BMP-1
The Bronevaya Maschina Piekhota (BMP-1) was first built in the early 1960s and seen in public in November 1967 at a Red Square parade. It was called the M-1967 and BMP by NATO before its correct designation was known. The BMP represented an important shift from the concept of an armored personnel carrier to an armored infantry combat vehicle, combining high mobility, effective anti-tank weapons, and armored protection for carrying troops. The BMP is significantly smaller than Western APCs and has considerably greater firepower. The BMP-1 was innovative in that it allowed the infantry being carried to fire their personal weapons from within the vehicle whilst remaining protected by armour. To do this firing ports and vision devices were provided for each infantry soldier. Thus the BMP became the first Infantry Combat Vehicle. The BMP-1 carrys a crew of three to eight. The BMP replaced the BTR-50P and complements the BTR-60PB in first-line motorized rifle units. |
Specifications:
Crew: 3
Weight: 14 tons
Dimensions: length 22ft, width 9ft, height 7ft
Max. speed: 65 kmph
Engine: Model UTD-20 6-cylinder in-line water-cooled diesel developing 300 hp at 2000 rpm
Max. road range: 600 km
Fuel capacity: 460 liters
Gradient: 60%
Armor: 33 mm maximum
Armor type: Steel
Armament: 73 mm cannon, 7.62 mm coaxial MG, AT-3 Sagger ATGW launcher
Night vision: available
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