BRDM-2
In the early 1960s, the Soviet Union began work on the creation of a new "steel" reconnaissance aircraft to replace the already obsolete armored reconnaissance vehicle BRDM, which was in service with the reconnaissance units of the Soviet army. In 1962, the design bureau of the Gorky Automobile Plant, under the leadership of the chief designer V. A. Dedkov, began designing a new generation machine - the BRDM-2. And already on May 22 of the same year, the armored reconnaissance and patrol vehicle BRDM-2 was put into service by order of the Minister of Defense of the USSR. For the first time, the BRDM-2 was publicly demonstrated at the parade in Moscow on Red Square in 1966. BRDM-2 was mass-produced at the Gorky Automobile Plant from 1965 to 1989.
The new car embodies the best qualities of its predecessor, while possessing significantly more firepower, better driving characteristics and a higher level of crew protection. When creating the BRDM-2, in comparison with the BRDM, the layout was changed, a turret was introduced, reinforced armament was installed, the design of the power transmission units, the chassis, electrical equipment, communications and auxiliary systems were improved.
BRDM-2 was made according to the layout with the rear engine compartment. Unlike the BRDM, the control compartment was located in the front of the hull, the fighting compartment was located in the middle, and the power compartment was located in the stern. Such a layout scheme, in comparison with the layout of the BRDM, made it possible to improve the view of the terrain from the driver's workplace and improve the navigability of the machine, since the installation of the engine in the rear of the hull provided a stable trim to the stern. At the same time, the driving axles and cardan drives to them were located under the bottom of the hull, thereby violating its streamlined shape. Above the fighting compartment in the center of the hull, a welded rotating machine-gun turret, unified with the turret of the BTR-60 PB armored personnel carrier, was mounted on the pursuit.
The fully enclosed sealed vehicle body is welded and made of rolled steel armor plates. The thickness of the armor in the frontal part is 10 millimeters, the front part of the welded conical tower is made of armor plates 6 millimeters thick. The armor protects against bullets and fragments of artillery shells and small-caliber mines.
The armament of the vehicle included a turret machine gun BPU-1 of circular rotation with a fairly powerful armament - a 14, 5-mm heavy machine gun KPVT with an ammunition load of 500 rounds and a 7, 62-mm Kalashnikov PKT tank machine gun paired with it (ammunition load of 2000 rounds). The KPVT heavy machine gun and the PKT machine gun, mounted in a rotating armored conical tower, were mounted in a rigid welded cradle. On the cradle were fixed shock absorbers, box holders, sleeves and sleeve collectors.
Lifting mechanism - sector type, rotary - gear. Weapon guidance drives are manual. To fire from weapons for the tower gunner, the PP-61 A periscope sight was provided.
In the front of the car, in the control department, the workplaces of the driver and the vehicle commander were equipped (his place is located at the starboard side). For observation from the car, there were two large windows, which were closed, if necessary, by armored shutters, and ten prism devices: four TNP-1 devices - for the commander and six TNP-A devices - for the driver. In addition, the commander had at his disposal a TPKU-2 B periscope observation device with a fivefold magnification. At night, the vehicle commander, instead of the TPKU-2 daytime observation device, installed the TKN-1 C night vision device, and the driver - the TVN-2B night vision device. To exclude the blinding effect of oncoming traffic headlights, flares, fires and other light sources, night vision devices were equipped with a special device - a shielding device (curtain). Large hatches are mounted above the seats of the driver and commander in the roof of the hull. On the sides of the car there were embrasures for firing personal weapons, hermetically covered with armored barriers.
The BRDM-2 had higher speed characteristics than the BRDM. When driving on the highway, she developed a maximum speed of up to 80 km / h. The smallest turning radius was 9 meters. On rough terrain, the car overcame obstacles with the greatest ascent angle - 30 degrees, a vertical wall - 0.4 meters and a ditch 1.22 meters wide. An important combat characteristic of the BRDM-2 is a cruising range of 750 kilometers.
The power plant, consisting of an 8-cylinder carburetor V-shaped liquid-cooled GAZ-41 engine with a capacity of 140 hp. at 3200 rpm, moved to the stern, which improved the internal layout of the machine.
The undercarriage did not fundamentally differ from the undercarriage of the BRDM, with the exception of the suspension, where telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers were installed on each axle, instead of lever-piston ones, and consisted of front and rear axles, suspension, four main wheels and a device of four additional wheels that were lowered to overcome trenches and trenches up to 1, 2 meters wide. Additional pneumatic wheels were made with a mechanical drive from the transmission. The front wheels were controlled by a steering gear equipped with a hydraulic booster. The car had a centralized tire pressure regulation system. Brakes - shoe, sealed, with a hydraulic drive and pneumatic boosters. The water cannon and the drive to the drive wheels could work at the same time, if necessary. Thus, a very high cross-country ability of the vehicle was ensured.
The designers paid the utmost attention to increasing the cross-country ability of the BRDM-2. After all, scouts have to act day and night, in spring and late autumn, in the summer heat and in the winter cold. And such a car has to move behind enemy lines not only along the highway. Therefore, it was made adaptable to different road conditions, capable of equally confidently overcoming soggy roads, plowing, wetlands, sands and virgin snow. All four main wheels of the BRDM-2 are leading. On steep climbs or other difficult terrain, the driver downshifts and engages the front axle. If this was not enough, it was possible to reduce the specific ground pressure or increase it by turning on the tire pressure regulation system. This could be done both in the parking lot and when the car was moving directly from the driver's seat. Normal tire pressure - 2, 7 kgf / sq. Cm. When meeting a swampy area, the driver turned on a lower gear and reduced the pressure in the tires. At the same time, they seemed to be flattened, and the support area increased sharply. The BRDM-2, although at a reduced speed, could still confidently continue to move. In other conditions, it was necessary to increase the pressure in the tires - for example, when driving on sand, when it was necessary to keep the track of the car in front. In winter, on the snow cover up to 0.3 meters deep, the BRDM-2 could be driven without reducing the pressure in the cylinders, since the wheels pushed the snow to the frozen ground and adhered well to it. With higher snowdrifts, the pressure in the slopes decreased.
The movement of the BRDM-2 on the water was carried out using a water jet propulsion unit (installed in the stern) with hydraulic drives for controlling a damper and a wave deflector. The water rudders of the car were interlocked with the steering gear. A four-bladed propeller sucked in water through an intake pipe located in the bottom and threw it out through a hole in the rear hull sheet. During movement on land, this hole was closed with a special armored flap. Reverse was provided by changing the direction of rotation of the screw. For turning afloat, water rudders were located, located in the outlet pipe of the jet propulsion unit. The drive to them is interlocked with the wheel drive. The safety of movement on the water was ensured by a wave-reflecting shield (when driving on land, it is set to the lower position to improve visibility) and a high-performance water pumping system. The maximum speed afloat was 10 km / h.
The car was equipped with a winch mounted in the front of the hull.
BRDM-2 received modern radio equipment, which included: VHF radio station R-123 with a range of stable radio communication in microtelephone mode up to 20 kilometers. At the same time, a search-free entry into communication and a non-tuning communication was ensured, which sharply increased the efficiency of work. Given the lack of time for intelligence officers, this was of no small importance. In addition, the BRDM-2 was equipped with additional equipment, including: navigation equipment TNA-2 with heading and track sensors, a control panel and a coordinate calculating device, a transducer and a heading indicator. These devices automatically determined the coordinates of the machine and indicated the directional (directional) angle of its movement. The vehicle was also equipped with a DP-ZB roentgenometer; military chemical reconnaissance device VPHR; a blower to create excess pressure inside the machine; fire extinguishing means; windshield blowing system; heater; towing devices; a water-pumping device powered by a water cannon (with two valves for draining water from the hull), and STZh-58 life jackets.
The BRDM-2 turned out to be a highly maneuverable combat vehicle. An increase in engine power, an improvement in the power transmission units, the introduction of a rotating turret and the installation of more powerful weapons increased the combat effectiveness of the vehicle and ensured the reliable operation of units and systems. The car possessed high dynamic qualities, a large power reserve, increased cross-country ability and was able to overcome water obstacles on the move. BRDM-2 has proven itself in combat in numerous local conflicts.
The BRDM-2 was in service with the reconnaissance and staff units of the Soviet army, as well as in the signal and chemical forces. They were widely used in the internal troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the border troops of the KGB and the marines of the Navy. Self-propelled ATGMs of all types were in service with anti-tank units of motorized rifle and tank regiments.
The baptism of fire BRDM-2 received in the Middle East during the Arab-Israeli war in 1973, and then used in Vietnam, in numerous military conflicts in Africa and in the Iran-Iraq war. In units and subdivisions of a limited contingent of Soviet troops in Afghanistan, the BRDM-2 was used mainly for patrol and security purposes.
In the process of release, the BRDM-2 was repeatedly modernized, including a new machine-gun turret with an increased vertical aiming angle and more modern sighting equipment, similar to the equipment of the BTR-70 M. The new car, designated BRDM-2 D, was also equipped with smoke grenade launchers and a more powerful and economical YaMZ-534 diesel engine, thanks to which its speed increased to 100 km / h.
On the basis of armored reconnaissance and patrol vehicles BRDM-2, a large number of combat vehicles of various types with anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons were created and put into mass production.
At present, the armored reconnaissance and patrol vehicle BRDM-2 D, designed for tactical reconnaissance, combat and patrol, fighting reconnaissance and sabotage groups, is in service with the Russian army and all armies of the CIS countries.
The BRDM-2 and vehicles based on it, including anti-tank systems and air defense systems, were actively exported and in different years were or are in service with the armies of more than fifty other countries of the world.
The last deliveries of the BRDM-2 abroad were carried out in 1995, when the Russian Federation donated 45 vehicles of this type to the Russian Federation for arming the police forces of the newly created Palestinian Authority.
Brdm "Vodnik"
By the end of the twentieth century, since the possibilities for further improvement of the BRDM-2 were practically exhausted, the design bureau of GAZ developed a new family of highly mobile wheeled multi-purpose vehicles (armored personnel carriers), which received the general name Vodnik. They are intended for use as army, staff and support vehicles in armored and non-armored versions. Depending on the modification, they are able to quickly move both on roads and on impassable terrain for distances of up to 1000 kilometers without additional refueling. These vehicles develop a speed of 112-140 km / h and are capable of transporting 10 paratroopers in a fully enclosed hull (motorized rifle squad) or equipped with weapons ranging from hand-held infantry mortars to 120-mm mortars.
Thus, "Vodnik" can be used as a light armored personnel carrier, a command post vehicle, a transport vehicle for transporting infantry and cargo, and, in addition, as a platform for a 120-mm mortar.
To replace the BRDM-2, on the basis of the Vodnik all-terrain vehicle, a reconnaissance and patrol vehicle of the 21st century was created, which is distinguished by its lightness, high driving performance and a wide range of modular weapons, which allows the vehicle to be used for solving various combat missions. At the military exhibition in Omsk in 1995, several types of Vodnik vehicles were demonstrated for the first time, including an armored reconnaissance and patrol vehicle equipped with a rotating turret with a 14.5 mm KPVT machine gun.
To date, two cars of the Vodnik family are being produced: GAZ-3937 and GAZ-39371. In accordance with the selected layout scheme, each of the vehicles has three compartments: a control compartment (with two seats for the GAZ-3937 and three seats for the GAZ-39371), a fighting compartment, and an engine-transmission compartment.
The combat crew of the vehicle consists of 10-11 people: the squad (vehicle) commander, the driver and the landing force in the amount of eight (GAZ-3937) or nine (GAZ-39371) people.
The main feature of Vodnik is the modular design of its welded hull. The case has two removable modules - front and rear. The front module includes an engine compartment and a control compartment, separated by a sealed partition. The rear module is the useful volume of the vehicle, which can be used for transporting people and goods, mounting weapons, special equipment and mobile installations. The main advantage of the machine is that, thanks to the quick-release connection of the rear module and the base flange of the housing, it is possible to quickly replace various modules even in the field.
In total, "Vodnik" has 26 replaceable modules, with the help of which it is possible to convert the car from one version to another in the shortest possible time and using the simplest devices. For combat purposes, there are modules with a 14.5-mm machine gun, a 30-mm automatic cannon, as well as various anti-aircraft and anti-tank missile systems. The modular design, in addition to allowing unification of the chassis for vehicles for different purposes, also has a positive effect on the survival rate of combat installations. In case of destruction of a vehicle with a combat module, the installation of weapons can be quickly rearranged to one of the support vehicles built on the Vodnik chassis.
Several booking options have been developed to protect the crew. The body of "Vodnik", depending on the purpose of the vehicle, is made of armored steel, which protects the crew from bullets of 7, 62 mm caliber and shrapnel. The front and rear modules can be made both armored and unarmored, depending on the tasks performed by a particular vehicle. In addition, to increase the level of protection, it is possible to install additional armor protection on the vehicle.
The weaponry of the combat module depends on the purpose of the vehicle. Currently, vehicles are being tested with combat modules armed with two 7.62 mm PKMS machine guns, as well as a turret machine gun from the BTR-80 with a 14.5 mm KPVT machine gun and a 7.62 mm PKT machine gun.
The running gear of "Vodnikov" of all modifications is unified and made according to the wheel formula 4 x4. It consists of four wheels with independent torsion bar suspension on wishbones with hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers. Only the front wheels are steerable. There is a centralized system for regulating tire pressure. The excellent dynamic qualities of Vodnik are ensured by its high power-to-weight ratio. With a total weight of 6, 6–7, 5 tons, it is equipped with a 160 hp diesel engine. with. and a five-speed gearbox.
When driving on a highway, a maximum speed of 112 km / h is provided. Without preliminary preparation, the car forces a ford to a depth of 1.2 meters. The cruising range for the reference fuel consumption at a speed of 60 km / h exceeds 1000 kilometers.
The equipment installed on the vehicles includes a tank intercom R-174, a heater, an air conditioner, and fire extinguishing equipment. It is also envisaged to install the R-163-50 U radio station, navigation equipment and special equipment: a centralized fire extinguishing system, a radio station, navigation equipment and other equipment.
BRDM-3
The reconnaissance and patrol vehicle BRDM-3 (factory designation GAZ-59034 "Rush") was developed by the design bureau of JSC "GAZ". It is designed to support the actions of reconnaissance units in the depth of the enemy's defense at a distance of up to 120 kilometers. The production of the BRDM-3 was mastered at the Gorky Automobile Plant in 1994 in parallel with the production of the BTR-80.
The BTR-80 A armored personnel carrier was used as a base for the creation of the BRDM-3. The main difference between this modification and the standard armored personnel carrier was the installation of a new, more powerful weapon system on an armored carriage mounted on a circular rotation tower. The removal of weapons from the inhabited premises of the armored personnel carrier made it possible to increase the volume of the turret space, improve the gunner's comfort and, most importantly, solve the problem of noise and gas pollution in the fighting compartment during firing.
According to the purpose and arrangement of mechanisms and equipment, the new reconnaissance and patrol vehicle has three compartments: control, combat and motor-transmission. The combat crew of the vehicle consists of 6 people: the commander of the reconnaissance department, the driver-mechanic, the gunner and three scouts. The work places of the combat crew are equipped with seat belts, a system of general, individual and standby lighting with an automatic device for switching to auto-camouflage mode when the landing hatches of the vehicle are open.
Reservation - bulletproof. The machine is equipped with devices for protecting the combat crew from the effects of a shock wave and penetrating radiation, from radioactive dust, bacterial agents, poisonous substances and powder gases when operating in contaminated areas.
Like the BTR-80 A, the reconnaissance and patrol vehicle is armed with a turret cannon-machine gun mount with an external 30-mm automatic cannon 2 A72 and a 7.62-mm PKT machine gun paired with it. The horizontal firing angle of this complex is 360 degrees, vertical angles from –5 to +70 degrees are provided, which allows firing not only at ground targets, but also at low-speed air targets.
Ammunition for both the cannon and the machine gun is loaded with ammunition belts and each is placed in its own magazine, which are located in the tower. In this case, the cannon's power supply is two-tape: one tape is equipped with shots with high-explosive fragmentation and fragmentation tracer shells, and the other with armor-piercing tracer shells. Switching power from one tape to another is done instantly, thus allowing you to quickly hit both manpower and armored targets and enemy firing points. The gun ammunition consists of 300 rounds, the machine gun ammunition - 2000 rounds.
The installation of a powerful 30-mm cannon on the armored personnel carrier dramatically increased the firepower and, in essence, turned it into a wheeled infantry fighting vehicle. In addition to the main armament, the BRDM-3 was also equipped with smoke grenade launchers for setting smoke screens.
For reconnaissance, the vehicle is equipped with a ground reconnaissance radiological station, a laser reconnaissance device, chemical reconnaissance equipment, night binoculars, a mine detector, and TNA-4-6 navigation equipment.
In addition, the BRDM-3 is equipped with communication facilities, an automatic fire extinguishing system, camouflage equipment, pumping equipment and a self-recovery winch. In terms of the composition of the equipment, speed characteristics and cross-country ability, the BRDM-3 does not differ from the basic model of the BTR-80 armored personnel carrier.
The BRDM-3 is equipped with a turbocharged diesel engine Kamaz-7403 with a maximum power of 260 liters. with. In one block with the engine, mechanical transmission units are combined, which makes it possible to quickly replace the power plant in the field.
The chassis of the BRDM-3, similar to the BTR-80, with a wheel arrangement of 8 x8. In this case, both front pairs of wheels are steered. Individual torsion bar suspension. The wheels are equipped with wear-resistant tires KI-80 or KI-126, allowing you to continue driving when they are shot. There is a tire pressure regulation system.
BRDM-3 has a cross-country ability comparable to that of a tracked vehicle. It overcomes an ascent with a steepness of up to 30 degrees, a vertical wall up to half a meter high and a moat 2 meters wide, can move with a lateral roll angle of 25 degrees. The car overcomes water obstacles by swimming at a speed of 9-10 km / h. Movement afloat is provided by a water jet. When driving on a highway, the car has a maximum speed of 90 km / h.
At the beginning of the 21st century, a fundamentally new tracked armored reconnaissance and patrol vehicle BRDM-3 was created in Russia, designed to conduct deep reconnaissance behind enemy lines. It carries a versatile armament system consisting of a 30-mm 2 A42 automatic cannon, paired with a 7, 62-mm PKT machine gun; 30-mm automatic grenade launcher AKS-17; two launchers of Igla anti-aircraft missiles; launcher ATGM "Attack". This armament, along with powerful anti-fragmentation armor, makes it possible to reliably protect the crew in possible fire contacts with the enemy. The vehicle received principally new reconnaissance means, including an optical-electronic reconnaissance station; laser rangefinder; means of radio and electronic reconnaissance; unmanned aerial vehicle and unmanned ground reconnaissance vehicle.
Brdm BM 2 T "STALKER"
The design of the BRDM BM 2 T provides low visibility in the radar, thermal and optical ranges.
Combat weight BM 2 T "Stalker" is 27, 4 tons, the maximum speed of the machine reaches 95 km / h.
The armored reconnaissance and sabotage vehicle BM 2 T "Stalker" has spaced armor. It is equipped with a passive multichannel optical-electronic complex that provides round-the-clock detection, recognition, positioning and tracking of targets with the ability to transfer the received data to the command post or weapon carrier in automatic mode. The transported stock of ammunition, fuel, water and foodstuffs provides combat autonomy up to 10 days.
