info from fas:
In an attempt to improve the amphibious characteristics and increase the combat power of their wheeled reconnaissance vehicles, the Soviets produced the BRDM-2. This vehicle differs from the original BRDM in that the powerplant has improved and moved to the rear of the vehicle, and that a small 14.5mm machinegun-armed turret has been fitted. This turret is identical to that found on the BTR-60PB armored personnel carrier. The original BRDM (BTR-40P) first appeared in 1959. The BRDM-2 also is known as BTR-40P-2 or BTR-40PB (hence also BTR-40P-2rkh or BTR-40PB-rkh, etc.). It was first seen in 1966 and by the mid-1980s was rapidly replacing the BRDM in the Soviet and Warsaw Pact armies. Care must be taken to distinguish the BRDM-2 from the Hungarian FUG (OT-65) and FUG-70 amphibious scout cars which also have rear engines but have twin waterjets.
The BRDM-2 series, with maximum armor of 14 mm, can be penetrated by artillery fragments and .50 caliber machine gun fire. Its tires are not protected by armor and are particularly vulnerable to puncture from fire of all kinds.
Like the earlier BRDM, the BRDM-2 is a fully armored, four-wheel drive, amphibious reconnaissance vehicle with two pairs of belly wheels and a centralized tire pressure regulation system for increased cross-country capability and a single water jet for propulsion through water. Externally, it differs from the BRDM due to a larger, box-like hull. It retains the boat-like bow of the BRDM, but the crew compartment has been moved farther forward and the engine has been moved to the rear. In the basic model, a small conical turret is mounted on the hull in a central position above the belly wheels. There are two front cupolas, and vision blocks are located centrally on both sides. The engine is larger than in the BRDM (140hp V-8 as opposed to 90hp 6-cylinder). The BRDM-2 is fitted with an IR spotlight and IR driving lights as well as an NBC filter system.
VARIANTS
Like the BRDM, the BRDM-2 exists in several versions, the first four of which have the same roles as their BRDM counterparts:
BRDM-2 reconnaissance vehicle is distinguished by its turret, which is the same as that mounted on the BTR-60PB. The conical turret, which mounts two machine guns (1 4.5-mm and 7.62-mm), is unusual in that is has no top hatch opening. This model carries a crew of four (commander, gunner, driver, and co-driver). It also has a land navigation system that gives coordinate readings.
The ATGM launcher vehicle (BRDM-2) is used for the AT-2/SWATTER, AT-3/SAGGER and AT-5/SPANDREL. The ATGM launcher replaces the turret. This model is found in regimental and divisional antitank units of motorized rifle divisions and in the antitank regiment or brigade in the artillery division of a front.
9P122 variant with 6-rail AT-3 ATGM launcher
9P124 variant with 4-rail AT-2 MCLOS ATGM launcher
9P133 variant with 6-rail AT-3C SACLOS ATGM launcher
9P137 variant with 5-rail AT-5 ATGM launcher
9P148 variant with 5-rail AT-4 or AT-5 ATGM launcher.
BRDM-2rkh radiological-chemical reconnaissance vehicle is fitted with dispensers for emplacing warning flags around contaminated areas. It is found in the regimental chemical defense company and at the division level in the chemical defense battalion as well as in the reconnaissance battalion.
BRDM-2U command vehicle has no turret but carries a generator and extra radios. The increased number of antennas marks this version as a command and control vehicle. It is found in battalion and regimental headquarters of maneuver units and also is used extensively by artillery units.
SA-9/GASKIN transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) also is based on the BRDM-2 chassis. The surface-to-air missile launching system with quadruple canisters replaces the machine gun turret on top of the vehicle and is capable of 360 degrees traverse and limited elevation. The crew of this version is estimated at four.
Polish modernized variant has been offered in five versions, with upgrades such as: 12.7-mm MG, improved PKT MG mount, roof-mounted AT-4 ATGM, surveillance radar, improved fire control, etc.
Specifications
Alternative Designations GAZ 41-08
Date of Introduction 1963
Proliferation At least 45 countries
Description
Crew 4
Troop Capacity 0 (for this configuration)
Combat Weight (mt) 7.0
Chassis Length Overall (m) 5.75
Height Overall (m) 2.31
Width Overall (m) 2.75
Ground Pressure (kg/cm 2 ) INA
Drive Formula 4 x 4 (+ 4 auxiliary wheels)
Automotive Performance
Engine Type 140-hp Gasoline
Cruising Range (km) 750
Max Road Speed (km/h) 95
Max Off-Road INA
Average Cross-Country INA
Max Swim 10
Fording Depths (m) Amphibious
Radio R-123
Protection
Armor, Turret Front (mm) 10
Applique Armor (mm) N/A
Explosive Reactive Armor (mm) N/A
Mineclearing Equipment N/A
Self-Entrenching Blade N/A
Active Protective System N/A
NBC Protection System Collective
Smoke Equipment N/A
ARMAMENT
Main Armament
Caliber, Type, Name 14.5-mm Machinegun KPVT
Rate of Fire (rd/min) 150 practical/600 cyclic
Loader Type Belt feed
Ready/Stowed Rounds 500/0
Elevation (°) -5 / +30
Fire on Move Yes
Auxiliary Weapon
Caliber, Type, Name 7.62-mm (7.62x 54R) Machinegun PKT
Mount Type Coax
Maximum Aimed Range (m) 1,500
Max Effective Range (m)
Day 1,000m / 400-500 on the move
Night N/A
Fire on Move Yes
Rate of Fire (rd/min) 250 practical / 650 cyclic in 2-10 round bursts
ATGM Launcher N/A
Firing Ports INA
FIRE CONTROL
FCS Name N/A
Main Gun Stabilization N/A
Rangefinder N/A
Infrared Searchlight INA
Sights w/Magnification
Gunner
Day PP-61AM
Field of View (°) 23
Acquisition Range (m) 2,000
Night N/A
Field of View (°) INA
Acquisition Range (m) INA
Commander Fire Main Gun No
MAIN ARMAMENT AMMUNITION
Caliber, Type, Name
14.5-mm API-T
Maximum Aimed Range (m) INA
Max Effective Range (m)
Day 2,000
Night INA
Tactical AA Range 1,400
Armor Penetration (mm) 20 at 1,000 m/30 at 500 m
Other Ammunition Types 14.5-mm API, I-T, HE-T Type MDZ
oh heres a pic of btr-80 btw:
Topic: nice lil project for when tool is released. (Read 3582 times)