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BTR-82A 8x8 wheeled infantry fighting vehicle

The BTR-82A is one of Russia’s latest 8x8 wheeled infantry fighting vehicles; its silhouette is the reminder of its predecessor, the BTR-80A. The development and production of BTR-82A is engaged in "military-industrial company", which also produces a new generation of armored vehicles, "Boomerang". Hailed by defense specialists as a full-fledged combat vehicle, the BTR-82A created a big stir in late-2010 with its 2A72 30 mm chain gun, coaxial 7.62mm MG and advanced observation gear, making it ideal for regular combat and counterterrorism operations alike.

The BTR-82A is an upgraded version of the BTR-80 wheeled armored vehicles that were put into service in 1980. BTR-82A has a high survivability, equipped with a unified fighting module, air conditioning, modern communication and orientation systems. Designers modernized more than 1,000 elements in the BTR-82A.Thanks to its advanced characteristics, the BTR-82A’s firing effectiveness increased two-fold as compared to its previous version.

Securing the machine is increased by the use of a new armored personnel carrier Ballistic protection of multilayer synthetic material such as Kevlar on the inner surfaces of the body. To reduce the negative effects of explosions under the wheels or body carpeted floor mats in mine, is a multilayer rubber coating, which layers have different properties. Such mats partially dampen the impact of the blast wave. In addition, the seat of the crew and landing are made at the special suspension, which reduces the impact of the explosion energy.

The Military Industrial Company developed the APC in close cooperation with the Russian Defence Ministry under the BTR-80 and BTR-80A heavy upgrade programs. Devising the program, the designers took into account all of the customer’s proposals and requirements stemming from the scrutiny of the lessons learnt from the operation and tactical use of the APCs. Although the advanced APC looks similar to its predecessor, the BTR-80A, it is very different. The upgrade program was aimed at a comprehensive improvement in the vehicle’s performance, firepower, agility, protection, responsiveness, reliability, manufacturability and maintainability.

Owing to the measures taken, the BTR-82A’s combat effectiveness ratio doubled over that of the BTR-80A. As far as its combat effectiveness indices are concerned, the wheeled BTR-82A can do in battle what has been done by the tracked BMP-1 and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles (IFV), which use by the Ministry’s of Interior units is limited specifically due to their tracked running gear.

A new type of active shielding, adapted for use with high-speed and highly maneuverable combat vehicles, is in the works now to make the BTR-82A practically immune to grenade launchers. Although the all-steel construction, which provides protection against machine gun fire and artillery splinters, looks unchanged on the surface, improvements against mines and IED’s have been added to the lower hull. Kevlar-type liners have been fitted to the inside of the hull, providing better all-round protection.

The BTR-82A boasts a new 300hp engine and suspension system, which offers it the ability to absorb the energy from a landmine. It also retains the same fully amphibious capabilities of the earlier BTR-80A. The hull of the BTR-82 is made of a fragment-protective laminated synthetic material. To increase the comfort of the crew, the BTR-82A is equipped with an air-conditioning system.

The BTR-82A’s advanced fire control system adds significantly to the vehicle’s fire effectiveness. Unlike the old versions, the BTR-82A has a shoot-on-the-move engagement capability. It is fitted with a full stabilization system, which allows for accurate firing on the move in all conditions, thanks to the new day and night sights. The armored carrier is equipped with a laser range finder which allows the commander of the vehicle to duly detect enemy targets.

In order to improve the comfort of the crew being in the car and to reduce fatigue on the BTR-82 is installed air conditioning system, which also serves to optimize the conditions for the operation of electronic devices and appliances. The machine is equipped with the new radio station R-168-25-V2 system topographical orientation "throne-1" with an independent satellite TV receiving navigation information, and combined monitoring device TKN-AI commander. TKN-AI is equipped with an active laser-pulse illumination and allows the commander to detect the enemy at distances up to 3 km, provides improved accuracy distance measurement, eliminates the telltale signs of infrared illuminators.

The system of topographic orientation "throne-1" is designed to determine the current position of the machine and display its location on a digital map. It has a self-contained and satellite channels to obtain navigational information. The system helps automatically find out how far the destination is automatically displayed destinations, milestones and targets on an electronic map, record of the route.

Additionally, the BTR-82A can be equipped with the Kornet class anti-tank system that is capable of destroying heavy armored vehicles at a distance of up to four kilometers, something that adds substantially to infantry’s combat operations. Also, the vehicle is fitted with a reinforced multi-layer floor which provides protection against mines and improvised explosive devices.

The ripple effect created by the BTR-82A’s 30 mm automatic gun has been felt far and wide, with US Army officials saying that one of their most important units in Europe — the Stryker-equipped 2nd Cavalry Regiment — is outgunned by its Russian counterparts and needs a fast-track upgrade. The US Army staff in April 2015 approved a request from the unit's commander, Colonel John Meyer, to fit a 30mm cannon on 81 of the infantry carriers, so that it to could engage similar units or light-armored vehicles.

Work is underway to create new specialized vehicles based on the BTR-82A. One of such developments was the anti-sabotage combat vehicle - the Typhoon-M BPDM, created on the basis of the BTR-82 at the Strela Scientific and Production Association. It is designed to protect mobile missile systems of the Strategic Missile Forces. Work is underway to create a new combat reconnaissance vehicle - BRM on the basis of the BTR-82. In addition, the option of creating a self-propelled short-range anti-aircraft missile system "Sosna" on the basis of the BTR-82 is being worked out.

As new types of weapons or special equipment appear and, if necessary, create their wheeled versions, new modifications of the BTR-82 armored personnel carrier or special vehicles based on it will appear. The fact is that this machine has an important advantage over other armored wheeled chassis - the ability to overcome water obstacles by swimming.

BTR-22 / BTR-82A (advanced)

At the military-technical forum "Army-2023", the Russian "Military Industrial Company" presented its new initiative development - the armored personnel carrier "BTR-82A (advanced)" or BTR-22. Despite the similar name, the 20-ton armored personnel carrier is a deep modernization differed from its predecessor in a hull with a modified layout. In accordance with current trends, the engine compartment has been moved to the front, and the troop compartment has been placed in the stern. The troop compartment received eight seats located near the sides of the hull. Disembarkation is carried out through the aft swing door.

This armored personnel carrier became one of the main premieres of the Army-2023 International Military-Technical Forum taking place in the Moscow region. The armored personnel carrier BTR-82A (upgraded) with increased ballistic and anti-mine protection is designed for use in ground forces, marine corps units of the Navy and special units to transport personnel and fight against similar products, air and surface targets and enemy manpower and protection of the combat crew placed inside the machine.

This machine was developed by the military-industrial complex on an initiative basis, and, apparently, represents an attempt to offer a cheaper and simpler alternative to the long-term perspective wheeled platform for the "Boomerang" OCD. The BTR-22 (or the upgraded BTR-82A, as you like) certainly has more in common with the BTR-82A, but it is clear that some lessons have been learned. If the BTR-87 is more like an inflated BTR-82A, then the BTR-22 is a completely different machine. This is especially true for its appearance. Many people started pointing their fingers at the K-17, but in fact the new armored personnel carrier is more similar to foreign vehicles. Especially the idea of a large engine compartment hatch on the upper frontal plate of the hull.

Unlike the BTR-87, it doesn't look like something quickly made on the knee. It's a quite modern-looking armored personnel carrier, with additional armor protection sheets bolted on. A similar solution is used on many modern armored personnel carriers. Most importantly, the improved BTR-82A has lost the rudiments of its ancestor. They haven't abandoned the hatch on the left side, but now it's not striking. It's also worth noting that the new model has retained the dimensions of the BTR-87. But visually it's even perceived as a little lower. By the way, the height difference with the BTR-82A is small, the vehicle doesn't look like a barn.

The armored hull, apparently, was developed on the basis of the Boomerang ROC machines, but, is rather smaller and much shorter. It is simplified and has a lower level of ballistic and mine protection, and is also equipped with doors at the rear for the landing party to exit instead of a folding ramp. The engine is located in the front of the vehicle, the landing compartment for eight people is in the stern, and the crew (driver and commander) workplaces are located one after the other. The suspension and a number of components were inherited from the BTR-82A. A new 330 hp diesel engine has been installed (clearly not enough for a 20-ton car) and a new five-speed manual transmission.

According to the official military-industrial complex information presented at the Army-2023 forum, the total combat weight of the new vehicle is 20 tons, length is 7.65 m, width is 2.985 m, height is 3.02 m, clearance is 0.475 m. Circular protection against shelling with B-32 armor-piercing bullets of 12.7 x 108mm caliber and protection against detonation of 2 kg of explosives under the bottom or wheel is claimed. The booking is spaced. The machine is declared as floating, although the sample presented at the Army-2023 did not have any devices for this.

The "upgraded BTR-82A" at Army 2023 was the latest to arrive after the short-lived "BTR-87" seen a few times at previous shows and the "Bumerang" or Boomerang that soon diminished to a parade ground fixture. The description of the BTR-82A says that this machine is designed to accommodate 10 people. The armored personnel carrier is driven by a 330-horsepower diesel engine, the maximum speed is 80 km/h. The vehicle is equipped with a 2A72 30mm gun and can withstand the hit of armor-piercing bullets.

The combat vehicle in its appearance combined the features of several well-known models of domestic armored personnel carriers, including the promising one on the Boomerang platform. Therefore, it can be argued that it took from them all the best. Its design fully takes into account the experience of combat use of domestic light armored vehicles. In terms of overall architecture and key design elements, the new BTR-22 is similar to the serial BTR-82A. In addition, there is a clear similarity and borrowing of ideas from the promising Boomerang project. At the same time, "BTR-82A (improved)" occupies an intermediate position between these two developments, which makes it possible to obtain an advantageous ratio of performance characteristics and cost.

It should be noted that the new "BTR-82A (improved)" in terms of general characteristics and potential is inferior to the promising product "Boomerang". This difference is due to the use of simpler solutions and components. At the same time, it is precisely due to this that the BTR-22 is easier and cheaper to manufacture and operate. An armored vehicle with such a combination of technical, combat and economic characteristics may be of interest to the army.

There is a difference, and a very significant one, in weight. If the BTR-82A has a combat weight of 15.5 tons, and the BTR-87 weighed 16 tons, then here it is already all 20. The machine can still swim, but this is clearly an optional feature. As hinted by the lack of water jets, the improved BTR-82A swims, rowing with its wheels. The decision is correct, since practice shows that swimming is not often necessary. But increased protection (protection from a B-32 bullet of 12.7 mm caliber is indicated) is clearly not at all superfluous.

It can withstand bullets B-32 caliber 12.7 mm. The mine protection of the bottom has also been improved. The design of the bottom of the improved BTR-82A has changed, and according to the developers of the vehicle, it can withstand up to 2 kilograms of TNT under the bottom. Not MRAP, but still quite a result. The armor in front, on the sides and in the rear has been significantly strengthened. Mine protection was not deprived of attention either.

The novelty has excellent mobility characteristics both on the highway and on rough terrain. Due to the increase in weight, the vehicle's mobility has slightly decreased. On the other hand, 330 horsepower for 20 tons of combat weight is a completely normal indicator. Although it would be dangerous to increase it further. There are examples of BTR-4s that are even heavier, and which often dug in on soft ground. Any chassis has certain limits for load.

A more significant difference is visible in the case of the driver's seat. If in the case of the BTR-87 it is noticeable what it grew out of, then the BTR-22 has noticeably more differences. There is no longer a viewing hatch in front, but the number of viewing devices has increased. And most importantly, cameras have appeared, significantly improving visibility. Monitors, which display images from the cameras, are both in the driver's seat and in the troop compartment.

The engine was moved to the front, and the troop compartment received hatches in the stern, allowing motorized riflemen to conveniently load and leave the armored personnel carrier. The troop compartment can now be accessed through doors located in the stern. The chairs are equipped with headrests and seat belts. The rear part of the new vehicle looks closest to the BTR-87, at least some elements, like folding steps, are familiar. But at the same time, the test results were clearly taken into account. The rear hatches remained hinged, but the crossbar between them disappeared. The right decision, it was somewhat in the way when disembarking. The doors became thicker, they received a more complex shape. The handrail on top is also not superfluous.

The troop compartment has largely migrated from the BTR-87. There are changes, of course, but they are not significant. Inside, as before, there are places for 8 people, with seats that are attached to the ceiling. Quite a standard arrangement now, although it should be noted that the impression of the troop compartment is more pleasant than in the case of the BTR-87. Made more solidly, so to speak.

The loss of unification of the new BTR-22 with the existing model was considered acceptable. An important advantage of the new machine is the fundamental possibility of installing different combat compartments and modules, provided already at the design stage. The fighting compartment is represented by what is already on the conventional BTR-82A. The installed 30-mm cannon can effectively destroy a variety of targets, including air ones.

The exhibition sample is equipped with a serial product BPPU and the possibility of mounting the Ballista module with machine guns, cannons and missiles is shown. At the same time, the Russian industry offers a number of other combat modules, and almost any of them can be mounted on the BTR-22, determining its fire capabilities. As an option, it is possible to mount an uninhabited combat module with cannon-rocket armament, which was also demonstrated at Army-2023. The uninhabited module "Ballista" has a 30-mm 2A42 gun and an ammunition load of 300 rounds; a PKTM with an ammunition supply of 2,000 rounds is also used.

Konkurs-M with two protected launchers was chosen as a guided anti-tank missile weapon. The module is equipped with 902V grenade launchers designed to create aerosol screens. Fire control system - with a tele-thermal imaging sight and a laser rangefinder. The use of the Ballista, thanks to the isolated ammunition load, will not only increase the safety of the crew and troops, but will also allow accommodating up to ten military personnel inside.

The length of the BTR-22 does not exceed 7.6 m with a width of less than 3 m and a height of just over 3 m. The combat weight is declared at the level of 20 tons. The speed on the highway reaches 80 km; high driving characteristics on off-road and rough terrain are provided. Parameters on the water are not disclosed.

To date, the BTR-82A (advanced) project has reached the stage of construction and testing of experimental equipment. Several prototypes have already been tested at the test site and are now being tested in the armed forces. Probably, after trial operation in the army, the army will decide whether it needs such machines. A positive answer to this question will allow "VPK" to establish mass production.

With its help, it is possible to replace the aging BTR-80/82, which have almost exhausted their modernization potential. In addition, the BTR-22 can become a kind of temporary measure in anticipation of a sufficient number of more advanced Boomerangs and ensure a smooth transition from one generation of equipment to another.

https://odin.tradoc.army.mil/WEG/Asset/1f49177f0468f247a09a2df99d630d6f

BTR-87 Armored personnel carrier

BTR-87 was designed by VPK with assemblies and units of BTR-82A APC. The vehicle was developed in 2015, and for the first time it was publicly demonstrated at the International Military-Technical Forum "Army-2017". The specifications of the BTR-87 is full analog of the BTR-82A. The difference is in the rear doors or ramp, which simplifies the landing of troops. To enable placement of the rear exit, the vehicle layout has changed - the engine is placed in front of the hull. Vehicles' ballistic armor protects the crew against small arms and shell splinters. The BTR-87 is additionally equipped with an NBC protection system.

Modern armored vehicles are expensive (sometimes too expensive). This applies to both Russian and foreign models. The result is that the military often modernizes old vehicles, reducing orders for new models to a minimum. Or even completely shutting down the production of new products. This situation is not at all unique, even very rich countries prefer to save where possible. As a result, models appear that are based on old chassis, but significantly surpass them in combat characteristics.

The situation with armored personnel carriers is quite complicated. The concept of wheeled vehicles of this class was formed in Russia in the late 1950s, when the BTR-60 appeared. The four-axle all-wheel drive amphibious vehicle was created under the supervision of V.A.Dedkov and featured an advanced design for the time. But the vehicle had one significant drawback, which remained with these vehicles for many decades. The placement of the power plant in the rear did not allow the troops to exit to the rear. The BTR-70 and BTR-80 had the same drawback.

The Czechs placed the power plant behind the control compartment on the OT-64. This did not allow moving from the control compartment to the troop compartment from inside the vehicle, and the number of paratroopers was reduced. But at the same time, getting out of the OT-64 is much easier. This arrangement of the power plant was quite popular among armored personnel carrier developers in different countries of the world. Later, a scheme similar to the one used on the BMP-1 appeared, that is, the engine is in the front and on the side. It would seem obvious that the layout should be changed, but we continued with the BTR-60 concept.

Kharkov, using the chassis from Arzamas, created the BTR-4, with layout solutions close to the OT-64. In the Russian army, the most modern serial armored personnel carrier was the BTR-82A, which retained the concept of the 80-ka chassis. In the end, reason prevailed. The wheeled BMP K-17 on the Boomerang platform was born. But this machine is significantly larger and heavier than the BTR-82A. Naturally, the idea of an alternative armored personnel carrier arose, simpler and cheaper. And most importantly, on the already proven units of the BTR-82A.

The first attempt to redesign the BTR-82A was the BTR-87 armored personnel carrier, shown at the Army-2017 international military-technical forum. Instead of a bulky V8, the armored personnel carrier received an in-line 6-cylinder diesel engine YaMZ-53206, which turned out to be even more powerful. This allowed the power plant to be moved forward and to the right, while maintaining the passage from the control compartment to the troop compartment. Two hatches appeared at the back, so that now the troops can get out not under the wheels. The design of the seats has changed, and they also abandoned the loopholes in the sides, which are rarely used anyway.

The BTR-87 was developed using components and assemblies of the BTR-82A armored personnel carrier, but it cannot be called a modernization of the BTR-82A, since as a result of the alterations new elements appeared, and the modifications themselves affected the layout. The BTR-87 received a rear troop compartment - the troops were able to dismount through the rear doors under the cover of the entire vehicle. In the front part of the BTR-87 hull there is a control compartment (on the left) and an engine compartment (on the right side). Immediately behind the engine compartment, a fighting compartment with a rotating turret was placed. Under-turret units of the fighting compartment are located in the same volume as the places for the troops.

The BTR-87 lacks the side doors of the troop compartment, the commander's hatch and the right armored glass with a cover due to the placement of the engine compartment in the front part of the hull. The driver-mechanic is located in the front on the left. The commander's workplace has shifted back and to the left. The commander is behind the driver and must monitor the surrounding environment using optical devices on his hatch.

In the central part of the hull, with some shift to the stern, on the roof of the BTR-87 is installed a turret machine gun-gun mount, borrowed from the BTR-82A. The turret has a carriage layout and is equipped with a set of barrel weapons. As the "main caliber" is used 30-mm automatic cannon 2A72, additional armament consists of 7.62-mm machine gun PKTM and several smoke grenade launchers. Also, the turret is equipped with a set of necessary observation and guidance means.

In terms of capacity, the troop compartment is no different from the central troop compartment of the base BTR-82A. It is proposed to board and disembark troops through the rear doors. Due to the engine being moved to the front of the hull, the transmission design had to undergo significant changes. At the same time, the chassis remained the same - four axles with wheels on independent suspension. Due to the use of aft doors, the armored personnel carrier received new propellers for movement on water. Instead of one central water jet, two separate ones are now used, placed behind the wheels.

The BTR-87 was created on an initiative basis and wass intended for export sales. For a number of reasons, the BTR-87 remained an experimental vehicle, but the Military Industrial Company, which includes the Arzamas Machine-Building Plant, did not give up. The need to have a cheaper wheeled armored personnel carrier than the K-17 remained, and negative experience is also experience. The result of rethinking the BTR-87 design was a development that is officially called the "Improved BTR-82A". Although in some brochures the new product is called the BTR-22. Here, whoever likes it, perhaps the military-industrial complex is afraid of scaring off the military. They are more willing to give money for modernization than for a new model. This has already happened in Soviet aviation. Look first at the Tu-22, and then at the T-22M. How much do they have in common? Exactly.