Overview
The sixth edition of the Legion equipment database represents a significant expansion and reorganization of Soviet and Russian military equipment documentation. This update focuses on improved cross-referencing, addition of post-Soviet systems, and integration of newly available technical documentation from archival sources.
Major Updates in Sixth Edition
New Equipment Profiles Added
Ground systems:
- Modern strategic missile transporters (MZKT family)
- Post-2000 air defense systems (S-400, modernized S-300 variants)
- Electronic warfare systems (Krasuha series)
- Coastal defense platforms (A-222 Bereg)
Naval systems:
- Operational analysis of carrier deployments (Kuznetsov reports)
- Modern submarine classes documentation
- Updated surface combatant data
Aviation:
- Modern variant documentation for legacy airframes
- Unmanned systems initial documentation
- Precision-guided munitions updates
Specialized vehicles:
- Expanded amphibious vehicle coverage (ZIL-E series)
- Experimental systems documentation (Object 279, Object 430)
- Recovery and support equipment
Documentation Improvements
Cross-referencing enhancements:
- Improved linking between related systems
- Family/variant relationship documentation
- Operational context cross-references
- Development lineage tracking
Technical accuracy:
- Corrections based on newly released documentation
- Specification verification from multiple sources
- Variant differentiation clarification
- Timeline accuracy improvements
Contextual information:
- Enhanced deployment history sections
- Operational employment documentation
- Strategic and tactical context
- Arms control treaty implications
Structural Changes
Category reorganization:
- Clearer separation of equipment types
- Improved index structure
- Enhanced navigation paths
- Consolidated duplicate entries
Naming standardization:
- Consistent designation formats
- NATO reporting name inclusion
- Transliteration standards applied
- Export designation clarity
Media integration:
- Technical diagrams where available
- Operational photos documented
- Video documentation references
- Technical illustration standards
Research Methodology Updates
Source Material Expansion
Archival access:
- Post-Soviet technical literature availability
- Museum collection documentation
- Veteran technical specialist interviews
- Industry publication archives
International sources:
- Export customer technical manuals
- Allied nation documentation
- Western intelligence assessments (declassified)
- Academic research integration
Digital resources:
- Online archive access
- Digital preservation initiatives
- Community-contributed documentation
- International cooperation projects
Verification Standards
The sixth edition implements enhanced verification procedures:
- Multiple source requirement: Key specifications verified from 2+ independent sources
- Variant confirmation: Designation and variant details cross-checked
- Timeline validation: Dates confirmed through historical records
- Technical review: Expert consultation on complex systems
Known Limitations and Future Work
Current Gaps
Areas requiring additional research:
- Detailed specifications for some classified systems
- Complete production numbers for various platforms
- Comprehensive export variant documentation
- Full modernization program details
Planned Seventh Edition Focus
Future updates will emphasize:
- Unmanned systems comprehensive coverage
- Modern precision weapons expansion
- Command and control systems documentation
- Cyber and information warfare systems
- Enhanced multimedia integration
User Feedback Integration
The sixth edition incorporates community feedback:
- Requested equipment additions prioritized
- Error corrections from user reports
- Navigation improvements based on usage patterns
- Enhanced search and cross-reference capabilities
Technical Notes
Database Structure
The edition maintains compatibility with:
- Standard web browsers (HTML5 compliance)
- Mobile device access optimization
- Screen reader accessibility
- Print-friendly formatting options
Update Frequency
The database operates on a rolling update model:
- Major editions approximately annually
- Incremental updates for corrections
- Breaking news additions as significant systems emerge
- Community contributions reviewed continuously
Citation and Attribution
When citing Legion database materials:
- Edition number (sixth edition)
- Specific equipment page URL
- Access date
- "Legion Equipment Database, Sixth Edition" as source
Example: Legion Equipment Database, Sixth Edition. "MZKT Heavy Strategic Chassis." legion.wplus.net/guide/army/tr/mzkt.shtml. Accessed [date].
Related Resources
- Strategic Rocket Forces overview
- Equipment index by category
- Legion Library home
- English edition home page
Community and Contributions
The Legion database relies on:
- Technical specialist volunteers
- Museum and archive partnerships
- Academic researcher collaboration
- User error reports and suggestions
Acknowledgments
The sixth edition benefits from:
- Military technical museum cooperation
- Veteran technical specialist input
- Academic institution partnerships
- International researcher collaboration
- Community documentation efforts
The Legion Equipment Database serves educational and research purposes, documenting historical and contemporary military equipment from openly available sources. All material complies with applicable information security and export control regulations.