The idea of creating a simple and inexpensive armored car based on serial "cargo" units is not new. Such designs were especially popular in the USSR in the 1930-50s: take, for example, the post-war BTR-40 and BTR-152 (they were based, respectively, on the all-wheel drive GAZ-63 and ZiS-151). Then our country relied on more massive and powerful armored personnel carriers, but as time has shown, the demand for light two-axle armored vehicles remained.
In 1997, together with KamAZ and MVTU im. Bauman, using the components and assemblies of the serial off-road vehicle KamAZ-4326, a chassis model of the Vystrel vehicle with a steel body was created, which later received the designation “armored border vehicle BPM-97”. The armored personnel carrier has the dimensions usual for civilian vehicles of this class and can be operated both in off-road conditions and on public roads without any restrictions. At the same time, the armored personnel carrier maintains the speed and maneuverability of the truck.
The main purpose of the vehicle is to support the actions of the personnel of the border troops when performing a wide range of tasks to protect the state border. Additionally, the developers have provided for the possibility of using the car in the options of a command or patrol vehicle. An armored car can transport the wounded, serve in reconnaissance, and, if necessary, carry prisoners or valuables.
Welded body from Kurganmashzavod - bearing. The upper part of the hull can withstand shots from a large-caliber 12.7 mm NSV machine gun from a distance of 300 m, the lower part and stern - from a 7.62 mm SVD sniper rifle from a distance of 30 m; armored and bottom. The car is divided into an engine compartment and a compartment for the crew and troops. The hull has side and rear aft doors, landing hatches and hatches for the mechanic and the senior vehicle.
The BPM-97 is equipped with two 125-liter protected tanks and an additional 20-liter tank in an armored body. The car is equipped with an autonomous heater that allows maintaining the operating temperature in the compartment for the crew and troops regardless of engine operation. A filter and ventilation unit is also installed on the car.
The use of unified units and assemblies makes it possible to provide a mileage of 270 thousand kilometers before overhaul. Serial units and assemblies simplify the processes of production and car repair. The layout allows for technical inspection and repair by technical means intended for serial vehicles and chassis manufactured by OJSC KamAZ. The use of serial production units has significantly reduced the cost of the car.
Characteristics of BPM-97
Wheel formula 4x4
Combat weight, kg 10500
Mass of the towed trailer, kg 5000
Combat crew, people 2 + 8
Clearance, mm 365
Bulletproof armor protection
Engine (type) KamAZ-740.10-20 (D, V8)
Engine power, h.p. 240
Maximum speed, km / h 90
Cruising on the highway, km 1100
The overcome rise, hail 30
Overcome ford, m 1.75
