Notes: This
improved version of the BTR-60PB was first identified as a separate vehicle type
during a parade in Moscow in 1980.
Before that, it was thought to be merely a modified BTR-60.
Unknown to the West, the BTR-70 has been in service with Soviet forces
since mid-1972. It did not have as
wide export sales as the BTR-60, but was used by most Warsaw Pact countries,
Bangladesh, Iran, Indonesia, Pakistan, Nepal, and Vietnam.
Taliban Afghanistan operated an unknown number of captured BTR-70s, but
these were all destroyed in the US invasion in 2002. The PLO is rumored to have
a force of 50 of them, and Mexico is rumored to have recently taken delivery of
an unknown number of them. They saw
large-scale combat use in Afghanistan with the Soviets and by Taliban forces,
and smaller combat use in Chechnya, Georgia, and with IFOR and KFOR. Lesser
numbers of the BTR-70 are seen than the BTR-80, as the BTR-80 appeared not long
after the BTR-70 and the BTR-80 is a better vehicle.
The BTR-70
The BTR-70 is
largely an upgraded and improved BTR-60PB, and the two can easily be mistaken
for each other. The BTR-70 has
pronounced exhaust pipes and mufflers on the rear roof of the vehicle. The
BTR-70 has one extra firing port on each side of the vehicle (for a total of
three in each side). The nose is
somewhat longer, a consequence of both improved armor and a larger trim vane.
The hull on the whole is lower and more stretched than on the BTR-60.
Perhaps the most telling difference is the driver’s and commander’s positions;
they have vision blocks forwards and to the sides in addition to windows.
The side doors, though still quite small, are now found between the
second and third wheels below the center of the vehicle instead of being above
the center of the vehicle. This
door position means that troops can exist through them more quickly, though it
also means that, due to their small size and the squeezing involved, that troops
using them are more likely to be run over by the second wheel.
The preferred method of entry and exit is still through roof hatches (two
total), as there is no rear door (the engine is in the back).
The commander and driver are still in the front of the vehicle, with the
driver and commander having night vision blocks in their overhead hatches.
The driver has vision blocks to the front and left side, and the
commander to the front and right side.
The turret is largely the same as on the BTR-60PB, though with slightly
better fire control equipment. The turret controls are still manual. The
interior layout is basically similar, but is more cramped due to the larger
engines and fuel tanks. The troops inside sit back-to-back, facing out, except
for the squad leader, who sits with his back to the turret facing to the rear.
The BTR-70 is
powered by a pair of ZMZ-4905 120-horsepower gasoline engines; these are coupled
to the same sort of difficult and complicated manual transmission as on the
BTR-60. The transmission has been somewhat improved in reliability, but is still
prone to breakdowns. One engine propels the second and fourth axles, and the
second engine propels the first and third axles. The dual engine format means
that if one engine goes out, the vehicle can still drive at half speed, but
causes the driving difficulties as stated.
Suspension is 8x8 and of the off-road-type, and the tires are run-flat
and have thicker walls than on the BTR-60. The BTR-70 is fully amphibious with
preparation (a trim vane must be erected in front from the driver’s compartment,
bilge pumps turned on, and a waterjet turned on when the vehicle is floating;
this takes four minutes). Swim speed is reduced from that of the BTR-60; this is
due to less freeboard (the BTR-70 sits lower in the water than the BTR-60).
The BTR-70 has a one-piece waterjet cover, rather than the two-piece unit
of the BTR-60, and the waterjet is more reliable. The BTR-70 has a collective
NBC system for the crew and troops; it also has an overpressure system. The
frontal armor has been supplemented with spaced appliqué armor.
The BTR-70 has an automatic fire detection and suppression system.
In Afghanistan,
a common addition to the BTR-70 was a pintle-mounted AGS-17 just forward of the
troop compartment, to be fired from troops in the open roof hatches.
Late BTR-70s
have a number of changes to them, including the mounting of the BTR-80’s turret,
which allows for much greater elevation and depression.
The trim vane has been further modified to make it more stable when
swimming, the section behind the rear wheels has been modified to trap more air
when swimming. A section of the
troop compartment on each side has been angled, and these angled edges have
firing ports in them to allow better suppressive fire against targets above the
vehicle (important in Afghanistan’s mountainous regions).
Brackets have been added for the attachment of external stowage. Firing
ports have been added to the sides of the commander’s and driver’s positions.
Other than these changes, this late version of the BTR-70 is the same as
the standard BTR-70 for game purposes.
Later APC-Type
Modifications
The BTR-70M is
as the late-production BTR-70 above, but has the single KamAZ-7403
260-horsepower diesel engine of the BTR-80, and four smoke grenade launchers on
each side of the turret. The BTR-70V is the same vehicle, but with an auxiliary
fuel tank in the rear.
In the late
1990s, the Ukrainian firm of KMDB began offering an upgrade package for the
BTR-70 featuring a new 300-horsepower UTD-20 turbocharged diesel engine and
automatic transmission as well as a larger turret with increased armor
protection and a 30mm ZTM-2 autocannon instead of the standard KPV machinegun.
Customers for this upgrade have not been made public, but are rumored to
include Ukraine herself as well as Russia. The new engine is more powerful than
the two gasoline engines it replaces, as well as offering greater fuel economy;
it may also burn kerosene as well as diesel.
The modification may be noticed primarily by the Ingul turret (as noted
for the BTR-60D above), which has a raised superstructure on top of the old
turret with the autocannon, coaxial machinegun, and ammunition storage.
The turret has electrical traverse instead of being manual.
The commander may use the sights of the turret, using downlinked
monitors. Another KMDB modification gives the BTR-70 a semi-overhead weapons
system (the Grom turret) armed with a pair of 23mm autocannons instead of the
single 30mm autocannon. This
version has downlinked sights and vision equipment, as the gunner is mostly
inside the hull of the vehicle. In both cases, the side doors are replaced with
two-piece clamshell doors, much easier to get in and out of. Both have four
smoke grenade launchers on either side of the turret. Though I have found no
official designation for these versions, I have used the designations BTR-70D-1
and BTR-70D-2 below for convenience purposes, though both are called BTR-70D in
official literature.
A
Slovakian/Belarusian version of the BTR-70, the Cobra-K, is equipped with a new
turret armed with a 2A42 autocannon, coaxial machinegun, and an AT-14 ATGM
launcher. Fire control is improved, as is vision equipment. The launcher is
reloaded from the troop compartment through the deck hatches.
Four smoke grenade launchers are found on each side of the turret. The
engine is the same as that in the BTR-80. The Cobra-K is NBC shielded.
Other APC-Type Versions
The BTR-70K is a
simple command version used at lower echelons; these have an additional
long-range and medium-range radio, an inertial navigation system, and a 1kW
generator. It has a reduced
dismount squad.
The BTR-70KShM
is a command/staff version of the BTR-70.
It has a total of three long-range radios, two medium-range radios, and
one short-range radio, as well as a radio teletype machine.
Later versions replace the radio teletype with a ruggedized laptop.
The interior is modified with
a map board and map
storage as well as office and plotting-type supplies.
It has bows and a tarpaulin cover that may be erected to either side of the
vehicle to increase working space. The vehicle has
two extendible 10-meter
radio masts, a 2kW generator, and extendible shelves and three folding chairs.
The turret is retained. A hand-held
thermal imager, image intensifier, and laser rangefinder are carried. The BTR-70
SA-22 is a similar vehicle, used at higher command levels, with a different mix
of radios, and has an inertial navigation system. For game purposes, it is
otherwise like the BTR-70KShM.
The BTR-70MS is
a signal vehicle with one very long-range (100 km), two long range, and two
medium-range radios, a switchboard, 20 field telephones, and a 4kW generator.
It has no turret, and the roof is festooned with antennas.
There are several similar signals vehicles, which differ primarily in the
radios carried.
The BTR-70 SPR-2
is a specialist EW variant; it is designed to help protect units from artillery
attack by jamming proximity fuzes on the incoming shells.
Jamming these shells is a task by the operator of the equipment
(Difficult: Electronics); success means that the shell detonates 20-70 meters
(1D6+1x10) meters above the ground, and scatters an extra 10-60 meters.
Catastrophic Failure has no special effect (other than the jamming being
ineffective); Outstanding Success means that the rounds either do not detonate
(25% chance) or detonate at double the normal jamming altitude and scatter
distance (75% chance). The SPR-2
has a 4kW generator on the rear of the roof, and has no turret.
The BTR-70Kh is
an NBC reconnaissance version of the BTR-70.
It carries instruments to measure radiation and chemical contamination,
as well as better shielding, but no special marking equipment.
It has an extra long-range radio and radio teletype (later replaced by a
ruggedized laptop) and carries a number of maps and map-marking equipment.
The PU-12M6 is a
mobile command post the AAA/SAM units.
It normally operates when stationary with the rest of the unit; however,
it can still operate on the go, either with AAA/SAM units that are capable of
operating on the move, or by gathering limited information on its own.
The PU-12M6 has additional computers, radios, and hardware. (The radios
are secure and data-capable.) The PU-12M6 features a radar set (not as powerful
as those of the AAA/SAM unit, but still quite capable.
The radar set uses a passive electronically-scanning array with a range
of 100 kilometers, and it capable of detecting 99 targets and tracking 7 of
them, The can detect aircraft at an altitude of 25 kilometers or less and
operating at a speed of 787 meters per second or less. (ComMov 3945). The
PU-12M6 can operate remotely, and be located up to 40 kilometers away using a
radio link and 15 kilometers using a wire link.
The wire can also be slaved too the radio and computers, and may also
carry voice and other data. The
PU-12M^ can operate with SA-8 and SA-13 SAMs, AAA guns, and MANPADS which have a
coded datalink radio connection to PU-12M6..
An improved version, the PU-12M7, can also operate with SA-19 batteries,
but is otherwise identical to the PU-12M6 for game purposes.
The PU-12M6 has NBC Overpressure systems as well as air conditioning, and
a plethora of vision devices including IR, Image Intensification, VAS, and
day/night CCD cameras.
Twilight 2000
Notes: The BTR-70D-1, BTR-70D-2, and Cobra-K do not exist in the Twilight 2000
timeline. The BTR-70M and BTR-70V
are rare.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
BTR-70 |
$57,277 |
G, A |
1.2 tons |
11.5 tons |
3+7 |
6 |
Passive IR (D,
C) |
Enclosed |
BTR-70 w/AGS-17 |
$42,646 |
G, A |
1.2 tons |
11.6 tons |
3+7 |
6 |
Passive IR (D,
C) |
Enclosed |
BTR-70M |
$50,698 |
D, A |
1.2 tons |
11.5 tons |
3+7 |
6 |
Passive IR (D,
C) |
Enclosed |
BTR-70V |
$50,832 |
D, A |
1.2 tons |
11.6 tons |
3+7 |
6 |
Passive IR (D,
C) |
Enclosed |
BTR-70D-1 |
$177,777 |
D, K, A |
1.1 tons |
13 tons |
3+7 |
8 |
Passive IR (D,
G, C), Image Intensification (G), Thermal Imaging (G) |
Enclosed |
BTR-70D-2 |
$187,960 |
D, K, A |
1.1 tons |
13 tons |
3+7 |
8 |
Passive IR (D,
G, C), Image Intensification (G), Thermal Imaging (G) |
Enclosed |
BTR-70 Cobra-K |
$90,065 |
D, A |
1.2 tons |
12.1 tons |
3+7 |
8 |
Passive IR (D,
G, C), Image Intensification (G) |
Shielded |
BTR-70K |
$67,977 |
D, A |
900 kg |
11.7 tons |
3+5 |
9 |
Passive IR (D,
C) |
Enclosed |
BTR-70KShM |
$247,887 |
D, A |
600 kg |
11.9 tons |
3+4 |
10 |
Passive IR (D,
C) |
Enclosed |
BTR-70KShM
(Late) |
$307,812 |
D, A |
600 kg |
11.9 tons |
3+4 |
10 |
Passive IR (D,
C) |
Enclosed |
BTR-70 SA-22 |
$257,887 |
D, A |
600 kg |
11.9 tons |
3+4 |
10 |
Passive IR (D,
C) |
Enclosed |
BTR-70 SA-22
(Late) |
$317,812 |
D, A |
600 kg |
11.9 tons |
3+4 |
10 |
Passive IR (D,
C) |
Enclosed |
BTR-70MS |
$49,341 |
D, A |
600 kg |
11.8 tons |
4 |
10 |
Passive IR (D,
C) |
Enclosed |
BTR-70 SPR-2 |
$46,976 |
D, A |
600 kg |
11.5 tons |
4 |
9 |
Passive IR (D,
C) |
Enclosed |
BTR-70Kh |
$456,677 |
D, A |
600 kg |
11.7 tons |
4 |
9 |
Passive IR (D,
C) |
Enclosed |
Vehicle |
Tr
Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
BTR-70 |
154/78 |
36/18/4 |
350 |
133 |
CiH |
W(5) |
TF2
TS2 TR2
HF4 HS3
HR2 |
BTR-70 w/AGS-17 |
153/77 |
36/18/4 |
350 |
134 |
CiH |
W(5) |
TF2
TS2 TR2
HF4 HS3
HR2 |
BTR-70M |
165/83 |
38/19/4 |
350 |
136 |
CiH |
W(5) |
TF2
TS2 TR2
HF4 HS3
HR2 |
BTR-70V |
163/82 |
38/19/4 |
350+175 |
137 |
CiH |
W(5) |
TF2
TS2 TR2
HF4 HS3
HR2 |
BTR-70D-1 |
169/85 |
39/20/4 |
350 |
126 |
CiH |
W(5) |
TF5
TS5 TR5
HF4 HS3
HR2 |
BTR-70D-2 |
169/85 |
39/20/4 |
350 |
126 |
CiH |
W(5) |
TF4
TS4 TR4
HF4 HS3
HR2 |
BTR-70 Cobra-K |
159/80 |
37/18/4 |
350 |
135 |
CiH |
W(5) |
TF4
TS4 TR4
HF4 HS3
HR2 |
BTR-70K/70Kh |
151/76 |
35/18/4 |
350 |
136 |
CiH |
W(5) |
TF2
TS2 TR2
HF4 HS3
HR2 |
BTR-70KShM/SA-22 |
149/76 |
35/17/4 |
350 |
137 |
CiH |
W(5) |
TF2
TS2 TR2
HF4 HS3
HR2 |
BTR-70MS |
149/76 |
35/17/4 |
350 |
137 |
Stnd |
W(5) |
HF4
HS3 HR2 |
BTR-70 SPR-2 |
154/78 |
36/18/4 |
350 |
133 |
Stnd |
W(5) |
HF4
HS3 HR2 |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
BTR-70/70M/70V/70K/70Kh |
+1 |
Basic |
KPV, PKT |
500x14.5mm,
3000x7.62mm |
BTR-70 w/AGS-17 |
+1 |
Basic |
KPV, PKT, AGS-17 |
500x14.5mm,
3000x7.62mm, 120x30mm Grenades |
BTR-70 With
AGS-17 |
None |
None |
KPV, PKT, AGS-17 |
500x14.5mm,
2000x7.62mm, 200x30mm Grenades |
BTR-70D-1 |
+3 |
Good |
30mm 2A72
Autocannon, PKT, up to 4xAT-15 ATGM and/or 4xSA-18 SAM Launchers |
300x30mm,
2000x7.62mm, up to 4xAT-14 ATGMs and/or 4xSA-18 SAMs |
BTR-70D-2 |
+3 |
Good |
2x23mm 2A7M
Autocannon, PKT, up to 4xAT-15 ATGM and/or 4xSA-18 SAM Launchers |
400x23mm,
2000x7.62mm, up to 4xAT-14 ATGMs and/or 4xSA-18 SAMs |
BTR-70 Cobra-K |
+2 |
Fair |
30mm 2A42
Autocannon, PKT, AT-14 ATGM Launcher |
300x30mm,
3000x7.62mm, 4xAT-14 ATGMs |
BTR-70KShM |
+1 |
Basic |
KPV, PKT |
500x14.5mm,
2000x7.62mm |
BTR-70MS/SPR-2 |
None |
None |
PK |
2000x7.62mm |
Notes:
This was the most common version of the wheeled BTR series by 2010, used
in large numbers by Russian forces and widely sold throughout the world to help
raise money, and used by countries as diverse as Bangladesh and even South
Korea. Even the new Iraqi Army has
ordered the BTR-80UP version. All in all, the BTR-80 is used by some 32 nations,
with even Finland ordering two for evaluation (the XA-185 was chosen instead).
In addition, the US is believed to have a small number on hand for use by OPFOR
training units. The BTR-80 has a
number of improvements over the BTR-70 and differences in design in even its
base form, and later modifications have given it even more firepower and
utility. The BTR-80 is a large step
forward for the BTR series. The
BTR-80 has been in production since 1986.
The Standard BTR-80
The BTR-80 to a
large extent follows the layout of previous BTR designs, but the
bullet-resistant windshields and small windows to the sides are even more
resistant to gunshots. The
commander and driver have vision blocks to the front and to their respective
sides to supplement this, and each have a night vision block.
The driver’s controls are conventional and easy to use.
The turret is stepped up and, based on experiences in Afghanistan, the
weapons are capable of very high elevation (almost straight up) and depression
of -12 degrees. The gunner now has
night vision equipment as standard.
The new mantlet bulges outwards from the front of the turret, and the turret is
a little taller, giving the gunner a better field of view.
Fire control is similar to that of the BTR-70.
The new turret has electric traverse and elevation instead of the manual
controls on earlier BTRs. The turret has a cluster of four smoke grenade
launchers on either side of the turret. The troop compartment in the rear has a
little more room due to the smaller size of the engine compartment, and can
carry a larger infantry squad. The
troops have three firing ports in each side, and the gunner and commander have
firing ports in their respective sides of their compartment.
The troops’ firing ports angle slightly forward, allowing them to fire
more forward and contribute to the overall firepower of the vehicle.
The firing ports are ball mounts derived from the BMP-1 series.
The troops enter and exit through enlarged side hatches, which are
clamshell hatches opening upwards and downwards.
There is also a pair of roof hatches.
The BTR-80 is
not simply an improved BTR-70; it has a new hull which is longer and wider than
the BTR-70, and the turret is taller.
The armor is a little heavier, especially in the floor, which is
reinforced against mines and the wheels and suspension, which are likewise
strengthened. The front of the
vehicle has spaced armor, and the nose is a little longer as a result.
Perhaps the greatest change is in the powerplant; the BTR-80 is powered
by a single KamAZ-7403 260-horsepower turbocharged diesel engine, which, though
the BTR-80 has a manual transmission, greatly decreases the difficulty of the
driver’s task as well as greatly simplifying the transmission and drive train,
and increasing reliability. Suspension is 8x8 and of the off-road-type, with
run-flat tires. The BTR-80 is amphibious with preparation; when floating, a
waterjet at the rear is turned on. The BTR-80 has an NBC overpressure system
with collective NBC backup, and radiological shielding. The BTR-80 has a winch
in the front with a capacity of 4.5 tons and 60 meters of cable.
For a short
time, production of the BTR-80 outstripped the availability of its engines.
As a result, the BTR-80M was produced, with a DMZ-238M2 240-horsepower
diesel engine substituting for the standard engine.
It is likely that all or virtually all BTR-80s have been retrofitted with
the standard KamAZ engine in Russia and most First and Second-World countries,
though some Third-World nations may still have BTR-80Ms.
Hungary bought about 500 of the BTR-80M version, making them the only
large-scale user, but theirs have thermal imager on the roof of the turret, and
they are in the process of upgrading the engines of their BTR-80Ms.
APC-Type Modifications
and Upgrades
The BTR-80A is
the current standard for the Russian Army; all BTR-80s are eventually to be
converted to the BTR-80A standard, though since they have 4000 BTR-80s, it may
take some time for all of them to be upgraded.
The BTR-80A is equipped with the BPPU turret with extra armor, which has
a 2A72 autocannon instead of the KPV machinegun, improved vision equipment, and
improved fire control. A variant of
the BTR-80A, the BTR-80S, retains the KPV machinegun, but also keeps the
improved vision equipment and fire control of the BTR-80A.
The larger turret enables it to carry more ammunition than the standard
BTR-80.
The BTR-82 is
the latest version, with improved armor (primarily through the use of appliqué),
thermal imaging for the gunner, gunner’s sights downlinked to the commander, and
a 300-horsepower turbocharged diesel engine.
The BTR-82 is equipped with the GLONASS system, the Russian equivalent of
the GPS system, and the driver has a screen to allow him to navigate with it, as
does the commander. The BPPU turret
is retained (with its greater ammunition storage capacity), but the BTR-82 is
armed with the KPV/PKT combination.
This version was first shown at an arms exposition in 2009.
The BTR-82A has the standard BPPU turret with its autocannon instead of
KPV machinegun.
In the KMDB
BTR-80D upgrade, the engine is replaced with a UTD-20 turbocharged multifuel
300-horsepower engine. The turret is replaced with an Ingul turret. The Ingul
turret is a semi-overhead weapons station armed with an autocannon and coaxial
machinegun capable of great elevation (almost straight up) and depression (able
to engage enemy troops that are as little as 10 meters from the vehicle). The
Ingul turret also has four launchers for AT-14 ATGMs, which are modular and can
be replaced by up to four SA-18 SAMs (the missiles on each side of the turret
must be replaced in pairs when doing this).
The gun and coax are fully stabilized and equipped with modern fire
control equipment, and the gunner has excellent day and night vision sights
(which may be accessed by the commander via a downlinked monitor).
The turret also has a cluster of four smoke grenade launchers on each
side. KMDB also offers the more
straightforward BTR-80UP version, which is similar to the BTR-80A, equipped with
the BPPU turret and an air conditioner, as well as stronger appliqué armor.
The BTR-80B is a
version of the BTR-80 fitted with the Kliver turret.
The Kliver turret is similar to the turret of the BTR-80A, except that
there are 4 launchers for the AT-14 Kornet missile and an external AG-17
auto0matic grenade launcher. (This is loaded from the troop hatches to the rear
of the turret.) The AG-17 has independent elevation and limited traverse from
the turret weapons. This turns the
BTR-80 into an even more viable infantry fighting vehicle than the BTR-80D, and
provides a significant upgrade in firepower from a BTR-80 or BTR-80A.
It is otherwise similar to the KMDB BTR-80D in capabilities, but has
lesser fire control and vision equipment.
As an
experiment, the turret of the BMD-3M has been mounted on the BTR-80.
This gives the BTR-80 a major increase in firepower, making it more of an
MGS than an APC, though it still carries a reduced dismount crew.
The commander is moved into the turret, and the old commander’s position
used for ammunition stowage. I have used the designation “BTR-80C” below, though
this is not an official designation.
The Columbian
Marines use a version of the BTR-80 called the Caribe which is stock except that
it uses an M-2HB instead of the KPV machinegun.
Other APC-Type Versions
The BTR-80K is a
platoon/company commander’s vehicle; it has an extra long-range and medium-range
radio, and a GLONASS navigation system.
The dismount crew is reduced by one.
It can be distinguished by the extra antennas on top of the hull and
turret. The standard BTR-80 has an
observation window in the rear of the turret; the BTR-80K lacks this.
The BTR-80AK is similar, but is based on the BTR-80A.
The BRDM-3 (not
the BRDM-based light combat vehicle; the use of “BRDM-3” for one of those
BRDM-base light combat vehicles is incorrect) is based on the BTR-80AK, but is
an armored reconnaissance vehicle with better vision devices (including for the
commander) and carrying more ammunition.
It is equipped with a GLONASS navigation system with an inertial
navigation backup and has two long-range (one data-capable), one medium-range,
and one short-range radio, along with a ruggedized laptop computer.
The dismount crew is greatly reduced.
The BTR-80 PBKM
is for use by higher command levels.
It has a much higher roofline in the rear of the vehicle, two long-range (one
data-capable), two medium-range, and two short-range radios, and the turret is
not fitted with a PKT (only the KPV).
In the forward part of the turret is a window with an armored shutter. It
is distinguishable by its 5 radio antennas. It has a ruggedized laptop computer.
The vehicle has a
map board and map storage as well as office and plotting-type supplies.
It has the GLONASS system as well as an inertial navigation backup, and
additional vision devices. There are a variety of similar vehicles at use by
various command and control elements at different levels or for different roles
(particularly FDC and missile command vehicles); they may be regarded as
identical to the PBKM in game terms.
The BTR-80
R-149BMRA is a signals vehicle equipped with a very-long-range (100-kilometer)
radio, three long-range radios, two medium-range radios, and one short-range
radio. The very-long-range radio is
data-capable, though this is in order to allow command posts to transmit data
and the vehicle has no computer or teletype of its own.
It has a switchboard and 20 field telephones, and the required commo
wire. It carries a small-
mission-specific computer to help coordinate communications. It carries a
selection of spare communications parts, and a 5kW generator atop the rear of
the roof. It has a profusion of
antennas, and carries two erectable radio masts.
It often tows a trailer with more communications parts and gear.
The BTR-80 R-439-BK1 is the same, but has a Satcom terminal instead of
the very-long-range radio, conceivably allowing it to communicate with any
station on the planet. The BTR-80
R-149BMR is similar to the R-149BMRA, but has a video feeding and communication
system allowing command posts to transmit video and have video conferences.
This equipment is in place of two of the long-range radios. There are
several other signals vehicle which differ primarily in their mix of radios,
such as being able to communicate with aircraft or ships.
The BTR-80 1V152
is a FIST vehicle which has a larger turret housing a larger array of vision
equipment, an extra laser rangefinder, and a laser designator.
It has two extra long-range radios, one of which is data-capable, and the
vehicle has a small fire-solutions computer. It has no PKT machinegun.
The RKhM-4 is an
NBC reconnaissance version, with detection and measuring systems for chemical
and biological agents and radiation levels.
Detection is automatic and requires no special interaction from the crew;
measurement requires vehicle equipment use.
At the rear is a single dual flag dispenser with 80 flags total for
hazard marking purposes. The RKhM-4
has a small computer limited in capability to analysis of data from its
measurements and transmitting its findings to higher headquarters.
The RKhM-4 has an extra long-range radio which is data capable.
The BTR-80
E-351BrM is a mobile power station, carrying a diesel-fired 25kW generator in
the rear which takes up most of what would normally be the passenger
compartment.
The BMM,
sometimes also called the BMM-80, is an armored ambulance.
There are three versions: The BMM-1 is designed for casualty evacuation
and first aid on the battlefield.
It carries up to four stretcher cases, two stretcher cases and four seated
patients, or six seated patients, plus a medic.
It has the equivalent of a doctor’s medical bag, 20 personal medical
kits, and a selection of splints, burn first-aid kits, bandages, and other such
gear. It has an oxygen
administration set, a defibrillator, a small refrigerator for perishable medical
supplies, a blanker warmer, and a hot plate.
The BMM-2 is designed as a battalion aid station; equipment is largely
the same as for the BMM-1, but it has tent sets on either side of the vehicle to
expand working space as well as folding gurneys (on stands, not rolling), and
carries only up to two stretcher cases.
The BMM-3 is designed as a mobile field hospital and surgical station; it
is similar to the BMM-2, but carries the equivalent of four doctor’s medical
bags, the equivalent of 10 personal medical kits, the equivalent of 50 doses of
antibiotics, a total anesthetic administration set, surgical medications such as
local anesthetic and drugs for spinal blocks, two refrigerators instead of one,
and a greater selection of splints and bandages.
Equipment to treat burns and give stitches are also present.
BMMs have no turrets, no armament, and raised rooflines.
The PU-12M6 is a
battery command post for Strela-10M2 and M3, Osa, MANPADS, and ZSU-23-4 Shilka
AAA and SAM units. The PU-12M6 can
control up to four Strela-10M2, six Strela-10M3, four Osa, four ZSU-23-4, and
six MANPADS systems. Though originally a Cold War design, it has been steadily
upgraded and is still in use by the Russians, though it is being steadily
replaced by the PU-12M7 and other newer designs.
The PU-12M6 interoperates with several sub-command vehicles in the
battery. Modifications include an
NBC Overpressure system, fuel tanks removed to the rear, a GPS navigation system
with an inertial navigation backup, self-surveying capability, enhanced day and
night vision devices, extra long and medium-range data-capable radios (the
PU-12M^ has no short-range radios), a computer system to collate readings from
its radar system and vision devices and other radar and vision units as well as
from other vehicles in the battery, a field telephone system for use when the
battery is using wire communications for security, and an electrical and
electronic repair kit. The PU-12M6
is arranged around its telescoping radar/visual device mast. This radar can
detect up to 99 targets at a range of 100 kilometers and a maximum altitude of
25 kilometers, and can track 7 of those targets on its own, supplemented by
other battery radar and visual systems.
Targets must have a speed of less than 787 meters per second (ComMov
3935). The long-range radios of the PU-12M6 have a range of 40 kilometers; the
cable/field telephone links have a range of 15 kilometers. The radio may handle
any amount of traffic (subject to the amount or radios); the wire links from the
PU-12M6 can connect to up to 20 units.
The PU-12M7 is
largely the same as the PU-12M6, except for enhanced visual devices and the
ability to interoperate with up to four Tor-M1 and six Tunguska-M1 units in
addition to the units listed above. It also has a secondary radar system which
is an early-warning radar with greater range than the PU-12M6’s radar, but no
ability to track targets and having a range of 200 kilometers.
They also carry a very limited amount of spare parts (primarily
electronic boards) for the PU-12M7 and the battery’s units.
Both versions
are equipped with a 20kW APU which runs off of vehicle fuel.
They both retain their turrets, though the turrets contain the vehicles’
vision devices instead of being armed. Both have air conditioning with NBC
Filters.
Twilight/Merc
2000 Notes:
This BTR-80C was so rare in the Twilight War that it was regarded as a mere myth
by most NATO and Chinese troops.
The BTR-80M comprises about 25% of the Russian and Warsaw Pact BTR-80 force
(except in Hungary, where they comprise all of the BTR-80 force).
The BTR-80D is rare, with about 10% of the Russian (only) BTR-80 force
being BTR-80Ds. The BTR-80A is
about half of the Russian BTR-80 total, and about one-quarter of the Warsaw Pact
BTR-80 total (except for Hungary); it is rare elsewhere. The BTR-80S comprises
less than 5% of the Russian BTR-80 force, and is not found in any other armies.
The BTR-80B and BTR-82 are not available in the Twilight 2000 timeline.
The BTR-80A is rare outside of Russian and Pact service, and not used by
Western or South American units at all in the Twilight 2000 timeline; they are
very rare elsewhere. In the
Twilight 2000 timeline, the Mexicans have about 25 BTR-80Ms.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
BTR-80 |
$54,553 |
D, A |
2 tons |
13.6 tons |
3+8 |
8 |
Passive IR (D,
G, C) |
Shielded |
BTR-80M |
$54,477 |
D, A |
2 tons |
13.6 tons |
3+8 |
8 |
Passive IR (D,
G, C) |
Shielded |
BTR-80A |
$72,310 |
D, A |
1.8 tons |
14.4 tons |
3+8 |
8 |
Passive IR (D,
C, G), Image Intensification (G) |
Shielded |
BTR-80S |
$62,686 |
D, A |
1.8 tons |
14.4 tons |
3+8 |
8 |
Passive IR (D,
C, G), Image Intensification (G) |
Shielded |
BTR-82 |
$185,708 |
D, A |
1.5 tons |
15.6 tons |
3+8 |
9 |
Passive IR (D,
C, G), Image Intensification (G), Thermal Imaging (G) |
Shielded |
BTR-82A |
$195,332 |
D, A |
1.5 tons |
15.6 tons |
3+8 |
9 |
Passive IR (D,
C, G), Image Intensification (G), Thermal Imaging (G) |
Shielded |
BTR-80D |
$185,900 |
D, K, A |
1.6 tons |
15.1 tons |
3+8 |
9 |
Passive IR (D,
C, G), Image Intensification (G), Thermal Imaging (G) |
Shielded |
BTR-80UP |
$172,062 |
D, K, A |
1.7 tons |
15.8 tons |
3+8 |
9 |
Passive IR (D,
C, G), Image Intensification (G), Thermal Imaging (G) |
Shielded |
BTR-80B |
$86,435 |
D, A |
1.9 tons |
14.3 tons |
3+8 |
8 |
Passive IR (D,
C, G), Image Intensification (G) |
Shielded |
BTR-80C |
$345,533 |
D, A |
1.4 tons |
16.1 tons |
3+4 |
9 |
Passive IR (D,
G, C), Image Intensification (G), Thermal Imaging (G) |
Shielded |
BTR-80 Caribe |
$53,452 |
D, A |
2 tons |
13.6 tons |
3+8 |
8 |
Passive IR (D,
G, C) |
Shielded |
BTR-80K |
$75,409 |
D, A |
1.5 tons |
13.6 tons |
3+7 |
9 |
Passive IR (D,
G, C) |
Shielded |
BTR-80AK |
$93,167 |
D, A |
1.8 tons |
14.4 tons |
3+7 |
9 |
Passive IR (D,
C, G), Image Intensification (G) |
Shielded |
BRDM-3 |
$210,106 |
D, A |
900 kg |
14.5 tons |
3+4 |
9 |
Passive IR (D,
G, C), Image Intensification (G, C), Thermal Imaging (G) |
Shielded |
BTR-80 PBKM |
$312,634 |
D, A |
900 kg |
14.8 tons |
3+4 |
10 |
Passive IR (D,
G, C), Image Intensification (G, C), Thermal Imaging (G) |
Shielded |
BTR-80 R-149BMRA |
$126,222 |
D, A |
1 ton |
13.8 tons |
4 |
10 |
Passive IR (D,
G, C) |
Shielded |
BTR-80 R-439-BK1 |
$127,093 |
D, A |
900 kg |
13.9 tons |
4 |
10 |
Passive IR (D,
G, C) |
Shielded |
BTR-80 R-149BMR |
$128,153 |
D, A |
900 kg |
14 tons |
4 |
10 |
Passive IR (D,
G, C) |
Shielded |
BTR-80 RKhM-4 |
$538,247 |
D, A |
900 kg |
14 tons |
4 |
10 |
Passive IR (D,
G, C) |
Shielded |
BTR-80 E-351BrM |
$61,543 |
D, A |
750 kg |
14.6 tons |
4 |
10 |
Passive IR (D,
G, C) |
Shielded |
BMM-1 |
$62,713 |
D, A |
875 kg |
14.1 tons |
*** |
9 |
Passive IR (D,
C) |
Shielded |
BMM-2 |
$64,100 |
D, A |
825 kg |
14.3 tons |
*** |
9 |
Passive IR (D,
C) |
Shielded |
BMM-3 |
$73,647 |
D, A |
825 kg |
14.3 tons |
*** |
10 |
Passive IR (D,
C) |
Shielded |
PU-12M6 |
$1,758,637 |
D, A |
405 kg |
17 tons |
6 |
18 |
Passive IR (D),
Thermal Imaging (10 km), Image Intensification (10 km), VADS (100 km),
Radar (100 km) |
Shielded |
PU-12M7 |
$3,504,941 |
D, A |
419 kg |
17.3 tons |
6 |
19 |
Image
Intensification (D), FLIR (40 km), 2nd Gen Image
Intensification (25 km), VADS (100km), Primary Radar (100km), Secondary
Radar (200km) |
Shielded |
Vehicle |
Tr
Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
BTR-80/BTR-80
Caribe/BTR-80K |
145/73 |
34/17/4 |
300 |
136 |
CiH |
W(6) |
TF4
TS4 TR4
HF5Sp HS3
HR3* |
BTR-80M |
135/69 |
32/16/4 |
300 |
124 |
CiH |
W(6) |
TF4
TS4 TR4
HF5Sp HS3
HR3* |
BTR-80A/BTR-80S/BTR-80AK |
130/66 |
30/15/3 |
300 |
144 |
CiH |
W(6) |
TF4
TS4 TR4
HF5Sp HS3
HR3* |
BTR-82/BTR-82A |
147/74 |
34/17/4 |
300 |
156 |
CiH |
W(6) |
TF5
TS5 TR5
HF6Sp HS4
HR3** |
BTR-80D |
151/74 |
35/18/4 |
300 |
151 |
CiH |
W(6) |
TF4
TS4 TR4
HF5Sp HS3
HR3* |
BTR-80UP |
145/73 |
34/17/4 |
300 |
158 |
CiH |
W(6) |
TF5
TS5 TR5
HF6Sp HS4
HR3** |
BTR-80B |
160/81 |
37/19/4 |
300 |
144 |
CiH |
W(6) |
TF4
TS4 TR4
HF5Sp HS3
HR3* |
BTR-80C |
122/61 |
29/14/3 |
300 |
160 |
Trtd |
W(6) |
TF11Sp
TS4Sp TR4
HF5Sp HS3
HR3* |
BRDM-3 |
136/69 |
32/16/4 |
300 |
146 |
CiH |
W(6) |
TF4
TS4 TR4
HF5Sp HS3
HR3* |
BTR-80 PBKM |
133/67 |
31/16/3 |
300 |
148 |
CiH |
W(6) |
TF4
TS4 TR4
HF5Sp HS3
HR3* |
BTR-80 R-149BMRA |
144/73 |
34/17/4 |
300 |
138 |
CiH |
W(6) |
TF4
TS4 TR4
HF5Sp HS3
HR3* |
BTR-80 R-439-BK1 |
142/72 |
33/17/4 |
300 |
139 |
CiH |
W(6) |
TF4
TS4 TR4
HF5Sp HS3
HR3* |
BTR-80
R-149BMR/RKhM-4 |
141/71 |
33/16/4 |
300 |
140 |
CiH |
W(6) |
TF4
TS4 TR4
HF5Sp HS3
HR3* |
BTR-80 E-351BrM |
135/68 |
32/16/4 |
300 |
146 |
CiH |
W(6) |
TF4
TS4 TR4
HF5Sp HS3
HR3* |
BMM-1 |
139/70 |
33/16/4 |
300 |
141 |
Stnd |
W(6) |
HF5Sp
HS3 HR3* |
BMM-2/BMM-3 |
138/69 |
32/16/4 |
300 |
143 |
Stnd |
W(6) |
HF5Sp
HS3 HR3* |
PU-12M6 |
109/76 |
30/21/3 |
300 |
89 |
Stnd |
W(6) |
HF5Sp
HS3 HR3* |
PU-12M7 |
108/75 |
30/21/3 |
300 |
89 |
Stnd |
W(6) |
HF6Sp
HS4 HR4** |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
BTR-80/BTR-80M/BTR-80K/R-149BMRA/R-439-BK1/R-149BMR/RKhM-4/E-351BrM |
+1 |
Basic |
KPV, PKT |
500x14.5mm,
2000x7.62mm |
BTR-80A/BTR-80AK |
+2 |
Fair |
30mm 2A72
Autocannon, PKT |
350x30mm,
3000x7.62mm |
BTR-80S |
+2 |
Fair |
KPV, PKT |
725x14.5mm,
3000x7.62mm |
BTR-82 |
+3 |
Good |
KPV, PKT |
725x14.5mm,
3000x7.62mm |
BTR-82A |
+3 |
Good |
30mm 2A72
Autocannon, PKT |
350x30mm,
3000x7.62mm |
BTR-80D |
+3 |
Good |
30mm 2A72
Autocannon, PKT, up to 4xAT-15 ATGM and/or 4xSA-18 SAM Launchers |
300x30mm,
2000x7.62mm, up to 4xAT-14 ATGMs and/or 4xSA-18 SAMs |
BTR-80UP |
+3 |
Good |
30mm 2A72
Autocannon, PKT |
300x30mm,
2000x7.62mm |
BTR-80B |
+2 |
Fair |
30mm 2A72
Autocannon, PKT, AGS-17 AGL, 4xAT-14 ATGM Launchers |
300x30mm,
2000x7.62mm, 300x30mm Grenades, 4xAT-14 ATGM |
BTR-80C |
+2 |
Good |
100mm 2A70 Gun,
30mm 2A72 Autocannon, PKT |
40x100mm,
6xAT-10 ATGM, 500x30mm, 2000x7.62mm |
BTR-80 Caribe |
+1 |
Basic |
M-2HB, PKT |
575x.50,
2000x7.62mm |
BRDM-3 |
+2 |
Fair |
30mm 2A72
Autocannon, PKT |
525x30mm,
4500x7.62mm |
BTR-80 PBKM |
+1 |
Basic |
KPV |
500x14.5mm |
PU-12M6/M7 |
Nil |
None |
None |
None |
*This vehicle has a floor AV of 4Sp.
**This vehicle has a roof AV of 3 and a Floor AV of 5Sp.
***See Notes for Crew and passenger capacity.
Arzamas
BTR-90
Notes:
At first glance, this appears to be a modified BTR-80; however, the
BTR-90 is more a new vehicle, though many sources consider it an enlarged
BTR-80. Design work began in the
early 1990s, and it was first publicly shown in 1994.
It appears that so far no foreign sales have taken place, though some are
used in Russia by the MVD, Airborne and Spetsnaz.
The numbers in use, however, are very small, with Russia primarily
focusing on the BTR-80; however, some Russian plans call for the BTR-90 to
eventually be in use by motorized units as well as the Naval Infantry.
Compared to the BTR-80, the BTR-90 has improved firepower and protection
and a much more powerful engine.
The BTR-90’s chassis is suitable for a number of applications, though few have
yet been announced or demonstrated.
The BTR-90
The first difference one will
notice about the BTR-90 is the nose; it is pointed and looks similar to that of
the Canadian LAV-25. Gone are the
windshields and side windows of the driver’s and commander’s compartment;
instead, these positions have vision blocks around roof hatches, and in each
position, the center block is a day/night block.
The commander is now in the turret, so the former commander’s position is
not generally used as a passenger position, though he has no direct connection
to the rear troop area; this position is often taken up by the infantry squad
leader. This passenger position is
rather small, as the driver’s position is moved to just off-center of the front.
Like on the other BTRs, the BTR-90 troop compartment is in the center of
the vehicle, with the engine at the rear, with full-sized clamshell side hatches
and two roof hatches. The space
between the first two axles and the rear two axles is a bit larger, allowing for
the enlargement of the side doors.
The troops have three firing ports on each side on each side of the hull; like
on the BTR-80, these are angled forward, though they have more traverse and
elevation than on the BTR-80. The turret is essentially the same as that on the
BMP-2, suitably modified for the new chassis, and equipped with an autocannon,
coaxial machinegun, and ATGM launcher on the roof, as well as four smoke grenade
launchers on each side of the turret.
Depression is only mediocre at -5 degrees, but elevation is +75 degrees.
In addition, the BTR-90 has an externally-mounted AG-17 grenade launcher,
reloaded from the rear deck hatches. The AG-17 has independent elevation and
limited independent traverse. The turret has hatches for the commander and
gunner, with vision blocks around them. Thermal imaging for the gunner is an
option found on some BTR-90s; this has no effective weight and costs an
additional $30,000. The thermal imaging is useful only for the main weapons and
not the AG-17. The commander has auxiliary controls for the main gun and coaxial
machinegun, and is the only one who can aim and fire the ATGM.
The BTR-90 is
powered by multi-fuel turbocharged engine developing 510 horsepower.
Though this is much greater than on previous BTRs, much of this is soaked
up by the much higher weight of the BTR-90.
Suspension is 8x8 and of the off-road-type, with central tire pressure
regulation. The front two axles are steerable, with the driver having power
steering and conventional controls.
The wheels have antilock brakes and a limited-slip differential; the wheels are
also capable of turning at separate speeds without losing traction as terrain
requires. All this gives the BTR off-road mobility almost on par with a tracked
vehicle. The BTR-90 is amphibious after only turning on bilge pumps (requiring
only the flicking of a switch) and the raising of a trim vane; once the vehicle
is floating, a waterjet is turned on.
Preparation takes three minutes. The crew and passengers have an NBC
overpressure system with a collective NBC backup, with radiological shielding.
The engine starting system is redundant; the primary system is electrical, but a
compressed air starting system is also provided. At the front of the vehicle is
a winch with a capacity of 7 tons and 60 meters of cable. The BTR-90 has a
vehicle-state computer; the computer keeps track and reports on the mechanical
state of the vehicle as well as the amount of ammunition on board and the
integrity of the sights and mechanical components, as well as the amount of fuel
on board. As stated above, armor is
heavier than on the BTR-80, and even more attention is paid to mine protection.
The BTR-90’s
hull has lugs for ERA. Active
protection systems, including the Arena and the Drozd, have been mounted
experimentally on the BTR-90.
The BTR-90M
As an experiment and
for display at some arms shows (and presumably for export), the BTR-90 has been
fitted with the turret of a BMD-3M.
This essentially makes the BTR-90M into a sort of MGS, and the dismount squad is
drastically reduced.
Twilight 2000
Notes: The stock BTR-90 is a very rare vehicle, found only in Russian service in
the Twilight 2000 timeline. The
other BTR-90 versions are unavailable.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
BTR-90 |
$105,305 |
D, G, AvG, A |
1.5 tons |
20.9 tons |
3+9 |
10 |
Passive IR (D,
G, C), Image Intensification (G), IR Searchlight (Gun, C) |
Shielded |
BTR-90M |
$352,892 |
D, G, AvG, A |
1 ton |
22.6 tons |
3+5 |
12 |
Passive IR (D,
G, C), Image Intensification (G), Thermal Imaging (G) |
Shielded |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
BTR-90 |
181/97 |
42/23/4 |
300 |
274 |
Trtd |
W(8) |
TF11
TS7 TR6
HF8Sp HS5
HR4* |
BTR-90M |
167/89 |
39/21/4 |
300 |
296 |
Trtd |
W(8) |
TF11Sp
TS4 TR4
HF8Sp HS5
HR4* |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
BTR-90 |
+1 |
Fair |
30mm 2A42
Autocannon, PKT, AT-4/AT-5 ATGM Launcher, AG-17 AGL |
500x30mm,
2000x7.62mm, 5xAT-4/AT-5 ATGMs, 240x30mm Grenades |
BTR-90M |
+2 |
Good |
100mm 2A70 Gun,
30mm 2A72 Autocannon, PKT |
40x100mm,
6xAT-10 ATGM, 500x30mm, 2000x7.62mm |
*Roof AV is 4, and Floor AV is 6Sp.
GAZ BTR-40
Notes:
This is an ancient Russian vehicle used by Afghanistan, Albania, Croatia,
Cuba, Laos, North Korea, Mongolia, Vietnam, and several African nations; it has
been used by about another 20 nations in its lifetime.
It is a lengthened GAZ-63 chassis with an armored body and an open top,
and a slightly more powerful engine to cope with the increased weight.
The BTR-40’s design process began in 1947, but the BTR-40 did not begin
service until 1950; by then, it was already obsolete – it was quickly replaced
in Soviet and Warsaw Pact service by the BTR-152, then the BTR-50, BTR-60, and
other vehicles. Further, advanced
development of the BTR-40 led eventually to the BRDM series.
The BTR-40 has seen combat service in several places in the world,
including various brushfire wars in Africa, Vietnam, Yemen, the early Middle
Eastern wars, and was even in limited use during the Korean War.
The driver sits
at the front of the vehicle on the left, with the commander on the right.
They have open windows to the front and sides, which may be covered with
armored shutters which have vision slits in them. There are two or three firing
ports on each side of the troop compartment, and there is a pintle mount behind
and between the driver and commander as well as on each side of the troop
compartment. These guns are manned
by the troops carried in the rear. The firing ports are mere holes in the armor
with armored shutters. A spare wheel is carried on the rear of the hull on the
center. A saw is carried on the
left side of the hull. Some
vehicles have a 4.5-ton winch on the front of the hull with 70 meters of cable.
The troop compartment is open-topped, and the troops enter and exit by going
over the sides; the driver and commander also enter and exit in this manner.
The engine is an 80-horsepower GAZ-40 gasoline engine.
It has a 4x4 suspension, but the BTR-40 is well known for its poor
off-road performance. On a hard service, it does have a turning radius of only
7.5 meters.
The BTR-40V is a
BTR-40 with a central tire pressure regulation system.
This unfortunately did little to improve its off-road performance.
The BTR-40B is a
BTR-40V with overhead protection.
Troops mount and dismount through four overhead hatches that open to the sides;
these may be locked in the vertical position, and standing fire may be
accomplished by firing though the supplied firing ports in them. The BTR-40B has
actual windshields in them, and has a collective NBC system installed.
The BTR-40B has a pintle mount on the roof near the front for a weapon,
but deletes the side mounts; the pintle mount is usually furnished with a
heavier machinegun than those used on the BTR-40.
Troop complement is unfortunately reduced.
The BTR-40zhd is
a BTR-40 designed to run across train rails (adjustable from Russian/Eastern
European gauges of the period to Western gauges).
It has no off-road speed, and may not move off the rails.
Its purpose was to scout ahead of trains. Only limited amounts of them
were made. Any BTR-40 could be made
into a BTR-40zhd by simply changing the wheels and adding reinforcing struts,
and vice versa.
The BTR-40Kh is
an NBC reconnaissance version of the BTR-40B.
The primary on-board equipment is a pair of marking flag dispensers with
80 total flags; measuring and metering of radiological and chemical agents is
done via hand-held instruments (included in the price below)
Some Indonesian
BTR-40Bs were modified with a small, manually-operated cube-shaped turret atop
the vehicle. This turret mounted
either a machinegun or a 40mm MGL in a flexible mount (I have not been able to
determine the exact type; use the Milkor Mk 1 stats until I can).
The hull also has a bank of four smoke grenade launchers on each side,
and searchlight on the left side of the hull for the use of the commander.
The Israelis
used a number of captured BTR-40s in the 1950s; these substituted the usual
armament with M-1919A4 machineguns.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
BTR-40/Israeli BTR-40 |
$20,920 |
G, A |
850 kg |
5.3 tons |
2+8 |
4 |
Headlights |
Open |
BTR-40B |
$18,472 |
G, A |
850 kg |
5.6 tons |
2+6 |
4 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
BTR-40zhd |
$16,736 |
G, A |
850 kg |
5.2 tons |
2+8 |
4 |
Headlights |
Open |
BTR-40Kh |
$238,428 |
G, A |
425 kg |
5.5 tons |
4 |
5 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Indonesian BTR-40B |
$16,777 |
G, A |
750 kg |
5.8 tons |
3+5 |
4 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
BTR-40 |
160/39 |
37/9 |
122 |
39 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF3 HS2
HR2* |
BTR-40B |
152/37 |
35/9 |
122 |
41 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF3 HS2
HR2 |
BTR-40zhd |
163 (Train Rails Only) |
38 (Train Rails Only) |
122 |
31 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF3 HS2
HR2* |
BTR-40Kh |
158/39 |
37/9 |
122 |
39 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF3 HS2
HR2 |
Indonesian BTR-40B |
146/35 |
34/8 |
122 |
43 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
TF2 TS2
TR2 HF3
HS2 HR2 |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
BTR-40/BTR-40zhd |
None |
None |
3xSGMB |
1250x7.62mm |
BTR-40B/BTR-40Kh |
None |
None |
DShK or KPVT |
750x12.7mm or 650x14.5mm |
Indonesian BTR-40B |
None |
None |
PKT or 40mm MGL |
1250x7.62mm or 240x40mm |
Israeli BTR-40 |
None |
None |
3xM-1919A4 |
1250x.30-06 |
*This version has no roof armor.
Notes:
This wheeled armored personnel carrier was developed in the late 1950s to
replace the BTR-152 series; like the BTR-40 that the BTR-152 replaced, the
BTR-152 also proved to be inadequate and obsolete for the role of APC.
By 2010, they are mainly found in the armies of Third World nations,
having been replaced in the Russian, Eastern European, and Middle Eastern armies
by newer versions of wheeled APCs such as the BTR-70, BTR-80, BTR-90, and the
TAB and OT-64 series. The BTR-60
began its design process in 1957, and was first seen in a parade in 1961.
The BTR-60 was developed virtually in tandem with the BMP-1, though the
BMP-1 did not appear in service until several years later.
The design called for several features that were advanced for the time,
including an 8x8 suspension, two turnable axles (the front ones), independent
suspension for each axle, and an off-road-type suspension with run-flat tires
and amphibious capabilities. Throughout the course of its history, the BTR-60
was produced in over 10 versions and used by almost 35 countries.
Though for the most part production stopped in 1976, a special production
run of 100 BTR-60PBs was done for Iraq in the 1980s.
Early versions
(the BTR-60P) had an open-topped troop compartment and a pintle-mounted
machinegun; a little later, the troop compartment was enclosed and a commander’s
hatch with a pintle-mounted weapon was introduced (the BTR-60PA), and soon
thereafter the primary version was introduced (the BTR-60PB), which has the
now-familiar closed top and turret with a KPV/PKT combination.
On the open-topped BTR-60P, the top could be covered with a tarpaulin.
Several specialist versions were built, and later modernizations were produced.
The Romanian TAB-71 is also a modification of the BTR-60, as is the
Polish/Czech OT-64.
BTR-60
The driver and
commander of the BTR-60 are in the front of the vehicle, behind bullet-resistant
windshields that can be covered with armored shutters with vision slits in them
on the BTR-60P and BTR-60PA, though the vision slits were replaced with vision
blocks on later versions. The
driver and commander also have small bullet-resistant windows to their right and
left. They have hatches over their
positions which open to the front; the driver’s hatch has a space for a night
vision block, while the commander has an IR searchlight over his position.
On the BTR-60PB and later, the commander also has a night vision block.
The troop compartment is in the center of the vehicle, and since the engine is
in the rear, the troops must go over the side of the vehicle to enter or exit
the vehicle. (Several steps and
hand rails are attached to the sides for this purpose.) This is done either by
going straight over the sides on the BTR-60P or though roof hatches on the
BTR-60PA or later. In the BTR-60PB
and other turreted versions, the BTR-60 has a dedicated gunner. The turret is
almost identical to that on the BRDM-2 (except for the level of armor
protection); and is in fact the first iteration of the BRDM-1 turret.
The traverse and elevation are manual, and thus are slower than on newer
vehicles. The turret does not have
a hatch. On the rear deck is a
large hatch for the passengers (if closed-topped); this hatch is the primary
method of ingress and egress for the passengers and gunner, since the two doors
in the hull are very small and best suited for emergency use, loading supplies
and ammunition, or as auxiliary firing ports.
There are also two firing ports in each side of the hull on the BTR-60PB
and later, and firing ports for the commander and driver in front of their
positions were also added. On the
BTR-60PB, another small hatch was added on the right side the hull for the
gunner, and a full-sized hatch on the left side of the hull. In the front of the
vehicle is a winch with a capacity of 4.5 tons.
The BTR-60P, PA,
and PB were powered by a pair of GAZ-49B 90-horsepower gasoline engines, each
developing 90 horsepower. One
engine propels the second and fourth axles, and the second engine propels the
first and third axles. Each engine
has its own gear box and clutch, and the driver has a dual manual transmission
to contend with, making driving challenging to say the least.
The dual engine format means that if one engine goes out, the vehicle can
still drive at half speed, but causes the driving difficulties as stated.
The transmission layout is also quite complicated and prone to breakdown.
The suspension, as stated, is 8x8 and of the off-road-type, and shock
absorption is surprisingly effective.
The BTR-60 is fully amphibious with preparation (a trim vane must be
erected in front from the driver’s compartment, bilge pumps turned on, and a
waterjet turned on when the vehicle is floating; this takes four minutes). On
the BTR-60PA and later, a collective NBC system was added.
Later APC-Type
Modifications
In Afghanistan,
the Soviets experimented with a variety of modifications to the BTR-60,
including the addition of a pintle-mounted AGS-17 (for use by troops in the
rear) and the use of an early version of the Kliver turret. The second of these
had the designation of BTR-60PB-1.
The BTR-60PZ
uses the BTR-70 turret, which has a greater elevation and depression.
Elevation especially is very high. It is otherwise identical to the
standard BTR-60PB.
The Russian
Arzamas company has developed an upgrade package for the BTR-60PB called the
BTR-60PBM, which includes the installation of a single diesel engine, the same
as that found on the BTR-80. This
is a KamAZ-7403 260-horsepower turbocharged diesel engine.
The turret has been replaced by the BPU-1 turret, which has similar
weapons but is enlarged and is situated higher on the vehicle, with elevation
and depression increased to almost straight up and -12 degrees.
This is the same turret as mounted on the stock BTR-80.
Additional appliqué armor has been installed.
Updated radios and night vision equipment has been installed.
As an alternate turret, a BPPU turret may be installed, which has a 2A72
autocannon instead of the KPV machinegun.
The Russian
Murmteplovoz agency has developed an upgrade package using a turret armed with a
2A42 autocannon and a PKT machinegun, as well as an AGS-17 grenade launcher
mounted externally on the right side of the turret with remote control.
This is the MB2 turret, and it is larger than the standard turret.
This turret also has improved fire control and vision devices.
The engines are also replaced with a single YaMAZ-236A diesel developing
196 horsepower. The brakes have also been improved, and are antilock brakes.
Kharkiv Morozov
(KMDB) of the Ukraine’s upgrade includes the replacement of the engines with a
single UTD-20 multifuel engine developing 300 horsepower.
(The “K” under Fuel below is for kerosene.) This is the BTR-60D. The
turret is replaced with an Ingul turret. The Ingul turret is a semi-overhead
weapons station armed with an autocannon and coaxial machinegun capable of great
elevation (almost straight up) and depression (able to engage enemy troops that
are as little as 10 meters from the vehicle). The Ingul turret also has four
launchers for AT-14 ATGMs, which are modular and can be replaced by up to four
SA-18 SAMs (the missiles on each side of the turret must be replaced in pairs
when doing this). The gun and coax
are fully stabilized and equipped with modern fire control equipment, and the
gunner has excellent day and night vision sights (which may be accessed by the
commander via a downlinked monitor). The
turret also has a cluster of four smoke grenade launchers on each side.
The
Bulgarian BTR-60PB-MD1 is similar to the BTR-60PB, but replaces the engines with
a single Cummins ISB 25.30 250-horsepower turbocharged diesel engine, and adds
four smoke grenade launchers on each side of its turret.
The export version, the BTR-60PB-MD2, is the export version which has a
KamAZ-7403 260-horsepower turbocharged diesel engine.
Specialist APC-Types
The BTR-60PAK is a minor
command variant of the BTR-60PA with two extra radios (one extra long-range, one
extra medium range), and two erectable mast antennas carried atop the vehicle.
One troop is a radio operator instead of being part of the dismount crew, and
the radios also displace one troop.
The BTR-60PBK is similar, but based on the BTR-60PB.
The BTR-60PU is
a turretless version of the BTR-60PB, with a greatly rearranged interior for a
command staff and two long-range radios, one medium-range radio, two short-range
radios, a radio teletype machine, and a field telephone.
Later versions replace the radio teletype with a ruggedized laptop
computer. The top of the vehicle
has a collapsible AZI frame antenna, an extendible 10-meter radio mast, a 2kW
generator, and extendible shelves and three folding chairs.
The vehicle has a map board and map storage as well as office and
plotting-type supplies.
It has bows and a tarpaulin cover that may be erected to either side of the
vehicle to increase working space.
The BTR-60PU is very similar to the BTR-60PA in appearance, except for the extra
antennas. This
vehicle is also called the BTR-60R-145BM Chaika.
The
BTR-60R-145BM-1 is a signal vehicle with one very long-range (100 km), two long
range, and two medium-range radios, a switchboard, 20 field telephones, and a
4kW generator. It has no turret,
and antennas like those of the BTR-60R-145BM.
There are several similar signals vehicles, which differ primarily in the
radios carried.
The
BTR-60Z-351BR is essentially a large armored generator vehicle, carrying
internally a 15kW generator and operators for it, as well as a fuel tank.
The fuel tank for the generator is 90 liters.
Twilight 2000
Notes: The Arzamas and Murmteplovoz upgrades are not available in the Twilight
2000 timeline, nor are the Kharkiv Morozov modification and the BTR-60PB-MD1.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
BTR-60P |
$48,302 |
G, A |
1.2 tons |
9.1 tons |
3+13 |
6 |
Passive IR (D) |
Open |
BTR-60PA |
$51,433 |
G, A |
1.2 tons |
10 tons |
3+11 |
6 |
Passive IR (D) |
Enclosed |
BTR-60PB |
$66,738 |
G, A |
1.1 tons |
10.3 tons |
3+8 |
6 |
Passive IR (D) |
Enclosed |
BTR-60PB
w/AGS-17 |
$67,168 |
G, A |
1 ton |
10.3 tons |
3+8 |
6 |
Passive IR (D,
G) |
Enclosed |
BTR-60PB-1
(Kliver) |
$202,935 |
G, A |
1 ton |
11 tons |
3+8 |
7 |
Passive IR (D,
G), Image Intensification (G) |
Enclosed |
BTR-60PM (BPU-1
Turret) |
$49,894 |
D, A |
950 kg |
11.1 tons |
3+8 |
6 |
Passive IR (D,
G), Image Intensification (G) |
Enclosed |
BTR-60PM (BPPU
Turret) |
$69,511 |
D, A |
950 kg |
11.1 tons |
3+8 |
6 |
Passive IR (D,
G), Image Intensification (G) |
Enclosed |
BTR-60PB MB2 |
$80,211 |
D, A |
1.2 tons |
10.8 tons |
3+8 |
6 |
Passive IR (D,
G), Image Intensification (G) |
Enclosed |
BTR-60D |
$180,241 |
D, K, A |
950 kg |
12.2 tons |
3+8 |
7 |
Passive IR (D,
G), Image Intensification (G), Thermal Imaging (G) |
Enclosed |
BTR-60PB-MD1 |
$46,694 |
D, A |
1.1 tons |
10.3 tons |
3+8 |
6 |
Passive IR (D) |
Enclosed |
BTR-60PB-MD2 |
$46,734 |
D, A |
1.1 tons |
10.3 tons |
3+8 |
6 |
Passive IR (D) |
Enclosed |
BTR-60PAK |
$55,883 |
G, A |
900 kg |
10.1 tons |
4+9 |
6 |
Passive IR (D) |
Enclosed |
BTR-60PBK |
$68,313 |
G, A |
850 kg |
10.4 tons |
4+5 |
6 |
Passive IR (D) |
Enclosed |
BTR-60PU |
$61,257 |
G, A |
850 kg |
10.5 tons |
3+4 |
7 |
Passive IR (D) |
Enclosed |
BTR-60PU (Late) |
$97,740 |
G, A |
850 kg |
10.5 tons |
3+4 |
8 |
Passive IR (D) |
Enclosed |
BTR-60R-145BM-1 |
$57,918 |
G, A |
850 kg |
10.5 tons |
4 |
8 |
Passive IR (D) |
Enclosed |
BTR-60Z-351BR |
$54,652 |
G, A |
800 kg |
10.6 tons |
4 |
7 |
Passive IR (D) |
Enclosed |
Vehicle |
Tr
Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
BTR-60P |
158/80 |
37/18/5 |
290 |
97 |
Stnd |
W(4) |
HF5
HS2 HR2 |
BTR-60PA |
144/73 |
34/16/4 |
290 |
107 |
Stnd |
W(4) |
HF5
HS2 HR2 |
BTR-60PB/PB-1
w/AGS-17 |
139/70 |
33/16/4 |
290 |
110 |
CiH |
W(4) |
TF2
TS2 TR2
HF5 HS2
HR2 |
BTR-60PB-1
(Kliver) |
131/66 |
31/15/4 |
290 |
118 |
CiH |
W(4) |
TF4
TS4 TR4
HF5 HS2
HR2 |
BTR-60PM |
172/86 |
40/20/5 |
290 |
136 |
CiH |
W(4) |
TF3
TS3 TR3
HF7 HS4
HR3 |
BTR-60PB MB2 |
137/69 |
32/16/4 |
290 |
99 |
Trtd |
W(4) |
TF4
TS4 TR4
HF5 HS2
HR2 |
BTR-60D |
160/81 |
37/19/5 |
290 |
138 |
CiH |
W(4) |
TF5
TS5 TR5
HF6 HS3
HR3 |
BTR-60PB-MD1 |
174/88 |
41/20/5 |
290 |
130 |
CiH |
W(4) |
TF2
TS2 TR2
HF5 HS2
HR2 |
BTR-60PB-MD2 |
181/91 |
42/21/5 |
290 |
136 |
CiH |
W(4) |
TF2
TS2 TR2
HF5 HS2
HR2 |
BTR-60PAK |
143/73 |
34/16/4 |
290 |
108 |
Stnd |
W(4) |
HF5
HS2 HR2 |
BTR-60PBK |
138/69 |
33/16/4 |
290 |
111 |
CiH |
W(4) |
TF2
TS2 TR2
HF5 HS2
HR2 |
BTR-60PU/R-145BM-1 |
137/69 |
32/16/4 |
290 |
112 |
Stnd |
W(4) |
HF5
HS2 HR2 |
BTR-60Z-351BR |
136/69 |
32/15/4 |
290 |
113 |
Stnd |
W(4) |
HF5
HS2 HR2 |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
BTR-60P/R-145BM/60Z-351BR |
None |
None |
PKT |
2000x7.62mm |
BTR-60PA/PAK |
None |
None |
DShK |
1200x12.7mm |
BTR-60PB/MD-1/MD-2/PBK |
None |
None |
KPV, PKT |
500x14.5mm,
3000x7.62mm |
BTR-60PB
w/AGS-17 |
+1 |
Basic |
KPV, PKT, AGS-17 |
500x14.5mm,
3000x7.62mm, 120x30mm Grenades |
BTR-60PB-1
(Kliver) |
+2 |
Fair |
30mm 2A72
Autocannon, PKT, AGS-17 AGL, 4xAT-14 ATGM |
300x30mm,
2000x7.62mm, 300x30mm Grenades, 4xAT-14 ATGM |
BTR-60PBM (BPU-1
Turret) |
+1 |
Fair |
KPV, PKT |
500x14.5mm,
3000x7.62mm |
BTR-60PBM (BPPU
Turret) |
+2 |
Fair |
30mm 2A72
Autocannon, PKT |
250x30mm,
3000x7.62mm |
BTR-60PB MB1 |
+2 |
Fair |
30mm 2A42
Autocannon, PKT, AG-17 |
250x30mm,
3000x7.62mm, 200x30mm Grenades |
BTR-60D |
+3 |
Good |
30mm 2A72
Autocannon, PKT, up to 4xAT-15 ATGM and/or 4xSA-18 SAM Launchers |
300x30mm,
2000x7.62mm, up to 4xAT-14 ATGM and/or 4xSA-18 SAMs |
BTR-60PU |
None |
None |
KPV |
1000x14.5mm |
Notes: The
BPM-97 was designed specifically for the Russian Border Guards, and development
began in 1997. Progress has been
slow, however, and the vehicle is only in limited service in an advanced trials
phase. This primarily due to lack
of funding – the BPM-97 is essentially ready to go once the money is available
to field them in numbers. Though
the Russian Border Guards may not get decent numbers of them anytime soon, the
BPM-97 has been ordered by Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, and they will probably get
more of them than Russian forces in the immediate future.
The Russian State Police has also requested the BPM-97, though it is an
open question as to when they will get any. The BPM-97 has also been offered on
the international arms market, with several interested parties.
The BPM-97 uses
the chassis of a KamAZ-4326 truck, but the chassis is highly-modified to
accommodate the armored body. The
BPM-97 has a sharply-sloped front end, with moderately-sloped sides.
The BPM-97 uses aluminum armor.
The driver and commander sit in the front behind the engine with separate
bullet-resistant windshields to the front and bullet-resistant windows to the
sides. Optionally, these
windshields may be furnished with armored shutters with vision slits in them,
and the side windows can be fitted with sliding armored shutters. Entry and exit
to the vehicle is by a pair of doors in the rear; the driver and commander also
enter and exit through this door.
Alternatively, the crew and troops may use a two-piece circular hatch in the
center of the rear deck. Three
firing ports are found in each side of the hull, and one in each rear door.
There are also small, half-height doors in the lower hull on each side of
the hull; these are rather small and best used for the loading of equipment or
as auxiliary firing ports for heavier weapons than small arms.
The basic BRM-97 has no turret and is armed only with a machinegun or
automatic grenade launcher on a pintle mount by the deck hatch mentioned above.
The BPM-97 has a collective NBC system.
The BPM-97 is
powered by a KamAZ-740.10-20 240-horsepower diesel engine, coupled to an
automatic transmission, with conventional controls for the driver.
The BPM-97 has antilock brakes as well as a limited slip differential.
The ride may be a bit rough, as the BPM-97 uses only leaf springs for the
suspension and not conventional shock absorbers.
The suspension, though 4x4, is better suited to road use than off-road
use, though the limited slip differential does improve the off-road mobility a
little. The tires are run-flat, and
the floor armor is slightly reinforced against mines, as is the suspension (but
only slightly). The front has a
5-ton capacity winch with 60 meters of cable.
KamAZ has
demonstrated several versions with turrets.
One is a turret in a semi-overhead weapons station which has an
autocannon and a coaxial machinegun, along with an externally-mounted AG-17
grenade launcher which is reloaded from the deck hatch.
The AG-17 has independent elevation and depression and limited
independent traverse. Another
turret is much simpler, being a small turret armed only with a Kord heavy
machinegun. Another turret
demonstrated is the turret of the BTR-80 mounted on the BPM-97.
Yet another turret is a small turret with a pair of light machineguns.
The turrets have four smoke grenade launchers on each side of the turret.
So far, no sales of these versions have been made.
Twilight 2000
Notes: The BPM-97 does not exist in the Twilight 2000 timeline.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
BPM-97 (Basic) |
$18,733 |
D, A |
1 ton |
10.5 tons |
3+7 |
6 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
BPM-97
(Autocannon Turret) |
$77,305 |
D, A |
575 kg |
12.2 tons |
3+6 |
7 |
Passive IR (D,
G), Image Intensification (G) |
Enclosed |
BPM-97 (Kord
Turret) |
$50,816 |
D, A |
900 kg |
10.8 tons |
3+6 |
6 |
Passive IR (D,
G), Image Intensification (G) |
Enclosed |
BPM-97 (BTR-70
Turret) |
$48,798 |
D, A |
900 kg |
10.8 tons |
3+6 |
6 |
Passive IR (D,
C) |
Enclosed |
BPM-97 (Twin MG
Turret) |
$52,374 |
D, A |
900 kg |
10.8 tons |
3+6 |
6 |
Passive IR (D,
G), Image Intensification (G) |
Enclosed |
Vehicle |
Tr
Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
BPM-97 (Basic) |
217/57 |
50/14 |
270 |
100 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF6
HS4 HR3* |
BPM-97
(Autocannon Turret) |
187/49 |
43/12 |
270 |
116 |
CiH |
W(3) |
TF3
TS3 TR3
HF6 HS4
HR3* |
BPM-97 (Kord
Turret)/(BTR-70 Turret)/(Twin MG Turret) |
210/55 |
49/14 |
270 |
103 |
CiH |
W(3) |
TF3
TS3 TR3
HF6 HS4
HR3* |
Shoet II |
204/69 |
48/16 |
300 |
70 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF2
HS2 HR2* |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
BPM-97 (Basic) |
None |
None |
Kord/NSV or PKT
or AGS-17 |
1000x12.7mm or
1650x7.62mm or 420x30mm Grenades |
Shoet II |
+2 |
Fair |
30mm 2A72
Autocannon, PKT, AGS-17 |
200x30mm,
2000x7.62mm, 120x30mm Grenades |
BPM-97 (Kord
Turret) |
+2 |
Fair |
Kord |
1500x12.7mm |
BPM-97 (BTR-70
Turret) |
+1 |
Basic |
KPV, PKT |
500x14.5mm,
3000x7.62mm |
BPM-97 (Twin MG
Turret) |
+2 |
Fair |
2xPKT |
2500x7.62mm |
Notes: The
BTR-152, also known in some early sources as the BTR-140, was designed after the
Second World War as a heavier counterpart to the BTR-40 design.
It was a competitor to the BTR-40, with design work beginning in 1946,
and acceptance into the Soviet Army in early 1950.
It is essentially a medium truck design which has an armored body added.
The design failed in the mobility department; nonetheless, it enjoyed a
long service career, and some are still in use in some Third World countries.
Nearly 50 countries used or still use the BTR-152, and despite its mediocre
design, was by numbers a successful vehicle.
The BTR-152 has been modified into a bewildering number of variants and
fitted with alternate weaponry, often by the countries using them.
The last BTR-152 was built in 1962.
The basic
BTR-152 was built on the chassis of a Zil-151 6x6 truck (some are based on the
Zil-157), with an open-topped all-welded steel body mounted on it.
The open top gave it the same vulnerability as the basic BTR-40, though
it kept down the weight. This was
important, because, despite a stronger engine than the Zil-151 truck, the
BTR-152 is well underpowered.
Armament is basic, being a single machinegun on a pintle mount in front of the
troop compartment between and behind the driver’s and commander’s positions.
On each side of the troop compartment is also a machinegun.
Ammunition stowage is unfortunately sparse.
The passenger space is large, however, primarily because of the open top
and because internal accommodations are spartan. There is a door at the rear of
the vehicle. The driver and commander sit in the front of the vehicle behind
bullet-resistant windshields which can be covered with an armored shutter with a
vision slit in them. The cab has
side doors which are hinged at the top; there is no glass in the side doors,
however.
The BTR-152 is
powered by a ZiS-123 gasoline engine with 110 horsepower (ZiS-137K
107-horsepower for versions based on the Zil-157, but equivalent in game terms).
This leaves the BTR-152 not only underpowered, but gives it poor range.
The engine is in the front, like a truck. The 6x6 suspension is not very good
for off-road use, and better-suited for road use.
The tires of the original versions are not run-flat and do not have
central tire pressure regulation.
The wheels have both leaf springs and hydraulic shock absorbers, and the rear
wheels also have torsion bars, and actually give a decent ride. The front bumper
has a winch with a capacity of 5 tons and 60 meters of cable.
The original
BTR-152 was based on the Zil-151, a truck known for its poor reliability and
mechanical problems. These were
later replaced with BTR-152s based on the improved Zil-157, a more robust and
reliable truck. These are called
the BTR-152V. The BTR-152V has central tire pressure regulation, somewhat
improving off-road performance, and adding a night vision block for the driver
for use with IR headlights added to the vehicle.
Based on the
BTR-152V, the BTR-152K has an armored top added to the troop compartment and
cab. The BTR-152K does not have a
conventional collective NBC system, but does have blowers and a forced air
system that allows the commander to blow a large amount of smoke or chemical
agents from the vehicle. There are
two hatches added to the top of the vehicle for troops to fire out or to enter
and exit, and the door in the rear remains.
The troop complement is reduced substantially.
The BTR-152K variant comprises about a third of all BTR-152s produced.
The Israelis
used a large number of captured BTR-152s (mostly BTR-152s and BTR-152Vs) for a
time in the 1960s and 1970s. Most
were used as is and converted to carry the TCM-20 antiaircraft gun set, but some
were used as APCs and by Israeli Police.
Israel later began selling them on the international arms market after
giving them the Shoet II modification, which sold reasonably well.
The Shoet II modification was primarily in the engine and transmission,
which on the Shoet II is a 172-horsepower V-53 diesel engine coupled to an
automatic transmission which also has a locking differential.
Armament is replaced by an M-2HB over and behind the commander’s
position, an M-1919A4 (converted to 7.62mm NATO) over and behind the driver’s
position, and a pair of MAGs at the rear.
Extra stowage on the sides for water and fuel cans is provided, and the
suspension is raised and beefed up to make the Shoet II perform better off-road.
The Shoet II has sold to undisclosed customers, mostly as upgrade kits.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
BTR-152 |
$31,365 |
G, A |
800 kg |
8.6 tons |
2+18 |
6 |
Headlights |
Open |
BTR-152V |
$34,565 |
G, A |
800 kg |
8.6 tons |
2+18 |
7 |
Active IR (D) |
Open |
BTR-152K |
$37,365 |
G, A |
800 kg |
9 tons |
2+13 |
7 |
Active IR (D) |
Enclosed |
Shoet II |
$43,446 |
D, A |
800 kg |
8.8 tons |
2+16 |
6 |
Passive IR (D) |
Open |
Vehicle |
Tr
Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
BTR-152 |
150/37 |
27/8 |
300 |
56 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF2
HS2 HR2* |
BTR-152V |
150/44 |
27/10 |
300 |
56 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF2
HS2 HR2* |
BTR-152K |
144/42 |
26/10 |
300 |
59 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF2
HS2 HR2 |
Shoet II |
204/69 |
48/16 |
300 |
70 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF2
HS2 HR2* |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
BTR-152 |
None |
None |
DShK, 2xPK or
SG-43 (Sides) |
500x12.7mm,
2500x7.62mm |
Shoet II |
None |
None |
M-2HB (Front),
M-1919A4 (Front), 2xMAG (Rear) |
750x.50,
4500x7.62mm |
*These versions have no Roof armor.