The Russian Main Battle Tank Is Equipped With Cape

In addition to facing potential attacks from anti-tank weapons, Main Battle Tank (MBT) crews must be extra vigilant against detection elements from satellites and reconnaissance drones.

Because optical and thermal-based images from the two aerial vehicles can provide high-precision coordinates, the MBT can be destroyed by shots from howitzers and MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) rockets.

Departing from the conditions above, the Russian Army Cavalry has studied the attack tactics used by Ukrainian troops.

As a solution, the Research Institute of Steel, part of the Kalashnikov Group, has developed a special armor material for MBTs called "Cape".

The cap produced by JSC "NII Steel" can reduce the visibility of tanks and other military equipment at various wavelengths.

According to Kalashnikov Group.ru, the Cape has begun to be used by Russian MBTs in combat conditions in Ukraine.

In particular, a number of MBT units have received the first samples of Cape from the Research Institute of Steel to equip tanks with this armor material.

In modern combat situations, it has been shown that armored vehicles are immobilized not only by anti-tank guns but also as a result of long-range artillery fire or rocket attacks.

In this case, the shelling is carried out after the enemy detects equipment using satellites or aviation reconnaissance equipment.

Camouflage materials from the Research Institute offer a variety of ways to reduce visibility.

One of the main elements of the Cape is protecting combat vehicles from detection by radar and thermal imaging reconnaissance devices; its shape-shifting coloring also provides optical camouflage.

Today, the Cape is an indispensable element of the deployment of Russian armored vehicles into combat zones.