BRM Boevaya Razvedyvatnaya Mashina:
The BRM is a scout version of the BMP that replaced the PT-76 amphibious scout tank. It first appeared in 1976, hence its NATO codename, BMP M1976/1. The basic BRM has a large, two-man turret with 2A28 Grom 73mm gun and the associated 1PN22M2 gunner’s sight. Unlike the later BRM-1K, it has no radar. The commander, seated in the turret, is provided with a day/night sight and a DKRM-1 (1D8) ruby-laser rangefinder, while the navigator, who sits behind the driver in the hull, is provided with a TNPK-240A observation device. The basic communications package includes a R-123M, R-130 and dismountable R-148 transceivers, as well as a R-014D teletype. The BRM series uses the TNA-1 Kvadrat 1 navigation device, 1G11N gyro compass and 1T25 land navigation device. Two scouts are seated in the back of the vehicle for dismounted operations and to protect the vehicle from rear and side attack during mobile operations. BRMs are issued on a scale of one to each motor rifle or tank regiment, and three per divisional reconnaissance battalion.
BRM-1K Boevaya Razvedyvatnaya Mashina (Kavalerskiy):
This is an upgraded version of the BRM and was called BMP M1976/2 by NATO. The Soviet developmental designator was Izdeliye 676. The most significant difference was the addition of a PSNR-5K (1RL133-1) battlefield surveillance radar (NATO designation ‘Tall Mike’) which operates in the 16.0 to 16.3 Ghz frequency band. It is fitted with a telescoping 50 m antenna stowed over the hull rear above the exit doors.
| Table 2: Comparative Technical Data | |||
| BMP-1 | BMP-2 | BMP-3 | |
| Crew | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Infantry squad | 9 | 7 | 7 |
| Combat weight (metric tons) | 12.6 | 14 | 18.7 |
| Power to weight ratio (hp/T) | 23.8 | 21.8 | 25.0 |
| Ground pressure (kg/cm2) | 0.57 | 0.63 | 0.6 |
| Length (m) | 6.74 | 6.74 | 7.2 |
| Width (m) | 2.94 | 3.15 | 3.15 |
| Height (m) | 1.92 | 2.25 | 2.3 |
| Ground clearance (m) | 0.39 | 0.42 | 0.19-0.51 |
| Max road speed (km/h) | 80 | 65 | 70 |
| Max range (km) | 600 | 600 | 600 |
| Gradient (%) | 35 | 35 | 60 |
| Vertical obstacle (m) | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.8 |
| Trench (m) | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.2 |
| Engine type | UTD-20 | UTD-20 | UTD-29 |
| Horsepower | 300 | 300 | 500 |
| Fuel consumption (litres/km) | 0.90 | 0.92 | |
| Main armament | 2A28 Grom | 2A42 | 2A70 |
| Main gun | smoothbore | rifle | rifle |
| Main gun calibre | 73 | 30 | 100 |
| Gun stabilisation | no | 2E36-1 | yes |
| Rate of fire | 7-8 rpm | 300 or 500 rpm | |
| Gun elevation | -4 to +330 | -5 to +740 | -6 to +600 |
| Gunner’s sight | IPN22M1 | BPK-1-42 | |
| Commander’s day/night sight | TKN-3B | TKN-3B, 1PZ-3 | |
| Secondary weapon | none | none | 2A72 30 mm |
| Coaxial MG | PKT 7.62 mm | PKT 7.62 mm | PKT 7.62 mm |
| Main gun ammunition | 40 | 300 | 40 |
| MG ammunition | 2000 | 2000 | 6000 |
| Missile | 9M14M Malyutka | 9M111 Fagot | 9M117 |
| Missile stowage | 4 | 4 | 6–8 |
| Missile launcher | 9S415 | 9Sh119M1 | 2A70 |
| Driver’s day sight | TNPO-170A | TNPO-170A | |
| Driver’s night sight | TVNE-1 | TVNE-1PA | |
| Smoke mortar | – | System 902V | System 902V |
| Turret armour (max, mm) | 26-33 | 23-33 | 26 |
| Hull armour (max, mm) | 19 | 19 | 19 |
| Radio | R-123 | R-123M | R-173 |
| Unit cost (1992, export) | n/a | $400,000 | $800,000 |
BMP-1K Boevaya Komandnaya Mashina:
The Izdeliye 767, called BMP M1974 within NATO, is a company command vehicle with R-123, R-126 and R-107 transceivers. It has a standard commander’s station, a radio operator and rifleman in the left rear seats, and two company staff officers, a medic and a sniper in the right rear seats. Due to this configuration, the firing ports and periscopes on the right side are blanked off, as well as one firing port and periscope on the left side. A small telescoping antenna is carried on the right rear hull side. The more elaborate communication requirements of the battalion and higher staffs led to the development of the BMP-1KSh.
BMP-2K Boevaya Komandnaya Mashina:
The BMP-2K performs essentially the same function as the BMP-1K in motor rifle companies using the BMP-2 vehicle. As in the case of the BMP-1K, it has additional radio masts and has several of the firing ports blanked off.
BMP-1KSh Kornandno-Shtabnaya Mashina:
The BMP-1KSh (Izdeliye 774) is the standard command and staff vehicle for BMP motor rifle regiments and was called BMP M1978 by NATO. This vehicle is fitted with a fixed turret without the usual gun. A large, 10 m telescoping high-gain antenna (NATO designation ‘Hawk Eye’) is carried in front of the turret. There are only two rear roof hatches on this vehicle, and an extra generator is fitted on the rear roof to power the radios. The standard radio fit for the vehicle includes a R-130 HF transceiver, a R-111 VHF transceiver and a R-173 VHF transceiver. These systems are supported by a 1T-219M secure speech coding system and a R-102 automatic calling device. The usual crew consists of seven men and each motor rifle regiment has one of these vehicles. The BMP-1KSh comes in several configurations for other command roles. The MP-31 (also known as 1V31) and the 9S743, use different radio configurations, and are fitted with a much larger external generator on the rear hull roof than the standard BMP-1KSh.
This side view of a Bulgarian BMP-1KShM shows the typical configuration of the 9S743 with its large generator on the upper left roof, used to power the many radio transceivers used in this regimental command post version.
This overhead view of a BMP-1KSh shows the basic configuration; the turret resembles the normal BMP-1 fitting, but carries no weapon; Hawk Eye’ antenna is carried in front. The large tubular container on the right side of the roof is for additional antennas. BMP-1KSh command vehicles are usually fitted with additional generators and other equipment on the rear roof.
PRP-3 Podvizhniy Razvedyvatelniy Punkt:
The PRP-3 (Izdeliye 773) is an artillery scout vehicle, called BMP M1975 by NATO. There is one such vehicle in each SP howitzer battalion. It uses a large diameter, two-man turret, similar in appearance (but not identical) to the BMP-2 turret. The vehicle is armed with a single 6P7 PKT 7.62mm machine-gun for self-defence, aimed through the 1P28 periscopic sight on the roof. The basic vehicle sensor is a 1RL126 (NATO designation ‘Small Fred’) centimetric battlefield surveillance radar, with the antenna located on the rear roof of the vehicle – the radar is able to detect tanks up to 10 km away. The vehicle is also fitted with a 1PN61 night vision sensor in the right sensor package, along with a 1D11 laser rangefinder. The turret is also fited with a TNPO-170A optical periscopie sight. Communications is provided by a R-173 VHF transceiver and a 1A3OM command transceiver, supported by a 1T803 secure voice system; precision navigation is provided by means of a 1V44 (KP-4) course plotter, 1G13 gyro course indicator and IT25 gyrocompass, and a 1V520 ballistic computer is provided for fire control problems. Produced at Rubtovsk Machine Building Plant, these vehicles usually carry a portable 1D13 laser rangefinder. The driver is provided with a TNPO-350B day sight and a TVNE-1PA image intensification night sight.
PRP-4 Podvizhniy Razvedyvatelniy Punkt:
The PRP-4 is an improved version of the PRP-3. The most significant change is the addition of a second sensor package on the left side of the turret containing a 1PN71 thermal imaging night vision device and 1D14 laser rangefinder. The noctural sensor package is upgraded with the 1PN61 and 1D11M-1 laser rangefinder. The PRP-4M also has improved 1PN59 night vision sensors.
IRM Inzhenernaya Razvedyvatlnaya Mashina:
This is an engineer scout vehicle, based on the BMP chassis, and was first fielded in 1976; it bears very little resemblence to the BMP as the entire superstructure is completely new, and the engine has been moved to the rear. Nicknamed Zhuk (Beetle), this vehicle is designed to assist engineer units in scouting rivers to determine their suitability for deep fording operations, pontoon bridge operations and the like.
The PRP-3 is an artillery scout vehicle used to find targets and determine their location with onboard navigation sets, optical identification or laser rangefinder. The vehicle is fitted with a large two-man turret, but is armed only with a single 7.62mm PKT (6P7) machine-gun. The PRP-4 is essentially identical, but has a second protrusion on the right turret side with a new electro-optical sensor package.
BREM-2 Bronirovannaya Remontno-Evakuatsionnaya Mashina:
This is a light recovery and repair version of the BMP that entered service in 1986. A rectangular work platform and container is fitted over the rear troop compartment, and a light crane is fitted immediately in front of this on the left side of the hull roof.
BREM-4 Bronirovannaya Remontno-Evakuatsionnaya Mashina:
This is a turretless armoured recovery vehicle. A large circular plate covers the turret opening, and a crane is fitted on the rear hull roof. The version produced in Czechoslovakia is designated VPV.
KMT-10 Mine Ploughs:
The BMP is designed to accommodate a set of mine ploughs on the front hull, and a portion of the BMP-2s in each company are fitted with the appropriate mounting lugs. This is powered by air pressure from the vehicle powerplant compartment. Because of the added weight, an additional trapezoidal floatation panel is added on the bow.
BMP-PPO Podvizhniy Punkt Obucheniya:
This unusual training vehicle lacks the turret and has eight cupolas added to the roof. This vehicle is used to instruct BMP squad commanders; it can carry eight at once, thereby reducing training costs.
As part of the Russian conversion effort, a number of demilitarised versions of the BMP have been produced. One of the better known types is the Berezina, a turretless transporter.
BVP-1: The BMP-1 and BMP-2 in Czechoslovak service are designated BVP-1 and BVP-2. Production is undertaken at the Podpolianske Strojarne Detva and at ZTS Dubnica. Total production of BMPs for the Czechoslovak Army amounted to 2252 as of 1992.
BPzV: This Czechoslovak reconnaissance version of the BMP-1 is used in place of the Russian BRM-1K. It is fitted with the PSNR-5K (‘Tall Mike’) radar on an external mount on the right rear of the turret. A laser rangefinder and night sensor is mounted in an exposed position over the commander’s hatch on the left hull side.
PRAM-S: A 120mm mortar vehicle developed in 1990. The mortar is fitted in a new fixed super-structure with a traversable mantlet. The mortar system is fed by an autoloader.
DTP-90: A turretless maintenance variant of the BVP with various types of equipment stowed in racks on the hull roof. The DP-90 retains the normal BVP-1 turret, without the armament, and is used for light maintenance work.
MU-90: A turretless mine-laying version of BMP. The turret has been plated over, and the rear compartment is filled with mine racks.
OT-90: To circumvent the CFE Treaty limitations, the Czechoslovak Army converted about 600 BVP-1 to the OT-90 configuration. This substitutes an OT-64 SKOT-2A turret with the 14.5mm Vladimirov heavy machine-gun in place of the normal 73mm gun turret. In this version, the troop compartment carries six soldiers. The VT-90 is essentially similar but designed for scout missions with additional communication equipment and different internal stowage.
In 1991, the Czechoslovak Army began converting a portion of their BMP-1s into the OT-90 and VP-90 versions by substituting the 14.5mm machine-gun turret from OT-64 SKOT armoured troop transporters. This conversion was undertaken to avoid restrictions on the number of infantry fighting vehicles that the Czechoslovak Army were allowed under the CFE Treaty: without the 73mm gun turret, the OT-90 qualifies as an APC, not as an IFV.
Boure III: A psychological warfare version of the BMP fitted with a loudspeaker system. There is a new turret-like superstructure in place of the normal turret.
SVO Salvovy Vybusny Odminovac: A turret-less mine-clearing version of the BVP-1 fitted with an array of 24 large rocket-propelled mine clearing charges in an open compartment in the centre of the vehicle.
VPV Vyprostovaci Pasove Vozdilo: A Czechoslovak version of the Soviet BREM-4 recovery and maintenance vehicle fitted with a rear mounted crane for armoured vehicle repair and recovery work.
ZV-90: A turretless recovery version, with the turret plated over, and the rear compartment used for tool stowage.
AMB-S: An ambulance version, with a large fixed superstructure over the rear instead of the usual turret. It can carry four stretcher cases plus a medic. A similar artillery command and reconnaissance vehicle is used by the Czechoslovak Army in place of the Soviet MT-LBU. It has a large fixed superstructure like the AMB-S and contains extensive radio, navigation and ballistic computer equipment.
BMP-1A1 Ost: In 1990, the German government decided to retain a limited number of BMP-1 vehicles in Bundeswehr service from the former East German Army (NVA). These vehicles were rebuilt at the SIVG Neubrandenburg in cooperation with a Diehl firm. The changes included incorporation of new communications and electronics, as well as improvements aimed at bringing the vehicles up to German safety standards.
MLI-84: Romania builds a licenced version of the BMP-1. The most noticable local change has been the addition of a new hatch at the left rear of the vehicle, fitted with a 12.7mm DShK machine-gun. This vehicle is powered by a 8V-1240 DT-S engine and the front engine panel has been reconfigured as a result.
BMP-2 Sarath: In 1983, India reached an agree ment with the Soviet Union to begin licence production of the BMP-2 in India, under the local name of Sarath. The new Shankarpally Ordnance Factory was erected in the Medak district of Andrah Pradesh at a cost of about $350 million. The first vehicles, built from Soviet knock-down kits, were handed over to the Indian Army in 1987, and full-scale local production was completed by 1991. India also manfactures the Konkurs missile used on the BMP-2 at the nearby Bharat Dynamics Ltd plant in Bhanoor.
Romania manufactures its own version of the BMP, called the MLI-84. One of the more distinctive differences on this vehicle is the replacement of the rear left roof hatch with provision for a 12.7mm DShK heavy machine-gun as seen in this rear view.
Trishul TCV: India is developing a short range air defence missile similar to the Osa-AKM (SA-8 ‘Gecko’) called Trishul. The Army version will be launched from a twin rail launcher on a modified BMP-2 Sarath with its own Flycatcher guidance radar, and a second surveillance radar. The basic launcher vehicle is designated the TCV (Trishul Combat Vehicle). The command vehicle is based on the same hull, and is called the MCP (Mobile Command Post). Both have a modified hull with an additional roadwheel station per side. India is also developing a tank destroyer version of Sarath for use with the new Nag anti-tank missile.
BMP Light Tank: The Indian Army has a requirement to replace the obsolete PT-76 amphibious scout tank. Consequently, in 1987, The Indian CVRDE Combat Vehicles R&D Establishment in Avadi developed a light tank based on the BMP-2 Sarath hull incorporating a French GIAT TS-90 turret. This variant has not yet entered production, and India is also in the process of evaluating the Russian BMP-3 for this role.
Type WZ501: The WZ501 is the basic version of the Chinese BMP. China began manufacturing an unlicenced copy in the late 1980s, based on BMPs received from undisclosed clients – it is a direct copy of the Soviet BMP-1. The subsystems have Chinese designations: the 9M14M Malyutka is manufactured in China as the Type 73 Red Arrow, and the 9M32 Strela 2 is manufactured in China as the Red Tassel.
Type WZ501A: This version uses a new turret with an elevated 25mm cannon instead of the usual 73mm low-pressure gun.
The most common of the BMP derived armoured recovery and repair vehicles is the BREM-4, also known as the VPV when manufactured in Czechoslovakia. The turret area is plated over and a hydraulic crane fitted to the rear compartment.
The Iraqis converted a number of BMP-1s to armoured ambulances by the addition of a fixed superstructure to the hull rear. A small number of these vehicles, and a similar conversion on the MT-LB, were used at the time of the 1991 Gulf War. (Christopher F. Foss)
The Chinese WZ503 series is based on the BMP-1 hull, but has had the side panels heightened to provide more spacious seating in the rear compartment. This variant is intended as an APC, and lacks the usual BMP turret.
One of the more unusual variants of the BMP is the NFV-1, which combined the Chinese WZ501 hull with a 25mm Bushmaster turret from the American FMC Corp as part of a cooperative venture to interest Middle East clients. This vehicle did not proceed beyond prototype stage due to US arms restrictions after the events in Tianamen Square in June 1989.
Type WZ503: A low-cost version that substitutes a simple heavy machine-gun cupola for the normal array of turret-mounted weaponry. The hull is raised 100 mm higher than the standard WZ501 to provide additional headroom for the infantry squad, and a large single door is fitted at the rear of the troop compartment instead of the usual two split doors. By using the extra space and reconfiguring the rear compartment, the vehicle can carry 15 troops instead of the usual 11.
Type WZ504: A tank destroyer version with a four-rail launcher module for the Type 73 Red Arrow (AT-3 ‘Sagger’) anti-tank missile sustituted for the usual turret. This can carry a squad of four men.
Type WZ505: An ambulance version, with a simple box superstructure added to the rear of the vehicle. This allows the vehicle to carry four stretchers, two strechers and four seated wounded or eight seated wounded. The vehicle is also equipped with a variety of other medical equipment.
Type WZ506: A variation of the Type WZ503, but intended for regimental command applications with a more extensive radio communications suite. The standard radio fit includes two Type 889, one Type 892 and one 70-zB or SR119 radio.
NFV-1: This was a joint venture between Norinco and the US firm of FMC, with Norinco providing the basic WZ 501 chassis and FMC providing a one-man turret armed with the M242 25mm Bushmaster autocannon as used on the US Army’s M2/M3 Bradley IFV. The NFV-1 was intended for export, and as is known so far, none were manufactured beyond prototypes.