How many BMP 3s are in service? Sighting system "Vityaz"
BMP-3- serial infantry fighting vehicle, produced in the USSR (Russia). Developed in the 80s at the KMZ Design Bureau, adopted by the Soviet Army in 1987, mass-produced at the Kurgan Machine-Building Plant since 1987. In addition to Russia, it is also in service with the UAE (415 units), Cyprus (43), Kuwait (55) and South Korea (40).
History of creation
Object 688, presumably at military tests in the 810th Marine Marine Corps of the Black Sea Fleet, in 1985
The BMP-3 was developed at the KMZ Design Bureau as a vehicle in the 1990s for a motorized rifle (infantry) squad. Chief designer A. Nikonov. When forming the tactical and technical specifications for its creation, the conclusions from the analysis of trends in the development and combat use of domestic and foreign infantry fighting vehicles and changes in the conditions for the use of infantry in modern combined arms combat were taken into account. This assignment has been updated special requirements to the chassis of military tracked vehicles of the light weight category, unified by components and assemblies. In accordance with the requirements, the infantry fighting vehicle must provide the possibility of close and continuous interaction of motorized rifle units with main tanks, as well as the autonomous use of motorized rifle units in conditions of the use of both conventional combat weapons and weapons mass destruction. When creating the vehicle, elements of the chassis of the light amphibious tank “Object 685” and the experimental infantry fighting vehicle “Object 688” were used. At the same time, the first prototype of the BMP-3 was obtained by simply installing a new turret with weapons on the “ob.688” chassis.
Description of design
Unlike the vast majority of modern infantry fighting vehicles, the vehicle has a rear-mounted MTO layout. This makes it possible to intensify the combat work of the crew: two places for shooters are located in the bow of the hull to the left and right of the driver and are equipped with machine gun mounts and corresponding observation devices. In addition, placing the MTO in the stern is advisable for a floating machine from the point of view of the rational relative position of the center of mass, the middle of the supporting surface and the center of displacement. At the same time, with such an arrangement the task of ensuring convenient and safe dismounting of the landing force becomes more complicated.
The compactness of the MTO was achieved by installing the UTD-29 engine transversely, selecting a special (flat) configuration of the hydromechanical transmission, placing a load shaft driving the drive wheels under the engine, a propeller shaft for driving water jets, and next to the power plant - water jets and an air cleaner. Batteries and some elements of the power plant systems occupy niches in the rear part of the hull. The total volume of MTO is about 3 cubic meters.
The small volume of logistics and its placement in the stern created favorable conditions for the layout of the combat and landing compartments. In the fighting compartment, which occupies the middle part of the vehicle's hull and turret, there are workstations for the vehicle commander and operator-gunner, and a weapons unit (in a single mask) is installed, consisting of a 100-mm gun-launcher, a 30-mm automatic cannon and 7.62 -mm PKT machine gun. The ammunition supply system for the 30-mm automatic cannon is made in the form of two separate magazines located on the left and right along the perimeter of the floor of the fighting compartment. Between them there is a mechanism for feeding 100-mm artillery rounds from the conveyor to the loading line. The conveyor for this ammunition is located under the floor of the fighting compartment. Its peculiarity is the location of ammunition sockets at an angle of 3 degrees to the gun pumping plane. This made it possible to expand the passage between the fighting compartment and the sides of the vehicle.
The landing party (motorized infantry, dismounting first) is placed between the fighting compartment and the logistics compartment - two seats are located at the sides immediately behind the turret, another five are in front of the engine partition in one row, but two of them are additional and can be used as footrests. The shooters' seats fold down, which makes it possible to place 4 supports during airdrops. Exit from the vehicle is carried out through 2 passages located above the power unit and 2 aft doors. Each side has 2 ball joints designed for firing from machine guns. Another such support is installed in the left aft door.
A characteristic feature of the vehicle is the relatively comfortable placement of the combat crew, both dismounted and undismounted parts. The internal volume of the vehicle per person is approximately 1 cubic meter, which is almost twice as much as that of the BMP-2, and the seats are located close to the center of mass, which creates favorable conditions (from the point of view of oscillatory mode) when the vehicle moves over rough terrain.
The driver's seat is located in the middle of the bow of the hull. To improve protection against mines, the bottom in this part is made double, and the seats of the driver and gunners are fixed to the seats of the driver and gunners are fixed to the sides and pillars of the hull.
Armament
The vehicle uses an unconventional weapon system. It includes a 100 mm 2A70 gun-launcher mounted in a single mantlet for firing high-explosive fragmentation shells and 9M117 guided missiles; 30-mm automatic cannon 2A72, capable of firing high-explosive fragmentation incendiary (HEF), fragmentation tracer (FRT), armor-piercing tracer (APT) and armor-piercing sabot (AP) shells, as well as a 7.62-mm Kalashnikov machine gun (PKT) ). In addition, there are 2 directional installations with 7.62-mm PKT machine guns and fiber-optic aiming devices, 4 side and 1 rear embrasures for firing from machine guns. The vehicle is also equipped with other types of weapons that can be used by the dismounted part of the combat crew (landing force). It's manual anti-tank grenade launcher RPG-7 (or RPG-16), 5 rocket-propelled anti-tank grenades RPG-18 or RPG-22, 2 anti-aircraft complex"Strela-3", 15 F-1 grenades.
The 2A70 gun is rifled, low ballistic. starting speed artillery HE shell 250 m/s. To load the 2A70 gun, a semi-automatic loading mechanism is designed, consisting of a conveyor, a loading mechanism, a rammer and an ejection mechanism. The conveyor ensures the placement of shots and their movement to the dispensing line (into the loading plane) from which the shot is captured by the loading mechanism. The conveyor frame, in which 22 artillery rounds are placed in trays and the cartridge flanges are fixed in the grooves of spring-loaded stops, is located under the floor of the fighting compartment and can rotate relative to the latter using an electromechanical or manual (emergency) drive. The loading mechanism, capturing the shot from the conveyor, feeds it to the loading line, from where the shot is fed by the rammer (in this case, two chains are extended from the gearbox and are arranged in parallel, forming a rigid rammer element) into the loading chamber of the gun. An ejection mechanism is attached to the rear of the turret roof, designed to remove spent cartridges from the vehicle.
Mounted in the same mantlet as the 2A70 gun, the 2A72 gun (on the right) has a two-belt separate power supply with electromechanical or manual reloading. The operation of the PKT machine gun, located in the same mantlet to the left of the gun, is ensured by its power supply system, designed to accommodate the cartridge belt, supply it to the receiving window of the machine gun, remove and collect spent cartridges and machine gun belts, as well as belt links of the 2A72 gun. The sleeve link outlet has 2 channels. Along one of them the cartridges are withdrawn, and through the other - links (called “crabs” in everyday life). The elevation angles of the cannon and machine gun in the front firing sector are 60 degrees, declination -6 degrees, and in the rear sector 64 and -2 degrees, respectively.
A special feature of PKT machine guns in stand-alone installations is that when they are placed on the stop in a traveling manner, the machine guns turn into course machine guns and can be used for firing by the driver. In the combat position, machine guns have declination and elevation angles of -5 and +15 degrees, respectively; in the horizontal plane, the firing angles are: towards the side 5, from the side 30 degrees.
The vehicle's standard ammunition load is: 22 rounds with a HE shell for the 2A70 gun in the loading mechanism conveyor; 8 ATGMs for the 2A70 gun (3 on the floor of the fighting compartment, 5 stowed in a niche on the left side); 500 cartridges for the 2A72 cannon in cannon supply stores; 2000 rounds of ammunition for the PKT machine gun in the weapon block in the store; 2000 rounds of ammunition for PKT machine guns in autonomous installations (in stores). In addition, there is a non-mechanized stowage located under the central seats of the paratroopers near the engine-transmission partition. It can hold 18 rounds for the 2A70 gun or 250 rounds for the 2A72 gun. The weight of non-mechanized ammunition racks is not taken into account in the total weight of the vehicle. The loading time for the entire ammunition load, involving the entire combat crew, is about 45 minutes.
The BMP-3 has a developed fire control system. It includes: sight-guidance device 1K13-2, device PPB-2, sight 1PZ-10, device TNP3VE01-01, weapon stabilizer 2E52, range finder 1D16, ballistic computer 1V539, roll, speed and heading angle sensors. The gunner-operator's combined sight-guidance device (PPN) 1K13-2 is day and passive-active night, with independent stabilization of the field of view in two planes. The magnification factor in the day branch is x8, in the night branch it is x5.5. The field of view angles are respectively 5 degrees and 6 degrees 40 minutes. The device combines the functions of an ATGM target guidance device and a sight for firing artillery rounds. The missile is aimed at the target using a laser beam. ATGM firing is carried out only in daylight hours days. The PPB-2 additional gunner-operator sight is designed for firing at air and ground targets. The device is periscopic, monocular, with a magnification ratio of x2.46...2.6 and a field of view of 25...28 degrees. The commander's sight for firing at air and ground targets 1PZ-10 is monocular, periscopic, with x1.2 and x4 magnification and a field of view of 49 and 14 degrees. Combined observation device TKN-3MB passive-active with a periscope of 200 mm. The day branch has a magnification of x4.75...5 times and a field of view of 9.5...10 degrees, and the night branch has x2.85...3 times and 7.75...8 degrees. When operating in active mode, the OU-3GA2 (OU-3GA2M) illuminator is used.
The 2E52 electric two-plane stabilizer provides high accuracy in stabilizing the weapon unit. The average stabilization error in the “Automatic” mode in both planes when the car is moving at a speed of 25 km/h does not exceed 0.05 etc. The range of measured ranges with a 1D16 laser rangefinder mounted on the mask of the weapon unit is from 500 to 4000 m. The accuracy of range measurements is 10 m.
To fire from 2 machine guns located in autonomous installations, TNP3VE01-01 prism devices with a fiber-optic brand image system are used. The device has a periscope of 160 mm, field of view angles in the horizontal plane of 36...38 degrees. and in the vertical plane 7 degrees. 30 min. Device installations provide viewing angles in horizontal and vertical planes of 76...78 and 36...38 degrees. respectively.
Armored hull and turret
BO "Bakhcha-U"
The hull and turret of the vehicle are made of aluminum armor alloys. The most important projections are reinforced with rolled steel armor in such a way that they represent spaced armor barriers. The use of relatively thick sheets of aluminum armor made it possible to obtain a strong, rigid, sealed structure and at the same time achieve some weight savings compared to equal-strength steel structure. Protective functions They also make a steel water deflector shield and a dump of equipment for self-digging. In general, armor protection provides resistance from bullets and shell fragments all around, and the frontal parts of the hull and turret, within the traditional safe maneuvering angles, are protected from a caliber armor-piercing projectile of a 30-mm cannon from a range of 300 m.
The vehicle has a protective paint job (usually camouflage), is equipped with a unified “Tucha” smoke screen system (902 V) for 6 launchers, and thermal smoke equipment. The crew and internal equipment are protected from nuclear, chemical and biological weapons(WMD). For this purpose, the machine is equipped with a collective protection system (CPS). It includes the armored structure of the hull and turret (including protection elements made of absorbing materials - the overbooth), a system for sealing the habitable compartments and supplying them with purified air, devices for detecting and indicating radiation and chemical hazards, control and communication. Sealing of habitable compartments is carried out by using permanent and switchable seals, sometimes called sealing units. The former include seals for hatches, hull doors, turret ball bearings, and chassis. Hatches and doors must be closed in advance. Switchable (closable) seals are the valves of the gas exhaust fans of PKT machine guns in autonomous installations and the cover of the air intake pipe. These valves are closed by special actuators, and the air intake pipe cover is closed by the shock wave of the explosion.
To supply air into the internal volume of the machine, to clean it from dust, radioactive and toxic substances, bacteriological agents, to create a slight excess pressure inside the machine and to ventilate the habitable compartments, an FVU is used. In addition to the listed functions, the installation provides air heating in cold weather and the necessary gas composition of the air in the breathing zones of crew members when firing from standard weapons. The FVU consists of an air intake route, a supercharger with an inertial device (the first cleaning stage), a PFT-200 pre-filter (cassette-type filter - the second cleaning stage), an FTP-200K absorber filter (the third cleaning stage), a heater, an air distribution route, a emission of dust and other elements that ensure its operation. The FVU is turned on by the GO-27 device or manually.
To detect radioactive or chemical hazards, signal this and issue appropriate commands to the actuators in the machine, the GO-27 (PRHR) device is used. It provides gamma radiation measurement inside the machine; generates commands to actuators in three modes - P ( low level gamma radiation on the ground), A ( high level radioactive radiation during an explosion), O (presence of toxic substances such as sarin, soman, Vx in the air); ensures the transmission of an intermittent audio signal to the intercom system, listened to in the crew's headset phones. The control and switching system also includes a relay box KR 40-2C. When the protection system is triggered in mode A, the signal is sent not only to the actuators of the sealing units, but also to the engine stopping mechanism, as well as to disabling the guidance drives.
Fire and explosion protection measures are provided. The fuel tanks, located in the bow of the hull, are baffled to increase rigidity, and their entire interior space is filled with porous material. This is done in order to avoid rupture of the fuel tank due to hydraulic shock when a projectile (fragments) hits it in the event of penetration of the armor, ejection of fuel from the tank, dispersion of the latter and the formation of an explosive fuel-air mixture. The fire-fighting equipment of the vehicle consists of two independent automatic systems - in the crew compartment and in the logistics compartment. In addition, hand-held fire extinguishers are available.
In the MTO, the PPO system consists of 4 temperature sensors TD-1, a relay box KR 40-2S (ensures the activation of the actuators of the PPO and SKZ systems), 2 cylinders with a capacity of 1 liter each with a fire extinguishing agent (Freon 114V-2), a pipeline with sprayer. The KR 40-2C cylinders and box are located in the starboard niche in the habitable compartment. When the batteries are switched on, the system is always ready for operation. It is activated automatically or manually. Buttons for manual activation of the system are available on the driver’s panel, on the commander’s console and on the additional control panel installed outside the right aft door. The PPO system of the habitable compartment consists of a control panel, 8 optical sensors and 2 cylinders with a capacity of 2 liters each, installed in a niche on the left side. Fire extinguishing agent – “Freon” 13B-2. The cylinders have a squib drive, are equipped with pressure alarms and can release the fire extinguishing agent in no more than 100 ms, which is achieved by the design of the head and a relatively large outlet opening. The system is ready for operation when the battery switch is turned on. It provides 2 operating modes: automatic (in this case, the first cylinder of the system is put into operation, then, if necessary, the second) and manual (only the second cylinder is put into operation). Total time The system activation from the moment the flame impacts the optical sensor until 90% of the fire extinguishing agent is released from the cylinder does not exceed 150 ms. The system can be manually activated from one of three buttons - on the control panel, on the commander’s console, and on the additional control panel at the rear of the vehicle.
An OU-2 hand-held fire extinguisher is installed in the control compartment on the left pillar, 2 OP-2A fire extinguishers (used for extinguishing various flammable substances, including napalm-type mixtures) are in the troop compartment on the right.
Engine
The vehicle is equipped with a V-shaped (camber angle 144 degrees) four-stroke 10-cylinder diesel engine UTD-29. The engine is naturally aspirated. Its maximum power under facility conditions is 331 kW (450 hp), torque 1461 N.m (149 kgf.m). Specific consumption fuel does not exceed 250 g/kW. h (185 g/l.s.h). The capacity of the fuel system is about 700 liters. To operate the engine, fuel is taken from the right tank. The air supply system provides for its cleaning using a cassetteless cyclone single-stage air cleaner with automatic ejection dust removal. Liquid cooling system, closed type, with forced circulation of liquid and ejection suction of air through radiators. To prepare for start-up in cold weather, a nozzle heater with a fire-tube boiler is used, which provides heating of the coolant, engine oil in the tank and starting intake air.
Transmission
The engine is mounted in one block with the transmission. It is a hydromechanical reverse transmission with a four-speed planetary gearbox, a differential rotation mechanism with a hydrostatic drive and power take-off for water-jet propulsors. It uses a complex single-reactor hydrodynamic transmission with a locking clutch. The gearbox provides 4 forward and 2 reverse gears. Hydrostatic transmission of the rotation drive is axial piston with an adjustable pump. Final drives are single-stage, planetary. The stopping brakes are disc brakes, dry friction, permanently open. The brake drive is equipped with a hydraulic booster. To control the transmission, the driver uses a steering column, on which, in addition to a motorcycle-type steering wheel, there are mounted handles for shifting gears, turning on water-jet propulsors and controlling their shutters.
|
 |
||
With the development of weapons in the early 90s. the question arose about creating a more effective vehicle in terms of crew and landing protection and firepower. In the changed conditions, the use of heavy armored vehicles became unprofitable; a light, maneuverable and well-armed vehicle was needed. This is exactly what the designers of Kurganmashzavod designed and created. The vehicle is designed to ensure close and continuous interaction between motorized rifle units and main tanks; in addition, it allows autonomous use of motorized rifle units.
In its layout, the BMP-3 is very different from the classic design. In the front part of the hull there are three workplaces, of which the central one is occupied by the driver, and on the edges there are two representatives of the landing force. The middle of the hull and the two-man turret are occupied by the fighting compartment. The commander and operator-gunner are located here. The MTO is located in the rear of the hull. And between the logistics and fighting compartment there are seven landing workstations. The rear engine position, on the one hand, is more appropriate for a floating vehicle, on the other hand, it poses difficulties for the safe dismounting of troops.
 |
||
The vehicle is equipped with a UTD-29 engine with a power of 450 hp. s., placed transversely. Along with this, the hydromechanical transmission of a flat configuration, mounted in one unit with it, and the load shaft for driving the drive wheels and the propeller shaft for driving the water jets, located under the engine, significantly save space. The transmission is a hydromechanical reverse gear with a four-speed planetary gearbox, a differential rotation mechanism with a hydrostatic drive and power take-off for water-jet propulsors. Next to the power plant there are water cannons and air purifiers. The niches in the rear part of the hull are occupied by some elements of the power plant systems, as well as batteries. Thus, the MTO occupies a very small volume, which has a positive effect on the layout of the combat and airborne compartments. For example, per person inside the vehicle there is 1 m3, which is almost twice as much as the BMP-2. In addition, the seats are located near the center of mass, which in terms of vibration mode is a favorable factor when the machine overcomes rough terrain.
 |
||
1 - 100-mm gun - launcher 2A70 (ammunition - 40 unitary shots, including 22 in the loading mechanism - high-explosive fragmentation ZUOF17, ZUB110-3 with anti-tank missile 9M117, sub-caliber shells ZBM-25, rate of fire 10 rounds per minute ), 2 - central panel of the driver, 3 - control panel for the fire safety system, 4 - mechanism for opening the driver's hatch, 5 - stowage of the personal kit, 6 - rangefinder transceiver, 7 - turret rotation mechanism, 8 - block lifting mechanism with weapons, 9 - machine gun power supply, 10 - sight - 1K13-2 guidance device, 11 - illuminator, 12 - PPB-1 sight, 13 - TNPT-1 daytime guidance device, 14 - R-173 radio station, 15 - stowage of anti-tank missiles, 16 - turret, 17 - troop compartment heater, 18 - fire extinguishers, 19 - water-jet propulsion, 20 - engine partition, 21 - seat with tank sanitary kit, 22 - support roller, 23 - clearance change mechanism, 24 - fighting compartment fencing, 25 - operator-gunner's seat, 26 - loading mechanism conveyor, 27 - compressed air cylinder for starting a diesel engine, 28 - driver's seat, 29 - steering wheel, 30 - brake pedal, 31 - fuel tank, 32 - self-digger, 33 - tension mechanism caterpillars, 34 - wave reflector |
The BMP-3 has an independent torsion bar suspension and a tracked propulsion system with aft-mounted drive and front guide wheels. On each side you can see 6 gable rubberized support rollers and 3 single-pitch rubberized support rollers. For the manufacture of the vehicle's hull and turret, aluminum armor alloys of various thicknesses and rolled steel armor are used, reinforcing the main projections. The result is a strong, rigid and sealed structure that is in no way inferior to a steel body and has a lower weight. The armor protects the vehicle well from bullets and shell fragments; the front plates are capable of withstanding a 30-mm caliber armor-piercing projectile from a distance of 300 m. In addition, the vehicle is equipped with a “Tucha” smoke screen system, including 6 launchers, and thermal smoke equipment.
The crew and internal equipment are also protected from the effects of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons by installing a collective protection system on the BMP-3, including an armored structure and a layer of absorbing materials, a system for sealing the habitable compartments and supplying them with purified air, devices for detecting and indicating radiation and chemical hazards, management and communication. The vehicle is also distinguished by an unconventional set of weapons, consisting of a 100-mm gun installed in one mantlet - a 2A70 ATGM launcher for firing high-explosive fragmentation shells and 9M117 Arkan guided missiles; 30-mm 2A72 automatic cannon, which is capable of firing high-explosive incendiary, fragmentation tracer, armor-piercing tracer and armor-piercing sub-caliber shells, as well as a 7.62-mm PKT machine gun.
 |
||
In addition, the BMP-3 is equipped with two directional installations with 7.62 mm PKT machine guns and fiber-optic aiming devices. There are 4 embrasures on the side of the vehicle, and one in the rear for firing from machine guns. Sometimes the BMP-3 is equipped with an RPG-7 hand-held anti-tank grenade launcher, 5 RPG-18 or RPG-22 anti-tank grenades, 2 Strela-3 anti-aircraft systems, etc. The 2A70 rifled gun, which has low ballistics, is equipped with a loading mechanism that increases rate of fire. The gun is paired with a 2A72 cannon, which has a two-belt separate power supply with electromechanical or manual reloading. On the other side of the 2A70, a PKT is installed, which is provided with its own power supply system, necessary for placing the cartridge belt, removing it to the receiving window of the machine gun, removing and collecting spent cartridges and machine gun belts, as well as links of the 2A72 gun belts.
The vehicle's transportable ammunition includes: 22 rounds of HE shells for the 2A70 gun in the loading mechanism conveyor; 8 ATGMs for the 2A70 gun (3 on the floor of the fighting compartment, 5 stowed in a niche on the left side); 500 cartridges for the 2A72 cannon in cannon supply stores; 2000 rounds of ammunition for the PKT machine gun in the weapon block in the store; 2000 rounds of ammunition for PKT machine guns in autonomous installations (in stores). Additionally, under the central seats of the paratroopers there can be a non-mechanized stowage with 18 rounds for the 2A70 gun or 250 shells for the 2A72 gun.
The armored vehicles of Russia and the world, photos, videos, watch online, were significantly different from all their predecessors. To provide a large reserve of buoyancy, the height of the hull was noticeably increased, and to improve stability, its cross section was given a trapezoidal shape. The required bullet resistance to the hull was provided by rolled cemented armor with an additionally hardened outer layer of the KO brand (Kulebaki-OGPU). In the manufacture of the hull, armor plates were welded on the inner soft side, and special stocks were used to facilitate assembly. To simplify the installation of the units, the upper armor plates of the hull were made removable with a seal on fabric gaskets lubricated with red lead.
Armored vehicles of the Second World War in which the crew of two people was located near the longitudinal axis at the back of each other's heads, but the turret with weapons was shifted 250 mm to the left side. The power unit is shifted to the starboard side in such a way that access for engine repairs was possible from inside the tank's fighting compartment after removing the safety partition. At the rear of the tank, along the sides, there were two gas tanks with a capacity of 100 liters each, and directly behind the engine there was a radiator and a heat exchanger, washed by sea water when moving afloat. At the stern, in a special niche, there was a propeller with navigable rudders. The balance of the tank was chosen in such a way that when afloat it had a slight trim to the stern. The propeller was driven by a cardan shaft from a power take-off mounted on the gearbox housing.
Armored vehicles of the USSR in January 1938, at the request of the head of the ABTU D. Pavlov, the tank’s armament was to be strengthened by installing a 45-mm semi-automatic gun or a 37-mm automatic gun, and in the case of installing a semi-automatic gun, the crew was to be increased to three people. The tank's ammunition was supposed to consist of 61 rounds for the 45 mm cannon and 1,300 rounds for the machine gun. The design bureau of plant No. 185 completed two projects on the “Castle” theme, for which the Swedish Landsverk-30 tank was used as a prototype.
The Wehrmacht armored vehicles did not escape troubles with engine boost. To what has been said, we can only add that this crisis was actually overcome only in 1938, for which the tank received not only a forced engine. To strengthen the suspension, thicker leaf springs were used. Rubber tires made of neoprene, a domestic synthetic rubber, were introduced, the production of tracks from Hartfield steel by hot stamping began, and high-frequency-hardened fingers were introduced. But all these changes to the tank were not introduced simultaneously. The tank hull with inclined armor plates could not be manufactured on time. However, the conical turret of improved protection was delivered on time, and the tank with the same hull, reinforced suspension (due to the installation of thicker leaf springs), a forced engine and new tower entered testing at the NIBT test site.
Modern armored vehicles went under the code T-51. It retained the process of transition from tracks to wheels, like the prototype, by lowering special levers with wheels without a person leaving. However, after adjusting the requirements for the tank, making it a three-seater (it was decided to retain backup control for the loader), and strengthening its armament to the BT level, it was no longer possible to implement the Landsverk-type wheel drive. In addition, the tank's wheel drive transmission was overly complex. Therefore, soon work on the “Castle” theme was carried out on the T-116 tank, in which the “change of shoes” was carried out according to the BT type - by removing the track chains.
Soviet and Russian combat armored tracked vehicle, designed to transport personnel to the front line, increase their mobility, armament and security on the battlefield in operational conditions nuclear weapons and joint actions with tanks in battle.
Created by the Kurgan Special Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering. BMP-3 is produced at OJSC Kurganmashzavod. It was first publicly shown in 1990 at the Parade in honor of the 45th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
In 1997, the PRC bought a license to produce the fighting compartment of the BMP-3, which was subsequently armed with the Chinese Type 97 infantry fighting vehicles.
Story
Development of the BMP-3 (“Object 688M”) began in 1977. In 1983-1986, tests were carried out and in 1987 it was adopted by the Soviet Army. During state tests (GST) in the area of Cape Opuk, 2 BMP-3 prototypes were supposed to fire at coastal targets from a 30-mm automatic cannon afloat at a distance of up to 1500 m. The target was the T-55 tank, as a result the sight and observation devices of the tank were destroyed, the 100-mm cannon was pierced in 4 places, and kinks with cracks formed on the upper frontal part.
111 inventions and patents of specialists from the Special Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau were introduced into the design of the BMP-3.
The BMP-3 won the tender and entered service with the UAE Army in the amount of more than 600 vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with a French-made thermal imaging sight - the same sight is used on the main battle tank(MBT) of the UAE Army - Leclerc Tropic. The armored vehicle was also exported to a number of other countries. After the run, the vehicle showed the highest performance in shooting tests; the BMP-3 covered a distance of 2000 km, unlike British and American vehicles.
Design
Armored hull and turret
The frontal armor is guaranteed to withstand hits from 30 mm caliber shells from a distance of 200 meters. The roof and sides can withstand a 12.7 mm B-3 bullet from a distance of 100-200 meters. With the installed modules of applied armor, taking into account the modules and dynamic protection, the weight increases to 22.4 tons, which does not in any way affect the reliability of the chassis, but reduces its service life. During a quick landing, additional protection is provided by the vertical position roof, exit is possible without opening parts of the body only through the doors. There are anti-radiation linings, the fuel at the front is protected from fires in the form of additives. Fuel tanks play the role of a bulwark for a number of weapons.
Weapons and devices
Gun-launcher 2A70/100 mm weighing 400 kg and technical rate of fire 10 rounds per minute, ATGM 9M117.
Automatic twin gun 2A72/30 mm.
PKT 2-3x7.62 machine guns, of which 2 are front-mounted in the case. Stabilizer 2E52-2. 2000 rounds for each, bullet speed 855 m/s. The ammunition load is 40 (22 in the automatic loader), ATGM 6-8, 500-750, 6000. The BMP-3 is capable of firing from the water. It is possible to fire 3 shells in a row from a 100 mm gun with a minimum time interval. Firing range is 4 km for a 100 mm gun and ATGM, 30 mm - 2 km (effective). Pointing angles -6+60(360) degrees. Maximum range firing range of 6.5 km, the power of a 100mm gun is quite enough to deprive the tank of movement. There is a BPS for hitting any targets head-on with less protection than a modern MBT, or hitting MBTs in vulnerable areas. There are 2 arrows on the sides of the mechanical drive. Spent cartridges from the cannon are automatically thrown overboard. Gases from the autocannon are removed. The control system has auto and manual modes and enters a large number of needed for accurate shooting edits, can fire at low-flying and hovering helicopters using the fire control system.
Mobility
The UTD-29 engine has a low height; for the exit of troops placed in the middle part of the hull, a special passage above the engine is used. The BMP-3 floats at a speed of 10 km/h, and water cannons are mounted inside the hull. The machine is capable of climbing a wall of 0.7 m, a rise of 30 and a roll of 25 degrees. Diesel engine. Track tension is controlled directly from the driver's seat. Transportability: by rail, road, air and sea transport. Able to swim with minimal training, incl. right away, there is a reverse function for swimming, there is a pump for pumping out water, currently this is the only machine in the world that fires from the water while standing and moving in any direction. On land it can confidently overcome a slope of 35 degrees. For the first time in the world, it received a hydromechanical suspension. Swims in storms up to force 5.
Sighting system "Vityaz"
Shown in 2015. Unites vehicles into a single combat network, ensuring faster target detection and engagement. Contains a target tracking machine. The commander and gunner operate Krechet panoramic all-day sights. They are well protected from interference, with independent field of view stabilization, with television, thermal imaging and rangefinder channels.
Modifications
A command infantry fighting vehicle, created on the basis of the BMP-3 and intended for operations as part of a unit, battle control, communication with other units and with higher command levels. Basic tactical and technical characteristics and weapons are similar to the BMP-3. The vehicle is equipped with navigation equipment, two radio stations, a receiver, intercom equipment for seven subscribers, an autonomous generator and a radar transponder. Radio station R-173, communication range up to 40 km.
Fighting machine Marine Corps, designed on the basis of the BMP-3 and is intended for combat operations by marine units, border and coastal troops in the coastal zone, on the coast and during amphibious landings. It differs from the BMP-3 in the increased buoyancy and stability of the vehicle; the equipment for self-entrenchment has been dismantled, a telescopic air intake pipe and a lightweight water-reflective shield have been installed, and water-reflective shields have been installed on the turret. It has high maneuverability afloat, is capable of moving and firing with the required accuracy in water waves of up to 3 and 2 points, respectively. With the engine running, it can stay in the water for up to 7 hours and move at speeds of up to 10 km/h. Capable of going ashore in breaking waves and towing a similar product. The vehicle is equipped with a new main sight "SOZH" with a built-in laser rangefinder and an ATGM control channel.
An improved modification of the BMP-3. Superior basic version in terms of mobility and firepower thanks to the installation of a new turbocharged engine UTD-32T with a power of 660 hp. With. and an improved fire control system, which allows you to recognize targets and conduct targeted shooting at long ranges and speeds. It is distinguished by increased security due to the installation of additional armor screens and the Arena-E active protection complex, which protects the vehicle from enemy guided and unguided anti-tank missiles and grenades. The fire control system allows you to automatically recognize, track and attack targets in motion. The recognition range for a tank-type target is 4,500 m. Installed side screens protect against damage from armor-piercing bullets of 12.7 mm caliber, and also reduce the impact of a cumulative jet. The landing of soldiers is carried out through the aft hatch, which is somewhat complicated by the need to crawl through the engine.
Provides effective protection vehicles against ATGM damage with semi-automatic and automatic guidance systems. Its high efficiency was confirmed after the IDEX-2003 exhibition at the Makatra training ground. When firing at it with various ATGMs from a range of 3000 m, not one of the missiles reached its target.
-BMP-3 with DZ "Cactus"
Shown at an exhibition in Omsk in 2001. The remote sensing units are located on the side and frontal parts of the hull and turret together with rubber-fabric and lattice screens. Additional protection significantly increases the survivability of infantry fighting vehicles when using light anti-tank weapons with cumulative warheads. The weapons complex, fire control system, internal layout, and logistics are similar to the base model. Due to the increase in mass, the infantry fighting vehicle cannot float. When additional protection is removed, this ability returns, since the water jet engines are preserved. The machine has large dimensions in terms of width (up to 3.97 m) and body length (up to 7.16 m).
Is different modern system fire control and a unified loading mechanism for a new ammunition load of guided and unguided 100 mm rounds. The 9M117M1 "Arkan" guided missile confidently hits modern tanks with dynamic protection at a range of up to 5500 m. The ZUBK23-3 round with ATGM has a mass of 21.5 kg and a length of 1185 mm. The new 100-mm high-explosive fragmentation round ZUOF19 has a firing range of 7000 m and, compared with a standard projectile, its effectiveness and dispersion are 2.5-3 and 2 times better, respectively. The use of the new 30-mm Kerner armor-piercing sub-caliber projectile significantly increases the effectiveness of firing at lightly armored targets.
Modernization of BMP-3M. The logistics department was moved forward and the troop compartment was reconfigured; landing takes place through a ramp. The power plant is a variant of the UTD-32 engine with a power of 816 hp. turbocharged, four-stroke, direct fuel injection, liquid cooled, multi-fuel, dry sump. There are three types of combat modules that the Dragoon can be armed with: “BM 100+30” with 100 mm 2A70 and 30 mm 2A72 cannons; "BM 57" with a 57 mm cannon; "BM 125" with a 125 mm 2A75 cannon.
Version with an uninhabited module AU220M, including a 57-mm automatic cannon.
Vehicles based
Military reconnaissance combat vehicle.
An armored repair and recovery vehicle based on an infantry fighting vehicle, with a crane boom and a traction winch.
Experienced 152-mm self-propelled howitzer.
Automated 120 mm self-propelled artillery gun.
-Object 699
Universal tracked chassis.
-UR-93
Mine clearance installation based on BMP-3. First shown in 2007 in Nizhny Tagil at the RDE-2007 exhibition.
Mine clearance installation based on BMP-3.
Combat vehicle of the Khrizantema-S anti-tank missile system
-9P157-4
Battery control vehicle for the Khrizantema-S anti-tank missile system
Combat vehicle of the Kornet-T anti-tank missile system
Russian experimental anti-aircraft self-propelled gun from the anti-aircraft missile and artillery complex 30Yu6 "Pantsir-S1-O"
Air transportable road-digging vehicle based on the BMP-3
Machine evaluation
Suvorov Sergey Viktorovich, press secretary of Military-Industrial Company CJSC, expert in the field of armored weapons, colonel tank troops reserve, candidate of military sciences:
“Before I had to operate the BMP-3 myself, I had repeatedly heard a variety of reviews about this vehicle, most of them negative and, mainly, from those who had not even seen it in person. For three years I have own experience was able to evaluate all the disadvantages and advantages of the BMP-3. My opinion is that the car is wonderful, there is no other one like it in the world, which means that this car has the right to exist and further development. These words are confirmed by the contract for the acquisition of BMP-3 by the UAE army. But the decision to purchase these vehicles was made by the UAE government after comprehensive competitive tests in this country of the Russian BMP-3, the American M2A1 Bradley and the British MCV80 Warrior."
Operating countries
Azerbaijan - 88 BMP-3, as of 2016
-Algeria - 100 BMP-3, as of 2016
-Venezuela - 123 BMP-3 and its modifications, as of 2016
-Indonesia - 54 BMP-3F, as of 2016
-Cyprus - 43 BMP-3, as of 2016. The supply contract was signed in 1995, the vehicles were delivered from 1995 to 1996. The total contract value is $68 million.
-Republic of Korea - 40 BMP-3, as of 2016. According to other sources, about 30 vehicles were transferred to pay off the USSR debt in 1995, the deliveries of which were carried out in the period from 1996 to 1998; about 37 more vehicles were transferred in 2002, deliveries of which took place between 2005 and 2006.
-Kuwait - 120 BMP-3, as of 2016. According to other sources, about 142 vehicles were purchased in 1994, deliveries took place between 1995 and 1997, and another 25 BMP-3 units were delivered in 2010.
-UAE:
-UAE Ground Forces - 390 BMP-3, as of 2016
-UAE Presidential Guard - 200 BMP-3, as of 2016
-Russia - 500 BMP-3; an additional 22 BMP-3 will be transferred to the Western Military District, as of 2016
-Turkmenistan - 4 BMP-3, as of 2016
-Ukraine - 4 BMP-3, as of 2016
-Sri Lanka - 45 BMP-3, as of 2007
Greece: in 2008, 420 BMP-3 were ordered for more than 1.2 billion euros. On June 22, 2009, the final stage of the contract for 1000 vehicles was announced. But due to the economic crisis, the contract was frozen.
-USA: 1 BMP-3 unit delivered from Ukraine
TTX
Dimensions
Case length, mm: 6700
-Length with gun forward, mm: 7200
-Case width, mm: 3300
-Height, mm: 2300 (on the roof of the tower)
Booking
Armor type: rolled aluminum spaced with steel screens. Frontal projection protection from 30 mm BT/2A42 with D=300 m
-Body forehead (top), mm/deg.: 18
-Body forehead (middle), mm/deg.: 10+12+60
-Body forehead (bottom), mm/deg.: 10+60
- Hull side (top), mm/deg.: 60..43/0
-Hull side (bottom), mm/deg.: 43/0
-Hull stern (top), mm/deg.: 13/0
-Hull stern (middle), mm/deg.: 13/0
-Hull stern (bottom), mm/deg.: 13
-Bottom, mm: 10
- Housing roof, mm: 15
-Tower forehead, mm/deg.: 16+50
- Tower feed, mm/deg.: 43
-Tower roof, mm: 18
-Active protection: “Arena” and TShU-2 “Shtora-1” on BMP-3M
-Dynamic protection: “Cactus” on the BMP-3M-3
Armament
Caliber and brand of gun: 100 mm 2A70; 30 mm 2A72
-Gun type: 100mm rifled semi-automatic gun-launcher; 30 mm rifled automatic cannon
-Gun ammunition: 40 x 100 mm; 8 x ATGM; 500 x 30 mm
-VN angles, degrees: from?6 to +60
-GN angles, degrees: 360
-Firing range, km ATGM: 4.0
-Sights: combined day / passive night, with laser rangefinder
-Machine guns: 3 x 7.62 mm (1 coaxial, 2 course) PKT
-Other weapons: ATGM 9M117
Mobility
Engine:
-Manufacturer: Barnaultransmash
-Brand: UTD-29
-Type: diesel
-Maximum power: 500 HP (331 kW), at 2600 rpm
-Maximum torque: 1460 Nm, at 1600 rpm
-Configuration: V10
-Cylinders: 10
-Cooling: liquid
-Clock (number of clock cycles): 4
-The operating order of the cylinders: 1p-4l-2p-5l-4p- -3l-5p-1l-3p-2l
-Recommended fuel: multi-fuel
-UTD-32 (BMP-3M)
-Highway speed, km/h: 70
-Speed over rough terrain, km/h: 10 afloat
-Highway range, km: 600
-Specific power, l. s./t: 26.7
-Suspension type: torsion bar
-Specific pressure on the ground, kg/cm2: 0.60
- Climbability, degrees: 30
-Overcome wall, m: 0.8
-Ditch to be overcome, m: 2.2
-Fordability, m: floats
The BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle, made in the USSR, has been in service for more than thirty years and has been supplied to dozens of foreign countries. We will analyze the design of the armored vehicle and its technical properties, tell the history of its appearance and use in the theater of operations, reveal the features of the modifications, the pros and cons of the vehicle.
History of the development of infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) 3
The first infantry fighting vehicle in world history was designed in the USSR in 1965, and the following year it was built for the first time and, after short tests, entered service with the troops.
The design of the BMP was carried out by the Special Design Bureau (SKB), later renamed SKBM (now JSC SKBM).
The design and design organization was part of the structure of the Kurgan Machine-Building Plant (now PJSC Kurganmashzavod), which in Soviet times was engaged in the production of infantry fighting vehicles, and now produces infantry fighting vehicles, as well as equipment based on them. The SKBM team began developing the Troika in 1977.
Further events from the history of the car:
- 1983-1986 - testing a new armored vehicle;
- 1987 - the first products became available to the motorized rifle troops;
- May 9, 1990 - first demonstration to the public during the parade in Moscow in honor of the 45th anniversary of the Victory;
- 1990s - despite the economic crisis that hit the Russian defense industry, Kurganmashzavod continues to actively build infantry fighting vehicles, exports of armored vehicles to the United Nations begin United Arab Emirates, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Republic of Cyprus;
- 1997 - China bought the rights to manufacture its own BMP-3 warhead for use in assembling its Type 04 or ZBD-04 combat vehicles;
- 2015 - presentation at arms exhibitions of modifications “Vityaz”, “Derivation”, “Dragoon”;
- 2018 - signing of a contract for the supply of BMP-3 to the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation with the installed unsurpassed combat module "Epoch";
- June 2019 - testing of armored vehicles with the Epoch BM begins.
Today, in addition to Russia, the combat vehicle is in service with the security forces of twelve states - three former subjects of the USSR and nine non-CIS countries.
Main tasks and goals
Infantry fighting vehicles are supplied to the troops for the further movement of soldiers to the battlefield for the purpose of infantry support for tanks or to the point of execution of another combat mission.
The use of infantry fighting vehicles makes the infantry as mobile as possible and protected by the power of armor, the protective complex of an armored vehicle, missiles, cannons and machine guns.
An infantry fighting vehicle differs from an armored personnel carrier (APC) in the presence more protective systems, the ability to fight in the zone of use of weapons of mass destruction, and even greater fire potential. The main function of an armored personnel carrier is to transport troops, while an infantry fighting vehicle is to provide fire support for airborne soldiers and friendly troops in battle.
The BMP-3 is designed to land 7 infantrymen. The crew consists of 3 fighters.
Design
The main elements of the vehicle's design are the body, a set of weapons, surveillance equipment, electrical and communication devices, engine and transmission, chassis, protective complex, fire-fighting equipment and camouflage system.
Armored Corps
The frontal armor cannot be penetrated by 30 mm shells from a distance of 200 m, the roof and sides cannot be penetrated by a 12.7 mm armor-piercing bullet from one hundred to two hundred meters.
The location of fuel tanks in the front compartment of the armored vehicle additionally protects the personnel located inside the infantry fighting vehicle.
When landing infantry paratroopers, a roof opens vertically over the passage, partially blocking them from bullets and shrapnel.
Surveillance and communications equipment
The BMP-3 is equipped with a rich set of surveillance devices:
- TNPO-170A - in the amount of 18 units installed in different places;
- TNP-165A, placed in the control compartment;
- TNP-350B for viewing the area when crossing water obstacles, placed in the driver’s compartment;
- TNPT-1 for viewing the rear hemisphere of the terrain;
- TVNE-1 PA for visibility when driving at night;
- TKN-3MB - day and night for the commander to review the area;
- TNP3VE01-01 - four units, for surveying the terrain and firing by paratroopers.
For external communications, the combat vehicle is equipped with a tank radio station R-173 with a receiver R-173P, and for internal communications - telephone intercom equipment.
Engine and transmission
The ten-cylinder UTD-29 engine has the following characteristics:
- Multi-fuel - in addition to diesel fuel, it can be refueled with various types of gasoline and kerosene;
- Four stroke;
- Power - 500 hp;
- Dimensions - 0.997 x 1.228 x 0.598 m, weight - 0.91 t;
- Rotation speed - 2600 rpm.
The tanks, which hold 690 liters of fuel, contain a porous filler that prevents ignition and detonation of the fuel when the armor and containers are penetrated.
The motor and hydromechanical transmission (HMT) form an integral power unit mounted on one fulcrum. The hydraulic drive allows the combat vehicle to turn smoothly, and the absence of a clutch pedal (gears are switched only by lever movements) greatly facilitates the driver’s work during long marches and during battle.
Feeding the motor with air when moving in aquatic environment is implemented through an air intake pipe raised on the right behind the combat vehicle turret.
Chassis
The chassis consists of a caterpillar propulsion system, suspension, two water-jet propulsion systems, and stopping brakes.
The caterpillar propulsion unit consists of 6 dual road wheels located on the sides, 3 support rollers, guide and drive wheels, and the caterpillar itself.
The BMP-3 suspension is individual, torsion bar, with hydraulic shock absorbers.
Water jet propulsion is activated when moving afloat. They, like the tracked one, are equipped with a reverse mechanism, providing reverse gear if necessary, which allows you to quickly escape from enemy fire without wasting time on a turn.
The chassis is controlled by manipulating the steering column. Its structure includes a steering wheel, gear shift knobs and water jet control handles.
The stopping brakes of the combat vehicle are disk, dry friction, with a hydraulic booster in the drive.
Armament
To defeat enemy forces and assets, the BMP-3 is armed with:
- anti-tank missile system(ATGM) with ammunition of 8 guided missiles (ATGM);
- 100 mm 2A70 cannon with a speed of 10 rounds per minute, B/K 40 v.;
- 30-mm twin 2A72 automatic cannon with 300 OFZ and 200 BT shells;
- PKT 7.62x54 machine guns - two course ones in the hull and one coaxial with guns in the turret, with 2000 rounds of ammunition for each.
Specifications
The most important characteristics of the BMP 3 TTX:
- Combat weight - 18.7 tons;
- Length / length with extended gun / width / height, m - 7.14 / 7.2 / 3.3 / 2.3;
- The combat range of ATGMs is up to 4 km, 2A70 guns are up to 6.5 km, 2A72 guns are up to 4 km;
- Speed on the highway - 70 km/h, on rough terrain - 10 km/h afloat;
- Cruising resource on a flat road - 600 km;
- Climbability - 30°;
- The surmountable ditch is 2.2 m.
Advantages and disadvantages
Practicing officers and well-informed independent experts agree that the performance characteristics of the BMP-3 fully correspond to the operating conditions in which ground units of the Russian Armed Forces serve.
According to their reviews, the combat vehicle:
- swims well, overcoming water obstacles without special preliminary technical training;
- reliable in both hot and cold climates;
- has excellent driving performance compared to previous cars - “kopek” and “deuka”, thanks to the engine being moved to the rear of the body (does not apply to modifications with a front engine - see below);
- characterized by increased survivability for the same reason;
- It is distinguished by a comfortable positioning of motorized riflemen and convenient firing through the side embrasures.
Experts highly appreciate the weaponry of the combat vehicle.
The downside is the lack of an option to move the ATGM outside and work with a portable launcher, which was in previous armored vehicles, but for some reason is not provided for in the basic “C” model.
Another, more significant drawback is the absence of a mechanism for changing ground clearance in the list of characteristics of the BMP-3, which negatively affects the combat vehicle’s cross-country ability and the accuracy of fire on rough terrain.
Modifications of BMP-3
BMP-3K is a combat vehicle, the letter “K” in the name of which means “commander”. Designed specifically to control an infantry fighting vehicle unit. Equipped with an increased set of communication devices for exchanging messages with other military units and a higher command post. The radio communication radius reaches 40 kilometers.
BMP-3F is an armored vehicle for transporting marines and conducting military operations in the coastal zone. It is characterized by increased buoyancy, the absence of a self-entrenching device, and the presence of additional water-reflecting flaps. Can move in an aquatic environment for seven hours at a speed of up to 10 km/h. Equipped with an updated “SOZH” sight with improved reliability.
The BMP 3M is an improved variation of the basic “troika”, characterized by a more powerful engine, an updated fire control system (FCS), and increased security thanks to the Arena-E KAZ, which protects the combat vehicle from missiles and grenades.
BMP-3 "Vityaz" - equipped with the fire control system of the same name with optoelectronic devices, an option remote control weapons, standardized crew workplaces. These innovations significantly reduced the duration of shot preparation and expanded the destructive capabilities of fire.
BMP-3M "Dragoon" - a new design of the BMP-3M with the engine compartment moved from the rear to the front and a rearranged compartment for paratroopers. The power of the UTD-32 power plant is 816 hp. The combat vehicle is equipped with 3 types of combat vehicles with different guns, while at the same time the machine guns are removed from the hull. The disembarkation of infantrymen is accelerated and simplified by providing the rear wall of the compartment with a “secret” door.
BMP-3 "Derivation" - an armored vehicle with an unmanned AU-220M BM and a 57-mm automatic cannon with an action speed of up to 100 rpm. The management system has been significantly updated, including the latest central computing system (CVS). The crew was reduced to two, the landing party was increased to 10 people.
Combat use
It is known for certain about the combat use of the BMP-3 by the Russians army units in the First Chechen Campaign.
All sorts of problems often arose when using armored vehicles, but weapons historians attribute them to the very poor training of unit personnel. This, in turn, is explained by the fact that more experienced military personnel were sent abroad during that period.
The combat vehicles were used by the UAE army during the intervention that began in February 2015 during civil war in Yemen, were tentatively transferred to rebel forces. There the only reliably confirmed combat loss of the BMP-3 occurred: one of the armored vehicles used by the UAE infantrymen was disabled by an explosion on an anti-tank mine placed by the Houthis.
What is your opinion about the BMP-3? Maybe you had to serve in Ground forces and move around on this combat vehicle? If so, please leave your feedback. If you have questions, ask, we are always happy to communicate with the reader.
If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them
