Armored Combat Vehicles

BMP-1 Infantry Fighting Vehicle

Combat weight:

(fully stowed, no crew) about 35.9 tons(36.500 kg).

Lenght: (Gun to front) 29.7 ft (9.02 m); (gun torear) 21.7 ft (6.57 m).

Widht: 10ft 9.5in (3.265 m).

Height: 7.10 ft (2.380 m).

Engine: T-54: V-2-54 vee-12 watercooled diesel,520 hp; T-55: V-2-55 vee-12, 580 hp

Armament:

D-10T, D-10TG or D-10T2S 100mm gun(T-54: 34 rounds, T-55: 43 rounds);7.62mm SGMT or PKT machine gun (co-axial) with 3000 rounds; T-54 also one12.7mm DShK with 500 rounds for AAuse and one 7.62 SGMT (bow).

Speed: 30 mph (48 km/h).

Range: T-54: 250 miles (400 km); T-55: 310miles (500 km).

Armour: Up to 100 mm, mantlet up to 170 mm.

The BMP-1 is a fully armored Amphibious Infantry Fighting Vehicle (AIFV). Its low-silhouetted hull has a sharp, sloping front with a conspicuously ridged surface. Acentrally located, extremely flat, truncated cone turret mounts a 73-mm smoothbore gunand a 7.62-mm coaxial machine-gun. A launching rail for an AT-3 SAGGER antitankguided missile attaches above the gun. The 290-hp, water-cooled, 6-cylinder dieselengine is in the right front of the hull. The driver's hatch is at the left front, directly infront of the commander's hatch, which mounts an IR searchlight. The gunner's hatch is onthe left side of the low turret roof. On the rear of the turret are four large hatches in theroof of the troop compartment; two large exit doors are also in the rear. There are fourfiring ports in each side of the troop compartment and one in the left rear door. Thesuspension has six unevenly spaced stamped road wheels, with three track support rollersand a front drive sprocket. A combination of effective antitank firepower, high mobility,

and adequate protection makes the BMP a formidable improvement over the earlier BTR-series of armored personnel carriers. It's 73-mm main gun fires a rocket-assisted, fin-stabilized HEAT projectile with an effective range of 800 to 1000 meters. It also has anautomatic loader. For longer range antitank capability, the BMP-1 carries the AT-3SAGGER ATGM, effective to 3000 meters. The BMP is amphibious, propelled throughthe water by its tracks. It has the range and speed necessary to keep up with the fast-moving tanks it normally follows in offensive formations. The BMP has a three-mancrew. This includes the vehicle commander, who becomes the squad leader when theinfantry passengers dismount through the rear exit doors. Vision blocks and firing portsin the sides and rear of the troop compartment allow the infantrymen to fire assault rifles(AKM or AK-47) and light machine-guns (PKM or RPK-74) from inside the vehicle onthe move. The troops also carry the RPG-7V or RPG-16 antitank grenade launcher,which can be fired by a passenger standing in a rear hatch. BMP IFVs carry the SA-7/14/16/18 and AGS-17 weapon systems in the BMP-equipped MRB's air defense andautomatic grenade launcher platoons. When buttoned-up, the crew and passengers haveNBC protection in the pressurized and filtered hull. This allows them to operateregardless of the outside environment. The BMP has an infrared searchlight, periscopes,and sights for night operations. It also has a capability to make its own smoke screen byinjecting diesel fuel into the exhaust manifold.

VARIANTS:

BMP Model 1966 This was the original version of the BMP (also called BMP-A) which had a shorter bowthan its successor, the BMP-1. This version did not have an NBC protection system.

BMP-1 (BMP Model 1976) This is the standard production model of the BMP-1.

BMP-1K This is the command variant of the BMP-1. This version differs from the BMP-1 mainly byhaving additional radio equipment and antennas and having the machine-gun ports welded shut. The troopcompartment has been redesigned to accommodate field tables and map boards. It is used as a battalion-level command vehicle.

BMP-1P This is the BMP-1 with the replacement of the AT-3 SAGGER launch rail by a pintel-mountedAT-4 SPIGOT ATGM launcher on the turret roof. This version also has smoke grenade launchers fitted tothe turret rear.

BMP-1PK This is the command variant of the BMP-1P.

BRM & BRM-1 (BMP-R or BMP M1976) This variant is used as a reconnaissance vehicle. It consists ofthe BMP-1 fitted with a larger, two-man turret, armed with a 73-mm gun. This vehicle does not have anATGM. There are two small roof hatches, instead of the four rectangular ones as in the case of the BMP-1.

BRM-1K (BMP M1976/2) This reconnaissance variant consists of the BRM-1 with the addition of aPSNR-5K (TALL MIKE) Battlefield Surveillance Radar, which is mounted in the rear part of the turret.This radar is elevated above the turret roof when needed, and then lowered into the turret when not used.This vehicle also includes a DKRM-1 laser rangefinder, ARRS-1 location device, IMP mine detector and1PN33B night binoculars. Navigation equipment carried includes TNA-1, IG11N gyro-compass and 1T25survey device.

BMP KShM This unarmed command and communication vehicle mounts a large telescopic antenna andmore radio equipment than the BMP-1K.

PRP-3 (BMP-SON) This artillery reconnaissance vehicle is used as an artillery fire adjustment and/orartillery/mortar locating vehicle. The front of the vehicle is identical to the BMP-1 but the vehicle has anew two-man turret that has two single-piece hatches which open forward. Both hatches have periscopesfor observation plus a large optical device in front of the hatch. Armament consists of a 7.62-mm machine-gun which has replaced the 73-mm gun. Mounted on the rear of the turret is a SMALL FRED battlefieldsurveillance radar with a flat antenna that folds forward when not in use. To the rear of the turret on the leftside is a further circular hatch cover and a telescoping antenna. This vehicle has a five-man crew and isfitted with extensive communications equipment and optical devices.

PRP-4 This vehicle is the successor to the PRP-3. It differs from its predecessor by the addition of anadditional fairing on the right side of the turret.

IRM Amphibious Engineer Reconnaissance Vehicle This vehicle was based on the chassis of the BMP-1.It mounts the engine and suspension of the BMP-1 in a new hull. It was designed to undertake a variety ofspecialized engineer reconnaissance roles including mine detection and river-bottom reconnaissance. Forits mine detection role, the IRM has two devices mounted at the front of the vehicle which can be retractedflush with the hull when not in use. The IRM is fully amphibious, propelled in the water by two shroudedpropellers at the rear of the vehicle. When submerged, a snorkel is erected on top of the hull; this is kepthorizontal when not required.

BMP-PPO Mobile Training Center This vehicle is a BMP-1 with its turret removed and fitted with eightroof-mounted cupolas for trainees under instruction, plus seats for the vehicle commander and driver. Eachtrainee has TNPO-170 and one Type MK-4 observation devices mounted in the forward part of the cupolaand an A-2 unit of the R-124 intercom set.

CZECHOSLOVAKIAN BMP-1 VARIANTS:

OT-90 BMP-1 with turret replaced by the same turret as fitted to Czechoslovakian OT-64C (8 x 8) APCarmed with 14.5-mm and 7.62-mm machine-guns.

BVP-1 Czech manufactured BMP-1

DP-90 Maintenance version of OT-90

MP-31 Air defense command version of the BMP KShM command post version.

MU-90 Mine-laying version of OT-90, no turret with space being covered with steel sheet.

SVO Mine clearing version of BMP-1 with the turret removed and fitted with Hedgehog type launcher inrear troop compartment.

VPV Crane equipped recovery version of the BMP-1. Turret and troop compartment roof hatches havebeen removed and a powered crane is mounted on the troop compartment roof.

VP-90 Reconnaissance version of the OT-90 with OT-64 turret.

BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle

The BMP-2 is an infantry combat vehiclevari-ant of the BMP-1 that incorporates amajor arma-ment change. It has anenlarged two-man turret which mounts a30-mm automatic gun, model 2A42, witha long, thin tube and a double-bafflemuzzle brake, along with a 7.62-mmcoaxial machine gun on its front. On top ofthe turret is an ATGM launcher. Thislauncher can employ either AT-4 SPIGOTor AT-5 SPANDREL missiles. The AT-5SPANDREL canister is normally seenmounted. The engine is an upgraded 300-hp, V-6 diesel. The vehicle commander now sits in the two-man turret, along with thegunner. Because of the enlarged turret, there is room for only two roof hatches in the rearfighting compartment, rather than the four of the BMP-1. The BMP-2 can accommodateone less passenger than the BMP-1; there also is one less firing port for an assault rifle oneach side. However, a new machine-gun-type firing port on the left side of the hull,forward of the turret, indicates that an infantryman now occupies the BMP-1 vehiclecommander's position. The torsion bar suspension either side consists of six road wheelswith the drive sprocket at the front, idler at the rear and track-return rollers. The upperpart of the track has a sheet metal cover deeper than that of the BMP-1 which is filledwith a buoyancy aid. Main armament comprises a 30-mm cannon model 2A42. Thegunner can select single shots or one of two automatic rates of fire, low at 200 to 300rds/min or high at 500 rds/min. The 30-mm cannon has dual feed, one for HE-T and theother for AP-T; both with a muzzle velocity of 970 m/s. The 30-mm cannon is fullystabilized and has an effective range against ground targets of 1000 m although it issighted to 4000 m. Its high elevation allows it to be used against aircraft and helicopters.A total of 500 rounds of 30-mm ammunition is carried. A 7.62-mm PKT machine gun ismounted to the left of the main armament and 2000 rounds are carried for this weapon.An infra-red searchlight is mounted coaxial to the right of the 30-mm cannon and thecommander also has a roof-mounted infra-red searchlight model OU-3GA2. Mounted onthe turret roof between the gunner's and commander's hatches is a launcher for either anAT-4 SPIGOT or AT-5 SPANDREL ATGM. A ground mount is carried to allow theATGMs to be launched away from the vehicle. Most BMP-2s have a bank of threeelectrically operated 81-mm smoke dischargers firing forwards. The smoke grenadelauncher system is designated the 902V. In addition, the BMP-2 can lay its own smoke-screen by injecting diesel fuel into the exhaust outlet on the right side of the hull. Thissystem is called the TDA and can only be used when the engine is warm and the vehiclemoving. To the turret rear is the infantry compartment which has only two roof hatchescompared to the BMP-1's four. It carries six infantrymen who sit down either side of thevehicle back-to-back. In either side of the rear troop compartment are three firing ports;

each of which has an associated roof-mounted periscope angled to the front of thevehicle. The infantry normally enter and leave the vehicle via the two doors in the hullrear. Each of these doors has an integral fuel tank and periscope in the upper part of thedoor. The left door also has a firing port. The engine and transmission are to the right ofthe driver's compartment with the air-inlet and air-outlet louvers on top of the hull. TheBMP-2 is powered by a UTD-20 four-stroke, six-cylinder model UTD-20 superchargeddiesel engine developing 285/300 hp at 2600 rpm. The engine is coupled to a manualtransmission with five forward and one reverse gears. The BMP-2 is fully amphibious.Standard equipment on the BMP-2 includes a full range of night vision equipment forcommander, gunner and driver, fire extinguishing system, GPK-59 gyro-compass system,PAZ overpressure NBC system, engine pre-heater and turret extractor fan.

VARIANTS:

Improved BMP-2 A number of product improvements were made to the BMP-2 in thelate 1980's. These improvements included modifications to the gun stabilization system,improved internal communications, improved rubber-bushed tracks, and the spare trackshave been moved from the rear exit doors to the left and right upper side walls of thetroop compartment. This vehicle also includes a special mat for the transport of theseriously wounded and six slings for the slightly wounded.

BMP-2D Late production version of the BMP-2, this vehicleincludes appliqu? armor on the turret, provision for mountingmine clearing system under the nose of the vehicle, andappliqu? armor of the spaced type fitted along either side ofthe hull.

BMP-2K This is the command version of the BMP-2 and hasadditional communications equipment.

BVP-2 This is the designation for the Czechoslovakian produced BMP-2.

BMP-2 (Product Improved) This modified BMP-2 includes several improvements: anew track which doubles the track-life; 30-mm cannon is stabilized in two planes, andelevation increased to 70?; it is fitted with air conditioning for desert operations; a AG-1730-mm grenade launcher is mounted on the left side of the turret; and the gunner isequipped with a thermal sight, which replaces the active IR system.

BMP-3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle

The hull of the BMP-3 resembles theBMD Airborne Infantry Fighting Vehicle,and has a well sloped glacis plate with thehull sides being vertical. The new turret isin the center of the vehicle with thecommander being seated on the right andthe gunner on the left. There is anadditional crew member to the left andright of the driver's position, each of thesebeing provided with a roof hatch thatopens forwards and a single periscope in the hull roof in front of the hatch cover. Thetroop compartment is at the rear of the hull with entry via two doors in the hull rear thatopen left and right, with the left door having a firing port. As these doors are openedsteps automatically fold down. The armor of the BMP-3 is believed to be laminatedaluminum, and its manufacturers claim it affords protection against 30-mm armor-piercing rounds over the 60-degree frontal arc. Over the frontal arc the turret is providedwith a layer of spaced armor and mounted on either side of this is a bank of three 81 mmelectrically operated smoke dischargers. Main armament of BMP-3 is a 100-mm rifledgun (2A70) which fires conventional high explosive ammunition at a maximum rate offire of 8-10 rds/min, and the AT-10 STABBER laser-guided anti-tank guided missile.The AT-10 ATGM has a maximum range of 4000-m and is estimated as being able topenetrate a maximum of 500 mm of RHA. The 100-mm gun can also fire an HE-FRAG(high explosive fragmentation) round with a muzzle velocity of 250 m/s with a maximumeffective range of 4000 m. A total of 30 rounds is carried for the 100 mm gun of which22 are HE-FRAG and eight are laser-guided projectiles. The coaxially mounted belt-fed30-mm automatic cannon is mounted to the right of the 100-mm gun. This automaticcannon fires three types of ammunition: armor piercing tracer, HE splinter, and splintertracer. The gunner can select single shot, low rate of fire (200-300 rds/min) or high rateof fire (550 rds/min). Maximum effective range for engaging ground targets is 2000 m.The BMP-3 is powered by a 500 hp diesel engine coupled to a fully automatic hydro-mechanical transmission. The suspension either side consists of six dual rubber-tired roadwheels with the idler at the front, drive sprocket at the rear and three track-return rollers.The suspension is adjustable by the driver to suit the type of terrain being crossed withminimum ground clearance being 190 mm and maximum ground clearance being 510mm. The BMP-3 is fully amphibious being propelled in the water by two water-jetsmounted at the rear of the hull. It is also provided with an NBC system, internalcommunications equipment, radios with a maximum range of 20 km and an IFF system.

VARIANTS:

BRM (BMP-3) This vehicle is a reconnaissance variant of the BMP-3.This vehicle was designed to conduct battlefield reconnaissance by dayand night and under all weather conditions. This vehicle may be a

replacement for the BRM-1K and/or PRP-4 vehicles. The main external differences include no firing portsin the rear troop compartment, removal of the two bow-mounted 7.62-mm PKT machine-guns and removalof the 100-mm 2A70 rifled gun. Equipment installed to enable the reconnaissance role includes the mastmounted 1RL-133-1 TALL MIKE battlefield surveillance radar (which can be retracted into the vehiclewhen not in use); the 1PN71 night observation TV device; the 1PN61 night observation device; and the1D14 periscopic laser rangefinder. The electro-optical devices are mounted on either side of the turret andwhen not being used, the optics are covered by a hinged shutter that opens to the left. The vehicle is alsoequipped with the latest TNA-4 navigation device and the 1G50 gyro compass which enables the crew to

quickly determine their position on the battlefield.

BMP-3 (Abu Dhabi Variant) The first export client for the BMP-3 wasAbu Dhabi. These are fitted with an externally mounted thermal imagingsight, manufactured by the French firm SAT. The sight could not bemounted in the usual place inside the hull due to the already congested fire

control layout.

BTR-50P Amphibious Armored Personnel Carrier

The BTR-50P is based on the chassis ofthe PT-76 light amphibious tank with anew superstructure added to the front ofthe vehicle. The hull of the BTR-50P ismade of all-welded steel with the crewcompartment at the front, open-toppedtroop compartment in the centre and the engine compartment at the rear. The torsion barsuspension consists of six rubber-tired road wheels with the drive sprocket at the rear andthe idler at the front. There are no track-return rollers. The first and last road wheelstations have a hydraulic shock absorber and the steel tracks each have 96 links whennew. The 20 infantrymen sit on bench seats which run across the full width of the vehicleand enter and leave by climbing over the side of the hull. Armament consists of a pintle-mounted 7.62 mm SGMB machine gun. When the BTR-50P was originally introducedthere were ramps at the rear of the hull to enable a 57 mm anti-tank gun M1943 (ZIS-2),76 mm divisional gun M1943 (ZIS-3) or an 85 mm division gun D-44 to be carried andfired from the rear decking. The weapon could also be fired when the vehicle was afloat,but only when the water-jets were in operation. The engine used in the BTR-50P is onehalf of that fitted to the T-54 MBT. The vehicle has three fuel tanks, two in the rightforward side of the engine compartment and one at the rear. The BTR-50P is fullyamphibious and propelled in the water by two water-jets at the rear of the hull. The onlypreparation required before entering the water is to erect the trim vane at the front of thehull and switch on the two electric bilge pumps. There is a manual bilge pump foremergency use. Steering is accomplished by opening and closing the two doors over therear water-jets: to go left the left water-jet is covered and to turn through 180? the leftwater-jet sucks in water and the right water-jet pushes it out. The basic BTR-50P has noNBC system.

VARIANTS:

BTR-50PA This model is almost identical to the BTR-50P but does not have the loading ramps at the rearof the hull. It is sometimes armed with a 14.5 mm KPVT heavy machine gun mounted over thecommander's position. BTR-50PK This model has full overhead armor protection and NBC system withthe troops entering and leaving the vehicle by two rectangular roof hatches that open either side. In eachside of the hull there are two firing ports and in the roof at the front of the hull a single piece hatch coverthat opens forwards. Two ventilators are fitted, one at the front of the troop compartment on the right sideand one at the rear of the troop compartment on the right side. The BTR-50PK is normally armed with a7.62 mm SGMB machine gun in an unprotected mount.

BTR-50PU (Command) There are at least two models of the BTR-50PU (Command), designated themodels 1 and 2. The model 1 (early model, very rarely seen today) has one projecting bay whereas themodel 2 has two. The right bay on the model 2 has three vision devices and no cover. The BTR-50PU hasthree compartments: engine, commander's and driver's. The last two are fitted with special equipment and atotal of 10 seats, four for the commander and his staff, four for the radio operators and two for the vehiclecommander and driver. In addition, the staff compartment accommodates a collapsible table for workingthe maps and documents, a small table for the commander, two hammocks for resting and three ladders. An

emergency escape hatch is provided in the floor of the vehicle and the interior of the vehicle has thermalinsulation. External equipment includes infra-red searchlight, four whip antennas, an 11 m telescopic mast,battery charger, armored box for a fuel drum and three stowage boxes. Extensive communicationsequipment is provided including radio, radio relay and wire equipment. This includes an R-112 radio, R-113 radio telephone, R-105U radio telephone, R-403BM two-channel radio relay telephone half set, 10-linefield telephone switchboard, four telephone sets and four reels each with 600 m of two-wire cable. A gyrocourse indicator and course plotter are the basis of the navigation system with the former indicating thevehicle's course and the latter plotting it in a rectangular co-ordinate system.

BTR-50PU R-82, BTR-50PU-11, BTR-50PUM and BTR-50PUR. Different command and controlvariants with a variety of radio configurations and other communications equipment.

BTR-50PK(B) Amphibious Armored Recovery Vehicle This is a specialized version of the BTR-50PKdeveloped for the recovery of other vehicles at water obstacles. It has a combat weight of 14000 kg andnormally has a crew of two: commander and driver, with seats for four auxiliary personnel, and duringrescue operations the vehicle can accommodate up to eight rescued personnel. The BTR-50PK(B) is fittedwith R 123M and R 124 radio sets, a rear-mounted towing coupling, towing gear and hook and two extratowing cables, two special quick-release shackles, standard shackles and snap hooks, searchlight, twolifebelts, life jackets and four fenders. A set of tools and fire extinguishers are also carried.

MTP Technical Support Vehicle This is based on a BTR-50PK APC and is used for recovery and repairof armored personnel carriers and the BMP ICV. In addition it is used to deliver POL supplies to forwardunits which are difficult to reach with normal truck-mounted bowsers. A distinctive feature of the MTP isthe raised workshop compartment which is high enough to allow the crew to work while standing as well asproviding sleeping room for the crew of three.

MTK Mineclearing Vehicle This is a BTR-50PK APC with a special launcher mounted on top of the hullto the rear of the troop compartment. It fires rockets to which are attached flexible tubes containing highexplosives which fall to the ground on to the minefield and are then detonated from the vehicle. The formerSoviet designation for the rocket system is UR-67. MTR-1 Repair version of BTR-50.

BTR-60PB Armored Personnel Carrier

The BTR-60PB is an eight-wheel-drivevehicle with evenly spaced wheels, exceptfor a slightly larger space betweenthe second and third wheels. It has a long,boat-like hull with well-sloped armor onthe sides and overhead armor cover. Itssmall conical turret is identical to that ofthe BRDM-2. The turret sits over thesecond set of wheels and mounts co-axial14.5-mm and 7.62-mm machine guns. TheBTR-60PB has a three-man crew: thecommander, the driver, and the gunner.There are two semicircular hatches for the crew in front of the turret. The vehicle also hastwo rectangular hatches behind the turret for mount and dismount of up to eightpassengers. There are three firing ports in each side of the troop compartment. The rear-mounted power plant employs two 6-cylinder, 90-hp gasoline engines. A single waterjetpropels the vehicle through water. The tires are partially filled with a foam-rubber-likesubstance. They have a centralized pressure regulation system. The hull of the BTR-60PBis all-welded steel with the driver and commander seated at the front of the hull,personnel compartment behind them and the engine compartment at the very rear of thehull. The turret, which is identical to that fitted to the BRDM-2 and the CzechoslovakOT-64 (8 x 8) APC, is armed with a 14.5-mm KPV machine gun and a 7.62-mm PKTmachine gun mounted coaxially to right with the telescopic sight mounted coaxially tothe left. The two gasoline engines are mounted at the rear of the hull: the first and thirdaxles are powered through the transmission of the right engine and the second and fourthaxles through the transmission of the left engine. All eight wheels are powered and thefirst four, which are used for steering, are power-assisted. The vehicle can be driven withone wheel missing from the second axle. A central tire-pressure regulation system fittedas standard on all BTR-60 series APCs enables the driver to adjust the tire pressure to suitthe ground being crossed. The BTR-60P is fully amphibious being propelled in the waterby a single water-jet mounted at the rear of the hull.

VARIANTS:

BTR-60P This is the original BTR-60, and it has no overhead cover or turret. The troop compartment iscompletely exposed and is often covered with bows and canvas.

BTR-60PA This model, also referred to as the BTR-60PK, has complete overhead armor protection for thetroop compartment and is fitted with an NBC system.

BTR-60PBK This is a command variant of the BTR-60PK used by company commanders.

BTR-60 1V18 This vehicle serves as an artillery observation post and is fitted with additional radios andfire direction computers.

BTR-60 1V19 This vehicle serves a the fire direction center for wheeled artillery and MRL batteries. It isalso equipped with additonal radios and fire control computers.

BTR-60PU Command Vehicle The vehicle, which serves as a mobilecommand post, consists of a BTR-60PA with a generator mounted on theroof, and various antennas mounted on the roof and hull sides. Most often,this vehicle is fitted with a 10-m HAWKEYE antenna at the right front,and often with a CLOTHESLINE rail antenna running along thefront, left,and rear of the hull roof.

BTR-60PU-12 Command Vehicle

BTR-60PU-12M This is a BTR-60PU-12 fitted with equipment to serve as an air defense command postvehicle.

BTR-60P Maintenance Assistance A number of older BTR-60P APCs have been converted for use in themaintenance assistance role and have a raised tarpaulin cover over the troop compartment that runs almostto the rear. This may have the designation of MTR-2.

BTR-60PB Forward Air Control Vehicle With the armament removed and replaced with a plexiglasswindow, and additional radios fitted, this vehicle acts as a forward air control vehicle. A generator ismounted on the hull rear to provide power for the additional electrical equipment.

BTR-70 Armored Personnel Carrier

The BTR-70 is a successor vehicle to theBTR-60PB. Both vehicles have the sameturret armament. The BTR-70 isslightly longer in the hull. It also has arecognizable gap between its front set ofroad wheels and the rear set. Triangular-shaped access doors are in this lower hullspace on both sides of the vehicle. Theyprovide side entrance and exit for troops.(The BTR-60PB has only top hatches.)Also, the wave deflector attachesdifferently on the BTR-70 than on theBTR-60PB. The BTR-70 has two upgraded, 8-cylinder, 120-hp gasoline engines. Thehull, which provides improved protection over the frontal arc as compared to the BTR-60, is of all welded-steel. Like the BTR-60PB and BRDM-2, the BTR-70 is has a smallconical turret armed with a 14.5-mm KPT machine gun and a coaxial 7.62-mm PKTmachinegun. The troop compartment can hold six infantry men, seated facing out andeach is equiped with a firing port and vision block. The BTR-70 is equipped with anNBC protection system, a central-tire regulation system, and a fire detection/suppressionsystem. Mounted at the front of the hull is a winch which has 50-m of cable and can pull6000 kg. The BTR-70 is fully amphibious. It is propelled in the water by a single water-jet at the rear of the hull. Theis space provide in the troop compartment for light antitankand crew-served weapons such as RPG-7 and two AGS-17 automatic grenade launchers.

VARIANTS :

BTR-70 M1986/1 In an effort to improve the armament and survivability of the BTR-70, severalimprovements were made including: improved turret with high angle of fire weapons and smoke mortars,modified wave deflector, additional side armor brackets, and top mounted firing ports.

BTR-70Kh This BTR-70 variant is used to conduct chemical reconnaissance.

SPR-2 A proximity fuse jammer mounted on the BTR-70 chassis. Thisvehicle is the successor to the tracked SPR-1. This jammer is designed toprematurely detonate proximity fuzzed artillery rounds.

BTR-70MS Maschina Svyazi (signals vehicle) used as a communicationssupport vehicle.

BTR-70KShM Komandno-Shtabnaya Maschina (command and controlvehicle) used as a mobile command post vehicle.

BREM repair and recovery vehicle Bronirovannaya Remontno-Evakuatsionannaya Mashina (armoredrepair and recovery vehicle) consists of a BTR-70 with the turret removed and replaced with a crane andother repair equipment.

BTR-80 Armored Personnel Carrier

The BTR-80 is the successor to the BTR-70 and has several significantimprovements over the earlier wheeledAPCs. The BTR-80 retains the same, boat-shaped hull front, and sloped sides,although the rear deck has beenreconfigured by raising the rear andsquaring off the rearward-sloping enginecompartment. The side-half doors of theBTR-70 have been replaced by full sidedoors, and the firing ports have beenmodified to face forward. The BTR-80 has a hull of all-welded steel armor construction.The twin gas engines of the BTR-70 have been replaced by a single, more-powerfuldiesel engine which give the BTR-80 better performance and lower the risk of fire. Theturret, which is similar to that on the BTR-60PB and BTR-70, is armed with the 14.5-mmKPV heavy machine gun and coaxial 7.62-mm PKT machine gun. This turret is improvedin that it can be elevated to +60 degrees compared to the +30 degrees of earlier vehicles.The sighting system for the machineguns is improved as well. There are six 81-mmsmoke mortars mounted on the rear of the turret which can be fired from inside thevehicle. The full side doors of the BTR-80 are positioned between the second and thirdaxles of the vehicle. Each side door consists of an upper half which opens forward, andthe lower half which opens down and forms a step ladder for troops entering or exiting.The upper half of the door is also fitted with a firing port. The crew of the BTR-80consists of a commander, gunner and driver, and can carry seven infantry men. There arethree forward-facing firing ports along the length of the hull, one at the front of thevehicle for the commander, and two in the roof hatches. The front two firing ports aredesigned for the 7.62-mm PK general purpose machine guns. The remaining firing portsare designed for AKMS/AK-74 individual weapons. The BTR-80 is fully amphibious andhas a front-mounted winch, overpressure NBC system, night vision equipment and acentral tire-pressure regulation system.

VARIANTS:

BTR-80K This is the commander's variant of the BTR-80, and is equipped with an 11 meter telescopicmast. The vehicle enables the commander of a motorized rifle battalion to control his unit and maintaincommunications with the regimental commander. For this purpose it is fitted with two R-163-50U VHFradio sets, two R-159 remote VHF radio sets, and a TNA4-6 type navigational device with an indicatorboard.

BTR-80UNSh The UNSh variant of the BTR-80 was developed as a common base for command and staffduties, for fire control and radar vehicles as well as for mobile radio communication posts. With a widerand raised superstructure, the vehicle gives greater space for operators and additional equipment.

BTR-80 Medical Vehicles The BTR-80UNSh vehicle has been adapted to a series of medical vehicles.BMM-1 is a medical evacuation vehicle, BMM-2 is a battalion medical station, and the BMM-3 is a mobiledressing station with a team of doctors and an AP-2 set of equipment. Up to four casualties on stretcherscan be carried inside the hull, and an additional 12 can be housed in an attached tent.

RKhM-4 Chemical and reconnaissance vehicle.

2S23 Self-Propelled 120-mm Combination Howitzer-Mortar Available details of this are given in theSelf-Propelled guns and howitzers section.

BTR-80A This vehicle incorporates a new turret system which isreferred to as the modular weapon station (MWS). The MWS is of allwelded steel construction. Mounted externally on the top of the turretis the same 30-mm 2A42 cannon that is fitted to the BMP-2. A PKT7.62-mm machine-gun is mounted coaxially to the right of the 30-mmcannon. Mounted on either side of the cannon is a bank of three 81-mm electrically operated, forward firing smoke grenade launchers.

Turret traverse is through 360? with weapon elevation being between -5 and +70?. Although it lacks theprotection level of the BMP-2, the BTR-80A has the advantage of a higher road speed and range and,therefore greater strategic mobility.

BREM-K The recovery version of the BTR-80 (8 x 8) APC is referred to as the BREM-K, although it alsohas the designation GAZ-59033. Standard equipment includes an A-frame, which, tow bars, small stowageplatform to the turret rear and stabilizers under the nose of the vehicle. This vehicle is not armed.

MT-LB Multipurpose Armored Vehicle

The MT-LB is an amphibious armoredtracked vehicle. It has a low-silhouette,box-like hull made of welded steel plates,and a small turret on the right front thatmounts a single 7.62-mm machine gun.There are four firing ports: one on eachside of the vehicle and one in each of thetwo rear exit doors. The flat hull roof hastwo forward-opening, troop exit hatches.The flat-track suspension consists of sixroad wheels with no return rollers. Thehull of the MT-LB is all-welded steel withthe crew compartment at the front, engine immediately behind the crew compartment onthe left side and the troop compartment at the rear of the hull. The machine gun turret ismounted to the right of the commander's position and is armed with a 7.62 mm PKTmachine gun. Both the driver and machine gunner have a windscreen in front of theirpositions which, when in action, is covered by a flap hinged at the top. There is a visionblock in each side of the hull, to the left of the driver's and the right of the machinegunner's position. An aisle provides access from the crew compartment at the front of thevehicle to the personnel compartment at the rear which has inward-facing folding canvasseats for the 10 infantrymen. Two hatches over the top of the troop compartment openforwards. The infantry enter and leave the vehicle by two doors in the rear of the hull,both of which are provided with a firing port. There is an additional firing port and visionblock in each side of the troop compartment. An unditching beam is often carried on theroof or side of the vehicle. The MT-LB is fully amphibious being propelled in the waterby its tracks. Standard equipment on all vehicles includes an NBC system. The MT-LBhas air-actuated brakes which can be connected to a trailer. Night vision equipmentincludes an OU-3GK white/infra-red searchlight with a range of 400 m for thecommander and a TVN-2 infra-red periscope for the driver with a range of 40 m. It canalso tow a trailer or weapon weighing up to 6500 kg or carry up to 2000 kg of cargo orstores.

VARIANTS:

1V13 Battery fire direction center vehicle, called 1W13 by Poland, Czechoslovakia and Hungary. CalledMT-LBO by Bulgaria.

1V14 battery command post vehicle, called 1W14 by Poland, also used by Czechoslovakia and Hungary

1V15 battalion command vehicle, called 1W15 by Poland, also used by Czechoslovakia and Poland

1V16 battalion fire direction center vehicle, called 1W16 by Poland, also used by Czechoslovakia andHungary

Note: The 1V12 family consists of the 1V13, 1V14, 1V15 and 1V16. Theseare the original command and control set with the 1V14, 1V15 and 1V16each having an APK digital data transmission set and the 1V15 and 1V16also having the 9V59 artillery fire control computer. The 1V12M familyconsists of the 1V13M, 1V14M, 1V15M and 1V16M, they are modifiedartillery command and control set with each vehicle giving an APPKartillery data computation and digital transmission computer system. (Forfull details of these systems see the Artillery Support Vehicles section.)

1V21 Staff command vehicle, called MP-21 by Czechoslovakia, also used by Poland. Has new C3equipment fitted.

1V22 Air defense management vehicle, called MP-22 by Czechoslovakia, also used by Poland. Has newC3 equipment fitted.

1V23 Command and control vehicle, called MP-23 by Czechoslovakia, also used by Poland. Has new C3equipment fitted.

1V24 Artillery C3 vehicle, called MP-24 by Czechoslovakia, also used by Poland. Fitted with new C3equipment.

1V25 Air defense management vehicle, called MP-25 by Czechoslovakia, also used by Poland. Has newC3 equipment installed.

MT-LB 9S743 Bulgarian MT-LB with radio system and generator at hull rear

MT-LB KShM R-80, Bulgarian MT-LB with table and increased headroom

MT-LB KShM R-81 Bulgarian MT-LB with radio equipment

MT-LB TRI Polish engineer reconnaissance vehicle

MT-LB WPT Polish recovery and maintenance vehicle

MT-LB Sova Bulgarian MT-LB with dismountable surveillance radar system Beta EM, Polishcommunications vehicle.

MT-LBV The MT-LB can also be fitted with 565 mm wide tracks for operation in snow and swampyground; it is then called the MT-LBV. This version has a ground pressure of 0.28 kg/cm{2}.

MT-LB Artillery Tractor The MT-LBs used as artillery prime movers have been observed with a fullyenclosed box mounted over the troop compartment roof containing the gun section equipment.

MT-LBU (Command) This is the command version of the MT-LB and has additional radios, generator,land navigation system and a canvas cover that can be extended to the rear when the vehicle is being usedin the static role.

MT-LB M1975 (SNAR-10) This vehicle is an MT-LB fitted with an artillery/mortar-locating radar whichhas been allocated the NATO reporting name of BIG FRED. When traveling the antenna folds forwardonto the top of the large turret which is to the rear of the vehicle. The forward turret-mounted 7.62-mmmachine gun is retained. The radar is believed to be of a similar type to the British THORN EMICymbeline in that the radar measures the slant range and bearing of two points in the mortar bomb/artilleryshell trajectory. The time taken for the bomb/projectile to travel between the two points is also measured

and the onboard computer uses this information together with the pre-set elevation angles to determine theposition of the enemy mortar or artillery piece. This information is then relayed to the field artillery unitsand the target is engaged. The radar has a range of about 20 km. Specifications of the MT-LB with BIGFRED are similar to those of the basic MT-LB except for a weight of 11500 kg, height with antenna downof 2.9 m and a crew of four to six.

MTP-LB Repair Vehicle The MTP-LB is designed for field maintenance, repair, and recovery of tanksand other AFVs and is recognizable by its lack of a machine gun turret. Mounted at the front of the vehicleis an A-frame which can lift a maximum load of 1500 kg. Standard equipment includes tools, gas weldingand cutting equipment, cable winch with 85 m of cable and a capacity of 6700 kg, jacking device, towingattachment hooks and a crane.

MT-LB (Ambulance) This is an MT-LB used as an armored evacuation vehicle (armored ambulance) withstretchers fitted in the rear compartment.

MT-LB Engineer Vehicle This is similar in appearance to the basic MT-LB but modified to mount a plowblade on the roof. Hydraulic devices at the rear of the vehicle allow manual mounting of the plow blade tothe rear only.

MT-LB with Vasilek For use in Afghanistan, a self-propelled version of the towed 2B9 Vasilek 82 mmautomatic mortar described and illustrated in the Towed guns and howitzers section was developed. Themortar has had its wheels removed and has been propped up on the upper rear deck on steel ammunitionboxes.

9P149 MT-LB with AT-6 SPIRAL ATGM This tank destroyer consists of amodified MT-LB, with a retractable AT-6 SPIRAL launcher, and missileguidance controls. The system is entirely automated, with the launcherassembly protected under armor till used. The autoloader assembly holds 12missiles and the rate of fire is 3-4 missiles per minute. The radio commandguidance system is mounted in the right forward station of the hull

superstructure, replacing the small turret with PKT 7.62-mm machine-gun.

MT-LB 120 mm mortar The Bulgarian Army has mounted a 120 mm mortar in the rear of the MT-LBmulti-purpose armored vehicle. MT-LB with WAT Turret Poland has fitted an MT-LB with the WATturret, as installed on the OT-64C(2) (SKOT-2AP) and OT-62C APCs, which is armed with a 14.5 mm anda 7.62 mm machine gun.

SA-13 Gopher SAM system The MT-LB multi-purpose armored vehicle chassis is also used as the basisfor the SA-13 Gopher SAM system. Mounted in the center of the hull roof is a turret with an arm, on whichis carried a total of four SA-13 missiles in the transport/launch containers, with the operator being seatedbelow and between the missiles. The SA-13 entered service in 1977 and is replacing the SA-9 on a one forone basis. It retains the amphibious capability of the MT-LB and has a range-only radar.

Iraqi 120 mm self-propelled mortar Early in 1989 an MT-LB was shown in Iraq for the first time, withwide tracks modified locally to carry a 120 mm mortar in the rear of the vehicle. The roof hatches havebeen modified and now open to either side of the hull to allow the 120 mm mortar to fire to the rear. A baseplate is carried on the right side of the hull to allow the mortar to be deployed away from the vehicle ifrequired by the tactical situation.

MT-LBus (R-330P) VHF Jamming vehicle This is the MT0-LB-based ACRV chassis fitted with anauxiliary power unit mounted at the rear of the hull. while mounted on the roof is an antenna for the TypeR-330P VHF jamming set. When in use the 11 element fan-type antenna is in the vertical position, but itcan be lowered into the horizontal position if required.

BMD Airborne Infantry Fighting Vehicle

The BMD AIFV superficially resemblesthe BMP-1, although it is considerablysmaller. This full-tracked amphibiousvehicle has a BMP-type turret. Like theBMP-1, its main armament is a 73-mmsmoothbore gun with a 7.62-mm coaxialmachine gun mounted on the right side ofthe main gun and a SAGGER ATGMlauncher mounted over the gun. TheBMD, however, also has two additional7.62-mm machine guns, one mounted in each of the front bow corners. The troopcompartment has overhead armor cover; however, it has only one firing port on each sideand one in the rear from which the mounted infantrymen can fire their weapons. TheBMD has an independent suspension consisting of five small road wheels with the idlerat the front and the drive sprocket at the rear. There are four track-return rollers. Theindependent suspension combines a hydraulic system for altering the ground clearanceand maintaining track tension with pneumatic springs, which enables the groundclearance to be altered from 100 to 450 mm. Main armament of the BMD-1 is a 73 mmmodel 2A28 smoothbore, low pressure, short-recoil gun. This is fed from an automatic40-round magazine to the right rear of the gunner. The weapon fires a fixed fin-stabilizedHEAT round which is the same as that used in the SPG-9 infantry weapon and has amaximum effective range of 1300 m. A 7.62 mm PKT machine gun is mounted coaxiallyto the right of the main armament and is fed from a continuous belt of 2000 rounds,honeycombed in an ammunition box mounted below the weapon. A cartridge case andlink collector are mounted in the turret basket. Mounted over the main armament is alauncher rail for a SAGGER ATGM. Two missiles are carried inside the turret and areloaded via a loading rail through a hatch in the forward part of the turret roof. The bowmachine gunner sits to the driver's right and aims the two bow-mounted 7.62-mm PKTmachine guns. The two machine guns are mounted one either side of the vehicle's frontfiring forwards. The BMD is fully amphibious, being propelled in the water by twowater-jets at the rear of the hull. Before entering the water a trim vane which is stowed onthe glacis plate when not in use is erected at the front of the hull. The vehicle has electricand manual bilge pumps, a gyro-compass, engine pre-heater, smoke-generatingequipment, NBC system and a centralized ethylene-bromide fire-extinguishing system asfitted to other former Soviet armored vehicles.

VARIANTS :

BMD-1P Airborne Combat Vehicle This is BMD-1 with AT-3 SAGGER ATGM removed and mountedon the turret roof is an AT-4 Spigot ATGM launcher.

BMD-2 Airborne Combat Vehicle This vehicle is the BMD-1 withits turret replaced with a new one-man turret. This turret is of a newdesign with the gunner being seated on the left and provided with asingle piece circular hatch cover that opens to the front. In front ofthis is the gunner's day/night sight that appears to be identical to thatfitted on the BMP-2. Additional periscopes give observation to thesides and a white light searchlight is mounted on the forward part ofthe turret roof. On the left side of the turret is another sight that movesin elevation with the 30 mm 2A42 cannon and this is believed to be

the high angle of fire sight which is used to aim the weapon when it is being used in the anti-aircraft/anti-helicopter role. A total of 300 rounds of 30 mm and 2940 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition is carried. Mainarmament comprises a 30 mm 2A42 stabilized cannon with a 7.62 mm PKT machine gun mounted coaxialto the right with a launcher for an AT-4 Spigot (maximum range 2000 m) or an AT-5 Spandrel (maximumrange 4000 m) ATGM mounted on the right side of the turret roof. While the BMD-1 has two bow-mounted 7.62 mm PKT machine guns, one in either side, the BMD-2 has only one 7.62 mm bow-mountedmachine gun on the right side with the machine gun port in the left side being eliminated.

BTR-D APC The BTR-D was first seen during the Soviet invasion ofAfghanistan and is often referred to as the BMD M1979 by NATO. Itis distinguishable from the standard BMD by its longer chassis withsix rather than five road wheels, different hull top and lack of a turret.The basic BTR-D is a multi-purpose armored transporter used by theformer Soviet VDV (Air Assault Forces) air assault divisions, for avariety of roles including troop transporter, towing support weaponssuch as the 23 mm ZU-23 light anti-aircraft gun and maintenancesupport. This version retains the hull front and side firing ports of theBMD-1 and has two forward-firing smoke dischargers on each side of

the hull roof in line with the fifth road wheel station. There are nine firing ports, two in the hull front eachwith a 7.62 mm machine gun, two in each side of the hull, one in the rear and the two front hatches belowand either side of the commander's cupola can be used. The BTR-D is based on automotive components ofthe BMD-1 airborne combat vehicle and like this vehicle has a hull of all-welded aluminum construction.The glacis protection of the vehicle has been increased by the use of a dual slanted angle in the upper platesof the armor at the front. The BTR-D can carry 13 men, the driver/mechanic at the front, a bow machinegunner either side and 10 infantrymen at the rear, the bow machine gunners normally deploy with theinfantry. A total of 2000 rounds of 7.62-mm ammunition is carried for the 7.62-mm PKT machine gunsmounted at the front of the vehicle and an additional two 7.62- mm PKT machine guns can be mounted onthe roof. Some early production vehicles had a small one-man turret armed with a 7.62-mm PKT machinegun that could be aimed and fired from within the turret. Some vehicles have also been fitted with a 30-mmAGS-17 automatic grenade launcher.

BMD-KShM This vehicle is a command post version of the basic BTR-D. This has a folding Clothes Railantenna around the superstructure but the front firing ports with their 7.62 mm machine guns are fairedover and there are no firing ports in the hull sides, the forward-firing smoke dischargers have also beenremoved. The Commander's hatch is offset to the left and does not project forward.

1V118 This is a BMD used in artillery observation post role.

1V119 This is a BMD used in artillery fire direction center role.

BMD with Shmel-1 RPV A BMD-1KShM chassis is used as the launcherand flying control station for the Shmel-1 remotely piloted vehicle.

BRehM-D Repair and Recovery Vehicle This is based on the chassis ofthe BTR-D APC and is fitted with specialized equipment for the repair andrecovery of BMD-1 type vehicles. Equipment fitted includes a crane which

can be traversed through 180°, recovery winch, combination spade and dozer blade, towing equipment,electric welding system plus tools and ready use spares. Standard equipment includes a 7.62 mm bowmachine gun, radio, intercom system and an NBC system.

SO-120 (Anona) (2S9) 120 mm Self-propelled Howitzer/Mortar Details of this are given in Self-propelled guns and howitzers section.

BMD-3 Airborne Infantry FightingVehicle

The BMD-3 is the successor to the BMD-1 andBMD-2 AIFVs. The BMD-3 features a brand newchassis fitted with the complete turret of the BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle. The BMD-3 retains theboat-shaped hull with the two-man turret locatedin the forward third of the chassis. The BMD-3has much better amphibious capability than itspredecessors. There is more room inside thevehicle, a significant increase in firepower, withthe two-man turret offering better overall command and control of the vehicle and itsweaponry. The BMD-3 can be airdropped from transport aircraft with the complete crewof seven men remaining inside the vehicle. In the past, the crew was dropped separately,and it often took a considerable time for them to locate the vehicle. By dropping theBMD-3 with its crew ready in the vehicle, the element of surprise associated withairborne operations is enhanced. The BMD-3 is of all-welded construction whichprovides the crew with protection from small arms fire and shell splinters. The crewconsists of commander, gunner, driver, and four infantrymen, with the commandernormally dismounting with the squad. A further three infantrymen can be carried in anemergency in the rear. The two-man power operated turret is armed with a 30-mm 2A42dual feed cannon which is fitted with a distinctive muzzle brake and is stabilized in bothelevation and traverse. Maximum effective range when firing AP-T (armor piercing-tracer) ammunition is 2000-m, and when firing HE-I (High Explosive-Incendiary)ammunition is 4000-m against an area target. A 7.62-mm PKT machine-gun is mountedcoaxially to the right. Mounted on the roof is an ATGM launcher for either the AT-4SPIGOT or AT-5 SPANDREL. Mounted on either side of the turret is a bank of three 81-mm electrically operated smoke dischargers firing forwards. Mounted at the front of theBMD-3 on the left side is an AG-17 30-mm automatic grenade launcher while on theright bow is a 5.45-mm RPKS machine-gun. Each of the bow weapons is operated by oneof the infantrymen seated in the front of the BMD-3. The power pack is located at therear of the hull and consists of a 2V-06 water-cooled diesel developing 450-bhp whichgives a very high power-to-weight ratio of 34 hp/ton. The hydroneumatic suspension ofthe BMD-3 is adjustable to give a ground clearance of between 130-mm and 530-mm,although for normal road travel it is 450-mm. The BMD-3 is fully amphibious beingpropelled by two water jets mounted on either side at the rear of the vehicle.

BRDM-2 Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle

The BRDM-2 is a fully armored, four-wheel-drive, amphibious reconnaissancevehicle. It has two-pairs of belly wheelsand a centralized tire pressure regulationsystem for increased cross-countrycapability. The BRDM-2 has a box-likehull with a boat-shaped bow. The engine ismounted in the vehicle rear and there is asmall conical turret mounted on the hullabove the belly wheels. The driver sits atthe front of the hull on the left with thevehicle commander to his right. To enter the vehicle, the crew must climb through tworoof hatches. The hull, which is constructed of welded steel, provides the crew withprotection from small arms and shell splinters. The turret, which is very similar to that ofthe BTR-60PB and Czechoslovak OT-64, is located in the center of the vehicle and isarmed with a 14.5-mm KPVT machine gun with a 7.62-mm PKT machine gun. On eitherside of the hull adjacent to the crew position, there is a firing port. Immediately behindthe firing port are three vision blocks which protrude from the outside of the hull, givingsome vision to the front and rear of the vehicle. The belly-wheels are chain driven and arelowered by the driver and give the BRDM-2 improved cross-country performance and theability to cross ditches. The driver can adjust the tire pressure on all four tires orindividual tires while the vehicle is in motion to adjust to the ground conditions. TheBRDM-2 is fully amphibious. It is propelled in the water by a single water jet at the rearof the hull. The vehicle has an over pressure NBC system. The BRDM-2 is equiped withinfrared driving and search lights, a radio and aninertial land navigation system. At thefron tof the vehicle is a winch which has 30-m of cable and has a maximum load of 4000-kg.

VARIANTS :

BRDM-2-RKha (Radiological-Chemical-Biological ReconnaissanceVehicle) This is the chemical reconnaissance verion of the BRDM. It isequipped with lane-marking poles and flags. The flag/pole dispensers arelocated on the rear corners of the vehicle hull. This version retains thestandard 14.5-mm machine-gun.

BRDM-2-RKhb This is another chemical reconnaissance version which is armed only with twin 7.62-mmPKT machineguns.

BRDM-2U Command Vehicles The BRDM command vehicle consists of a BRDM-2 with the turretremoved and additional radios and antennas added. There is also a generator which is often mounted on thevehicle roof, immediately behind a central hatch which is in place of the turret.

BRDM-2 with AT-2b SWATTER-C ATGMs This vehicle consists of a BRDM-2 with its turret removedand in its place, a quadruple launcher for the AT-2 ATGM which was converted from its original radiocommand-to-line-of-sight guidance to semi-active infra-red/command guidance. This missile weighs 29.48kg and has a range of 3500-m compared with the 3000-m of the original Swatter. A total of eightSWATTERs is carried including the three in the ready to launch position.

9P122 BRDM-2 with AT-3 SAGGER ATGMs This vehicle is a BRDM-2 with its turret removed andfitted with a platform, under which are mounted six SAGGER AT-3 ATGMs. This platform is carriedwithin the hull under armor protection whicle travelling. When engaging targets, the platform is raised. Thegunner, who is seated on the right side of the vehicle, controls the missile through a sight mounted on thefront right of the vehicle roof. The vehicle carries eight additional missiles, and the platform can berearmed while lowered.

9P148 BRDM-2 with AT-5 SPANDREL ATGMs This vehicle consists of theBRDM-2 with the turret removed and replaced with a rotating ATGMlauncher. The crew reloads the launcher through a small hatch located behindit. The gunner controls the missiles through a sight mounted on the front rightof the vehicle. On 9P148 ATGM carriers, the launch platform can be fittedwith AT-4 Spigot ATGMs. The vehicle can carry either 10 AT-5 SPANDRELreloads or a combination of AT-4 and AT-5 (i.e. 6 AT-5 and 8 AT-4).

SA-9 GASKIN Surface to Air Missile System The SA-9 GASKIN consists of a rotating surface-to-airmissile launcher/turret mounted on a modified BRDM-2 chassis (the belly-wheels have been removed).The launcher/turret is fitted with four SA-9 GASKIN infrared-seeking, fire-and-forget missiles, and ismanned by one man. An additional missiles can be carried on either side of the hull.

Information fromModern SOVIET WEAPONS, Ray Bonds,MILITARY PARADE, Russia's journal,

Militay-Technical Cooperation, ITAR-TASS Digestand