Soviet Wheeled Armored Vehicles

1013by Steven Zaloga SOVIET WHEELED ARMORED VEHICLES by Steven Zaloga ~ J I . I ~ J l N . / I PUBLICATIONS COMPANY Copynght © 1990 by CONCORD PUBLICATIONS CO i3Q3.609 Castle Peak Road Kong Nam Industrial BUilding 10/F, 81. Tsuen Wan New T err'ltorles, Hong Kong AU ng,ts reserved. No part of this publicaclOf1 may be reproduced. stored In a retrieval system or transmitted In any form Of' by any means, electroniC, mechanical, photocOPYing or otherWise, without the prior written permiSSion of Concord Publications Co. ISBN 962-361 -013-0 We welcome authors who can help expand oor range of books. If you would like to submit material, please feel free to contact us. Printed In Hong Kong Front Cover A BTR·60PU command yehi cJe, currentl y preserved at the Soviet Artill ery and Engineer Museum i n l eni ngrad. Back Cover A BTR-GOPB i nfantry transporter of the Finnish Army. (Yves Debay) INTRODUCTION The Soviet Army Ground ForCeS cbssify wheeled vchicles " KUMff, (Koksnara mashlml : Wheeled vehicles). This catc:gory includes IWO broad ohrmorcd vchlcles, SCOUI vehicles, such as tile UII.DMs. lind :ilrmorcd such as the IITII.·6oI' B. The Soviet Ground ForceS often equip their with twO different types of SOOul vehicles and armored tranSIXlrtcrs, both wh(elc:d and tracked Iypes. For c)tllmplc. in the 19705, the IlRDM-2 was the: standard wheeled SCOul vehicle while the: BRM (based on the BMI'- lj W;l.S the trllcked SCOUI vehicle. Likewise In the case of :ilrmorcd Infantry vehicles, the 11'1"11.-70 was the wheeled transporter, lind the liMP-l was the tracked infantry comblll vehicle. The rC;;lson for thiS multipliCity of t ypes Is that wheeled vehicles less expensive to less expensi ve 10 than tracked vehicles, The Soviet Ground Forces extremely large in number It would be impossible 10 e<l uip all units with vehicles. Wheeled combat vehicles offer Jeood mobility In mosl conditions. and are more econornlcal. The firSI wheeled combat vehicles after World War 2 were: the BTN·'lO and BTR· 152. The IJTR-40, although deSignated an armored trAnsporter (IlTII in RUSSian means broneu':msporu:r, armored it waS nOt primarily intended For InFantry but For sections lind command groups. It was not entirely successful as a scout vehicle, lind In the mld· 1950s. beg:111 to be rq>laced by:& fully armored derivative. the UIIOM· I . The BKOM· 1 was the first true armored scout vehicle developed for the Soviet Army In the poSt · war years. It was manufactured both In a scout version. lind In tank destroyer versions. The BROM· 1 continued 10 serve In dwindling numbers until the 1970:;, and ,till serves In small numbers around thc world with foreign armies. The first Soviet armored infantry uamporter was the BTN· I 52 . The BTN· I 52 was basically an armored version of the ZIS· 15 1 truck. The SovietS were very slow 10 begin mechanizing their Infantry. In World War 2. the German Wctmnacht, US Army and Bri tish Army had all adOpted armored Inflntry vehicles, mosl commonl y on half-tr.lck chaSSiS. The SovietS did not begin this process until the early 1950s wi th the 8TR-152. In 1957· 5R, the So\'iet Ground Forces begln reorganlzinK all of the rlne divisions int O new formations called motor rlne divisions. These were originally equipped with thc UTII. -152, but new vehicle WlS In development speCially for them. Thi s the UTII·60 transporter. The B1"II.·60 a significant improvement over the BTR· 152. It was fully amphibious, the Independent suspension on its dght road wheels gave It much superior cross·country performance. The original versions, the I!TR-601' BTR·60A, were: buih In very small numbers. They were ([ulckl y by the BTII·60PB which 1x:C'.lme the model of this The BTN·60PI! hls been the most widely produced SOviet armored transporter, with over 25.000 manufactured. It Is fully armored. lnd Is e<lulpped with a turret mounted 14.5mm heavy machIne gun and 7.62mm co·axlal gun. Although a malor improvement ovcr earli er models. It was not entlrdy I)()pul:&r with itS crews, sometimes being the or This name stemmed from its hull shape. which Is called a hull " in RUSSian. It used tWO ]Jlsollne engines which the I)()wertraln arrJllgement led to mechaniclI problems. [n the gasoline fuel mlde the vehicle more prone to fires if hit In combat. Some of these problems were resolved with the newer BTR· 70 which entered servi ce In the lai C 19705. The I)TR-70 used new hull desiKn which offered beller and exit for the troops. In addition, It marked a switch to diesel engines. The selection of Iwln engincs for these: vehicles has been to keep the COSt of the vehicle low. TIle engines used in Ihe IITR,60 and BTII.·70 arc commonly truck engines. not armored vehicle engines. Hoth the BTII·60 lnd BTII-70 were used in comb:it by Soviet troops in They were commonly used for convoy escort duty along the d:lnge:rous rOlds leading from Soviet territory to Kabul , Many were' losl In ambushes to the mulahidcen reSiStance fighters. In the final years of the campaign, some units began to Ix: ree<lulpped with the new IHR-80 armored Thi s vehicle Is closely reilled to the BTII.·70. but has l new single diesel engine. cOlllparedlO the Iwln engine in Ihe BTR·70. As a result, the of the: vehicle is conSiderably different from the BTR·70. Although there: have been many changes In the UTII family of armored transportcrs, the BRDM vehicles around the UIIDM·2, In service since: the early I %Os. There been many changes on this vehicle ovcr the )'Cars, most noti ceably In Ihe configurAtion of the: e:ngine deck. Otherwise, it is essentiall y similar, The: UKOM-2 haS formed the basiS for a large number of Spc:cll U7.ed derivatives. Including Illlsslle' arme:d lank deStroyers, chemi clI scout vehicles, command ve:hlcles lnd even the SA-9 Glskln air defense \'ehi cle. lIeaders will notIce the In of the BII.DM and BTII f:unlly of \'ehicJcs. This Is In large melsure due 10 the FlCt that they h:ll' e all been designed by 1I single Soviet design bureau. thc Dedkov OKB. one of the: mOst successful Soviet armored \'ehlcle tealllS, Besides Ihdr service in the Soviet Army, Soviet wheeled combat vehicles ha\'e been widely used thrOUKhout the world. These vehicles have seen combat in the Middle East Wars, In the Angolan War. in the: Iran· Iraq Gulf War In the 19805, and el'en in the fighting in Gren:lda in 198j. The primary aim of thiS book is to provide modelers with close·up detail photos of these vehicles, but In addition. rare phOtOs are included here showing Ihese vehicles in combat lround the world. The tllalorily of the photos in thIs book are from officbl US l:>Cpartme:nt of Defense sources. and the author would like to his for help In Ihls prolect . The author would al so like to thank James Loop. George Balin, Christopher Foss, David Isby many other friends for Ihelr help In preparing thiS book. In additlon. Ihe author would like to offer a special word of til U<.)b Fleming and the: Budge Collection for the opportunity to photogl'2ph this unique privat e coll ection of finely restored vehicles. ...... The BRDM-l was a derivative of the BTR-40 armored transporter, covered later in thi s book. The BRDM-l was developed in 1954 as a scout vehicle for mechanized units. It was fully amphibious, and could carry a variety of machine guns on external mounts. Thi s vehicl e is currently preserved in the Polish Armed Forces Museum in Warsaw. .. Thi s rear view of a BRDM- l shows the rear hydroj et port in the open position. Water was drawn in underneath the vehicle, and expelled out the rear for water propulsion. Production of the BROM-l lasted from 1958 to 1968 and amounted to about 10,000 vehicles. It is no longer widely in service. <II1II Among the export cl ients of the BRDM- l was the Cuban Army. II is no longer in fronl-line service in Cuba, but is used for militia training as seen here. • Indonesia received the BROM- l in the 1960s. 11 was used into the 1980s, primarly by the Indonesian Marines. Thi s vehi cle shows a typical armament fit of three SGMB 7.62mm machine guns. Some Soviet vehicles carried a 12.7mm OShK heavy machine gun in the center mount instead . .... The BROM- l served as the basis for three different tank destroyers. The 2P27, seen here in Polish service in the 1960s, was armed with the 3M6 Shmel (AT. ' Snapper) wi re guided anit-tank mi ssi le. III> The 2P27 tank destroyer carried three 3M6 Shmel (Bumbl ebee) missiles on elevating launchers. h began to be replaced after 1960 by an 2P32 tank destroyer improved type using the more advanced Falanga anti·tank mi ssile. • Indonesia received the BROM- l in the 1960s. 11 was used into the 1980s, primarly by the Indonesian Marines. Thi s vehi cle shows a typical armament fit of three SGMB 7.62mm machine guns. Some Soviet vehicles carried a 12.7mm OShK heavy machine gun in the center mount instead . .... The BROM- l served as the basis for three different tank destroyers. The 2P27, seen here in Polish service in the 1960s, was armed with the 3M6 Shmel (AT. ' Snapper) wi re guided anit-tank mi ssi le. III> The 2P27 tank destroyer carried three 3M6 Shmel (Bumbl ebee) missiles on elevating launchers. h began to be replaced after 1960 by an 2P32 tank destroyer improved type using the more advanced Falanga anti·tank mi ssile. " ... A 2P27 tank destroyer with its three missiles in launch position. These vehicles were not widely exported outside of the Warsaw Pact at the lime, and as fa r as is known, never saw combat service before their retirement in the early 19705 . ....... A close up of the Falanga (AT·2 Swatter) mi ssile launcher on the 2P32 tank destroyer. The configuration of the 2P32 was similar to that on the 2P27, but four mi ssiles could be carried. .... A tank destroyer platoon with two 2P32 (#416 AND 41 1) and one 2P27 (#393) in the lead. Each motor rifle regiment typical ly had a company of ni ne of these vehicles, consisting of three platoons wi th three vehicles each. In 1961, the 2P32 began to be replaced by an improved type using the 9M 14 Mal yutka mi ssil e in its place. The main advantage of this type is that it could carry six mi ssi les on the launch rail s, pl us an additional eight in stowage in the hull. The earlier tank destroyers had little or no reload capacity. Development of a replacement for the BRDM·1 began in t 962, and production began in 1968 as the BRDM·2. The BRDM· 2 was about the same si ze as the BRDM· 1, but used a rear mounted engine. It was regularly filled with a turret mounted 14.5mm KPVT heavy machine gun with a co-axial 7.62mm machine, a di stinct advantage over the BRDM·l . This is a BRDM·2 of the Afghan Army wi th the insignia carried up to the late 1970s. The BRDM·1 with 9M14 Malyutka mi ssil e could lower the launch array into the hull when not in use, as seen here on a German vehicle. Its light weight al so permitted it to be air transported. An interesting overhead view of a pair of BRDM·l /9M 14 Malyutka tank destroyers with the armored roof over the missile launchers erected. Careful examination of the photo will reveal a small armored cover between the two front hatches which protected the aiming sight for the mi ssiles. ... Two BRDM·2s were supplied to the People's Revolutionary Army of Grenada, and this one from the Calvigny Infantry Battalion was knocked out during fighting wi th paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Divi sion on the island during the invasion by US forces in 1983. The second was captured by Marine armored units in the SI. George's area. ... The BRDM·2 has been wIdely exported throughout Afri ca due to its low cost and ease of maintenance. As a result, it has seen widespread combat service there in the 1980s . .... The princi pal armament of the BRDM·2 is the 14.5mm KPVT heavy ma,:hine gun. The turret on the 8RDM·2 is essentiall y the same as the turret on the 8TR-GOPB armored transporter. • 20 A cross-section view of the. BRDM·2, 1. Bow deflector screen. 2. Front towing hook. 3. Infrared driving headlight. 4. Vehicle instrument s. 5. Vehicle commander's infrared searchlight 6. Peri scopes. 7. Firing porI. 8. 14.5mm KPVT machine gun. 9. Vehicle air filter/fan. 10. Oi l reservoir. 11. Engine fan. 12. Hydrojet tunnel. 13. Exhaust muffler. 14. Shock absorber. 15. Engine. 16. Auxiliary wheel s. 17. Powertrain. 1 B. Ammunition stowage. 19. Vehicle radio. 20. Vehicle wi nch. A Democrati c Republic of Afghani stan BRDM-2 captured by the mujahideen rebels in 1987. This i s a late production type with the additional periscope on the turret roof and the view pori on the left turret side. (David Isby) ·w:. __ .. ··_-- 12 13 An interior view of the front compartment of a BRDM-2. The driver sits to the left , and the vehicl e commander to the right. The cross-shaped markings on the peri scope housings are for tri als purposes and are not normally carried. ~ A vi ew of the left rear corner of the fighting compartment of a BROM-2. The turret can be seen in the upper left of the photo. In thi s view, the turret is traversed towards the rear, and the machine guns are not fitted. A vi ew from the driver's seat looking back into the ri ght rear corner of the BRDM-2 hull . The vehicl e interior is the same dark green color as the exteri or of the vehicle, except for the upper hull sides whi ch are gloss white. An overall vi ew the BROM-2 interior. In combat, the vehicl e interior would be a great deal more cramped since a considerabl e amount of space is taken up with ammunition. "l1li The configuration of the engine deck on the BRDM-2 evolved through three styles. Thi s is the third and final configuration, characterized by these distinctive oval vent and intake covers. Y The Iraqi Army has modified its BRDM-2s by upgunning some of them with a 23mm gun derived from the ZU-23 anti·anticraft gun. These also have a modified sight on the right side of the turret roof. (Chri stopher Foss) ...... The BROM·I tank destroyers were replaced with new variant s on the BROM·2 chassi s. One of the least common was thi s type, armed with the Falanga M (AT·2b Swatter A) anti·tank missile. Thi s version uses radio command guidance rather than the usual wire guidance. ... The most common Soviet tank destroyer in the 1970s was the 9PI 22, a combination of the BROM·2 with the 9M 14M Malytuka anti·tank missile. This parti cular 9P122 lank destroyer was originally in Egypti an servi ce, captured in the 1973 war, and put inlo Israeli servi ce as is evident from the markings. (Christopher Foss) ... A 9PI22 tank destroyer preparing to (ire. Notice that the cover for the opti cal sight on the right upper corner of the vehicle superstructure is open. An i nterior view of a 9PI 22 tank destroyer, showi ng the right side of the hull compartment occupied by the missile operator. The joy-stick control used to steer the missile is located immediately i n front of the seat. A view of the right rear of the hul l compartment in the 9P122. Notice that there is no easy access between this compartment and the mi ssi le launcher section; the mi ssi le rails have to be reloaded externally. A view of the driver's station in a 9PI 22 tank destroyer with the driver's seat folded. In the lower right side of the photo, the missile operator's joy-stick is evident. A view of the left rear portion of the 9P 122 hull behind the driver's seat. In comparison to the normal BRDM-2, the air filtration system is moved forward in the hull , over the driver'S left shoulder. • A 9Pl 22 lank destroyer. Although in Soviet markings, it actually belongs to the Budge Collecti on in Britain. It was in Israeli service for some time, as is evident from the added stowage rail s on the hull side. A Syrian 9PI22 tank destroyer in camouflage typical of the 1973 war: tan, dark green and medium green. In thi s view, the launch rail s are elevated, but the guidance sight i s not open. Ordinarily, the launch rail s for the 9PI 22 are carried in the hull recess in the center of the vehicle. Thi s Syrian vehicle has an instrumentation package on the roof, not a normal feature on this vehicle. An overhead view of a Soviet BRDM·2 tank destroyer with a full load of fi ve 9M 113 Konkurs missiles. Notice that this version has a new electro-opti cal sight over the operator's hatch. Thi s sight can be traversed through 180 0 which permits off·axi s launch of the mi ssil es. A close-up of the launch rack for the 9MI13 Konkurs (AT·5 Spandrel ) mi ssil e on the BRDM·2 tank destroyer. The 9M 113 Konkurs has superior range to the 9M' 'I Fagot. (Chri stopher Foss) The latest tank destroyer version of the BRDM·2 mates the late producti on BRDM·2 hull with the 9MIII Fagot (AT-4 Spigot) and 9MI13 Konkurs (AT·5 Spandrel) anti·tank missiles. The launchers can be filled with ei ther type. Thi s Iraqi Army vehicle has two of the 9M Ilion the right side, and three of the larger 9M 11 3 on the left. (Chri stopher Foss) Another view of the Iraqi BRDM-2 tank destroyer. In thi s view, the mi ss ile operator's guidance si te is pointed forward and has the protective door in the open posit ion. (Christopher Foss) • ... As in the case of the other members of the BROM·2 famil y, the SA·9 Gaskin vehicle is full y amphibious. This parti cular view is interesti ng in that it shows the vehicle fully equipped with the ~ H a t Box " passive electronic sensor antenna arrays. These small boxes pick up the microwave emissions of jet attack aircraft, thereby giving the crew some warning as to the likely direction of attack . ...... The SA·9 Gaskin anti ·aircraft mi ssile vehicle is also mounted on the BRDM·2 hull. It carri es four 9M31M Strela 1 mi ssiles on a traversable launch array. The vehicle can carry up 10 six mi ssiles, the other two being stowed on the side racks. ... An overhead view of the launcher array on the SA·9 Gaskin. Thi s is an intermediate production BRDM·2 hull , wil h the slatted- style covers aft the turret. The SA·9 Gaskin is being replaced by the SA· 11 Gopher, but many remain in service around the world. ~ The BRDM vehicles are frequently used as chemical scout vehicles. This is the original chemical scout vehi cle of the BRDM-2 family, designated BRDM-2Rkha. The -a version has the same 14.5mm machine gun as the normal BRDM-2 scout car. ""' ... A rear view of the BRDM-Rkh vehicle. The devices on the rear are fl ag emplacers, used to fire warning flags into the ground. At the base of the array is a small explosive squib which can be detonated in sequence from within the vehicle. These are laid in areas that are chemically or radi oactively contaminated. From the markings, thi s vehicle belongs to the Polish 7th Lusatian Naval Assault Divi sion. ... The BRDM-2Rkhb is the standard chemical scout vehicle of the BROM-2 family. Unlike the -a model, it i s not fitted with the normal 14.5mm heavy machine, only a single 7.62mm machine gun in a reconfigured mounting. It also has improvements in the internally carried sensors. ... A close-up view of the hull front of a BRDM·2Rkhb. The modified mantle! has a small attachment which contains flare sti cks which launch · sound stars· to mark the detection of a chemi cally contami nated zone. T A Soviet chemi cal scout platoon during field maneuvers wi th a BRDM·2Rkhb. There are 29 of these vehi cles in each Soviet motor rifl e division, although some divisions are now receiving the improved RKhM vehicle, based on the 2S1/MT·lBu tracked vehicle. The most common varieties of BROM-2 command vehicles are turretless. This command vehicle in Israeli service appears to have been a local conversion of a normal turreted BROM-2, not a standard Soviet type. (Christopher Foss) Thi s East German BROM-2U is a typical type of command vehicle of thi s famil y. Aside from the lack of a turret, it is easily distingui shed by the two radi o antenna fittings On the upper hull sides. The BROM-2 is widely used as the basis for command and radio vehicles. Thi s partially Polish version retains the normal turret, but has a less common antenna fitting on the left hull side. An overhead view of an East German BROM-2U command vehicle showing the hatch layout. This is from the second production series of BROM-2s, evident from the type of engine hatch covers. • The BTR-40 was developed immediately after the war to replace lend- lease M3A 1 Scout Cars. The Soviets used it as a cross between a scout vehicle and an armored transporter. This particular example is in Afghan service in the 1970s. Notice the continued use of World War 1 Austrian hel mets, suppl ied to the Afghans in the 1930s by Czechoslovakia. A BTR-40 currently preserved al the Poli sh Armed Forces Museum in Warsaw. The original production models of the BTR-40 were open-topped, and so often fiued with a canvas top during poor weather. The BTR-40 was not entirely successful either as a seoul vehicle or as a transporter. It was eventually replaced by the BROM-l in the scout role. However, it continued to be used inlO the 19705 as a general purpose armored vehicle. Rear-view of a late-production BTR-40 showing the stowage racks fiued to the hull rear. The vehicle had firing ports on Ihe hull sides to permit the troops inside to fire from within the vehicle- a characteri sti c of most Soviet wheeled armored vehicles. A view of the driver' s compartment of the 8TR-40. Usually, the section commander sat in the right seal. A yjew 1 BTR-40, looking forward. Again, the bulk of the stowage racks are configured for ammunition stowage. An interior view of a BTR·40 looking forwards towards the driver' s station. The racks to the left of the photo are for ammunition stowage. A view towards was four soldiers, but it could be more. A view of the driver' s compartment of the 8TR-40. Usually, the section commander sat in the right seal. A yjew 1 BTR-40, looking forward. Again, the bulk of the stowage racks are configured for ammunition stowage. An interior view of a BTR·40 looking forwards towards the driver' s station. The racks to the left of the photo are for ammunition stowage. A view towards was four soldiers, but it could be more. An overhead view of a BTR·40 currently preserved in the Budge Collection in Britain. This vehicle was ex·lsraeli (and originally Egyptian), hence the uncharacteristic side stowage harnesses and Browning M2 machine gun. The BTR·40A was a fire-support version of the BTR-40 series, armed with a twin 14.Smm heavy machine gun mounting. Often mistakenly described as an anti·aircraft vehicle, in fact it was intended to provide both air defense and ground fire support for scout units. Thi s vehicle was used in combat by the Pathet lao during the fighting in Indochina in the 19605. With the advent of the BRDM·2, the East German NVA converted a number of their obsolete BTR·40 vehi cles to tank destroyers, using the 9M 14M Malyutka (AT·3 Sagger) missile. The BTR·152 was the first post·war Soviet armored infantry transporter, entering service in 1950. It was basically a ZiS- I SI truck with an armored body. It can be distinguished from later models by the standard truck wheel hub. .... . _ . _ .... _ .. ' 4. - ~ · 4 " " " ' · " *- ... ... ;..,. ..' _ J'...c. - ... . " - .. .. ..... The BTR· 152V was the first version of the BTR· 152 family to have a tire-pressure regulati on system. Thi s all owed the driver to reduce the tire pressure in soft ground or snow to improve traction and fl oatation. Thi s is a BTR-152V of the Egyptian Army, abandoned in the Sinai during the 1967 war with Israel . ... A Soviet motor rifle company on maneuvers in the 1960s. In 1956-57, the Soviet Army began to mechani ze its rifl e divisions, whi ch were then deSignated motor ri fl e divi sions. These BTR-152V2s were the principal armored transporters in the motor rifl e regiments until the advent of the BTR-60 famil y in the 1960s . ..... T A BTR· 152Vl of the Afghan Army in the late 1970's before the Soviet invasion. It is armed with a 12.7mm DShk heavy machine gun on a tripod mount. The BTR-152Vl was a moderni zed BTR-152 usi ng an i mproved internal tire pressure regulation system whi ch didn' t need the external hoses of the BTR-152V. The BTR-1 52 and BTR. 152V were later fitted with thi s system, becoming the BTR· 152V2 and BTR-152V3 respecti vely. " . .... A pair of BTR- 1 S2V1 armored transporters of the Syrian in the typical camoufl age pattern of the 1973 war, sand over the normal Soviet dark green. The BTR-152 could be armed with a variety of weapons, a 7.62mm SMGB was a common selection . ....... An interior view of the BTR- 1S2Vl, looking forward towards the driver's station. Usually the section commander sat in the right seal. ... An overhead shot looking into the rear compartment of a BTR-t S2Vl. Notice that there are four different sockets around the fighti ng compartment where machine guns can be fitted. This vehicle is currently preserved i n the Budge Collection i(l Bri tai n. ·<IfIII An overhead view looking into the troop compartment of a BTR·152Vl. Thi s vehicle could carry a full infantry section of 17 soldiers, plus the two man crew . ...... A view of the left side of the BTR· 152VI fighting comp..lnmenl. • A view of the ri ght si de of the BTR· 152VI fighting compartment. <lflii A closeup of an East German BTR·1 52Vl showing the modified wheel hub of Ihe ·VI variant. Notice the pol for the radio antenna. The antenna is not attached in this view. <Ill A view of the driving compartment of the BTR· 152V. The device in the center behind the gear levers is the tire pressure adjustment knobs. The equipme"t in front of the right seat is the vehi cle's radio transceiver/receiver. <Ill T In the 1960s, some BTR· 152Vls were rebuilt with full armored protection as the BTR-152K like this East German pair. Although thi s provided additional cover for the infantry section, it taxed an already overloaded chassis. ... As more STR·6Os became available in the 19705, many of the BTR· 152Ks were retired from frontline motor rifl e service, and converted into ambulances, like thi s East German example. A BTR-40 and BTR- 152VI currentl y preserved at the Poli sh Armed Forces Museum, in Warsaw. A Syrian BRDM-2 scout vehi cle knocked out during the fighting on the Golan Heights in the 1973 war. It is in the camouflage typical of thi s war. A Syrian Army BTR-1 52VI armored transporter near Saida, Lebanon in March 1978 following the Syrian intervention to interrupt the Lebanese civil war. The Arabic number on the hull side is ~ 1 3 5 8 ~ . The BTR- 152, al though obsolete in the Warsaw Pact at thi s time, was still in widespread use by Soviet client states. A Syrian 9P122 tank destroyer knocked out by Israeli forces in the fighting on the Golan Heights in 1973. The missile launcher rack is elevated, and noti ce that the combat missiles are painted olive drab, not silver. The si lver mi ssiles are peacetime practice mi ssiles. A BTR·60PB infantry transporter of the Finni sh Army. (Yves Oebay) BTR·60PB infantry transporters of the Finnish Army. (Yves Oebay) • A Syri an BTR-60PU command vehi cle knocked Qut on the Golan Heights in the 1973 war. This is a somewhat unusual command version, having addi ti onal radios, but not the usual elevating antennas. • Another view of a pai r of BTR-GOPB knocked out near Sal inas airfield during the fighting on Grenada in 1983. A pair of STR-GOPBs of the Calvigny Mechanized Platoon, knocked out near the Salinas airfi eld by the 82nd Ai rborne Division during fighting on Grenada in 1983 . A 8TR-60PU command vehicle of the Finni sh Army during TUISKU 87. (Yves Debay) ;:;;;;;;;;;;;;;, v.!hIeles were mao,ufactured under the designations STR·IS2B, BTR·1521 and BTR· 152S. This particular vehicle is marked with red bands wi th whi le !tim, the significance of which is nol certain. One of the more unusual conversion of the BTR-152 series is thi s Sudanese combination of an American M167Al Vulcan 20mm anti-aircraft gun on a BTR·152Vl chassis. The Sudanese Army had hoped to purchase the tracked M 163 VADS in 1980, but when thi s fell through, they bought the less expensive towed version instead and insta ll ed it themselves on old BTR-152 chassis. The BTR·152Vl remained in front-line service with the Afghan Army well into the 19605. This particular example was captured by the mujahideen in the late 1980s. II is unusual in that it is filled wi th a Czechoslovak M53 quad 12.7mm DShK heavy machine gun mount for convoy securi ty duty. (David Isby) Wi th the advent of the much improved BTR·60, many older BTR· 152s were configured for support roles. Thi s BTR· 152Vl is fitted wi th a rack for holding 120 mines. It was captured from a Syrian engineer unit in the 1973 war with Israel. ... The STR·60P was the first member of the widely used STR-60 family. It entered production in 1960. It was the only version of the family to be open· topped; subsequent models were fully armored. The standard armament as seen here was a 12.7mm DShK heavy machine gun and two 7.62mm SGMS machine guns. <III The STR-60P was retired from frontline Soviet service rather quickly, but remained in use into the early 19705 with the Soviet Naval Infantry as seen here during the Yug wargames in June 1971. The camoufl age on these vehicles was sand over standard Soviet dark green. The 7.62mm SGMS machine gun mounting was standard for Soviet light armored vehicles. The BTR· 60P was foll owed by the BTR·60PA in 1963. This version was full y armored and can be di stingui shed by the lack of side doors as found in the BTR·60P. A side view of a BTR·60PA. The mai n probl em with the BTR·60PA was thai troop access was very diffi cult and the external machine guns were compl etely unprotected from enemy fi re. A rear, overhead view of the BTR·60PA. This vehicle was not part icul arly successful and was in prooudion for onl y one year before replaced by the BTR·60PB. • ... Although the BTR-60PA was not popular in the Soviet Army, some of the vehicles were turned over to the KGB's Border Guards who used them into the 19705 for patrol duty in Central Asia and on the Chi nese border. ... The STR-60PB entered producti on in 1964 and was the most successful version of the BTR·60 fami ly. It used a new lurret with 14.Smm KPVT heavy machine gun. It also had side hatches added to make it easier for the squad to exi t, though this was by no means as easy as in comparable NATO vehicles of the lime like the Ameri can M 11 3 . ...... An upper rear view of the BTR-60PB in the original version. Note that on earl y production vehicles, the roof is entirely flat. On late production vehi cles, a periscope was fitted to the roof. BTR«lPB CrOh-MClIon I.DfMng control. 2.1nfrared MIIrchllghl 3. 14.5mm KPVT heavy machine goo 4.MlIn tUfTet S.FIring portJ 6.ExIt hatch 7.0bsEHvation port lor rIIIa squad a.Alr titration 'y8tam 9.Englnel 10.Hydrojet II .SUlpenalon toralon bar 12.Shock ablorber 13.Clutch 1 • . Gearbox IS.TranImItsIon assembly IS.OIIferentlai 17'wlnch IS.Water deflector ICreen The BTR·60PB has been widely exported. Amongst the users was the Imperial Iranian Army in the 1970's as seen here. The color scheme was an overall sand with the nalional roundel in green, white and red. Thi s Iranian BTR-60PB was captured duri ng the war with Iraq in the early 1980s. Both sides used the BTR-60PB. • • • • ". "- • - .. .... 4 •• .;.. • ." . . -----_.- An Afghan STR-60PB in the late 1970s before the Soviet invasion. The BTR-60PB was probably the most common armored vehicle of the Afghan War, large numbers of Soviet and Afghan vehicles being lost in roadside ambushes. .. An Afghan Army BTR·60PB captured by the mujihadeen in the late 1980s. The main weakness of the BTR·60PB was its thin side armor whi ch was vul nerable to close-quarter ambush, even with small arms . ...... Thi s rear end view of an Iranian BTR· 60PB shows the rear water jet open. Thi s system draws in water from underneath the vehicl e, and expells it through thi s port for propulsion in water. .... An East German BTR·60PB. Thi s is a late production vehicle with the periscope added on the turret roof. ... The BTR·60PB was not popular in the Warsaw Pact and both Czechoslovakia and Poland use the OT·64 SKOT instead. However, it is the standard infantry vehicle for other armi es, such as Bulgaria as seen here. <IIiI The BTR·60PB was widely used in the Angolan war, thi s particular example being knocked out by the UNIT A resistance in 1988 during fighting wi th Angolan and Cuban forces. A Naval Infantry BTR-60PB command vehicle comes ashore during Soviet naval exercises. Thi s parti cular vehicle has added antennas and an additional generator. The white markings often signify aggressor forces during Warsaw Pact wargames. The BTR-60PB was used by the Soviet Naval Infantry as well as the Ground Forces. These two BTR-GOPBs are coming ashore from landing shi ps during exercises. Naval Infantry armored vehicles often carry the Soviet naval ensign painted on their sides, in this case, on the si de of the turret. • ... During the fighting on Grenada in October 1983, the People's Revolutionary Army of Grenada had two motor rifle platoons, each with four STR-60PB and a 8ROM-2. The Calvigny Infantry 8aualion's platoon was led by a Cuban officer, Capt. Sergio Grandales-Nolasco, who was killed when the unit attacked the US Ranger positions near the Salinas airport. This is one of the STR·60PBs of this unit. (000) Y Another view of a STR-60PB of the Calviny Infantry Batlalion knocked out in the fighting near the Salinas airport during the fighting on Grenada in 1983. (000) III" This appears to be one of the BTR-60PBs of the molor rifle platoon of the St. George's Infantry Batlalion whi ch laid siege to a Navy SEAL team at the Government House. These were eventuall y knocked out with LAWs or by airstrikes. (000) 'Y A late-production BTR-60PB of the East German NVA. The panel under the bow of the vehicl e is the water deflector screen, used when the vehicle is swimming. 'YII'- An East German BTR-60PB. The adoption of the BTR-60PB marked a reduction in the size of the standard Warsaw Pacl rifle squad, from the 17 soldiers typi cal in the 1950s to 8 soldi ers in the 1960s. An overhead view of a Finni sh BTR·60PB which clearly shows the hatch arrangement of the vehicle. There are two hatches for the crew at the front of the vehicle, and two rectangular hatches in the middle of the roof for the rifle squad. (Kalevi Moi lanen) An interesting night shot of an East German BTR·60PB which shows some detail s of the BTR·60PB' s suspension. A Syrian BTR·60PB in the standard scheme of the 1973 war: medium green, sand and dark green. The BTR-60PB was the standard infantry vehicle of the Syrian Army in the 1973 war. ---- A view looking up inlO the turret of a STR·60PB. The turret is actually 100 small for the gunner 10 sit inside it. Rather, he sits below ii, with only his head inside the turrel. A view from the rear of the STR·60PB looking forward. In Ihi s view, many of the seals are mi ssi ng. A view of the driver's station in the STR·60PB. To the right is the gunner's seal for the 14.5mm KPVT turrel. A closeup of the exi t duel for the hydrojet system on the STR-60PB. • ... The BTR-60PB is li cense manufactured in Romania as the T AS-n. It has a number of small changes, most noticeably to the turret. ... A close-up of the turret of a Romanian T AB-72, showing the modified sighting system on the Romani an vehicles. .. A column of Romanian T AB-72s on parade in the late 19705. In the late 1980's, the Romanian Army switched from the star i nsignia over to a roundel in the national colors of blue, yellow and red. ... The BTR-60 forms the basis for many different types of Soviet communications and command vehicles, generically designated BTR-60PU. The most common type has a antenna running around the left side of the vehicle, and a tel escoping Hawk Eye antenna on the roof. Thi s is a Finni sh BTR-60PB. .. An East German signal s unit preparing the Hawk Eye antenna for erection. Note that the BTR-60PU in the background has already set up its antenna. An East German NVA BTR-60PU with the Hawk Eye antenna folded and enclosed in a canvas protective cover. • • A 8TR-60PB under a standard camouflage net, and its antenna in the fully extended position. Thi s is a BTR-60PU-12 of a Cuban air defense unit knocked out by UNIT A guerill as during the fighting in Angola i n 1988. II does not have the usual clothesline antenna, but the Hawk Eye antenna mounting is evident on the roof. A frontal view of another Cuban BTR-60PU- 12 knocked out by UNIT A i n Angola in 1988. One of the disti ngui shing features of the command vehicles are ai r vent covers and antenna mountings on the hull side, not found on the normal 8TR-60PB troop transporter. , ... The lV19 armored command and recon- nai ssance vehicle is used by Soviet towed artillery units in place of the tracked IV12/MT·lBu vehicle used by self-propell ed arti ll ery units. It uses a different turret than the standard STR·60PB, with special night sights and observation devi ces under armored covers. It is also fitted with a laser rangefinder. ... In the late 19705, the 8TR-60PB was replaced on the assembly lines by the BTR-70. Although similar in general outline to the BTR-60PB, the BTR-70 has a number of iml>ortant changes. It substituted di esel engines for gasoline engines, and has improved troop exi t hatches, between the second and third wheels on either side. In thi s view of an East German BTR·60PU, the Hawk Eye antenna i s partly extended. These vehicles are widely used by Ihe headquarters of mOlor rifle and lank regiments. • ... A view of the driver's station in the BTR·70. This is an Easl German vehicle, as is evident from the driver's uniform. .. A close-up of the driver' s station in the BTR-70. When in combat, the front hatches are shut and the driver uses the periscopes instead. ... As in the case of the STR-60PS, the BTR-70 has a hydrojet system for propulsion in water. The BTR-70 is squatter and beller proportioned than the STR-60PS, though armor protection is essentially similar. Thi s is from the later production batches, evident from the bumpers fitted on the upper hull corners. ... A platoon of East German STR-70s in operation. The East German Army is the only Warsaw Pact force to use the STR-lO in any significant numbers. Romania has begun the license production of a modified type. 1 2 3 4 15 A view of the front compartment of the BTR-70 showing the driver's stati on and the right seat for the squad commander. 5 6 14 13 12 7 8 11 10 BTR-70 Crou-•• ctlon I .Steerlng wheel 2.lnfrared searchlight 3.14.5mm KPVT heavy machine gun 4.Maln turret 5.Perlscopes 6.Squad exit hatches 7.Englnes 8.Radlator jventlator assembly 9.Hydrojet 10.CUlch It .Gearbox 12.Suspenslon torsion bar 13.Shock absort>er 1 • . Transmlsslon assembly IS.Differentlal iii> An East German STR-70 during summer maneuvers. The use of flag signal s in the Warsaw Pact is common, to l imit the amount of radio traffi c for security reasons. Thi s parti cular vehicle is camouflaged by blothches of mud applied in the field by its troops. iii> T During the Afghan War. Soviet troops often added an AGS-l 7 Plamya grenade launcher on the roof of the STR-70' s turret for added firepower. Thi s photo reveals one of the problems wi th the BTR-70 in the hot climes of Afghanistan: the tendency of the engine to overheat. As a result. the rear engine grill s were often left open . ..-<41 A rear view of a Soviet BTR-70. The original production versions of the BTR-70 did not have the type of bumpers filled on later vehicl es. <III A view of the interior of the BTR-70, showing the gunner. The large wheel is for turret traverse. Traverse on the turret is entirely manual, but is not difficult with one arm. .. An overhead view of an East German BTR-70 with its section disembarking. On the BTR-70, most of the squad exits from the side rather than the vulnerable roof hatches . ...... A Soviet BTR-70 during the fighting in Afghanistan. On the turret roof is a spare tire. Typical of the use of BTRs there, the engine hatches are left open for beller engine cooling. (David Isby) .... An overhead view of a BTR-70. The distinctive armored covers over the engine are very evident in this view. • .... A bow view of the STR·70. It is easy 10 distinguish from the BTR-60PB by it s sharper angles, and the location of the swi m deflector plate on the top of the bow rather than underneath. Tile small hatch on the undersi de of the bow provides access to a power operated winch. A In the early 19805. the BTR-70 began to be replaced by the STR-BO. The STR-70 and STR-80 are very simil ar in appearance from the front. The main changes are in the engi ne area. This i s a Soviet STR-BO during the pull-out from Afghanistan in 1988. (SoVfOl0) .. Another STR-BO during the Afghan withdrawal. One of the easiest ways 10 distingui sh the STR-70 from the -80 is the distinctive shape of the gun ports on the side of the hull . (Sovfoto) STR·80s escort a convoy in Afghanistan. The lead vehicle is a STR·80MS radio vehicle with clothes-line antennas. The STR·70 and STR·80 were widely used in convoy escort duties as, unlike tracked vehicles, they could keep up with the trucks. A camouflaged STR·80 during trials at the Kubinka Proving Grounds outside Moscow. Soviet vehicl es are starting to use camouflage painting more frequently than in the past, but so far with little regulation. This overhead view of a STR·80 shows the distinctive features of the new model. The most important changes are in the rear hull configuration, which is higher than on the STR·70. Note also that the STR·80 has the late style turret with smoke mortars and the high elevation gun mantle!. -----...., Beginning in 1988, the Soviet Naval Infantry began to reequip with the STR·80 in place of the older BTR·60PS. • ..... Thi s front view of a STR·80 shows several of the characteristic detail s. The turret on the STR·80 uses a new trunnion mounting which gives greater elevation for firing al enemy helicopters. As a result, the sighting assembly is different than on the earlier turret s. Some very late production STR·70s had thi s turret, but without the rear smoke mortar array. .... A close-up view showing detail s of the rear engine deck of the BTR·BO. The STR·BO uses a single diesel engine instead of the awkward twin engines of the BTR-60 and STR·7Q families. ... A close-up of the turret of a BTR-aO. Thi s view clearly shows the roof mounted periscope found on turret s of Soviet STRs since the late producti on BTR· 60PBs. The insignia is the traditional Guards emblem. ... The rear turret of the BTR-80 is fiued with a smoke grenade mortar array. Thi s view also gives a clear display of the special socket mounts for the squad automatic rifles. These repl aced very simpl e firing ports on the BTR-lO . • 111> A close-up rear view of the BTR-aO. This vehicle can be distinguished from the BTR-lO by the rear roof profile. which is horizontal. rather than angled. ... A view of the rear of a BTR-ao. This vehicle has a hydrojet system essenti all y si milar to the BTR-lO. ... Thi s closeup view of the STR-80 shows the smoke grenade launchers on the turret rear and the machine gun guard which prevents the turret machine guns from depressi ng far enough to hit the rear of the vehicle . ...... A front view of the BTR-BO. This view clearly shows the revised optical sight near the 14.5mm KPVT machine gun. This turret, minus the smoke grenades, has also been used on late production BROM-2s. .... A frontal view of the BTR-80. The firing ports on the side of the BTR-80 have been repositioned to facilitate firing the weapons at targets towards the front of the vehicle. The roof hatches of the BTR-80 are differently configured than on the BTR-70. Although the squad can exit through these hatches, as often as not, they use the more convenient hatches in the lower hull. A detail view over the rear end of the vehicle showing the muffler exhaust covers and the armored doors over the rear engine compartment. The roof over the rear troop compartment is slightly humped to give the troops slightly better head room. However, the STR-80 is very cramped inside. A closeup of the engine covers on the BTR-80. These oval covers al low air in, but are confi gured to prevent the seepage of gasoline from Molotov cocktail s into the engine compartment. 1:35 MOdern AFV Series Aiming lor Perfection. TOday's mOdern armored lighting vehicles mOdeled in sUperb detail. Highty accurate, With the tatest in W8apo"s and equipment. Each vehicle has been thoroughly researched by some of fhe world's leading authorities. 3506 T-aJ "Steps Ahead ... Always'"