the designers came to the conclusion that it was necessary to abandon active-rocket shots in favor of full-fledged rockets. Such products could show increased flight range and carry an increased charge of the fire mixture. To enhance the impact on the target, it was proposed to use the principles of a volumetric explosion. With the further development of these ideas, the appearance of a new combat vehicle called the “heavy flamethrowing machine” was formed. Later, based on this concept, the Buratino TOC-1 combat vehicle was created.
根据试点项目的结果，军方和设计者得出的结论是：有必要现役的火箭弹发射方案，转而使用成熟的火箭弹设计项目。这样以来就可以扩大火箭弹的飞行距离，还能携带易燃混合物。为了增强对目标的冲击，（专家还）建议使用体积爆炸【译者注：可能是指“粉尘爆炸”】的原理。随着这些思想的进一步发展，一种名为“重型喷火坦克”的新型坦克横空出世。后来，基于这一概念，布拉蒂诺 TOS-1喷火坦克便应运而生。
* * *
结语：
By the early sixties, flamethrowers with different throwing methods had exhausted their potential, and the growth of their characteristics had stopped. It took the search for new ideas and solutions, soon yielding real results. The first results of the work were an experimental jet-thrower EPU-180 and a self-propelled gun carrying this weapon. These samples, like many other early designs of their classes, were not without flaws, and therefore did not leave the test stage. Nevertheless, in the framework of the new projects, the foundation was laid for the further development of flamethrowing weapons. With it, new models were created, which are still in service.
到了六十年代初，使用不同喷射方法的火焰发射器的潜力已经快被开发完了，其特性的增加也已经停止。（研究者们）需要寻找新的想法和解决方案，很快，真正的结果就产生了。这项工作的第一个结果是一个实验性的EPU-180喷火器和一辆携带这种武器的自行火炮。这些样品，就像他们同类的许多早期设计一样，并非没有缺陷，因此该车也从来没有离开过测试阶段。然而，在新项目的框架内，这些摸索为进一步发展火焰抛射类武器奠定了基础。正因为有了它，新的喷火坦克才得以诞生，这些“新兵”们目前仍在军队中为国家服役。
译者说：天马行空的想象换不来天衣无缝的设计，但工程师们从未放弃过任何可能。尽管这辆“突击喷火坦克”从一开始就注定失败，可面对科研路上的种种困难，没有人向它们低头！！这就是工匠精神的内核所在，精益求精，一丝不苟。同时也告诫着人们：只有努力做好每件分内的事，我们才能有所发展、成就。VNII-100可能是失败的，而背后千千万万辛苦工作的研究人员绝对是成功的。“不论现实怎么劈砍我，吾都坦然面对”，正是VNII-100的研制工作为后辈又铺垫了一条道路，也正是科研人员的此般精神，才能支撑起这份独一无二的研究。
参考书目：
Solyankin A. G., Pavlov M. V., Pavlov I. V., Zheltov I. G. Domestic armored vehicles. XX century. - M .: Zeihgauz, 2010. - T. 3. 1946 – 1965.
Pavlov, M.V., Pavlov, I.V. Domestic armored vehicles 1945-1965 // Technique and weapons, 2011. No.11.
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翻译于2023年7月22日
