BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle

The BMP-2 [BMP = Boyevaya Mashina Pyekhota - Infantry Fighting Vehicle] infantry combat vehicle, fielded in the early 1980's [initially designated BMP 1981], is an improved version of the BMP-1 incorporating major armament changes. The new two-man turret mounts a 30-mm automatic gun with a long thin tube and double-baffle muzzle brake that can be used against aircraft and helicopters. The ATGM launcher on top of the turret can employ either AT-4 SPIGOT or AT-5 SPANDREL missiles, though the AT-5 Spandrel canister is normally mounted. Given the enlarged turret, there are two roof hatches in the rear fighting compartment, rather than the four of the BMP-1, and the the BMP-2 accommodates one less passenger. Each side of the troop compartment has three firing ports with associated roof-mounted periscopes.

The BMP-2 is fully amphibious, and the upper part of the track has a sheet metal cover deeper than that of the BMP-1 which is filled with a buoyancy aid. A French SNPE explosive reactive armor (ERA) kit and others are available for use on the BMP-2. However, during dismounted troop movement, ERA would be a hazard. Thus, passive armor is more likely and ERA application is doubtful. For amphibious use, additional armor application is unlikely. Other options are spall liners, air conditioning, and a more

powerful engine. Russian AG-17 30-mm automatic grenade launcher modification is offered for BMP-2. Russian KBP offers a drop-in one-man turret, called Kliver, with a stabilized 2A72 30-mm gun, a 4 Kornet ATGM launcher, thermal sights, a coaxial 7.62-mm MG and improved fire control system. ATGM load consists of one ready on the launcher and four stowed. They are readily accessible, but require hand loading from an open hatch. The AT-5 and AT-5B are more likely than AT-4 and -4B. French-German Flame-V adaptor kit permits the BMP-2 system to launch Milan, Milan-2, and Milan-3 ATGMs.

Thermal sights are available, and the Russian SANOET-1 thermal gunner's sight is available. The Russian

Trakt/1PN65 thermal imaging (TI) ATGM night sight is optional. Acquisition range is 2,500 m (NFI). For the launcher in dismount

configuration, the Slovenian TS-F ATGM night sight is available and has a detection range of 4,500 m and recognition range of 2,000 m. The Russian Mulat/1PN86 lightweight TI ATGM thermal sight has 3,600 m detection range and 2,000 m identification range.

VARIANTS

A number of product improvements were made to the BMP-2 in the late 1980’s. BMP-2D: Variant with add-on plate armor, but which cannot swim BMP-2E: Variant with 6-mm steel plates added and track skirts BMP-2K: Command variant with additional radio

SpecificationsAlternative Designations

Yozh (Russia), Sarath (India)

Date of Introduction 1980

Proliferation At least 20 countries

Description

Crew 3

Troop Capacity 7 passengers

Combat Weight (mt) 14.3

Chassis Length Overall (m)

6.72

Height Overall (m) 2.45

Width Overall (m) 3.15

Ground Pressure (kg/cm 2 )

0.63

Automotive Performance

Engine Type 300-hp Diesel

Cruising Range (km) 600

Speed (km/h)

Max Road 65

Max Off-Road 45

Average Cross-Country

35

Max Swim 7

Fording Depth (m) Amphibious

Radio R-123M transceiver or R-173

Protection

Armor, Turret Front (mm)

23-33

Applique Armor (mm)

On BMP-2D

Explosive Reactive Armor (mm)

Available

Active Protective System

N/A

Mineclearing Equipment

KMT-8 mine plow available

Self-Entrenching N/A

Blade

NBC Protection System

Collective

Smoke Equipment 6 smoke grenade launchers, VEESS

ARMAMENT

Main Armament

Caliber, Type, Name 30-mm automatic gun, 2A42

Rate of Fire (rd/min) 550 cyclic in bursts/ 200-300 practical

Loader Type Dual-belt feed

Ready/Stowed Rounds

500/0

Elevation (°) -5 to +74

Fire on Move Yes

Auxiliary Weapon

Caliber, Type, Name 7.62-mm (7.62x 54R) machinegun, PKT

Mount Type Turret coax

Maximum Aimed Range (m)

2,000

Max Effective Range (m)

Day 1,000

Night INA

Fire on Move Yes

Rate of Fire (rd/min) 250 practical/650 cyclic, 2-10 round bursts

ATGM Launcher

Name 9P135M1/M3

Launch Method Tube-launched

Guidance SACLOS

Command Link Wire

Launcher Dismountable

Yes

Firing Port 4 on left side, 3 on right side 1 in left rear door

FIRE CONTROL

FCS Name BPK-1-42 or BPK-2-42

Main Gun Stabilization

2-plane

Rangefinder Laser

Infrared Searchlight Yes

Sights w/Magnification

Gunner

Day BPK-1-42 or BPK-2-42

Field of View (°) 8

Acquisition Range (m)

2,500-4,000 (est)

Night BPK-1-42 or BPK-2-42 II/IR

Field of View (°) INA

Acquisition Range (m)

INA

Commander Fire Main Gun

No

MAIN ARMAMENT AMMUNITION

Caliber, Type, Name

30-mm AP-T

Maximum Aimed Range (m)

2,500

Max Effective Range (m)

Day 1,500

Night INA

Tactical AA Range 4,000

Armor Penetration (mm)

18 (RHA, 60°) at 1,500 m

30-mm APDS

Maximum Aimed Range (m)

2,500

Max Effective Range (m)

Day 2,000

Night INA

Tactical AA Range 4,000

Armor Penetration (mm)

25 (RHA) at 1,500m

30-mm APFSDS-T M929

Maximum Aimed Range (m)

2,500

Max Effective Range (m)

Day 2,000+

Night INA

Tactical AA Range 4,000

Armor penetration (mm)

55 (RHA) at 1,000m/45 at 2,000m

30-mm Frag-HE

Maximum Aimed Range (m)

4,000/ 2,500 point target

Max Effective Range (m)

Day 4,000

Night INA

Tactical AA Range 4,000

Armor Penetration (mm)

INA

Other Ammunition Types

30-mm HEI-T

Antitank Guided Missiles

Name AT-5/SPANDREL

Warhead Type Shaped charge (HEAT)

Armor Penetration (mm)

650 (RHA)

Range (m) 4,000

Name AT-5B/Konkurs-M

Warhead Type Tandem shaped charge (HEAT)

Armor Penetration (mm)

925 (RHA)

Range (m) 4,000

Name AT-4/SPIGOT

Warhead Type Shaped charge (HEAT)

Armor Penetration (mm)

480 (RHA)

Range (m) 2,000

Name AT-4B/Factoria

Warhead Type Tandem shaped charge (HEAT)

Armor Penetration (mm)

550 (RHA)

Range (m) 2,500