A quick look at a couple of recent additions to the TAB Reference Collection: a 1979 dated Colt M203 grenade launcher manual and a 1959 dated Irish Defence Force manual for the Carl Gustaf m/45 submachine gun!
The small Colt M203 manual covers everything you need to know about how to operate and maintain your 40mm grenade launcher. The booklet measures just 5 inches by 3.5 inches.
I’ve recently aimed to expand the TAB Reference Collection into Irish Defence Force material, this 1959 manual for the m/45 Carl Gustaf submachine gun joins an Irish manual for the FN FAL I acquired last year.
Support Us: If you enjoyed this video and article please consider supporting our work here. We have some great perks available for Patreon Supporters – including early access to custom stickers and early access to videos! Thank you for your support!
There are a number of different RPG-7 pattern rocket launchers in use in Ukraine including the American PSLR-1s, the Czech LGL-7s and the Bulgarian ATGL-L and WRPG-7 to name a few. One of the most interesting to appear is the Chinese Type 69.
The Type 69s were potentially supplied by one of the Baltic states, Latvia, Lithuania or Estonia, which held them in inventory during the 1990s and 2000s. The Type 69 was in service it the Estonian armed forces as the M-69, and remained in inventory into the early 2010s. Another possible origin is that they were part of a seized shipment of small arms and light weapons supplied to the Houthis in Yemen by Iran, which was intercepted en route. Though no Type 69s have been seen in the released imagery of seized shipments.
Training with Type 69 (via 22nd Separate Mechanised Brigade)
The Type 69 is a clone of the Russian RPG-7, manufactured by China’s state arsenals it has been successfully sold around the would by NORINCO and Xinshidai. It entered service with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army in the 1972, replacing the earlier Type 56, and served into the late 1990s.
The Chinese RPG’s distinguishing features include the absence of a rear pistol grip, an orangey-brown fluted heat-shield around the tube, a forward bipod, and a folding carrying handle fitted to the top of the launcher. There is also a fold‐down shoulder support which is removeable. The Type 69-1, introduced in the 1980s, is slightly shorter than the original Type 69 and has slightly different sights, with the rear sight assembly more centrally positioned on the tube. The Chinese RPGs seen in theatre so far appear to be Type 69-1s.
Two Type 69s in a Ukrainian armoury (via social media)
The earliest evidence of Type 69s in Ukraine I’ve come across is a video posted by the Ukrainian YouTube channel Tacti Coach on 29 November 2023 which discusses RPG-7s in general but features a Type 69. Subsequently, on 19 January 2024, the 22nd Separate Mechanised Brigade shared several photos of troops training with Type 69s.
Another undated photograph shows the interior of a Ukrainian armoury, with crates of ammunition and transit chests with a Barrett M107 and two Type 69s.
Training with Type 69 (via 22nd Separate Mechanised Brigade)
On 21 January, a Ukrainian combatant believed to be associated to Ukraine’s special operations forces shared a photograph holding a Type 69 by its carry handle. On the 18 February, the 22nd Separate Mechanised Brigade again shared an album of photos showing troops training with the Type 69 giving us the best look at the Chinese RPG in Ukraine so far.
In future articles/videos we’ll look at other RPG-7 variants in use in Ukraine. We have previously examined a number of RPG-7 related topics, mostly focused on improvised warheads.
Support Us: If you enjoyed this video and article please consider supporting our work here. We have some great perks available for Patreon Supporters – including early access to custom stickers and early access to videos! Thank you for your support!
In September 2023, a video was shared which appeared to show a French FAMAS rife in Ukraine. The video featured a select-fire FAMAS being fired at a range by a member of the Ukrainian armed forces. This video raised the question ‘has France provided FAMAS to Ukraine?’ It certainly would not be a surprise if France had provided the rifles. Since the adoption of the HK416F in 2016, France has since provided surplus FAMAS to several friendly nations including Suriname.
The FAMAS has been the French military’s primary service rifle since its introduction in 1979. Developed at the Manufacture d’Armes de Saint-Étienne (MAS), it uses a lever-delayed blowback action and was one of the first bullpup rifles adopted by a major military. It will continue in French service to at least 2028 as it is replaced by the HK416F.
The video was posted on TikTok on 13 September, the rifle featured was a FAMAS F1 with the Valorisé upgrade, which adds Picatinny mounting rails. The video, filmed at a range, features a combatant who has lost his left hand and appears to have a rank slide indicating he’s a captain.
It wasn’t until 14 December, that there was another sighting of FAMAS in theatre. A member of the 54th Separate Reconnaissance Battalion (ORB)’s mortar platoon shared a photograph of himself with FAMAS F1 Valorisé. The photograph also featured an issue of six FAMAS magazines and a blank ammunition magazine for use firing some types of rifle grenades.
A photo of the FAMAS as issued to Ukrainian forces, via member of 54th Separate Reconnaissance Battalion (via social media)
Speaking to the combatant about the FAMAS he explained why he likes the rifle saying that he finds it light, comfortable, easy to aim and appreciates the three round burst function as it prevents unintentionally dumping the whole mag in stressful situations. He, however, dislikes the limited size of the rifle’s 25 round magazine and that it only takes proprietary FAMAS magazines making it impossible to gather magazines from other combatants during combat. The rifles were also issued without user manuals but he has since found a PDF copy. When I spoke to him he noted that two out of his six man unit were currently using the FAMAS, he was given the option to choose a rifle from his unit’s armoury and said others favoured the AK or Ukrainian Malyuk/Vulcan bullpup.
Some very intriguing footage from #Ukraine featuring a French FAMAS with Valorisé upgrade (Picatinny rails added & position/style of the bipod altered). First such sighting of a FAMAS. France does have stocks to spare now the HK416F is entering service.#SALW#UkraineRussiaWar️pic.twitter.com/8ORtJNRO4W
— Matthew Moss | The Armourer's Bench (@historicfirearm) September 13, 2023
Some Ukrainian troops will be familiar with the FAMAS if they completed training in France. Numerous photos and videos show Ukrainian troops using the French rifles while training. France planned to train as many as 7,000 Ukrainian troops in 2023.
Table published by the French government showing weapons and kit transferred to Ukraine, including FAMAS rifles (French Govt.)
In December 2023, the French Assemblée Nationale published a document which outlined the equipment, but not quantities, provided to Ukraine by France. Originally written in March 2023, it was discussed by the Committee on National Defense and the Armed Forces in early November 2023. It confirms the provision of both FAMAS, various calibres of machine gun and precision rifles.
The member of the 54th Separate Reconnaissance Battalion continued to use his FAMAS in the field sharing numerous photographs with it between January and May 2024. He has removed the rifle’s integrated bipod legs and mounted a Holosun 510 series reflex sight.
A FAMAS captured by Russian forces (via social media)
Intriguingly, on 25 January 2024, a Russian telegram channel shared photographs of a captured FAMAS F1 with the Valorisé upgrade kit. The rifle is seen fitted with an Aimpoint CompM5. The post gave no further information on where or when the rifle was captured.
On the 1 February a member of Ukraine’s 128th Mountain Assault Brigade shared a photograph of himself and another combatant holding an F1 Valorise equipped with an ACOG. The same rifle appeared in a short range video posted a week later. The rifle has its integrated bipod deployed and is being firing in the fully automatic mode. The combatant does not appear to be using the rifle in the field.
A member of the Ukrainian armed forces with FAMAS, c.March 2024 (via social media)
On 7 March, a member of the 67th Mechanised Brigade shared a photograph of a combatant, described as a member of ‘the intelligence battalions’, holding a FAMAS. While a member of the 71st Jaeger Brigade shared several photographs of himself equipped with a FAMAS, sharing the first at the end of March and the second in early April.
On 4 March, the French government released an updated document listing the types and quantities of some of the equipment provided to Ukraine. The document states that 1,000 ‘FAMAS’ have been provided between 1 March, 2022 and 1 May, 2024.
A table from a French government report on aid to Ukraine stating 1,000 FAMAS had been provided (French Govt.)
While the issue of the rifle only being able to use steel cased ammunition is largely a myth, the original F1 does have a 1 in 12 twist rate barrel meaning that it is optimised for 55gr M193-type 5.56x45mm ammunition rather than 62gr SS109 or M855. Sources suggest the F1 Valorisé has a new 1 in 9 barrel which if true would enable it to use ammunition with heavier projectiles with no issues. It seems the only limiting factor on the F1’s in Ukraine is the weapon’s use of a proprietary 25-round magazine rather from a NATO standard 30-round magazine. As such combatants in Ukraine who find themselves with a F1 Valorisé will be confined to using magazines issued with the weapon. In a hostile environment where STANAG pattern magazines are most prevalent 5.56x45mm magazines this is a significant logistical drawback.
As the number of FAMAS provided is relatively small sightings of the French rifles in theatre are relatively rare. Despite this from the limited sample we have available the rifle appears to be in the inventory of at least two or three brigades. It appears likely that they aren’t being issued to entire units and instead they are currently held by unit armouries where individuals can select them. In terms of other small arms provided by France; in the past French 7.62x51mm AANF1 and FN MAG machine guns were provided with armoured vehicles and most recently FR F2 sniper rifles have also surfaced in Ukraine.
Update – 18/6/24:
In early May personnel of 199th Airborne (DSHV) Training Centre visited the Zhytomyr Special School and did a weapons and kit display which included the French FAMAS F1 Valorise.
— Matthew Moss | The Armourer's Bench (@historicfirearm) June 18, 2024
Update – 31/7/24: On 25 July, the 120 separate battalion of the Ukrainian Territorial Defence Force (attached to the the 113 TDF brigade) shared an album of photographs featuring volunteer troops with theДФТГ / ‘DFTG’ (a Voluntary Territorial Community Formation). Featured in the album were a number of personnel equipped with F1 Valorise rifles. (H/t to Weapons Illustrated)
Update – 14/08/24: A photograph of two Ukrainian combatants, posted on Tiktok on 6 August, featured a pair of FAMAS. (H/t to Weapons Illustrated)
Support Us: If you enjoyed this video and article please consider supporting our work here. We have some great perks available for Patreon Supporters – including early access to custom stickers and early access to videos! Thank you for your support!
Super thrilled to have passed the 100,000 subscriber mark over on YouTube!
The channel has been around since 2017 and has taken me to some incredible places and given me the chance to examine some amazing weapons everything from Ferguson rifles to the HK G11! Very grateful to everyone who has watched my videos over the years. Starting off on shaky ground stumbling over pieces to camera to disassembling and examining one of a kind John Browning prototypes and everything in between!
You may have found me through my videos on the war in Ukraine. While never something I thought I’d be covering in real-time I hope they’ll provide a useful resource in years to come. I can only hope it’s a series of videos that ends soon. I really appreciate everyone who has watched my work, commented and shared the videos. Massive thank you to past & present supporters on Patreon they have hoped me justify spending so much time on making videos!
Thank you also to friends and colleagues who have helped with research and been supportive over the years. Working on historical and contemporary firearms content has led me to becoming friends with some incredible historians, researchers and video creators which have really enriched my life. So, all in all, reaching 100,000 subscribers may seem insignificant compared to some of the huge YouTube channels out there but when you’re a fairly quiet British fella who likes firearms and history it’s wonderful to be able to share the passion with so many others each week. Thank you.
I thought I’d celebrate by doing a question and answer / ask me anything. So ask me anything! Firearms history, my background, favourite colour, questions about my videos on Ukraine, and I’ll try to answer as many as I can in a video or live stream! Leave questions in the video’s comments or email them here.
In September 2023, the United Kingdom has announced the selection of the Knight’s Armament Company KS-1 as the new individual weapon for the Ranger battalions and the Royal Marines Commandos. Back in January, while attending SHOT Show 2024, I was able to get a first hands on look at the new rifle which has been designated the L403A1. The requirement for the new rifle was released back in August 2021, as part of Project Hunter, and called for the “procurement and support of an Armalite Rifle (AR) platform Alternative Individual Weapon (AIW) System.”
Alternative Individual Weapon (AIW) System comprises the weapon and a ‘Signature Reduction System’ [suppressor] and an ‘Optic System’. The AIW replaces the SA80/L85 series of rifles and Colt Canada L119s in service with the Rangers and elements of the Royal Marines Commandos. After two years of competition the UK MoD announced that Knight’s KS-1 has been selected as the L403A1, beating off reported competition from Heckler & Koch’s HK416A5, SIG Sauer’s SPEAR-LT, Daniel Defense’s M4 and Glock’s new GR-115F.
The rifles will be procured via UK-based company Edgar Brothers and the £90 million ($110 million) contract will see up to 10,000 new rifles delivered over the next decade. An initial £15 million order for 1,620 AIW systems was placed with the first rifles delivered before the end of 2023.
Anatomy of the L403A1 (Edgar Brothers)
The system is built around the Knight’s Armament Company KS-1 (SR-16) and includes the Knight’s QDC/MCQ-PRT suppressor, a magnified 1-10 LPVO optic from Vortex and an Aimpoint ACRO P-2 red dot, however, the rifle we examined had a Leupold DeltaPoint Pro mounted in its place. The rifle I had the chance to examine was in the configuration of L403A1 but did not have any markings unique to the British rifles which will likely have an ‘L number’ marking on the magazine well. On its left-side the rifle has ‘5.56mm KS-1’ on its upper receiver and bellow it on the lower receiver’s magazine well ‘STONER RIFLE [KAC’s roll mark] and [the weapon’s serial number]’. On the right side the magazine well is marked ‘SR-16 5.56mm, KNIGHT’s ARMAMENT CO. TITUSVILLE, FL, USA’. The weapon has the Knight’s URX-6 ML OK handguard.
The KS-1 is the latest iteration of the SR-16 series, it has a 13.7in (35cm) barrel, which if you look closely you can see is dimple cut to reduce weight. The rifle unloaded weighs in at 6.88lbs (3.1kg) and its overall length is 32.2in (82cm) with the stock collapsed and 34.2in (87cm) extended. The QDC/MCQ-PRT weighs an additional 13.9oz and adds just over 2 inches to the weapon’s length. The rifle uses a direct gas impingement system (or more correctly described as Stoner’s internal piston system). The rifle examined at SHOT Show was fitted with a Magpul SL-K Carbine Stock rather than the Magpul CTR which will equip the AIW. Similarly, it was equipped with Knight’s own Folding Micro Rear Sight rather than the Magpul MBUS Pro folding iron sights which the L403’s will be issued with.
The UK MoD required the rifle to have a removable trigger guard for cold weather use as the RM Commandos in particular regularly operate in cold weather environments, so Knight’s also designed a reinforced trigger guard, with a spring detent, that is more robust.
In terms of ergonomics and handling you can’t learn too much from handling an unloaded rifle for about 5 minutes but it felt fairly well balanced and had standard AR-15 type controls – including ambidextrous magazine and bolt releases. It had some heft to it (even unloaded) weighing approximately 4.3kg or 9.5lbs (after doing some maths adding up the stated weights for all of the AIW’s components: optics, suppressor, weapon). Which while heavier than a stock M4A1 it is lighter than an L85A2 and A3.
Special thanks to Knight’s Armament Company for allowing me to take a look at the rifle.
Support Us: If you enjoyed this video and article please consider supporting our work here. We have some great perks available for Patreon Supporters – including early access to custom stickers and early access to videos! Thank you for your support!
Ukraine’s family of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) continues to grow as the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) have developed a Grad rocket-armed Sea Baby drone. The one-way or kamikaze USVs deployed by Ukraine in the Black Sea have been instrumental in engaging the Russian Navy, however, more recently new variants have emerged as Russia has begun to adapt and successfully engage the Sea Babies which in turn has seen the Ukrainians seek to adapt.
The first video of the rocket-armed USV in action recently emerged and the SBU has released some photographs which appear to show the drone in testing. On 22 May, an anonymous SBU source toldThe Kyiv Independent that the new drones have been used in combat “against Russian positions on the Kinburn spit,” a stretch of often fought over land on the coast near Mykolaiv. “This technological solution is already showing powerful results,” with the source adding “Our Sea Baby is not just a drone, but a multifunctional platform that is constantly being improved.” So far it seems the rocket-armed USV has been used against shore targets rather than to engage the Russian Black Sea Fleet, firing on a moving target from an unstable platform may be much more of a challenge. It remains to be seen if this USV variant has been put to use engaging vessels at sea. The Grad Sea Baby gives the SBU the useful ability to strike shore targets anywhere along the Russian-occupied Black Sea coast. From available imagery, at least three of the rocket-armed variants have been built.
Ukrainian Sea Baby surface drone in the Black Sea launches a volley of missiles towards Russian positions. pic.twitter.com/CQFaLKB9B6
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) May 22, 2024
The drones have been equipped with six 122mm Grad rocket launch tubes. The BM-21 multiple rocket launch system is used by both Ukraine and Russia. It’s size, ubiquity and relative cheapness makes it an obvious choice for mounting on the six meter long Sea Baby. The latest versions of the Sea Baby are reportedly able to carry 400 kg warheads over 500 miles at speeds of up to 48 knots.
The Grad rockets have a range of anywhere between 20 and 50 km depending on the type of rocket used. It’s unclear if a sea-based launch impacts the rocket’s range or accuracy but depending on sea conditions dispersion of the munitions is almost certainly affected. While accuracy may be impacted the rockets still give the Sea Baby a useful stand off capability, allowing the USVs to engage targets at a distance rather than having to make it physically all the way to the target to detonate its payload. How the rockets are aimed or the launcher is zeroed isn’t yet clear. The tubes do not appear to be adjustable for elevation as photos appear to show them fixed in place at a slight angle. Available photos show the launcher being tested ashore at a range, perhaps the tubes are bore sighted.
Sea Baby drones equipped with "Grad" rocket launchers. Now, these drones have become even deadlier for the russian fleet.
This isn’t the first time rockets have been fired from a Ukrainian USV, back in January 2024, footage of a USV firing smaller rockets at a Russian patrol vessel emerged. The rockets are believed to be RPV-16 or RPO-A thermobaric rockets. Some of this footage, along with other older video, was included in a short clip which showed off the rocket-armed Sea Babies. While this footage may not show a Grad launch Vasyl Malyuk, head of the SBU, has said during a press event with UNITED24, that “For the first time, the SBU used the “Sea baby” drone, equipped with the “Grad” rocket salvo fire systems, in December 2023,” adding that this represented a “new milestone in the history of sea battles.” Newsweekreported that the Sea Babies fitted with Grad launchers were paid for using United24 donations, with each USV estimated to be worth $221,000.
Another short video of the Grad rocket-equipped Sea Baby USV, likely filmed yesterday during a United24 event.
— Matthew Moss | Historical Firearms (@historicfirearm) May 24, 2024
Most recently we also saw another curious Ukrainian USV emerge, equipped with an improvised air-defense system with two repurposed AA-11 ARCHER (R-73) air to air missiles. The air defense USV emerged as Russian helicopters began to effectively engage the Ukrainian USVs. Given the rapid evolution of Ukraine’s USVs it would not be surprising to eventually see one equipped with an anti-ship missile, such as a small RBS-17.
Sea Baby equipped with six Grad tubes (via SBU)
The small cross section and speed of the Sea Baby drones allow them to infiltrate and approach Russian Black Sea vessels both at sea and in port. However, Russia has developed rudimentary tactics for successfully engaging them either with helicopters or with small arms and other defensive fire from vessels. A stand off capability, be it a USV equipped with unguided Grad rockets or an anti-ship missile, adds another dimension the Russians will have to adapt to. The Grad-armed Sea Baby is the latest indicator that Ukraine’s USV fleet is continuing to diversify to meet new threats and operational requirements.
An earlier version of this article first appeared at OvertDefense.com.
Support Us: If you enjoyed this video and article please consider supporting our work here. We have some great perks available for Patreon Supporters – including early access to custom stickers and early access to videos! Thank you for your support!
Drones have come to define the war in Ukraine with both sides making prolific use of the them for observation and ordnance delivery. Both sides have struggled to find adequate countermeasures for the drone threat with everything from fishing nets to anti-drone guns and from cope cages to complex electronic warfare jammers to disrupt UAV frequencies over larger areas.
The threat to individual soldiers has become increasingly serious with many units resorting to pressing sporting shotguns into service. However, not every combatant can carry a shotgun and a number of companies, engineers and fabricators have turned their attention to providing soldiers with a cheap, mass manufacturable, and effective weapon which can be issued to individual soldiers en masse.
Loading the adapter into a GP-25 (via Ingra)
In this article/video we’ll look at one of these efforts from a Russian company Ingra (ИНГРА). Ingra have developed an adaptor that converts a GP-25, 40mm under barrel grenade launcher, into a single-shot 12ga shotgun. On 13 April, Ingra announced [machine translated]:
“Friends, the INGRA company has created a new, unparalleled device ROSYANKA [Sundew] for the destruction of quadrocopters. The testing stage has been completed. ROSYANKA changes the caliber of the underbarrel grenade launcher to fire a 12-gauge hunting cartridge with an effective range of 15-30 meters. The tests carried out showed the reliability, safety and efficiency of the device. We have reached the next stage, which is the production of a pre-production batch for testing by the troops. Our task is to fill the troops with the ROSYANKA product in a short time.“
Later the same day they shared their first videos demonstrating the adaptor in action. In the first video the adaptor is shown being loaded with a 12ga cartridge and then inserted into a GP-25, just as a grenade would be. A second short video shows the adapter being used to shoot down a commercial quadcopter drone.
A Rosyanka 12ga adapter and pouch (via Ingra)
On their telegram channel the company posted a pair of photographs showing targets shot with an adapter at 30 metres. They claim 5mm of penetration but do not mention the length of the adapter’s barrel. From one of the photographs Ingra shared it appears that the ROSYANKA was developed in three barrel lengths, estimated to range between 2 and 5 inches in length.
On around the 5 May, the company released a slicker video demonstrating the adapter. The design appears simple, it has interfaces that allow it to be loaded and held in the GP-25s barrel which align the cartridge, which is loaded into the adaptor’s breech, with the GP-25’s firing pin. To unload the adaptor it has to be released from the launcher by depressing the grenade release catch, then the spent case needs to be extracted from the adaptor and a new cartridge loaded. The video also shows that a rear sight adapter is fitted to aid aiming the weapon.
On the 10 May I spoke to one of the company’s representatives, before the adaptor had been launched on company’s website, he explained that would be available soon and that it would cost around 12,000 rubles ($130). On the 14 May, the adaptor was launched on Ingra’s website at a lower than expected cost of 9,300 Rubles or US$102. The adapter is currently listed as unavailable on Ingra’s website but posts on the company’s social media urge interested parties to contact them directly to order.
Firing on a commercial quadcopter drone during a range demonstration (via Ingra)
In a video, shared on the 13 May, Ingra demonstrated the operation of the adaptor and also noted that it is compatible with GP-25, GP-30 and GP-34 pattern grenade launchers. Ingra’s website provides some specifications and confirms that the adapter is only available in one barrel length, of the three previously shown. The adapter is 250mm/9.8in long and weighs in at 340g/12oz. The manufacturer states is has an effective range of between 15 and 35 metres (50-115 feet) against a target with a 500mm/19.6in cross section. The adaptor can be used with 2 3/4 and 3in loads and has a warranty for up to 100 rounds of the Siberia 32g No.3 12ga which is Ingra;s recommend load. The adaptor comes with instructions, a rear sight adapter and a small pouch.
On the 16 May, Ingra shared another range video featuring a Russian combatant trying out the Rosyanka adaptor against floating balloons. The adaptor is being used in a GP-25 mounted on an AKMS with a PBS-1 suppressor. The combatant testing the adaptor notes [his comments were machine translated] the importance of seating the cartridge fully in the breech and keeping your hands clear of the muzzle in case of accidental discharge. He suggests having the GP-25 on safe to avoid an accidental discharge, hinting that one may have occurred earlier. He also demonstrates using a rod to push the spent cartridge case out of the adaptor’s breech.
Now that the adaptors are available it remains to be seen if we and when we’ll see them in use in the field with Russian troops. The system is clearly well thought out, simple to manufacture and potentially fairly effective at under 40 metres. It adapts a readily available infantry weapon to a pressing new role and may also have some close quarter anti-personnel applications.
It undoubtedly provides the operator with a means of engaging a drone but it also has drawbacks. The reloading process is comparatively slow meaning that the user is likely to only have one chance to engage a drone if it is one of the faster FPV drones and is unlikely to otherwise match a conventional shotgun in terms of reload times when engaging drones engaged in munitions dropping or observation. It also means the grenadier has to choose what to have loaded ready in his GP-25 in various situations. The limited availability of underbarrel grenade launchers also means that, depending on the unit, only one soldier per squad will have the ability to use the adaptor.
Update – 20/06/24:
A Russian telegram channel posted several photos of a damaged adaptor, stating [machine translated]:
“The first test was not successful; during the first shot, the skirt of the cartridge was torn off (it remained in the GP25, the barrel itself jumped out of the GP and flew away 30 meters.”
It may be that the user loaded the adapter with a cartridge not recommended by the manufacturer.
Update – 11/7/24: Photographs of a production ROSYANKA disassembled showing the threads which allows the barrel piece to screw into the wider breech section.
Update – 27/4/25:
Here we have a GP25 in a DIY standalone stock loaded with a BRT shotgun insert which was developed to engage drones.
— Matthew Moss | The Armourer's Bench (@historicfirearm) April 27, 2025
Support Us: If you enjoyed this video and article please consider supporting our work here. We have some great perks available for Patreon Supporters – including early access to custom stickers and early access to videos! Thank you for your support!
For several weeks now we’ve tracked the interesting phenomena of Russia’s tanks equipped counter-FPV shells, known by many names – Tsar’s BBQs, assault sheds, Blyatmobiles or Turtle Tanks. These vehicles began to appear in April around Krasnohorivka but since then have spread to numerous other sectors. Most recently they have played a role in the Russian offensive towards Kharkiv.
They combine a number of features including the large characteristic sheet metal shells, electronic warfare systems to jam drone control frequencies to protect against first person view (FPV) suicide drones. They also often feature devices such as mine plough and rollers to enable them to act as breaching vehicles.
Since other last video there have been even more interesting variations on the ‘turtle tank’ concept and also a fair amount of imagery showing them being successfully engaged. Which raises the question: has the tide turned on the Turtle Tanks?
On the 8 May photos of a Russian T-72B3 being fitted with a counter-FPV shell were posted. OSINT account Naalsionoted that while the tank had tactical markings denoting the 68th Guards Tank Regiment, 150th Motorised Rifle Division, 8th Guards Combined Arms Army, Southern Military District, the original Telegram post said that the work was carried out by the 104th Separate Tank Battalion of the 7th Guards Airborne Assault Division. In the photos we can see the assembly of a frame projecting from the tank’s sides with slightly angled sheet metal being welded to the frame.
Ukraine’s Presidential Brigade shared some FPV footage of what may be another ‘Turtle Tank’ near Vuhledar. The resolution of the footage is low but the vehicle appears to have an EW module on top of its counter-FPV shell. Its unclear if the shell is solid s heet metal or if its is a mesh screen which covers the top part of the vehicle and has been shrouded in camouflage netting.
On 13 May, photographs of a pair of tanks fitted with shells were shared, with at least some of the work seemingly being completed in the field with a welder hooked up to a generator. The first vehicle has a visible framework and the sheet metal used to have surface rust. A possible second tank has a less angled shell and horizontally orientated metal sheeting. Markings visible on the first tank may suggest it tank belongs to the 3rd Motor Rifle Division’s 752nd Motor Rifle Regiment.
Also on the 13 May, the 3rd Assault Brigade claimed that the 3rd along with the 66th Mechanized, and 77th Airmobile Brigades had engaged Russian forces on the Kharkiv front and struck a ‘turtle tank’ with FPVs.
Footage of a recovered damaged ‘turtle tank’, which may be the tank which was immobilised during the initial assaults on the Kharkiv front, shows the tank’s shell badly damaged and its left-side track lost, however, its KMT-6 mine plough is still present.
The clearest imagery of of a knocked out ‘turtle tank’ which has appeared so far also emerged on 13 May. Three images taken by an observation drone show a T-62 which shares a numerous construction characteristics with the earlier ‘porcupine turtle’ seen on 5 May. It has similar protective grills made from cages which completely cover the outer metal sheets of the counter-FPV shell. However, its rear is not enclosed by sheet metal but a combination of sheets and grating.
The tank doesn’t have any visible electronic warfare equipment but is fitted with what appears to be a BTU-55 dozer blade mounting point (H/T – Ross) which is no longer present and not visible in the available imagery (although what appears to be a KMT-6 mine plough can be seen on the ground behind the tank). The tank clearly has signs of fire damage along its side and rear and the front portion of its shell as been blown inwards and warped, cause unclear though it may have been an artillery strike, ATGM hit or an FPV. Intriguingly, inside the shell appears to be an earlier pre-existing ‘cope cage’ shelter on the turret which does not not a part of the outer shell structure.
Further examples of tanks equipped with counter-FPV shells, which both sides increasingly refer to as ‘сарай’ or sheds, have been shared. Drone footage of a Russian T-72B3 equipped with a ‘shed’ was shared early on 14 May showing the vehicle on fire, with smoke billowing from its roof, and under attack by FPVs. The footage has reportedly been geo-located to Novovodyanoe, in the Luhansk region. Again the shell is made up of sheet metal with a rear hatch and an additional mesh roof screen. The tank has a broken track and one shot from the footage appears to show the vehicle surrounded by TM-62 anti-tank mines suggesting the vehicle entered a mine field. The vehicle does not appear to be fitted with a mine plough or roller.
Additionally imagery of another T-62-based ‘turtle tank’ were also shared, date and location unknown, but the now standard construction of a rough internal framework made from box metal and then sheet metal welded onto the frame. From the photos it appears it may be fitted with a mine plough. Only one side of the shell has been completed but there is also a small ladder welded onto the frame at the rear for access to the engine deck. Intriguingly, we can also see that the frame itself has been welded to the tank’s turret with two angled struts meaning that the tanks turret cannot be traversed at all.
On the 14 May, footage of another knocked out ‘turtle tank’ emerged showing a burning tank near Andriivka in Donestsk. The tank appears to have been part of an armoured assault which may have been halted by artillery fire. The tank appears to be a T-62 fitted with KMT-6 mine plough. The vehicle is on fire with a significant portion of its shell blown off on its right side. The video also shows an FPV drone striking the tank from the rear. A further video appears to show an FPV able to enter the rear of the shell. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense attributed the destruction of the tank to ‘Javelins and FPV drones’ deployed by the 93rd Mechanised Brigade.
On the evening of 14 May, the 79th Air Assault Brigade shared video of another Russian attack in Novomykhailivka, in Donetsk. This showed several intriguing vehicles including a hybrid-turtle which had a layer of tyres under some cage armour and a camouflage net. [Additional footage here] Another brief shot showed a tank, with no visible main gun, moving across open ground. It is equipped with a KMT-7 mine roller and a counter-FPV shell/shed which is open fronted with no additional protection such as a chain curtain or wire cages. It appears the assault was met with both artillery and FPVs.
On the 15th, observation drone footage was shared of a badly damaged, burning ‘turtle tank’ which was destroyed by the Ukrainian 72nd brigade during a Russian attack in the Vuhledar sector. The date of the engagement is unconfirmed but the video shows the vehicle being destroyed in a spectacular explosion, likely due to a cook-off of ammunition.
On the 15 May another image of a converted T-72 in Donetsk emerged. Visible in the photo is a sheet metal counter-FPV shelter equipped with a layer of outer wire cages. A KMT-6 mine plough is fitted and a chain curtain protects the turret while providing decent visibility for the tank’s frontal arc. Additionally a commercial surveillance camera has been attached to the roof of the shell. An АЕК-902 smoke discharger is attached to the top of the shell and ERA blocks have been attached to the skirt and then enclosed partially by a wire screen.
On the 16 May, Russian military vlogger Large Caliber Trouble shared a series of videos which featured armoured vehicles fitted with counter-FPV shells. The first video showed an armoured assault with three vehicles with shells/sheds and one tank without. The footage, from an observation drone, is too low resolution to fully make out the configuration of the Turtles but its clear that the lead vehicle is equipped with a set of mine rollers. The assault column is bracketed by Ukrainian artillery fire and the lead tank is damaged and forced to turn back. While the second moves up and deploys smoke from an AEK-902 launcher the lead tank appears to take a direct hit to its rear, possibly from an FPV drone.
One of the tanks is called the ‘scorpion’ and is tasked with “clearing mines and identifying enemy points”. In a video showing the vehicle in action it is clear that the design is substantially different to previous ‘turtle tanks’ with no visible main gun, a fully enclosed front and an overhanding sheet metal rear awning. The vehicle is also equipped with a KMT-7 mine roller. In another post he described the vehicle as “a captured tank with a cut-off turret” that used “different building materials for [the] armor”. He claims it was “hit by 8 anti-tank guns and countless artillery shells.”
As always with these breakdowns we have to remember that we don’t have the full picture and the available imagery represents a fraction of what is happening on the frontline. As mentioned in the previous article/video the ‘turtle tanks’ are just as susceptible (if not more) to conventional means of knocking out tanks: mines, artillery and anti-tank guided missiles. It remains to be seen if a new trend is emerging that suggests that Ukraine is now increasingly capable of successfully countering the Russian assault sheds or if indeed the Turtle Tank will adapt again.
Updates
Update – 19/05/24:
On 18 May, the drone unit with the 3rd Assault Brigade shared further video of the ‘turtle tank’ that was first seen on 8 May. Filmed at the same time they stated that they came across an immobilised and abandoned ‘turtle tank’ and made several sorties to damage the vehicles engine and main gun.
Also on the 18 May, FPV camera footage from the 93rd Mechanised Brigade’s SIGNUM unit showed the ‘turtle tank’ first seen in footage shared on 14 May, near Andriivka in Donestsk. The first FPV can be seen to dive and strike the upper, right side of the shell. Another comes in low targetting the tank’s wheels while a third attacks the open hatch at the rear.
On the 19 May, several photos of hybrid-Turtles were shared by the Russian Ugolok_Sitha telegram channel showing T-62Ms with either a mine roller or a plough as well as camouflaged cope cages or Turtle-style counter-FPV shells made from gratings rather than solid sheet metal which have then been camouflaged with netting.
It emerged on 19 May that the ‘Scorpion’ showcased by Large Caliber Trouble three days earlier had apparently been successfully engaged. CyberBoroshnoshared a short clip showing the vehicle being struck by FPV drones and set alight. CyberBoroshno suggested the vehicle was an ‘atypical MT-LB’ but it is likely the tank, which had had its gun removed, was a T-62M.
The ‘Scorpion’ Turtle Tank about to be hit by an FPV (via social media)
On the evening of the 19 May, the 81st Airmobile Brigade shared drone footage of a pair of MT-LBs, both equipped with counter-FPV shells and both destroyed. The first MT-LB appears to have had its corrugated metal shell panels blown off and is burnt out. The second vehicle’s shell design is different with sheet metal panels and a cage frontage. The footage is said to have been filmed near the village. Belogorivka, Lugansk
Update – 20/05/24:
On 20 May, a Ukrainian telegram channel shared a video of another ‘Turtule Tank’, again with no visible main gun but with the usual trapezoidal sheet metal shell. The vehicle has a set of KMT-7 mine rollers and appears to strike two mines while moving at speed. A crew member is then seen running from the tank on foot as another explosion, possibly from an FPV, is seen on the left side of the tank. It is claimed the video was filmed on 18 May, near Novomykhailivka.
Also on the 20 May, the ADAM Tactical Group, shared a video of an FPV striking the rear of a moving vehicle which appears to have a counter-FPV shell. The low resolution of the footage makes it difficult to identify the vehicle. The construction of the vehicle’s shell is similar to that of the T-72B3 seen on the 14 May which had a pine green painted shell and supporting cross pieces visible on the shell’s top plates.
Update – 22/05/24:
On 21 May, CyberBoroshnoshared footage of a Russian ‘turtle tank’ damaged Marinka in the Donetsk region. The vehicle has seemingly already been disabled and the rear of the shell damaged. The shell has a secondary layer of bages on top of the sheet metal shell. The shell appears to have a considerable number of Kontakt-1 ERA bricks on the rear of its shell.
A Turtle Tank engaged by the ‘Rubizh’ Brigade (via social media)
Also on the 21 May, the 2nd battalion of the 4th Rapid Reaction Brigade “Rubizh” destroyed a turtle tank in Makeevka, Lugansk. The video shows the tank with heavy damage to its shell, with a fire on its right side. The very brief clip shows what may be a Bonus or 155 SMART round detonating above the tank while its stationary, alternatively it may be a close range engagement of the tank with an infantry anti-tank weapon.
Update – 23/05/24:
A video of an abandoned T-62BV enclosed in a hybrid ‘shell’ made from mesh being struck by FPVs was shared on the 23 May. Additionally, a telegram channel shared what was claimed to be a conversation between Russian combatants discussing the possibility of using rubber matting on ‘turtle tanks’. This post included a photograph of a very rustic looking ‘turtle tank’ which featured a mix of metal sheeting and fence wire enclosing the rear opening.
Photo of a rustic ‘turtle tank’ shared on 23 May, featuring a mix of steel sheeting and wire (via social media)
Also on the 23 May further footage of a ‘Turtle Tank’, first seen on 6 May, was shared showing the tank burnt out and completely destroyed after it was previously seen immobilised.
Update – 28/5/24:
On the 27 May, Ukraine’s 71st Jaeger Brigade shared further drone footage of a classic Turtle Tank with a low profile, well built counter-FPV shell. The Ukrainian Armed Forces press centre first shared video of this engagement on the 25 May, dating the footage to at least before the 25 May. The post did not state the location of the engagement, just that it was successfully engaged by FPVs. Two of which entered the rear of the shell and detonated near the turret ring. The tank appears to be equipped with mine rollers, fitting the Turtle Tanks’ conventional role as breachers.
Some recent footage of a Russian 'turtle tank' being destroyed by FPV drones of Ukraine's 71st Jaeger Brigade.
— Matthew Moss | Historical Firearms (@historicfirearm) May 28, 2024
Footage published in late May, with date and location unconfirmed, shows a BMP-2 fitted with a counter FPV shell being damaged by a munition being dropped by a drone. The vehicle already seems to have been mobility killed.
An interesting hybrid-Turtle was seen in footage shared by the Apachi FPV Strike Group on 27 May. It shows a tank with what appears to be a net over a frame work protecting the turret and two layers of spaced armour on its sides (see images below).
Also on 27 May, a single photograph of a T-72 being equipped with cage turret protection and horizontal slat protection on its sides was shared. It’s unclear what the vehicles finished form will by but other similar configurations have been covered with camouflage netting to make targetting more difficult for FPVs [Example].
Russia's Zvezda published a short video of Russian repair crews welding a mine plough on a #TurtleTank which is based on a damaged T-72 with its turret removed. There is a 2nd Turtle is in the background.
— Matthew Moss | Historical Firearms (@historicfirearm) May 28, 2024
On 28 May, Russia’s Zvezda Newspublished a short video of Russian repair crews welding a set of mine ploughs on a Turtle Tank (or as the report calls them Tsar-Mangal / Tsar’s barbecue). The report notes that the T-72 featured was damaged so its turret was removed and a counter-FPV shell added to create a APC capable of carrying troops. In the footage a second Turtle Tank can be seen in the background. The report did not state the units location.
A still from footage showing a transporter, carrying a Turtle Tank, which was involved in an accident in Belogrod (via social media)
On the evening of the 28 May, footage of a road traffic accident near Korocha, in the Belgorod region, showed several vehicles involved in a crash including a Russian tank transporter carrying a Turtle Tank (see above). The KamAZ tank transporter can be seen jackknifed and on fire. The tank can be seen fitted with mine ploughs and a trapezoidal counter-FPV shell, with a open front and an enclosed rear.
Support Us: If you enjoyed this video and article please consider supporting our work here. We have some great perks available for Patreon Supporters – including early access to custom stickers and early access to videos! Thank you for your support!
In a recent article/video we looked at the proliferation of Russia’s unusual ‘Turtle Tanks’ which are protected by ad hoc, locally fabricated counter-FPV shells. Since then we’ve gotten a good look at several more Turtle Tanks and our first look at the driver’s point of view.
Footage, filmed on 27 April, of another Russian armoured assault into Krasnohorivka shows a column of four infantry fighting vehicles with what appear t o be counter-FPV shelters following a tank with a ‘cope cage’
On the 29 April, a Ukrainian Telegram channel posted a short video of a ‘Turtle Tank’ attack in the Bakhmut direction, noting that [machine translated]: “the equipment is stupidly scalded with metal, from 5 units it was possible to destroy a tank and an armored personnel carrier. A lot of FPV was spent on one tank. Everyone laughs at their construction of barns, but in fact they work like hell.” The tank appears to have a box like shelter with a sloped forward roof over its gun and glacis. As seen in earlier videos the tank is leading a column of armoured vehicles during the assault, clearing a path for them. It appears to detonate a mine with its mine plough and retreats.
At the start of May a pair of T-62s with hybrid counter-FPV shelters were seen in photos taken by a UAV, location unconfirmed. These images illustrate the blurring of the lines between ‘cope cage’ equipped tanks and the ‘turtle tanks’. Like the earlier turtle tanks they’re fitted with EW sets & KMT-6 mine ploughs but do not have shells made entirely from sheet metal. Instead, they appear to have used chainlink and gratings, one piece of which appears to have Kontakt (explosive reactive armour (ERA) mounted. One of the vehicles appears to have been used to transport supplies. One T-62 has broken tracks, the other top damage.
A hybrid combining elements of the Turtle Tank with that of earlier ‘cope cages’ (via social media)
Around the same time the Ukrainian 79th Air Assault Brigade shared video of Russian attacks near Novomykhailivka, in Donetsk, the footage included a brief clip of a ‘turtle tank’ with a small forward opening, camouflage over its shell frame and no sign of a mine plough or roller fitted. On 2 May, the 33rd Mechanized Brigade shared footage from thermal camera-equipped FPV drones showed a Russian tank being used to transport troops, the profile of the counter-FPV shelter is visible but the low definition of the thermal footage makes it difficult to analyse its construction. The vehicle, however, appears to be equipped with a mine plough and possibly an EW module.
Also on 2 May, Ukrainian drone fundraiser Teoyaomiquushared a video of a Russian assault near Ivanivske which shows a pair of Russian armoured vehicles with counter-FPV shells, one of which deploys a smoke screen. The 1st Assault Battalion of the 5th Separate Assault Brigade also shared footage from the Russian assault showing the shell-equipped vehicles.
On the 5 May a short video was posted by a Russian combatant which showed an entirely enclosed MT-LB with steel plates surrounding the top of the vehicle and its wheels. It also has an additional mesh roof cover to add additional top protection. Two cutouts in the side and one in the front for the driver also have mesh covers to give some visibility. On the same day video of a destroyed BTR-MDM which had been encased in a counter-FPV shelter was shared, showing the rear of the vehicle enclosed.
An evolved Turtle Tank with added cages on its superstructure (via social media)
Perhaps the most striking evolution of the ‘Turtle Tank’ appeared on 5 May, a tank completely enclosed except for a small gap at the front. Protective grills made from cages completely cover the outer metal sheets of the counter-FPV shell. One Russian telegram channel likened it to a rolling ‘poultry farm’. The vehicle also has a KMT-7 mine roller. Additional video of the porcupine-like tank gives us the first look at what it is like driving one of these ‘turtle tanks’, with his hatch open the driver has an almost clear view ahead (apart from the solid awning above him and the partial grill cage protection to his front) but no view to the left or right front quarters of the tank.
A Turtle Tank driver using a camera feed to steer (via social media)
Several days later footage from inside what appears to be the same tank shows the driver steering by video monitor. The readout on the monitor suggests the video’s resolution is 4K H.265 but the field of view appears limited, with the camera seemingly positioned on the shell’s awning looking down between the KMT-7’s two rollers. The system used is from Russian automotive accessory company Eplutus and appears to be one of their rear view camera monitors.
Another piece of UAV footage shows another ‘turtle tank’ with a much boxier shell. It again has all of the major features seen in earlier examples: a sheet metal shell which encloses most of the top part of tank, a set of mine rollers and a EW jammer module on the roof. Some sources suggest the footage was filmed near Bilohorivka, in Luhansk. It’s unclear when the footage was filmed but the vehicle appears stationary with access grates to the tank’s rear deck left open.
The 7 May saw evidence of the proliferation of t he ‘turtle tank’ concept with Russian social media sharing photographs of a ‘Turtle Tank’ fabricated by the Russian 40th Naval Infantry Brigade, these indicate that the concept is continuing to proliferated, perhaps without any central influence. The tank is encased in a counter-FPV shelter made up of three large metal sheets, a poorly fabricated angled roof which slopes at the rear with a flat top and a wire mesh slopping front piece. Additionally on the floor there appears to be a chair curtain similar to those seen on other ‘turtle tanks’. The rear has an extended deck and appears to be enclosed. A skirt of Kontakt-1 ERA has been roughly added around the skirt. As with other Turtle Tanks the ‘V Turtle’ is equipped with what appears to be an RP-377 electronic warfare jammer. It also has a KMT-6 mine plough fitted. A large white V has been painted on the sides of the shell and Russian flag rings added to the barrel.
A Turtle Tank built by the 40th Naval Infantry Brigade (via social media)
On 10 May, footage of an FPV drone attacking an immobilised ‘turtle tank’ emerged. The tank is again enclosed by a counter-FPV shell and has a mine plough. The feed from the drone also suffers from some interference as it approaches the vehicle suggesting that an EW module may be present nearby, perhaps aboard the tank. However, it appears that a mine has damaged the tank’s tracks and the vehicle has been abandoned allowing an FPV to attack via an open rear hatch. The footage was reportedly filmed during the first day of the new Russian offensive towards Kharkiv. This again shows that not only is the concept proliferating but also that the ‘turtle tanks’ are still vulnerable to conventional anti-tank weapons like mines.
Also on the 10 May, the Russian military channel, Large Caliber Trouble, shared a photo of the porcupine turtle tank which had been damaged by FPV strikes showing the cage bars bent and some holes in the counter-FPV shell. The post claims that the tank was “attacked by 40 kamikazes, [but] thanks to electronic warfare, most of them fell and only 8 FPVs were able to cause damage.” The condition of the vehicle after the engagement is unknown. The suggestion that a large number of FPVs attacked the tank supports the earlier Ukrainian comments about ‘a lot of FPV [being] spent on one tank.’
A ‘turtle tank’, possibly a T-80, seen on the eastern front on the first day of the Russian Kharkiv offensive (via social media)
A key question is how can the Turtle Tanks be defeated? Basically just like any other tank can be: anti-tank guided missiles with tandem warheads, dense mines belts, direct hits by artillery, use of multiple FPV drones to damage and breach the shell with additional drones to exploit gaps made.
We will probably see further proliferation of the ‘turtle tanks’ in coming weeks but with time the Ukrainians will probably find ways to engage these protected tanks more effectively, as is so common in war there will probably be a continued evolution of measure and counter-measure.
Update – 13/5/24:
On the 8 May photos of a Russian T-72B3 being fitted with a counter-FPV shell were posted. OSINT account Naalsionoted that while the tank had tactical markings denoting the 68th Guards Tank Regiment, 150th Motorised Rifle Division, 8th Guards Combined Arms Army, Southern Military District, the original Telegram post said that the work was carried out by the 104th Separate Tank Battalion of the 7th Guards Airborne Assault Division. In the photos we can see the assembly of a frame projecting from the tank’s sides with slightly angled sheet metal being welded to the sides.
Ukraine’s Presidential Brigade shared some FPV footage of what may be another ‘Turtle Tank’ near Vuhledar. The resolution of the footage is low but the vehicle appears to have an EW module on top of its counter-FPV shell. Its unclear if the shell is solid sheet metal or if its is a mesh screen which covers the top part of the vehicle and has been shrouded in camouflage netting.
On 13 May, photographs of a T-80U with shell were shared with at least some of the work seemingly being completed in the field with a welder hooked up to a generator. The outer framework of the shell is visible and the sheet metal used seems to be well rusted. Markings visible may suggest the tank belongs to the 3rd Motor Rifle Division’s 752nd Motor Rifle Regiment.
Also on the 13 May, the 3rd Assault Brigade claimed that the 3rd along with the 66th Mechanized, and 77th Airmobile Brigades had engaged Russian forces on the Kharkiv front and struck a ‘turtle tank’ with FPVs.
Footage of what may be the ‘turtle tank’ which was immobilised during the initial assaults on the Kharkiv front shows the shell badly damaged and its left-side track lost its KMT-6 mine plough is still present however.
The clearest imagery of of a knocked out ‘turtle tank’ which has appeared so far also emerged on 13 May. Three images taken by an observation drone show a T-62 which shares a numerous construction characteristics with the earlier ‘porcupine turtle’ seen on 5 May. It has similar protective grills made from cages completely cover the outer metal sheets of the counter-FPV shell. However, its rear is not enclosed by sheet metal but a combination of sheets and grating.
The tank doesn’t have any visible electronic warfare equipment but is fitted with what appears to be a BTU-55 dozer blade mounting point (H/T – Ross) which is no longer present and not visible in the available imagery (although what appears to be a KMT-6 mine plough can be seen on the ground behind the tank). The tank is clearly has signs of fire damage along its side and rear and the front portion of its shell as been blown inwards and warped, cause unclear though it may have been an artillery strike, ATGM hit or an FPV. Intriguingly, inside the shell appears to be an earlier pre-existing ‘cope cage’ shelter on the turret which does not not a part of the outer shell structure.
Update – 14/5/24:
Further examples of tanks equipped with counter-FPV shells, which both sides increasingly refer to as ‘сарай’ or sheds. Drone footage of a Russian T-72B3 equipped with a ‘shed’ was shared early on 14 May showing the vehicle on fire, with smoke billowing from its roof, and under attack by FPVs. The footage has reportedly been geo-located to Novovodyanoe, in the Luhansk region. Again the shell is made up of sheet metal with a rear hatch and an additional mesh roof screen. The tank has a broken track and one shot from the footage appears to show the vehicle surrounded by TM-62 anti-tank mines suggesting the vehicle entered a mine field. The vehicle does not appear to be fitted with a mine plough or roller.
Additionally imagery of another T-62-based ‘turtle tank’ were also shared, date and location unknown, but the now standard construction of a rough internal framework made from box metal and then sheet metal welded onto the frame. From the photos it appears it may be fitted with a mine plough. Only one side of the shell has been completed but there is also a small ladder welded onto the frame at the rear for access to the engine deck. Intriguingly, we can also see that the frame itself has been welded to the tank’s turret with two angled struts meaning that the tanks turret cannot be traversed at all.
Update – 15/5/24:
On the 14 May, footage of another knocked out ‘turtle tank’ emerged showing a burning tank near Andriivka in Donestsk. The tank appears to have been part of an armoured assault which may have been halted by artillery fire. The tank appears to be a T-62 fitted with KMT-6 mine plough. The vehicle is on fire with a significant portion of its shell blown off on its right side. The video also shows an FPV drone striking the tank from the rear.
On the evening of 14 May, the 79th Air Assault Brigade shared video of another Russian attack in Novomykhailivka, in Donetsk. This showed several intriguing vehicles including a hybrid-turtle which had a layer of tyres under some cage armour and a camouflage net. [Additional footage here] Another brief shot showed a tank, with no visible main gun, moving across open ground. It is equipped with a KMT-7 mine roller and a counter-FPV shell/shed which is open fronted with no additional protection such as a chain curtain or wire cages. It appears the assault was met with both artillery and FPVs.
On the 15th observation drone footage was shared of a badly damaged, burning ‘turtle tank’ which was destroyed by the Ukrainian 72nd brigade during a Russian attack in the Vuhledar sector. The date of the engagement is unconfirmed but the video shows the vehicle being destroyed in a spectacular explosion, likely due to a cook-off of ammunition.
On the 15 May another image of a converted T-72 in Donetsk emerged. Visible in the photo is a sheet metal counter-FPV shelter equipped with a layer of outer wire cages. A KMT-6 mine plough is fitted and a chain curtain protects the turret while providing decent visibility for the tank’s frontal arc. Additionally a commercial surveillence camera has been attatched to the roof of the shell. An АЕК-902 smoke discharger is attached to the top of the shell and ERA blocks have been attached to the skirt and then enclosed partially by a wire screen.
Support Us: If you enjoyed this video and article please consider supporting our work here. We have some great perks available for Patreon Supporters – including early access to custom stickers and early access to videos! Thank you for your support!
A few weeks ago my good friend (and podcast co-host!) Robbie McGuire gifted me a cool little comic. Now I’m not a comic guy but this one is definitely in my wheelhouse. Robbie gave me a copy of ‘Super Soldiers of the SAS’, which was printed as a part of the ‘Battle Action Force’ series of comics that published in the mid-1980s.
From what I can tell from a little research ‘Super Soldiers of the SAS’ wasn’t part of the normal run of the Battle Action Force comics and isn’t dated, it seems to have been an additional side publication giving more of a look at the SAS and its history.
Front cover of ‘Super Soldiers of the SAS’ (Photo: Matthew Moss)
The Battle Action Force comics were launched in the summer of 1983 and was a partnership between IPC’s long running ‘Battle’ comic (launched in 1975) and UK toy company Palitoy to advertise and tie in with Palitoy’s new Action Force. The Action Force toys were themselves a smaller 3¾” spin off from the larger Action Man figures. Palitoy launched the Action Force toys in 1982 and these included ‘SAS Trooper’ and ‘SAS Frogman’ and overtime a whole SAS team was sold.
‘Super Soldiers of the SAS’ came at the height of SAS mania in the wake of the Iranian Embassy Siege (1980) and the Falklands War (1982). The comic is brilliantly illustrated and gives a brief history of the SAS and their role. With illustrations of the Iranian Embassy Siege, Malaya, the Falklands War and operations in Oman. There’s some nice mentions of known SAS personnel including Sgt Gordon Turnbull who was awarded the Military Medal in 1957 and Captain Gavin Hamilton who was killed during the Falklands War and awarded the Military Cross.
There’s a section on ‘weapons of the SAS’ featuring an AR-18, an L7 GPMG, MP5 and Browning Hi-Power the comic then outlines some of the SAS’s special skills and other equipment including Pink Panther Land Rovers and stun grenades. Then right at the very back is a two page section n the SBS, who were never featured in the Action Force toy range but is a great inclusion here picturing them infiltrating ashore from a canoe equipped with a suppressed Sterling Mk6.
All in all a cool little comic and I can definitely see how it would have captured a little boy’s imagination back in the mid-1980s.
Support Us: If you enjoyed this video and article please consider supporting our work here. We have some great perks available for Patreon Supporters – including early access to custom stickers and early access to videos! Thank you for your support!
Bibliography:
The History of Action Force, Bloodforthebaron.com, (source)
Looking back at Battle Action Force, Downthetubes.net, (source)
The Armourers Bench 