COMBINED TANK Russian patent published in 1999 - IPC

FIELD: armored vehicles. SUBSTANCE: invention refers to accommodation of crew, weaponry and equipment in tank. Combined tank is additionally equipped with separable manned compartment to accommodate 6-12 crew members and solders of tank-borne infantry placed outside tank hull. Compartment is made of three suspended armored cabins, two of which are located on sides of tank and protrude beyond tank width by approximately 1.0 m to each side. Third armored cabin is positioned behind the part of tank and increases length of tank by about 2.0 m. Part of anti-cumulative side shield ( external side armor of armored cabins ) is 1.8- 2.0 m distant from main side armor of tank hull instead of approximately 0.8 m usual distance. In close-quarter combat 6 to 12 crew members and solders of tank-borne infantry are protected by bullet-proof armor and form zone of multichannel all-round fire with use of automatic small arms, hand grenade throwers and small-sized tank flame throwers to neutralize personnel dangerous for tanks. Armored cabins can house part of tank equipment needed for various purposes. EFFECT: increased protection of tank and tank-borne infantry thanks to their accommodation in armored cabins and provision for all-round surveillance. 1 dwg