Tank biathlon

The four T-72B tanks of the participants
The Russian T-72B
T-80U tanks at the show in 2013

Tank biathlon is a mechanised military sport invented by the Russian Military with some similarities to the sport of biathlon. It is supposed to utilise the complex training of tank crews including their rough terrain passing skills combined with the ability to provide accurate and rapid fire while en route.[1]

Description

Tanks go on a three-round route of 6-10 km. During the first round crews fire at targets positioned at a distances of 1,800, 1,700 and 1,500 m. The second round firing is at targets imitating an anti-tank mortar (RPG) squad and an infantry unit - these targets are at a distance of 600–700 m, and must be engaged with a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun. The third round targeting is at an anti-tank gun and ATGM unit by use of the NSV 12.7 mm remotely controlled anti-aircraft heavy machine gun at a distance of 1,200 m. Firing misses lead to an extra round, 500 m long. On the final round tanks have to go through various terrain obstacles; a missed or crashed obstacle adds 10 seconds to the crew's final timing.

Events

The first such contests ran in several of Russia's Military Districts with final taking place at the Alabino proving ground on 11–17 August 2013, with crews from Kazakhstan, Belarus and Armenia invited for the contest. In 2015 China and Serbia also participated.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Сергей Шойгу сделает танковый биатлон новым видом спорта . 10 August 2013.
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