For BMD, the ability to hit targets at a distance, hit from a distance and hit first is important. Therefore, in Tula, in the Instrument Design Bureau, which is part of the High-Precision Complexes holding, a special, fully automated combat module was developed, which was named Bakhcha-U.
The module is mobile, can be placed on various chassis such as BMP-2, BMP-3, BMD-3, BTR “Rostok” and other Russian and foreign carriers similar in terms of carrying capacity, as well as on boats, ships and stationary objects. BMD-4 with combat module "Bakhcha-U" was adopted by the Russian Army.
Initially, the Tula gunsmiths followed the path of modernization, but a completely new combat module turned out.
In the BMP-3, the anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) was manually charged. First of all, the designers created a single automatic loader. Further, the block of weapons on the steepness of the cutting was modified, which made it possible to increase the firing range to seven kilometers. The automatic cannon fires at a rate of 300 rounds per minute, it takes no more than 6 seconds to charge the gun with any of the ammunition, and for this you just need to press a button.
The ammunition load on the new module has been increased: 34 unguided 100-mm projectiles instead of 22, 4 anti-tank guided missiles instead of 3, and about 500 rounds for a 30-mm automatic cannon. But the most important gain here is probably in the analog-digital fire control system.
On the gunner's sight there is a sighting channel of different magnification, a laser missile control channel and a rangefinder, and there is a night channel of a thermal imager. For the first time, a commander's panoramic sight was installed on this machine. If earlier the commander sat in a revolving hatch and was limited by the capabilities of his body, then in the new module there is a circular view: television cameras with a narrow and wide field of view and a laser rangefinder. Thus, complete duplication is ensured: through the sight, the commander can work with one or the second cannon, and ATGMs can be controlled through the gunner's sight, switching it over to himself. The module is equipped with an automatic target tracking, which is very important in modern combat.
At the time of creation, "Bakhcha" to some extent overtook the tanks - they had neither the commander's panoramic sight, nor the target tracking machine.
The process of firing through the automatic target tracking makes the shooting independent of the psychophysical state of the person. He may be nervous, his hands may tremble, he has difficulty looking for a goal. But if the target is found, to defeat you just need to put on the frame and turn on the machine gun.
A system of sensors for accurate shooting is installed on "Bakhcha": sensors of wind, roll, speed, temperature of the charge, as well as a highly noise-resistant system for working with controlled fire. The principle of operation of the system is as follows: it shines a laser beam upward, constantly lowering it, and the projectile goes parallel to the line, and in front of the target, in about one and a half seconds, it approaches. Even with a maximum speed of 7 m / s, the target will still be hit.
A vehicle with a combat module "Bakhcha" can fight with all ammunition from the spot and on the move, day and night, and even afloat. Such a BMD does not need the support of artillery: it has four very effective projectiles, which use proximity blast sensors with an area of destruction of 600-900 m².
Stability and increased by 50 hp. with.the engine thrust of the BMD-4M chassis allows you to overcome slopes of 30 degrees, the car does not even need to accelerate for this. On the highway, it can reach speeds of up to 70 km / h. Two jet engines at the rear of the car help her move through the water. While afloat, the vehicle has a fairly high speed of 10 km / h, the ability to conduct hostilities and a confident exit from the water to the shore even with waves of up to 3 points.
High-performance drainage agents (1500 l / min.) Ensure the machine is safely in the water for at least 7 hours. Without refueling, the BMD-4M can cover a distance of up to 500 kilometers. This allows her to fight for several hours, both breaking through the enemy's line of defense and retreating, if the need arises.
In a word, the fire capabilities of the BMD-4M are an order of magnitude higher than those possessed by its predecessors, including those in service with the Western armies. For comparison, the Swedish CV-90 has a 40mm automatic cannon. American "Bradley" - 45-mm gun. The German "Marder-2" has a 50-mm "barrel". True, the tests of a new transport-combat vehicle for the fire support of the landing force on its basis with 75-120-mm guns are underway. But the weight of this vehicle puts it in a completely different category of weapons. Therefore, "Bakhcha" is still out of competition in its class, which significantly increases the superiority of our paratroopers in mobility, security and firepower.
