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BRDM-2 (BTR-40P-2) - Variants

In the process of mass production, various improvements were made to the design of the BRDM-2. Externally, the cars of the early, middle and late series could be identified by the type of design of air inlets on the roof of the engine compartment. In the early machines, the two flap air vents had a trapezoidal shape and were covered with lids that opened backwards (like the BTR-60). On the machines of the “medium” series, the air intakes had a rectangular shape and were covered with blinds. The late version of the BRDM-2, which was launched in the 1970s, had six convex mushroom-shaped caps over the air inlets, which were similar in design to the BTR-70. They protected the engine compartment from ricocheting bullets, shrapnel, and combustible mixtures. On such machines, and installed a tower with a surveillance device in the roof.

Like the BRDM, the BRDM-2 exists in several versions, the first four of which have the same roles as their BRDM counterparts:

• BRDM-2 reconnaissance vehicle is distinguished by its turret, which is the same as that mounted on the BTR-60PB. The conical turret, which mounts two machine guns (1 4.5-mm and 7.62-mm), is unusual in that is has no top hatch opening. This model carries a crew of four (commander, gunner, driver, and co-driver). It also has a land navigation system that gives coordinate readings.
• The ATGM launcher vehicle (BRDM-2) is used for the AT-2/SWATTER, AT-3/SAGGER and AT-5/SPANDREL. The ATGM launcher replaces the turret. This model is found in regimental and divisional antitank units of motorized rifle divisions and in the antitank regiment or brigade in the artillery division of a front.
  • 9P122 variant with 6-rail AT-3 ATGM launcher
  • 9P124 variant with 4-rail AT-2 MCLOS ATGM launcher
  • 9P133 variant with 6-rail AT-3C SACLOS ATGM launcher
  • 9P137 variant with 5-rail AT-5 ATGM launcher
  • 9P148 variant with 5-rail AT-4 or AT-5 ATGM launcher.

• BRDM-2rkh radiological-chemical reconnaissance vehicle is fitted with dispensers for emplacing warning flags around contaminated areas. It is found in the regimental chemical defense company and at the division level in the chemical defense battalion as well as in the reconnaissance battalion.
• BRDM-2U command vehicle has no turret but carries a generator and extra radios. The increased number of antennas marks this version as a command and control vehicle. It is found in battalion and regimental headquarters of maneuver units and also is used extensively by artillery units.
• SA-9/GASKIN transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) also is based on the BRDM-2 chassis. The surface-to-air missile launching system with quadruple canisters replaces the machine gun turret on top of the vehicle and is capable of 360 degrees traverse and limited elevation. The crew of this version is estimated at four.
• Polish modernized variant has been offered in five versions, with upgrades such as: 12.7-mm MG, improved PKT MG mount, roof-mounted AT-4 ATGM, surveillance radar, improved fire control, etc.