The development of a new combat vehicle - "Object 915" - began in 1965 in the design bureau of the Volgograd Tractor Plant (VgTZ) headed by IV Gavalov. The designers had to create a high-speed, lightly armored, tracked, amphibious airborne combat vehicle with combat capabilities similar to the ground BMP-1 being developed at that time. The initial concept involved the creation of a conventional landing unit, which consisted of the vehicle itself, the MKS-5-128R multi-dome parachute system and the P-7 serial landing platform. The platform was intended for rolling the block into the aircraft, provided it with the aid of an exhaust parachute and damped the landing. However, the required drop weight, determined by the carrying capacity of the An-12 aircraft for a given number of simultaneously loaded combat vehicles, did not allow the creation of a vehicle with its own weight corresponding to the TTZ. In order to eventually meet the weight limit, the idea was proposed to use a hydropneumatic suspension with variable ground clearance on the car. This presupposed the possibility of implementing the following scheme: a unit (a vehicle with a parachute system) enters the plane on its own, then descends on the bottom and moored for the duration of the flight; when ejected, the block on the bottom moves along the roller table of the cargo deck of the aircraft and leaves the side. In addition, it was assumed that during the flight to the ground, the road wheels of the machine would automatically lower to their maximum clearance. Then the suspension, brought into working condition, will play the role of a shock absorber upon landing. However, it soon became clear that such a decision would lead, after landing, to an unpredictable bouncing of the car and to its possible overturning. In this case, the car inevitably had to get entangled in the lines of the parachute system. This problem was solved with the help of special disposable amortization skis, but the road wheels had to be fixed during the landing in a special upper position "D", right up to the unmooring operation, which was carried out already on the ground.
In 1969, the Object 915 airborne combat vehicle was put into service. airborne troops Soviet Army under the designation BMD-1. Since 1968, it has been mass-produced at VgTZ.
1 and 21 - inserts with embrasures; 2 - upper frontal sheet; 3 - the base of the driver's hatch; 4 and 6 - roof sheets; 5 - ring; 7 and 8 - stops for installing the platform of the parachute-jet system; 9, 14 and 20 - rear, middle and front upper side plates; 10 - ring for installation and fastening of the final drive; 11 - hatch for a ball mount under the AKMS machine gun; 12 - hole for air spring support; 13 - holes for the axis of the supporting roller; 15 - balancer stop bracket; 16 - lower side plate; 17 - balancer bracket; 18 - hole for the guide wheel crank bracket; 19 - towing hook; 22 - lower frontal sheet; 23 - shutters of the hinge of the wave-reflecting shield
1 - flaps of the hinges of the wave-reflecting shield; 2 - vehicle commander's hatch; 3 - holder for the observation device; 4 - hole for the TNPP-220 device; 5 - machine gunner's hatch; 6 - aft hatch cover; 7 - hole for installing the blower valves of the collective protection system; 8 - hole for MK-4s device; 9 - removable cover-branch pipe of the engine air intake; 10 and 27 - hatches for access to the filler neck of the fuel tanks; 11 and 24 - removable covers for access to water and oil pipelines; 12 and 16 - removable roof sheets for access to the power compartment; 13 - protective grill with mesh; 14 - outlet of the spillway pipe; 15 - back inclined sheet; 17 - hole for the water flow pipe; 18 - hole for the installation of a glass damper of a water cannon; 19 - towing device; 20 - forage sheet; 21 - bracket for installing a removable ski mounting bracket; 22 - pad (striker fist); 23 - a hatch for a ball mount for an AKMS machine gun; 25 - hole for the antenna input glass; 26 - hatch for access to the oil tank filler neck; 28 - hatch for access to the filler neck of the cooling system; 29 - flaps of loops for parachute systems; 30 - hole for the exhaust fan valve; 31 - hole for installation of VCU equipment PRHR
The BMD-1 has a layout scheme that is classic for tanks, but unusual for infantry fighting vehicles: the fighting compartment is located in the middle of the hull, and the engine compartment is in the stern. The hull is welded from relatively thin armor plates - for the first time in the practice of Soviet engineering, aluminum armor was used. This made it possible to significantly lighten the car, but at the expense of security. The armor could protect the crew only from small arms fire of 7.62 mm caliber and shell fragments. The upper frontal plate is very strongly inclined to the vertical - by 78 °, the angle of inclination of the lower one is much less and is 50 °. This decision was dictated by the desire to increase the volume interior space as well as the buoyancy of the machine. The wave-deflector plate, which lies on the front frontal plate when driving on land, serves as additional protection. The body in the bow is tapering, its cross-section is T-shaped with developed fenders. The turret is welded from steel armor, borrowed from the BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicle. Its frontal parts protect against 12.7 mm armor-piercing bullets.
In the front part of the body along the axis of the machine is located workplace driver mechanic. For entering and exiting the car, it has an individual hatch, the lid of which rises and slides to the right. While driving the car, the driver can observe the terrain in the 60 ° sector using three prismatic observation devices TNPO-170. To observe when the BMD moves afloat, instead of the average TNPO-170 device, a TNP-350B device with increased periscopicity is installed. To drive a car at night, instead of an average daytime observation device, a TVNE-4 nighttime illumination binocular observation device is installed. To the left of the driver is the place of the BMD commander, who gets into and out of the car through his own hatch. The commander has a periscopic heated observation device - the TNPP-220 sight, in which the branch of the sight has a 1.5-fold increase and the field of view is 10 °, and the branch of the observation device has vertical viewing angles of 21 ° and 87 ° horizontally. The same TNPP-220 device is installed at the machine gunner sitting to the right of the driver. At night, the commander uses the TVNE-4 device. The paratrooper gunners, located behind the fighting compartment at the aft partition of the MTO, use two heated prism devices TNPO-170 and the MK-4S periscope (in the aft hatch).
1 - bracket for connecting the pilot chute lock; 2 - bracket for attaching amortization skis; 3 - pad for attaching the PRS probe; 4 - an emphasis for amortization skis; 5 - hole for exhaust of gases from the heater boiler; 6 - a hatch for draining oil from the tank; 7 - protective grill of the water cannon; 8 - brackets for fixing the PRS probe; 9 - hatch for access to the reduction valve of the engine oil pump; 10 - a hatch for draining oil from the gearbox; 11 - grip for installing removable brackets for attaching amortization skis; 12 - rear towing hook; 13 - hatch for draining oil from the engine; 14 - hatch for draining fuel from tanks; 15 - hole for draining the coolant; 16 - hatch for access to the tensioning mechanism of the mechanized ammunition conveyor
In the middle of the hull there is a fighting compartment with a single turret borrowed from the BMP-1, inside which is the gunner's seat. It operates a 73 mm 2A28 Thunder semi-automatic smoothbore cannon with concentrically located recoil devices and a 7.62 mm PKT machine gun paired with it. The gun has a wedge-shaped breechblock and a sector lifting mechanism... The height of the line of fire is from 1245 to 1595 mm, depending on the set clearance. The range of a direct shot at a target with a height of 2 m - 765 m. The greatest sighting range is 1300 m. Effective rate of fire 6 - 7 rds / min. Ammunition for the gun - 40 rounds PG-15V with cumulative anti-tank grenades is in a mechanized (conveyor) stack located around the circumference of the tower on a rotating platform, as in the BMP-1. Since one of the most important requirements for the car was its low weight, the designers had to simplify (in comparison with the BMP-1) the automatic loader. The transporter delivered the projectile selected by the gunner to the loading point, after which the gunner had to manually transfer it and insert it into the breech. The simultaneous solution of tasks such as searching for targets, aiming a gun, loading it and firing it is a rather difficult problem for one person, therefore, the psychophysical data of the gunner noticeably deteriorated depending on the duration of hostilities and the number of shots fired. The armament of the tower was supplemented by the launcher of anti-tank guided missiles - ATGM (in the then terminology: rockets - ATGM) 9M14M "Baby", which is accessed through a special hatch in the roof. The missile is controlled by the wires of a single-channel system, in which the control forces in the pitch and heading planes are created by one executive body. The separation of control along two mutually perpendicular planes occurs due to the forced rotation of the rocket in flight at a frequency of 8.5 rev / s. In total, the vehicle contains three ATGMs (two in the turret and one in the hull) and 2,000 rounds for a coaxial machine gun. The latter are loaded into belts, which are stacked in two magazines with 1000 rounds in each, placed in a case-link collector. After installing the magazines in place, the tapes are interconnected by a cartridge.
1 - commander's hatch cover; 2 - stopper; 3 and 16 - screens; 4 - driver's hatch cover; 5 - machine gunner's hatch cover; 6 - belt handle; 7 and 15 - hinge flaps; 8 - hole for the observation device; 9 - hole for the ball device; 10 - aft hatch cover; 11 - bracket; 12 - torsion bar; 13 - finger; 14 - locking screw; 17 - emphasis; 18 - loop
As in the BMP-1, the turret armament is not stabilized. Guidance in the horizontal and vertical planes is carried out using electric drives. In the event of their failure, the gunner can use a manual drive.
For observation of the terrain and firing, the gunner has at his disposal a combined (day and non-illuminated night) monocular periscope sight 1PN22M1.
1 - 73 mm smoothbore gun; 2 - driver's seat; 3 - accumulator battery; 4 - distribution board; 5 - 7.62 mm machine gun paired with a gun; 6 - machine gunner's seat; 7 - supercharger of the collective protection system; 8, 9 and 31 - shooters' seats; 10 - ball mount for firing from machine guns; 11 - relay-regulator; 12 - hydraulic system manual pump; 13 - generator blower fan; 14 - hydraulic pump drive clutch; 15 - removable cover-branch pipe of the engine air intake; 16 - filler neck of the lower right fuel tank; 17.28 - fuel tanks; 18 - hydraulic system reservoir; 19 - water radiator; 20 - protective cover over exhaust valve bilge pump; 21 - bilge pump; 22 - rear marker lamp; 23 - protective grill with mesh; 24 - water flow pipe; 25 - antenna input; 26 - power unit; 27 - oil tank complete with heater boiler; 29 - fuel filter rough cleaning; 30 - hydraulic pump; 32 - rotating tower; 33 - gunner-operator's seat; 34 - exhaust fan; 35 - sight; 36 - commander's seat; 37 - PRHR sensor; 38 - power supply unit; 39 - control panel PRHR; 40 - switching unit; 41 - apparatus A-1 of the tank intercom; 42 - installation of a 7.62 mm machine gun; 43 - box for machine gun belt; 44 - radio station; 45 - power supply unit for the heading indicator; 46 - air cylinder
1 - gyrocompass; 2 - power supply unit of the radio station; 3 - machine gun mount; 4 - driver's seat; 5 - radio station; 6 - observation device with a built-in sighting tube; 7 - the central panel of the driver; 8 - driver's hatch; 9 - observation devices for the driver; 10 - power supply unit for the driver's night observation device; 11 - storage battery; 12 - box store; 13 - battery switch; 14 - crane-reducer of the engine air intake system
The sight embrasure is located on the left side of the turret roof in front of the gunner's hatch. In the night mode, the visibility range depends on the background of the area, the transparency of the atmosphere and the amount of natural illumination and is on average 400 m. The angle of the field of view is 6 °, the magnification is 6.7. In day mode, the scope has 6x magnification and a 15 ° field of view. In the eyepiece to the right of the reticle there is a rangefinder scale calculated for a target with a height of 2.7 m. In addition to the sight, the gunner uses four TNPO-170 periscopes to monitor the terrain.
In the embrasures along the edges of the frontal part of the hull, two directional PKT machine guns are installed in ball bearings. The vehicle commander and machine gunner are firing from them. Ammunition for each machine gun consists of 1000 rounds, placed in four standard boxes. The largest sighting range with the TNPP-220 sight is 800 - 1000 m.
In the middle part of the vehicle's hull, on both sides and in the aft hatch cover, there is one ball mount for firing from AKMS assault rifles. Ball installations located on the sides are closed by armored dampers, which are opened manually from the shooters' workplaces.
The engine compartment is located in the aft part of the hull, in which a 6-cylinder V-shaped four-stroke compressorless liquid-cooled diesel engine 5D20 is installed, developing a power of 240 hp. (176 kW) at 2400 rpm. Taking into account the low weight of the car - only 6700 kg - this gives a very high specific power - 32 hp / t, which, in turn, allows the car to reach a maximum speed of over 60 km / h. The working volume of the engine is 15 900 cm 3, the weight is 665 kg. The power take-off from the engine is carried out to the transmission from the flywheel side, and to the drive of the hydraulic pump - HLU-39 from the opposite side.
Fuel - diesel DL, DZ or YES. The total capacity of the fuel tanks is 280 liters. Fuel supply is carried out by means of a six-plunger high-pressure block pump.
A feature of the air supply system is the air intake device, which consists of two kinematically connected valves that alternately block the air intake outside the vehicle and from the fighting compartment, which increases the safety of movement afloat. Heating of the air sucked in by the engine is provided.
The ejection cooling system also provides dust extraction from the air cleaner and ventilation of the MTO. It includes a heater type heater for heating the fighting compartment.
1 - the cheek of the embrasure; 2 - gun embrasure; 3 - holes for wedges; 4 - cutout for a machine gun; 5 - hatch for 9M14M installation; 6 - eye; 7 - hole for the fan; 8 - operator's hatch; 9 - ring; 10 - tower roof; 11 - clips for observation devices; 12 - hole for mounting the sight
1 - sleeve-link collector; 2 - roller; 3 - cover of the collector sleeve; 4 - PKT store; 5 - lock; 6 - rib; 7 - lifting mechanism; 8 - gun 2A28; 9 - starting bracket; 10 - bracket for fastening the lifting mechanism; 11 - sector; 12 - eccentric handle; 13 - bracket; 14 - observation device; 15 - guide; 16 - driving roller; 17 - intermediate roller; 18 - conveyor drive; 19 - sight 1PN22M1; 20 - front support of the turret turning mechanism; 21 - thrust; 22 - ATGM control panel; 23 - gunner-operator's seat; 24 - conveyor frame; 25 - rail mounting bracket; 26 - roller bracket; 27 - centering roller; 28 - platform suspension bracket in the tower; 29 - rear hinge support of the turret rotation mechanism; 30 - turret rotation mechanism; 31 - linkage thrust of the sight with the gun; 32 - roller for installing the guide; 33 - PKT machine gun paired with a gun; 34 - conveyor chain; 35 - platform; 36 - centering ring; 37 - guide support
1 - bushing; 2 - intermediate clip; 3 - outer cage; 4 - nut; 5 - rubber ring; 6 - seal; 7 - spring; 8 - support; 9 - stopper in a stowed way; 10 - sleeve link outlet; 11 - the roof of the building; 12 - outer disk; 13 - internal disk; 14 - case; 15 - observation device - sight TNPP-220; 16 - protective cap; 17 - axis; 18 - forehead; 19 - eccentric clamp; 20 - button for the electric trigger of the machine gun; 21 - handle; 22 - bunker; 23 - frame for installing a box with a tape; 24 - front pillar; 25 - frame with sliders; 26 - bed; 27 - torsion balancing device; 28 - bracket; 29 - torsion
The main way to start the engine is with an electric starter, air start is possible, but the compressor is not provided in the machine. There is a mechanism for the automatic action of protecting the engine from water ingress, preventing its penetration into the engine cylinders when it is stopped while overcoming a water barrier or washing.
The engine is interlocked with a transmission consisting of a single-disc dry friction clutch, a four-speed manual transmission with constant gearing and synchronizers in 3rd and 4th gears, two side clutches with band brakes and two single-stage planetary final drives. with friction steel on steel. The main clutch, gearbox, side clutches are connected to the engine in one power unit. In addition, gearboxes are installed in the engine-transmission compartment that drive the jet propellers. Above the gearbox there is a radiator for the engine cooling system. Air circulation. through the radiator is provided thanks to the louvers in the upper plate of the body.
The chassis of the BMD-1 in relation to one side consists of five rubberized double ribbed road wheels made of light alloy. The role of elastic suspension elements is performed by hydropneumatic springs combined into a single system. They use compressed nitrogen as an elastic element, the force to which is transmitted through the liquid.
1 and 2 - magazines-boxes for the right course machine gun; 3,4 and 9 - bags for signal and lighting cartridges (rockets); 5 and 7 - stowage of 9M14M ATGM shells; 6 - mechanized (conveyor) stacking for 40 rounds PG-15v; 8 - bags for F-1 hand grenades; 10 nests for stowing grenades for RPG-7; 11,12 and 13 - magazines-boxes for the left course machine gun; 14 - lower magazine-box for a coaxial machine gun; 15 - upper magazine-box for a coaxial machine gun
1 - block crankcase; 2 - flywheel; 3 - arrow-pointer: 4 - tachometer sensor; 5 - block head; 6 - block head cover; 7 - coolant outlet fitting; 8 - fuel filter fine cleaning; 9 - exhaust manifold; 10 - high pressure tube; 11 - fuel pump; 12 - fuel pump; 13 - rod for measuring the oil level in the regulator; 14 - centrifugal oil filter; 15 - all-mode regulator; 16 - control lever fuel pump; 17 - cover of the nozzle access door; 18 - intake manifold; 19 - generator; 20 - air distributor; 21 - starter gear wheel
The hydropneumatic suspension is more complicated than the torsion one, but it has more favorable characteristics in terms of elasticity in a wide range of loads. In addition, it combines the functions of an elastic spring, a hydraulic shock absorber that dampens vibrations of the body, an executive power cylinder when the ground clearance of the machine changes from 100 to 450 mm, and a mechanism for holding the road wheels in the upper position when the body is suspended. Suspension reduces the overall height of the vehicle when stopping and driving on flat road, hang it out when installed on the landing platform, reduce the protruding undercarriage when driving afloat. All suspension and clearance adjustment elements are located inside the body. The idler wheels are located at the front of the housing. The tension of the tracks is changed using a crank mechanism with hydraulic drive... The process of tension and loosening of the tracks is controlled by the driver from his seat, without leaving the car. The BMD-1 uses small-link tracks with OMSh, consisting of 87 tracks each. In the middle of the tracks, there are guide ridges on their inner surface. The upper branches of the tracks rest on four single-pitch rubberized support rollers, with two of them (middle) located outside the ridges, and the outer ones behind them. Crawler not covered by protective screens.
Movement through the water is carried out by water-jet propellers located in the engine-transmission compartment along the sides of the vehicle body. The water cannons are mounted in tunnels, the inlets of which are located in the bottom of the car, and the outputs are in its stern. The inlet and outlet openings are closed with special sliding flaps, which perform the functions of both protection and steering during swimming. Closing the gates of one of the water cannons causes the machine to turn. BMD-1 perfectly floats on the water, while having a good swimming speed (up to 10 km / h) and maneuverability. During sailing, a wave deflector rises in the front of the hull, preventing water from flooding the front of the car hull.
Part additional equipment, which is equipped with BMD-1, includes a system of collective protection against weapons of mass destruction, automatic system fire extinguishing, as well as drainage and smoke-generating equipment.
To provide external communications, the R-123M radio station was installed on the landing combat vehicle. Communication inside the vehicle is provided by the P-124 tank intercom for five subscribers.
Since 1971, the BMD-1 K command vehicle has been produced on the basis of the BMD-1, on which the following were additionally installed: the second radio station R-123M; antenna filter; the second device A2 of the intercom R-124; benzoelectric unit; heading indicator; middle compartment heater and fan; PRHR radiation and chemical reconnaissance device (instead of the GD-1M gamma sensor); two removable tables. To improve the working conditions of the commander, the left-hand course machine-gun mount was removed from the vehicle.
In 1974, the BTR-D tracked armored personnel carrier, created under the leadership of A.V. Shabalin at the VgTZ design bureau, was adopted by the airborne troops using the BMD-1 components and assemblies. Prototypes of this machine passed military tests in the 119th paratrooper regiment of the 7th Guards. Airborne Division, which has since become a kind of base for testing new technology.
The appearance of the BTR-D was not accidental. Strict requirements for limiting the mass forced to limit the dimensions and, accordingly, the capacity of the BMD-1. It could accommodate only seven people: two crew members and five paratroopers (for comparison: in the BMP-1 - 11). Thus, in order to land the Airborne Forces "on armor", too many combat vehicles would be required. Therefore, the idea arose to develop an armored personnel carrier based on the BMD-1, weaker than armed, but having a large capacity. It differed from the BMD-1 in its hull elongated by almost 483 mm, in the presence of an additional pair of road wheels and in the absence of a turret with weapons. The armament of the BTR-D consisted of two course 7.62-mm PKT machine guns installed in the nose of the vehicle, similar to the BMD-1, and four 902V Tucha smoke grenade launchers, mounted in pairs on the rear wall of the troop compartment. In the second half of the 1980s, some of the vehicles were equipped with an AGS-17 "Flame" 30-mm automatic grenade launcher mounted on a bracket on the right side of the hull roof. The permanent crew of the BTR-D consists of three people: a driver and two machine gunners, ten paratroopers are accommodated in the troop compartment. In the sides of the troop compartment, the height of which, in comparison with the entire hull, is slightly increased, there are two embrasures with ball mounts for firing from AKMS assault rifles and two TNPO-170 prismatic heated devices. In the aft hatch there is an MK-4S periscope device and another ball mount for firing a machine gun. Observation in the forward sector from the troop compartment can be carried out through two rectangular observation windows, which are closed by armored covers in the combat position. In front of the roof of the troop compartment is the landing commander's hatch, borrowed from the BMP-1. The observation sector through the TKN-ZB device and two TNPO-170 devices installed on the hatch is expanded due to its rotation on a ball support. Despite the increased size, due to the abandonment of the tower with weapons, the combat mass of the BTR-D, compared with the BMD-1, increased by only 800 kg.
In 1979, on the basis of the BTR-D, the BTR-RD "Robot" armored personnel carrier was created, equipped with the 9P135M launcher of the Konkurs anti-tank complex for the 9M113 ATGM or 9P135M-1 for the 9M111 Fagot ATGM. It entered service with the anti-tank units of the airborne troops. Later, on the basis of the BTR-D, the BTR-ZD "Skrezhet" was created to transport the crews of anti-aircraft missile systems (six MANPADS "Strela-3"). This vehicle is also used as a chassis for installation on the roof of the hull of a 23-mm twin automatic anti-aircraft gun ZU-23-2 on a field carriage.
The BTR-D served as the basis for the creation of the 2S9 "Nona" self-propelled artillery gun and the 1V119 "Rheostat" artillery control vehicle. The latter is equipped with a ground target reconnaissance radar with a detection range of up to 14 km, a laser rangefinder (the determined distance is up to 8 km), day and night observation devices, a topographic surveyor, an onboard computer, two R-123 radio stations, one R-107. The crew is housed in the wheelhouse, the instruments are installed in a rotating turret. Armament includes course PKT, MANPADS, three RPGs of the "Fly" type.
The command-staff vehicle of the regiment - brigade link KShM-D Soroka is equipped with two P-123 radio stations, two P-111, a P-130 reconnaissance radio station and secret communication equipment. The battalion-level BMD-KSH "Tit" has two R-123 radio stations.
The armored recovery vehicle BREM-D is equipped with a boom crane, a traction winch, a shovel opener and a welding machine.
On the basis of the BTR-D, a satellite communication station R-440 ODB "Phobos", an ambulance armored personnel carrier, as well as launch and control stations for remotely piloted aircraft of the "Bee" and "Bumblebee" type of the "Malachite" air surveillance complex were produced.
In the late 1970s, the BMD-1s underwent changes during a major overhaul. In particular, on some machines a block of smoke grenade launchers of the 902V "Tucha" system was installed in the rear of the tower, on others the road wheels were replaced with newer ones (later such rollers appeared on the BMD-2).
1 - bottom; 2 and 6 - prisms; 3 - transition frame; 4 - upper body; 5 - intermediate prism; 7 - cover; 8 - visor; 9 - safety cushion; 10 - clip; 11 - forehead; 12 - lower body; 13 - eccentric clamp; 14 - toggle switch
In 1978, a modernized version of the BMD-1P with increased firepower was adopted by installing a PU instead of the Malyutka ATGM for firing ATGMs of the Konkurs or Fagot complex with semi-automatic guidance, increased armor penetration and an extended range of combat range. The complex is designed to destroy tanks and other mobile armored objects moving at speeds up to 60 km / h, stationary targets - firing points, as well as hovering enemy helicopters, provided their optical visibility at ranges up to 4000 m.The launcher of the 9M14M complex on the gun mask has been dismantled , and on the roof of the tower there is a bracket for attaching the 9P135M launcher of the Konkurs complex (Fagot). The shooter can direct and launch an ATGM, leaning out of the turret hatch. The ammunition load consists of two 9M113 missiles and one 9M111, which are stored inside the hull in standard launch containers. In the stowed position, the launcher is also placed inside the hull, and in addition, a tripod, which allows the guidance and launch of the ATGM from the ground.
16 rounds of OG-15V with fragmentation grenades were introduced into the ammunition of the 2A28 cannon. In mechanized stacking, they are evenly spaced - after three PG-15V shots, two OG-15V are stacked. Ammunition for the PKT machine guns is 1940 rounds in strips of 250 rounds, packed in six boxes; 440 rounds are in their original packaging. The machine also has improved observation devices and a 1PN22M2 sight, new rollers, the engine and transmission have undergone some modifications. The combat weight of the BMD-1P increased to 7.6 tons.
Combat vehicles airborne BMD-1 began to enter the troops in 1968, that is, even before their official adoption. The first to receive new equipment and began to master it, the 108th paratrooper regiment of the 7th Guards. Airborne Division, which became the first regiment fully armed with BMD-1. In the rest of the shelves at first new technology equipped only one battalion. The first division equipped with new equipment was the 44th Guards. Airborne Division, followed by 7 Guards. airborne According to the state, the parachute regiment is supposed to have 101 BMD-1 and 23 BTR-D, not counting combat vehicles for various purposes on their base. The process of arming the airborne troops with combat vehicles was completed only by the beginning of the 1980s.
In parallel with the development of new technology during the 1970s, there was a process of mastering the means of its landing. At the first stage, the P-7 parachute platform and the MKS-5-128M and MKS-5-128R multi-dome parachute systems were used for the landing of the BMD-1 and BTR-D. Parachute platform P-7 is metal structure on removable wheels, designed for landing on it cargoes with a flight mass of 3750 to 9500 kg from Il-76 aircraft at a flight speed of 260 - 400 km / h, and from An-12B and An-22 - at 320 - 400 km / h. The versatility of the platforms, the multiplicity of proven mooring options and the availability of a full set of fasteners made it possible to drop literally everything on them - from a combat vehicle to crawler tractor or field kitchens. Depending on the mass of the dropped cargo, a different number of parachute system blocks were installed on the object (from 3 to 5, 760 m each). When landing at speeds of 300 - 450 km / h and a minimum drop height of 500 meters, the speed of descent of objects is no more than 8 m / s. Air or honeycomb shock absorbers are used to damp the impact at the moment of landing.
The experience of dropping BMD on multi-dome parachute systems and special platforms by the end of 1972 was quite large. The paratroopers successfully used the new combat vehicles in large tactical exercises, they took them from the sky, moored them and entered into "battle" on them. The systems had a fairly high, confirmed by a large number of airborne missions, reliability - 0.98. For comparison: the reliability of a conventional parachute is 0.99999, that is, one failure per 100 thousand applications.
However, there were also downsides. The mass of the platform with wheels and mooring means, depending on the type of machine and aircraft, from 1.6 to 1.8 tons. freight vehicles... It was difficult to load the moored cars onto the planes. The low speed of BMD descent on multi-dome parachute systems was also not satisfactory. In addition, when landing, the domes interfered with the movement of combat vehicles, they fell into the tracks, melted, which caused the propellers to jam. The greatest difficulty was in something else. From planes different types dropped from one (An-12) to four (An-22) vehicles, the crews jumped after them. Sometimes the paratroopers scattered at a distance of up to five kilometers from their BMDs and searched for them for a long time.
At the turn of the 1960s - 1970s, the commander of the Airborne Forces, General of the Army V.F. Margelov, matures a bold and, at first glance, unrealizable idea - to airborne people directly in equipment, and not separately, as was done before. Thus, a significant gain in time was achieved, and the mobility of the landing units increased. Margelov was well aware that with a significant dispersion of the paratroopers and equipment, the combat task could be impracticable - the enemy would destroy most of the landing immediately after landing.
In the summer of 1971, the development of the "parachute system - combat vehicle - man" complex, which received the code designation "Centaur", began. At the beginning of 1972, it was created. The testers began to dump a mock-up of a car with people. The overload tolerance was tested by specialists from the State Research Institute of Aviation and Space Medicine. Simplified space chairs of the Kazbek - Kazbek-D type were installed in the machines. After receiving positive results, the stage of technical landing of the complex from aircraft followed. Then - dropping BMD with dogs - the results are also great; the animals tolerated overloads normally. In mid-December 1972, testers L. Zuev and A. Margelov (son of the commander of the Airborne Forces) and five understudies (cadets of the Ryazan School and athletes of the Central Sports Parachute Club of the Airborne Forces) under the leadership of Deputy Commander for Airborne Service Lieutenant General I.I. Lisov on a special simulator near the village of Medvezhye Lakes near Moscow, they underwent final preparation for landing inside a combat vehicle.
The idea of dropping people inside the BMD was put into practice on January 5, 1973, when the Centaur crew - commander Lt. Col. L. Zuev and gunner-operator Senior Lieutenant A. Margelov fell on their heads for the first time in world history "Enemy" from the sky in airborne combat vehicles.
In total, 34 airborne systems of this type were made, in which 74 people took part. The An-12 aircraft landed inside the BMD-1 and the entire crew. This happened at the Ryazan Airborne Command School on August 26, 1975. The use of a joint landing complex allowed the crews of combat vehicles, already in the first minutes after landing, to bring the vehicle into readiness for battle, without wasting, as before, time to find it, which significantly reduced the time the landing party entered into battle. Subsequently, work on improving the joint landing complexes continued.
Other disadvantages of multi-dome parachute systems were eliminated in the PRSM-915 parachute-jet system adopted by the Airborne Forces. This is a strapdown parachute landing vehicle designed for the landing of specially prepared cargo and military equipment from Il-76 and An-22 aircraft equipped with roller conveyor equipment, or from An-12B aircraft equipped with a TG-12M transporter. Distinctive feature PRSM-915, in comparison with the ISS-5-128R with the P-7 parachute platform, is the following: instead of five main parachute blocks in the ISS-5-128R, each of which has an area of 760 m2, only one main parachute with an area of 540 m2; instead of parachute platform with a shock absorber, a jet engine-brake is used.
The operation of parachute-jet systems is based on the principle of instantaneous damping of the vertical descent speed at the moment of landing due to the thrust of jet engines mounted on the object itself. At the beginning, after separation from the aircraft, the main parachute is activated with the help of the VPS (exhaust parachute system), which dampens and stabilizes the falling speed. At this time, the automation of the reactive system is activated; a special generator spins up and charges a large capacitor - its charge will then go to the ignition of the brake motor. The two probes lowered vertically downward have contact closures at their ends. When they touch the ground, they trigger a powder jet engine, which instantly extinguishes the vertical speed from 25 m / s to zero. The length of the probes is set depending on the mass of the object, the height of the terrain and the air temperature in the area of the drop.
1 - support; 2 - power hydraulic cylinder; 3 - lever; 4 - crank; 5 - guide wheel; 6 - air spring; 7 - support roller; 8.9 - supporting rollers; 10 - balancer emphasis; eleven - drive wheel; 12 - final drive; 13 - truck
The advantage of this system is that no additional platform is required to drop objects. All PRS elements are attached and transported on the machine itself. The disadvantages include some difficulty in organizing the storage of ORS elements, their use only for a certain type of military equipment, a great dependence on external factors: temperature, air humidity.
On January 23, 1976, the Reaktavr or Reactive Centaur joint landing complex was tested using the PRSM-915 parachute-reactive system. In the airborne combat vehicle were Lieutenant Colonel L. Shcherbakov and, as in the case of the "Centaur", the son of the commander of the Airborne Forces A. Margelov. The tests were successful. In subsequent years, about 100 landings of the "Reaktavr" system were made.
For the 1970s, it became characteristic of the airborne troops to practice large-scale training landings. In March 1970, for example, a large combined-arms exercise "Dvina" was held in Belarus, in which the 76th Guards Airborne Chernigov Red Banner Division took part. In just 22 minutes, more than 7 thousand paratroopers and over 150 units of military equipment were landed.
The experience of airlifting a significant amount of military equipment and personnel came in handy when bringing troops into Afghanistan. In December 1979, formations and units of the Airborne Forces, conducting an essentially independent airborne operation, landed in Afghanistan at the airfields of Kabul and Bagram and completed the assigned tasks before the approach of the ground forces.
The use of BMD-1 and BTR-D in Afghanistan was not very successful, and therefore short-lived. Thin bottom armor and a small mass of machines led to the fact that when detonated on powerful land mines, they practically collapsed into their component parts. Weaker anti-tank mines either completely destroyed the chassis or pierced the bottom.
Immediately revealed the impossibility of firing on the slopes of the mountains and the low effectiveness of 73-mm shells against adobe walls. Therefore, most of the airborne forces in Afghanistan were transferred to the ground BMP-2, and then to the version with enhanced armor - the BMP-2D. Fortunately, there was no need for an airborne combat vehicle in Afghanistan, and the paratroopers fought there as elite infantry.
BMD-1 and BTR-D were not exported. However, judging by Western publications, a small number of BMD-1s were received by Cuba, which used them in Angola. After the withdrawal of Cuban troops from the African continent, several vehicles apparently remained in service with government forces and, judging by the photographs, participated in a major battle with UNITA troops near the city of Moving in 1990. An apparently insignificant number of BMD-1s were also available in Iraq in 1991.
After the collapse, a significant number of airborne combat vehicles remained outside of Russia, in some of the former Soviet republics, on the territory of which the airborne forces were stationed. As a result, these vehicles were used by the warring parties in armed conflicts in Nagorno-Karabakh and Transnistria.
By the time the Soviet troops were withdrawn from Afghanistan, the Vienna talks on the conclusion of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) were already in full swing. According to the data that the Soviet Union submitted for its signing, as of November 1990, the USSR had 1,632 BMD-1 and 769 BTR-D on this continent. However, by 1997, in the European part of Russia, their numbers amounted to 805 and 465 combat vehicles, respectively. To date, their number has decreased even more - combat losses in the North Caucasus and technical wear and tear have affected. Up to 80% of machines have been in operation for 20 or more years, 95% have undergone one or even two major overhauls.
The newest BMD-4M is an armored, tracked, and even amphibious vehicle of the airborne troops.
In fact, a close relative of an infantry fighting vehicle.
Adapted to a number of specific tasks, lightweight, but, most importantly, suitable for airborne landing by parachute, parachute-jet or landing method.
Two extremes
As usual, there are no analogues of our BMD-4M. Why? Let's take as a basis only the main indicators of the car for now. Its weight is 14 tons, length is 6.1 meters, height is 2.2 meters, the power of the UTD-29 diesel engine is 500 hp. For comparison, the BMP-3M unified with it in a number of units, produced by the same Kurganmashzavod, has the following indicators: 22.7 tons with dynamic protection, 7.1 and 2.3 meters, 500 hp. with UTD-29 or 660 hp diesel engine with UTD-32. For landing purposes, it is heavy.
Abroad, tracked analogs of BMD and BMP are developing in a slightly different direction. Some countries are building up their protection and thus prohibitively disperse the mass. Here are some examples. The American M2 Bradley gained from 23 (early modifications) to 30 tons (M2A3 version), while retaining its buoyancy. Machine dimensions: 6.5 and almost 3 meters. Armament: a gun with a caliber of 25 mm and a 7.62 machine gun. German Marder: 33 tons, 6.8 and 3 meters, 20 mm cannon, 7.62 machine gun. Can't swim. And finally, the newest German BMP Puma: 43 tons, 7.3 and 3.1 meters, 30 mm cannon, 5.56 machine gun. Excuse me, but this is the mass of the KV-1 heavy tank during the war. Exactly! And also the height of the promising infantry fighting vehicle is greater than that of the Leopard 2A6 tank. Such are they, the infantry fighting vehicles of a number of NATO countries. Too tall, too heavy, armed only with small caliber cannons. What are the needs of the landing and parachute drop? The same Puma can only be transported by air only with the A400M transport aircraft, and only with the fact that it will be a very lightweight BMP with a significantly weakened level of protection! It turns out that when transporting by air, we lose what we were building a garden for.
And what is going on in our weight category, that is, in the segment of tracked vehicles weighing about 14 tons? Here is the other extreme - relatively inexpensive, lightly armored, weakly armed infantry fighting vehicles and BMDs of not the most advanced designs. An example is the American AIFV based on the outdated M113A1 armored personnel carrier. Produced for the army of Belgium, Holland, Philippines. Weight - 13.8 tons, length - 5.2, height - 2.8 meters. Armament: cannon 25 mm and machine gun 7.62. Engine power 267 HP Aluminium case. Floats by rewinding tracks. Its direct successor ACV-15 is still produced in Turkey for their own needs and the armies of Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates and other countries. Differences in characteristics - slightly more (300 hp) engine power.
This technique is inferior to our BMD-4M in all respects. Armor, survivability, weapons, speed on land and afloat, power reserve, engine power. The situation is so critical that the Turkish product received a modification of the ACV-SW with a combat module from ... the Russian BMP-3! And finally, ZBD-03 from the Middle Kingdom. This is a specialized airborne combat vehicle. Three of them fit into the transport Il-76. Indicators: 8 tons, the Chinese analogue of our 2A72 cannon with a caliber of 30 mm, a 7.62 machine gun. The vehicle is amphibious, airborne. But, in all honesty, it is not higher than the level of Soviet second-generation BMDs.
How will the domestic novelty shine against this background?
Sit down and stink
The BMD-4M also belongs to the category of lightly armored combat vehicles, albeit heavier than its predecessors. Its body is made of aluminum armor with a bulletproof level of protection. It cannot be otherwise - the dropped equipment has strict limitations in terms of size and weight. Unlike an infantry fighting vehicle, it cannot be equipped with a lot of protection and cannot be turned into an "almost tank". There is nothing to be done, the BMD has to be designed with an eye on the dimensions of the compartments and the carrying capacity of the transport aircraft, the characteristics of the parachute systems. To date, two BMP-4Ms can be dropped from the Il-76 transporter. But work is underway to improve aircraft and strapdown parachute systems in order to drop from one side three units of military equipment, that is, a platoon. Therefore, the technique of the Airborne Forces should not be criticized for weak booking. V this case better thin armor than no armor at all. Of course, there is a reserve for enhancing protection within reasonable limits. The vehicle can be equipped with additional steel plates on the front and sides and modules with ceramic armor. Photos of such BMD-4M come across on the Internet.
Concerning travel capabilities, then in this regard, the BMD-4M is a typical representative of the domestic school of design. Agile, fast, agile. The power plant is a powerful naturally aspirated diesel engine and a semi-automatic gearbox. Among the talents cars easy steering, a solid power reserve, the ability to swim with the help of water-jet engines (10 km / h with waves up to 3-4 points). Another undoubted plus is the ability to disguise. BMD-4M is already low in comparison with foreign tracked vehicles. Moreover, it is equipped with a hydropneumatic suspension with variable ground clearance. The working ground clearance of the BMD-4M is about 450 mm, but it can be increased to 530 or reduced to 130 mm. The military appreciate this ability to "squat" - there are stories that combat vehicles can crawl unnoticed across a field of wheat.
But the main advantage of our lightly armored BMD-4M is its powerful armament. This is where we are ahead of foreign BMP and BMD. Moreover, both light and most heavy. The armament unit consists of an automatic 100-mm gun-launcher 2A70, a rapid-fire (up to 330 rounds per minute) cannon 2A72 with a caliber of 30 mm and a 7.62 PKTM machine gun.
The single main-caliber automatic loader contains 34 high-explosive fragmentation projectiles ZUOF19 of increased power and firing range and 4 anti-tank guided missiles "Arkan" with a tandem cumulative warhead. The rate of fire of the gun is 10 rounds per minute, the firing range of shells is up to 7 kilometers. Armor penetration of missiles - 750 mm (equivalent to homogeneous armor with dynamic protection), range - 5500 meters. That is, the BMD-4M can hit any tank.
Small-bore rapid-fire 2A72 with a movable barrel - a cannon with reduced recoil. Designed for installation in weapon modules with thin armor. The greatest firing range at ground targets is 4 kilometers. In ammunition, high-explosive incendiary fragmentation, fragmentation tracer, armor-piercing tracer and armor-piercing subcaliber projectiles of improved penetration (ZUBR8 "Kerner") can be used. The gun is equipped with a double-sided belt feed with automated and manual feed switching.
It should be noted that the BMD-4M is equipped with a modern and efficient fire control system. It allows you to hit ground and, importantly, air targets around the clock. From a place and in motion. The complex includes a weapon stabilizer and a ballistic computer, laser rangefinders, a thermal imaging sight with an automatic target tracking and a commander's panoramic thermal imaging sight. By the way, the fire control system provides for a complete duplication of the commander's firing with all types of weapons, in case the gunner-operator cannot do this.
The conclusion suggests itself - a twin gun is much better than just a small caliber. And the gun-launcher is a gift at all - working with external (tower-mounted) ATGMs often requires leaving the car, and here the automatic loader will do all the operations.
I will list the advantages of the BMP-4M. A mobile and maneuverable airborne combat vehicle with powerful weapons and good maneuverability. Floating, airborne.
Among the shortcomings, but what about without them - a complex chassis, problematic during repairs in the field, difficult exit of the landing force due to the peculiarities of the layout, a small number of paratroopers on board. But the last drawback, it can be considered, has been eliminated - tracked armored personnel carriers MDM Rakushka with a capacity of 13 people, not counting two crew members, arrive at the Airborne Forces units. These machines are widely unified with the BMD-4M in terms of the chassis and must act together. The ridge of one is firepower, the other is the number of places for paratroopers.
BMD-4M
Length Width Height 6100/3150/2227 mm
Ground clearance
variable 130–530 mm
Number of seats crew + landing 3 + 4 (5) persons
Weight 14000 kg
Maximum speed
70 km / h
Speedafloat 10 km / h
Cruising on the highway 500 km
ENGINE
Type of diesel, multi-fuel, naturally aspirated
Location rear transversely
Model UTD-29
Configuration / number of valves V10 / 20
Working volume 26.5 l
Power 2600 kW / hp with. at 331/500 rpm
SUSPENSION hydropneumatic
RESERVATION rolled aluminum armor
WEAPON
Type / caliber 2A70 / 100 mm gun-launcher, 2A72 / 30 mm automatic cannon, PKTM / 7.62 machine gun
Ammunition 34 shots + 4 ATGMs, 500 rounds, 2000 rounds
In 1978, the Soviet Airborne Forces adopted a variant of the airborne combat vehicle under the designation BMD-1P with increased firepower when firing at armored targets. The re-equipment of the line was carried out due to the withdrawal of the Malyutka ATGM and the installation of a complex instead 9K113 "Competition" (9K111 "Bassoon") with semi-automatic guidance, increased armor penetration and an extended range of combat range. Machine development BMD-1P was carried out in the same design bureau VgTZ by analogy with the modification of an infantry fighting vehicle. Production BMD-1P carried out from 1979 to 1986 - more than 1000 units were produced, and the command version BMD-1PK- produced until 1987 (220 cars produced). In addition, they were upgraded to their level when overhaul all previously released and BMD-1K... Thus, all the airborne combat vehicles that remained in service in Russia and the CIS countries after 1990 were modifications BMD-1P.
When re-equipping the base launch bracket for missiles 9M14M "Baby" on the gun mask was dismantled, and a special pin was installed on the roof of the tower, on which a rotary launcher was put on 9P135M (1) complex "Competition" ("Bassoon"). The shooter could fire missiles, leaning out of the turret hatch. The ammunition load of the ATGM has dropped to three pieces (two 9M113 and one 9M111), which in standard launch containers are placed inside the hull instead of the old 9M14M packs. A launcher with a sight in the stowed position also fits inside the case, in addition, there is a tripod that turns the ATGM into a portable version that allows firing from the ground. The 9K113 complex was intended to destroy tanks and other mobile armored objects moving at speeds up to 60 km / h, stationary targets - firing points, as well as hovering enemy helicopters, provided their optical visibility at ranges up to 4000 m.
16 shots were introduced into the ammunition of the 2A28 cannon OG-15V with frag grenades. In mechanized stacking, they are evenly spaced - after three PG-15V shots - two OG-15V. The vehicle was also equipped with improved observation devices and an improved sight 1PN22M2, new rollers, the engine and transmission underwent some modifications. In addition, a gyroscopic semi-compass GPK-59, an air heater and a fan of the middle compartment were installed. Combat weight BMD-1P increased to 7.6 tons.
On the base BMD-1P also produced a command vehicle BMD-1PK which was different from BMD-1K only the composition of the armament, which included the new ATGM. It had a second R-123M radio station, a second R-124 intercom apparatus, an R-105M portable VHF radio station, an AB-0.5-P / 30 gas-electric unit and two removable tables for the commander and radio operator in the troop compartment. In the working position, the charger was attached to the outside of the case. To improve the working conditions of the commander, the left course machine-gun mount was removed from the vehicle, and the ammunition for the 7.62-mm PKT machine guns was reduced to 3,000 rounds.
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MAIN CHARACTERISTICS |
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Combat weight, kg |
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Crew (landing), people |
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Main dimensions, mm: |
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- Body length (with gun forward) |
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- Width |
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- Height |
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- Clearance |
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- Base x Track |
there is no data |
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- Track width (track pitch) |
there is no data |
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Average specific ground pressure, kg / sq.cm |
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Armament (ammunition, shots): |
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- 73-mm gun 2A28 "Thunder" - 7.62 mm PKT machine guns - PU ATGM 9M111 "Fagot" / 9M113 "Competition" |
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Angles of vertical guidance, deg. |
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Weapon stabilizer |
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Loading mechanism |
electromechanical |
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Aiming devices |
(periscope, day / night) |
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Observation devices |
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Number of embrasures (of which for machine guns) |
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Means for setting up a smoke screen |
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Engine type and brand |
diesel 5D20 |
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Maximum power, h.p. (kW) |
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Number of cylinders |
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Specific power, hp / t |
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Fuel tank capacity, l |
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Transmission |
single disc main clutch, dry friction, 4-speed mechanical box gears (4 + 1), side clutches, planetary final drives |
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Maximum speed (afloat), km / h: |
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Power reserve, km |
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Overcoming obstacles: |
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- rise, deg. |
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- roll, hail. |
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- wall, m |
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- ford, m |
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Reservation, mm |
bulletproof |
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Radio station |
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To the question WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE OR DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BMP AND BMD, OR DO THEY HAVE A CHARACTERISTICS? given by the author Rex-Leo & * Star * Sails the best answer is Below I have provided excerpts from Wikipedia. Having looked through them, I came to the conclusion: BMD is adapted for landing and for independent combat (after all, there is a missile armament system)
Fighting machine landing (BMD, airborne combat vehicle) - combat tracked amphibious vehicle airborne parachute, parachute-jet or landing method. BMD is designed to transport airborne troops, increase their mobility, armament and security on the battlefield.
BMD-1 - are landed from An-12, An-22 aircraft, and BMD-2 - from An-22 and Il-76 aircraft.
BMD are armed with:
a 73 mm cannon (BMD-1) or an automatic 30 mm cannon (BMD-2, BMD-3) and a coaxial 7.62-mm PKT machine gun in a circular turret;
one (BMD-2) or two (BMD-1) course machine gun mounts in the front of the hull;
a complex of anti-tank missile weapons (except for the command version of the BMD-2K).
Special hydraulic system suspension allows you to quickly change the ground clearance without leaving the car.
BMDs have been used in the airborne forces of the USSR since 1969 (BMD-1), now they are in service with Russia and a number of former Soviet republics.
Infantry fighting vehicle, BMP - armored combat tracked vehicle designed to transport personnel to the front line, increase their mobility, armament and security on the battlefield in conditions of the use of nuclear weapons and joint actions with tanks in battle.
It first appeared in the USSR in the early 1960s. (BMP-1).
Unlike armored personnel carriers, infantry fighting vehicles are always tracked (armored personnel carriers can be both tracked and wheeled). Otherwise, the BMP differs from the armored personnel carrier in better protection and higher firepower, although recently variants of tracked armored personnel carriers based on tanks with anti-cannon armor have been developed, so that the differences between tracked armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles in their combat properties have practically disappeared. You can distinguish such an armored personnel carrier from an infantry fighting vehicle by its main armament, which is usually machine-gun for an armored personnel carrier, and a cannon of 20 mm and higher for an armored personnel carrier, but this difference is not fundamental, and many variants of modern armored personnel carriers with new combat modules confirm this. Also, the fundamental difference between the BMP and the armored personnel carrier can be considered the adaptability to the conduct of hostilities in the conditions of the use of nuclear weapons.
Main characteristics of BMP-3 (1987):
weight 18.7 t,
crew (landing) 3 (7) people. ,
engine power 500 hp with. ,
armament:
100-mm cannon-launcher 2A70,
30-mm automatic cannon 2A72,
ATGM 9M117,
three 7.62 mm PKT machine guns.
Answer from 2 answers[guru]
Hey! Here is a selection of topics with answers to your question: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE OR DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BMP AND BMD, OR DO THEY HAVE ANY CHARACTERISTICS?
Answer from Alik[guru]
BMP - infantry fighting vehicle
BMD - airborne combat vehicle
The BMD is designed taking into account the possibility of landing from an aircraft, which imposes restrictions on the weight of the vehicle - hence the lower armor protection and the caliber of weapons. That is, these are combat vehicles of completely different purposes.
The airborne troops have always been the elite - first in the Soviet, and then in the Russian army. They differ from conventional ground units not only elevated level combat training, but also with special equipment, part of which, starting from the 60s of the last century, airborne combat vehicles have become. The most modern example of this light armored vehicle is the BMD 4M. Their serial production has been going on since 2015, however, the "biography" of new combat vehicles began much earlier and was rather difficult.
The history of the development of the BMD-4M airborne combat vehicle
In the 80s of the last century in Soviet army there was a change in generations of light armored vehicles: motorized rifle troops received BMP-2, and airborne troops - BMD-2. These vehicles differed from each other in layout and overall weight, but were unified in armament, the main element of which was an automatic thirty-millimeter cannon 2A42.
Apparently, both the military customers and the designers of the armored vehicles planned to continue to ensure the "equality of fire" of the conventional infantry and paratroopers. Meanwhile, back in 1977, work began on the creation of the BMP-3, the armament of which was radically strengthened by the new 2A70 gun with a caliber of 100 mm. An attempt to install the same cannon on the BMD threatened to inadmissibly increase its mass.
Despite these concerns, even when designing the future BMD-3, the possibility of using the same types of weapons on it as on the BMP-3 was studied. Calculations have shown that the weight of such a machine will exceed 18 tons. This meant that the main military transport aircraft Il-76 would be able to take on board only two BMDs, which did not suit the command of the airborne troops.
As a result, the BMD-3 remained with the same 2A42 cannon as the BMD-2, differing from latest system weapon control and slightly reinforced armor. As a "half-measure" to increase the level of armament, the new car was equipped with an automatic grenade launcher. In 1990, the BMD 3 was put into service, however, the entire volume of its subsequent serial production was only 137 units.
As a result, by the beginning of the twenty-first century, the Russian airborne forces came with obsolete BMD-1 and BMD-2. Both of these vehicles could no longer provide full-fledged fire support on the battlefield. Anticipating such a situation, the designers of the Volgograd Tractor Plant, back in 1997, decided to return to the old idea and try to modernize the BMD-3 by installing the "Bakhcha-U" fighting compartment on it, as on the BMP 3.
On the last day of 2004, the updated airborne combat vehicle was named BMD-4. Within a few months, the first samples entered the airborne forces. It should be noted that even during the development period, the designers managed to achieve some softening of the requirements for the weight of the machine from the customers. At first, the military wanted the mass of the BMD-4 to be the same as that of the BMD-3, but after long and painful negotiations, the parties agreed on a limit of 13,200 kilograms. Other received on BMD 4 specifications customers were quite satisfied.
In reality, the weight was 13.6 tons, which immediately caused a lot of complaints, although it was already clear that it was physically impossible to install a hundred-millimeter cannon with ammunition and not make the vehicle heavier.
In an effort to reduce the weight, the designers removed the automatic grenade launcher from the BMD and somewhat reduced the ammunition load of the thirty-millimeter cannon, but they failed to achieve full "compensation".
Despite a number of positive reviews, the Ministry of Defense was in no hurry with orders for the BMD-4. The reasons for this were revealed a little later, but Volgograd tractor plant this did not help any more - in 2005 the enterprise went bankrupt and was actually abolished. Since the airborne troops still needed to update their armored vehicles fleet, the BMD-4 project was transferred to Kurganmashzavod, the manufacturer of the BMP-3.
Already in 2008, a converted version of the airborne combat vehicle was demonstrated, which received the designation BMD-4M. The designers of "Kurganmashzavod" significantly changed the geometry of the armored hull, bringing it closer to the BMP-3, and installed more powerful engine, which made it possible to slightly increase the speed and maneuverability. At the same time, the set of weapons remained the same. It seemed that the project had finally gotten off the ground, however, it was here that the contradictions that had remained "under the carpet" among the military leadership surfaced.
In April 2010 V.A. Popovkin, the first deputy minister of defense of Russia, on behalf of this department said that no purchases of BMD-4M were planned. The new car immediately began to be violently criticized - this time quite publicly. Particular indignation was expressed regarding low level protection of the crew and a high purchase price (about 10% more than that of the T-90A tank). It came to statements about the need to acquire a foreign military equipment for the airborne forces.
In 2012, the BMD-4M “buried” N.Ye. Makarov, Chief of the General Staff of the RF Armed Forces, who along the way also cursed the BMP-3. Meanwhile were at new car and supporters. At the same time, it was easy to see that generals from the "ordinary" ground forces were opposed to the BMD-4M, while their opponents were representatives of the Airborne Forces. The most authoritative "defender" of the new car was V.A. Shamanov.
It should be borne in mind that from 2007 to 2012 the Ministry of Defense was headed by A.E. Serdyukov, who treated the airborne troops with open hostility, since they clearly did not "fit" into the reform he was pursuing. For some time, there was even a question about the complete abolition of the Airborne Forces. Of course, the paratroopers could not come to terms with such an attitude, which led to a long and senseless "war", one of the victims of which could well become the BMD-4M.
It was only in 2016 that a decision was made to adopt a new airborne combat vehicle. The volume of serial production of BMD-4M was over 180 units, production continues. Moreover, it is planned to manufacture new types of amphibious armored vehicles on the chassis of this vehicle. It is difficult to say whether these plans will come true, because the financial situation of Kurganmashzavod is rather difficult - for many years now the enterprise has literally been balancing on the very edge of the abyss, and there is simply no other manufacturer in Russia now.
Targets and goals
The BMD-4M airborne combat vehicle was created to solve the following main tasks:
- Transportation of airborne troops in the near and operational rear;
- Destruction of firing points, armored vehicles, fortifications and enemy manpower;
- Providing protection for airborne troops on the battlefield from small arms fire and fragments of the most common types of shells and mines.
The main quality that distinguishes the BMD from a conventional infantry fighting vehicle is that it can be parachuted and landed, together with the crew.
Description of construction
In their own way internal structure The BMD-4M is in many ways similar to the earlier tracked vehicles for the Airborne Forces, primarily the BMD-3, however, the Kurganmashzavod engineers made a number of changes to the design aimed at achieving the maximum level of unification with the BMP-3. This approach greatly simplifies batch production, repair and maintenance.
Hull and tower
The layout of the BMD-4M is the same as that of other Soviet / Russian airborne combat vehicles. There is a control compartment in the front of the body. It provides space for two paratroopers and a driver (center). The middle part of the vehicle is a fighting compartment. Directly above it is a revolving tower. Here, along with the main weapons systems, the commander and gunner are located.
The tower, in contrast to the aluminum hull, is made of steel armor. It is part of a single combat module "Bakhcha-U", which is installed on other samples of Russian light armored vehicles. The tower can be rotated in a horizontal plane 360 degrees.
Fire control system (FCS)
A set of equipment designed to conduct accurate fire at various targets includes the following main elements:
- The commander's sight. Using this device, the commander can independently shoot at various targets from cannons and machine guns, or give target designation to the gunner. Rangefinder, day and night channels are used;
- Gunner's sight. Unlike the commander, this BMD-4M crew member can use anti-tank guided missiles, for which there is a separate information channel in his sight. If necessary, you can use twelvex optical zoom. In addition, there is a thermal imager coupled with the sight;
- Weapon stabilizer. Alignment is performed in two planes;
- Device for automatic target tracking, integrated with sights;
- Ballistic computer.
In addition, the commander and gunner have monitors and control panels. All these devices work in close cooperation, which is achieved through the use of a single information system, supplemented by sensors to obtain external data about the environment.
The characteristics of the on-board fire control system ensure accurate hitting of targets both from the spot and during movement, including afloat. It is also possible to carry out hinged high-explosive fragmentation shells from closed positions.
Power plant and transmission
The BMD-4M is equipped with a multi-fuel diesel engine UTD-29 with liquid cooling, the same as on BMP-3. This ten-cylinder engine reaches its maximum power of 500 Horse power at a frequency of rotation of the main shaft of 2600 rpm. The highest torque is 1460 Nm. The engine has a dead weight of 910 kilograms. It is capable of operating in high altitude conditions, maintaining all its performance characteristics even at an altitude of 4500 meters.
The transmission of the airborne combat vehicle is also unified with the BMP-3 and is assembled in one unit with the engine. Transmission - automatic, four-speed, with hydrodynamic transformer. When driving reverse the car is capable of reaching speeds of 20 km / h.
Chassis
Representatives of Kurganmashzavod have repeatedly stated that they managed to achieve the unification of the BMD-4M with the BMP-3 and the chassis, but if this happened, then the changes, apparently, affected mainly the details of the design hidden from the eyes. Externally, on the BMD 4M, the former five road wheels on each side of the machine are clearly visible. Nothing new is noticed in the design of the tracks.
The BMD-4M airborne combat vehicle is equipped with a hydropneumatic suspension that allows you to change the ground clearance from 190 to 590 mm by raising and lowering the body.
Armament
The Bakhcha-U universal combat module installed on the BMD-4M includes the following types of weapons:
- Cannon 2A70 with automatic loader. Caliber - 100 mm, sighting range - up to 7 km, shot weight - from 15.8 to 18.2 kg, rate of fire - up to 10 rounds per minute;
- Automatic cannon 2A72. Caliber - 30 mm, sighting range - up to 4 km (manpower). Food - selective, high-explosive fragmentation or armor-piercing cartridges 30x165 mm;
- PKTM machine gun. Caliber - 7.62 mm, sighting range - up to 1.5 km;
- Anti-tank guided missiles "Arkan" 9M117M3. Launched through the barrel of the main gun. Sighting range - up to 5.5 km, armor penetration - 750 mm (average). The warhead is tandem.
The main gun's ammunition includes 34 shots, of which 4 are the Arkan ATGM, and 30 ordinary shots are placed in the automatic loader's "carousel".
The ammunition load of the 2A72 cannon consists of 350 rounds. If landing is necessary, their number should be reduced to 254 to reduce weight. Compared to the 2A42 gun, which was installed on the BMD-2, the new gun has a much lower recoil, but this advantage is obtained by reducing the rate of fire, which calls into question the effectiveness of hitting air targets. However, for the BMD 4M, the characteristics of "anti-aircraft fire" are not so important.
The PKTM machine gun is equipped with two thousand rounds.
In addition, on the sides of the tower there are six mortars for launching 3D6M smoke grenades.
Tactical and technical characteristics
The main parameters are given for both the BMD-4M and the original version of the combat vehicle.
| BMD-4M | BMD-4 | |
| Weight | 13,500 kg | 13 600 kg |
| Body length | 6.1 m | 6.1 m |
| Width | 3.11 m | 3.114 m |
| Height | 2.45 m | 2.4 m |
| Clearance | 19-59 cm | 19-59 cm |
| Maximum speed | 70 km / h | 67.5 km / h |
| Water speed | 10 km / h | 10 km / h |
| Power reserve | 500 km | 500 km |
| Engine power | 500 h.p. | 450 h.p. |
| Capacity | Crew - 3 people, landing - 5 people | Crew - 3 people, landing - 5 people. |
Thanks to the engine change, the BMD 4M airborne combat vehicle has a higher power density - 37 horsepower per ton (the BMD-4 had 33 hp per ton).
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantage that the BMD-4M possesses in comparison with all earlier models of airborne combat vehicles is its very powerful armament, which allows it to hit any targets at considerable distances.
This sample of light armored vehicles also has other advantages:
- The high level of compatibility with the BMP-3 provides increased maintainability, ease of use and Maintenance, and also improves the supply of components;
- Excellent cross-country ability on any terrain;
- BMD-4M is distinguished by excellent handling, confidently passing sharp turns and overcoming steep slopes. The machine no longer sways, "entering into resonance", as happened with the BMD-1 and BMD-2;
- It is possible to enhance security using a set of overhead armor. However, when landing, its use is impossible;
- The BMD-4M has a certain amount of modernization - many other types of military equipment can be made on its basis.
The disadvantages of the new vehicle are largely traditional for this entire class of weapons:
- Weak armor protection for the crew. The BMD-4M is relatively easily hit by small-caliber automatic cannons, and the sides are also vulnerable to heavy machine guns;
- The main gun ammunition is located in the middle of the vehicle and does not have additional protective equipment. Thus, when 100-mm shells detonate, the entire crew will be guaranteed to die;
- Mine protection is not enhanced in any way compared to earlier models;
- The inside of the BMD-4M is very cramped, especially if the soldiers are in full combat gear.
In addition, the layout of the machine itself raises criticism. The opinion was repeatedly expressed that the engine-transmission compartment should have been placed in front, which would have become additional protection for the crew. But such a solution is incompatible with landing due to the shift of the center of gravity.
Modifications of the BMD-4M
So far, there are only two options for the BMD-4M - base model and upgraded to its level "command" BMD-4K, which received the designation BMD-4KM.
In the near future, a whole family of new modifications should appear:
- Self-propelled anti-tank gun 2S25M "Sprut-SDM1". The prototypes of this vehicle represent the fighting compartment of the already existing Sprut-SD self-propelled assault rifle, relocated to the modified and lengthened BMD-4M chassis;
- Self-propelled gun for the Airborne Forces 2S42 "Lotos". The chassis is the same as that of the Sprut-SDM1, the armament is a long-barreled universal gun with a caliber of 120 mm. This machine should replace the well-known "None-S";
- "Cornet-D1", index 9P162M. Installation for anti-tank guided missiles "Kornet" on the chassis of the BMD-4M;
- "Birdman". A short-range anti-aircraft missile system for the airborne troops. There is little information about it, but it is known that it will also be produced on the basis of the BMD-4M.
In addition, the press received reports about the use of the BMD-4M to create a repair and recovery tractor and a reconnaissance vehicle.
All this new technology is likely to appear in the next decade.
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