IMR-2

IMR-2
IMR built on hull of T-55
Type	Heavy combat engineering vehicle
Place of origin	Russia
Service history
Wars	Soviet–Afghan War First Chechen War Second Chechen War
Specifications
Weight	44.3 tonnes
Length	9.55 m
Width	4.35 m
Height	3.68 m
Crew	2
Main armament	1 x 12.7 mm
Engine	diesel 840 hp
Suspension	torsion-bar
Operational range	500 km
Speed	50 km/h

IMR-2 - combat engineering vehicle built on T-72 main battle tank.

Development of the IMR-2 begun in 1970s completed in 1980, while commercial production commenced 1982. IMR-2 developed to replace aging IMR which built on base of T-54/55 tank.The IMR-2 combat engineering vehicle is in service with Russian Army and some foreign countries .It took part in Soviet–Afghan War, First Chechen War, Second Chechen War and in addition used in relief operations after Chernobyl disaster.^[1]

Design

IMR-2 built on T-72. The turret of T-72 has been removed and new rotating multipurpose telescopic crane has been added. The IMR-2 is equipped at the front of the hull with bulldozer has V shape and straight shape, a 200 – 250 m³/h capacity . When not required, the blade is folded upwards. Stone barriers can be cleared at the rate of 280 to 350 meter an hour while trenches and tree barriers can be filled in at the rate of 350 to 400 m/h.^[2] A 12.7 mm NSVT machine is mounted on the crew operator/commander cabin, for the self-protection of the vehicle.

Propulsion

The IMR-2 is powered by a multi-fuel water-cooled diesel engine V-84Ms developing 840 hp.The same engine used in T-72. The IMR-2 can run at a maximum road speed of 50 km/h with a maximum range of 500 km. The IMR-2 uses the same torsion-bar suspension as the main battle tank T-72, which consists of six road wheels for each side. This combat engineering vehicle is operated by a 2-man crew.^[1][2]

Variants

• IMR: First version of combat engineering vehicle built on T-54/55 medium battle tank chassis, powered by a V-55 diesel engine developing 520 hp.

• IMR-2M1: Simplified model without the mine-clearing system. Entered service in 1982. Based on T-72A tank hull.

• IMR-2M2: Improved version that is better suited for operations in dangerous situations, for example in contaminated areas. It entered service in 1990 and has a modified crane arm with bucket instead off the pincers.

• IMR-2MA: Latest version with bigger operator's cabin armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun NSV.

• Klin-1: Remote controlled IMR-2.^[2]

• IMR-3M: Combat engineering vehicle built on the T-90 main battle tank chassis.^[3]

References