1K17 Szhatiye.

Описание: The 1K17 "Szhatiye" (Russian: 1K17 «Сжатие», meaning *Compression*) was an experimental self-propelled laser tank developed by the Soviet Union during the late Cold War. This vehicle was among the most unique projects in the history of military technology, as it used a high-powered laser weapon to destroy or disable targets instead of a conventional cannon.

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🔹 Background

Developed by the USSR Institute of Optical-Mechanical Engineering (VNIIRE) design bureau in conjunction with Uraltransmash in the late 1980s.
Its primary purpose is to disable enemy optical and electronic systems, such as:

Anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) guidance systems.
Enemy tank optics (periscopes, sights).
Aircraft or helicopters using infrared optics/laser guidance.

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🔹 Design & Key Features

**Chassis**: Uses the proven 2S19 Msta-S self-propelled gun chassis.
**Main Armament**:

*Multi-channel solid-state laser* with *16 large optical lenses* on the front of the turret.
This laser uses a giant ruby crystal as a transmitter, powered by a special generator.
**Function**: The laser is directed at enemy optical targets to blind, damage sensors, or melt optical components.
**Protection**:

Heavy armor like a tank.
Additional armor to protect the optical system itself.

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🔹 Weaknesses

1. *Very energy-intensive* – requires a special generator and a large power supply.
2. *Large size & weight* – over 50 tons.
3. *High production cost* – one of the most expensive weapons in Soviet history.
4. *Limited coverage* – only effective against optical/electronic systems, cannot physically destroy tanks.

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🔹 Final Fate

Only *one* 1K17 prototype was ever built (circa 1990–1991).
Tests were conducted, but never entered production due to:

The collapse of the Soviet Union.
Excessive cost.
The emergence of other, more effective technologies (e.g., precision missiles & electronic warfare).
Currently, one *1K17 "Szhatiye"* is on display at the **Artillery Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia**.

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🔹 Summary

The 1K17 "Szhatiye" was an experimental Soviet laser tank designed to blind and damage enemy optical systems using a giant solid-state laser. While futuristic in concept, the project failed due to technical and cost limitations, but remains a symbol of extreme Soviet military experimentation at the end of the Cold War.