Russia obtained ‘monster’ M1150 ABV worth 4 million USD given to Ukraine by the US
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Viet Hung
April 26, 2024 08:44
ANTD.VN – International media reported that the Russian army has captured a “monster” M1150 ABV, an 80-ton mine clearing vehicle, worth $4 million, supplied by the US to Ukraine in the Berdychi region.
This M1150 ABV was abandoned by the 47th Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine at the end of February 2024, after it was severely damaged by a Russian raid.
Images shared on Russian social networks on April 25, 2024, show the first time this special line of weapons fell into Russian hands.
This arrest took place in the Berdychi region, where clashes between Ukrainian and Russian forces often occur.
America’s “monster” M1150 ABV is a special vehicle with an “extremely unique” design, responsible for clearing mines and paving the way for attack forces.
The US provided a number of M1150 ABVs to the Ukrainian army last year to serve in the counteroffensive campaign.
Western experts evaluate that the M1150 ABV protects soldiers well and is flexible.
However, when lying motionless in an open area, the large M1150 ABV “becomes an easy target for Russian artillery batteries, small drones or tank hunters”, Forbes expert Ax commented.
The “monster” M1150 ABV was developed by the US in the early 2000s and officially used by the US military in 2009.
Up to 239 M1150 ABVs have been produced and a large number are still serving in the US army.
The M1150 ABV is a heavy, highly mobile mine clearance vehicle that can penetrate many complex obstacles.
The M1150’s mission is simply to go ahead of the armored column, clearing all mines along the way.
The M1150 ABV helps attack units quickly overcome opponents’ barriers.
The M1150 ABV proved effective in the conflict in Afghanistan in 2009.
The vehicle uses a modified M1A1 Abrams main battle tank chassis, taken from the army’s stockpile.
The M1A1’s turret was removed and replaced with a new superstructure.
The vehicle is integrated with various subsystems to reduce development time and costs.
The M1150 ABV is equipped with a bulldozer blade, plowing and demining equipment, and multiple impact legs. Any mines that are not detonated by the bearing legs will be raked to the ground with a bulldozer blade.
The vehicle has a unique turret equipped with two Linear Demolition Systems (using mine and missile clearance lines), Integrated Sighting System, Lane Marking System (LMS).
The crew of this “monster” vehicle consists of only 2 people, in which the commander is responsible for controlling the machine gun and the mine clearance system, while the remaining member is responsible for driving.
The mine clearance wire carries explosives that can detonate mines, bombs or improvised explosive devices at a safe distance when launched 100 to 150 m ahead.
The M1150 ABV is capable of moving at a maximum speed of 70 km/h, with a range of 500 km, overcoming obstacles 1 m high, crossing trenches 2.7 m wide, wading in water 2.2 m deep.
This is because the M1150 ABV uses an extremely powerful turbine engine, providing 1,500 horsepower.
The M1150 ABV itself is designed with such a heavy weight so that it can withstand the explosive power of large mines – ensuring the safety of the crew sitting inside from any common mine explosions.
Even in armored combat, the M1150 engineering vehicle can still fully assume the role of a firepower supply machine or mobile blockhouse, attracting enemy firepower.
“The ABV provides significant protection for the crew, and can move quickly to keep up with mobile forces, creating significant benefits for soldiers.”
The US Army said: “ABV provides significant protection for the crew, and can move quickly to keep up with mobile forces, helping to create significant benefits for soldiers.”
