UR-77 (Meterorit)

History

The UR-77 "Meteorit" was a Soviet minesweeper and battlefield destruction vehicle developed during the Cold War. It utilized the chassis of the 2A1 "Gvozdika" self-propelled gun and entered service in the Soviet Army. Later, the Russian Army and several other nations, including Azerbaijan, Syria, and Ukraine, adopted this vehicle for their armed forces. It saw action in conflicts such as the Chechen wars, Syrian civil war, and the ongoing Ukrainian conflict.

Built on the 2S1 SPA framework, the UR-77 shared its wheels, tracks, and engine with this platform. Its crew was reduced to a driver and commander due to the removal of the main armament. This adaptation provided improved protection and a lower profile. The vehicle's rear launcher fired rocket-powered minesweeper charges that neutralized buried mines upon impact, facilitating area clearance.

Despite its Cold War origins, the UR-77 "Meteorit" remains operational within the contemporary Russian military, showcasing its continued relevance in modern conflict scenarios.

Specification

BASIC

Years of Service: 1978

Origins: Soviet Union

Status: Active.

Crew: 2

Production: 550

Manufacturer: Kharkiv Tractor Works - USSR

Operator: Azerbaijan; Russia; Soviet Union; Syria; Ukraine

Notable Features

Crawler layout

The vehicle uses a track wheel arrangement to provide improved off-road capability.

Cross-country skiing

The design includes features such as a chain linkage system or high ground clearance for better traversing of terrain.

Angled armor

Angled armor on critical faces adds inherent ballistic protection to the vehicle.

ABC Protection

Crew are protected (standard or optional) by nuclear biological and chemical agents to improve survivability in contaminated areas.

Night Vision

Night vision equipment is available to the crew to allow operation in low light conditions or at night.

Indirect fire possible

The capabilities of this system allow it to attack targets/target areas without reaching line of sight.

Psychological effect

Capable of firing lethal indirect fire from a distance to saturate the area; can include nuclear, biological, and chemical agents.

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS

Length: 23.8 ft (7.26 m)

Width: 9.4 ft (2.85 m)

Height: 8. 9 ft (2.7 m)

Weight: 34,172 lb (15,500 kg)

Tonnage: 17.1 tons

POWER & PERFORMANCE

Powerplant: 1 x YaMZ-238N diesel-fueled engine developing 300 horsepower driving conventional track-and-wheel arrangement.

Speed: 37.3 mph (60.0 kph)

Range: 310.7 mi (500.0 km)

ARMAMENT

1 x Mine-clearing line charge in twin-tubed launcher over rear of hull.

AMMUNITION

1 x Mine-clearing line charge.