BMD-3
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| BMD-3 | |
|---|---|
9M111 ATGMs from turret mounted launcher | |
Secondary armament | Bow-mounted AGS-17 Plamya 30 mm automatic grenade launcher and 5.45-mm RPK machine-gun |
| Engine | 2V-06-2 water-cooled diesel 450 hp |
| Power/weight | 34 hp/ton |
| Suspension | Hydroneumatic with variable height control, 130–530 mm (5.1–20.9 in) |
Operational range | 500 km (310 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 70 km/h (43 mph) off-road: 45 km/h (28 mph) water: 10 km/h (6.2 mph) |
The BMD-3 (Boyevaya Mashina Desanta , Russian "Боевая Машина Десанта", literally "Combat Vehicle of the Airborne") is a light infantry fighting vehicle originating in the Soviet Union that is fully amphibious and air-droppable with crew inside. It is intended to be used by airborne and air assault units. It is not an upgraded BMD-1 but a completely redesigned vehicle with a hydropneumatic suspension, new hull, a more powerful 2V-06-2 diesel engine and fitted with the complete turret of the BMP-2.[1]
Development
Even before the start of the
Description
Overview
While still intended to be transported and airdropped by transport aircraft, the BMD-3 is bigger and heavier than its predecessors.[1]
Crew
The BMD-3 is operated by three crew members. The driver is situated in the hull, while the gunner and the commander are in the turret. Thanks to its bigger size, the BMD-3 can carry up to seven dismounts, compared to five for the BMD-2. They are located around the turret basket. If the vehicle is intended to be airdropped, its capacity falls to four dismounts.[1]
Turret
The BMD-3 has the same turret as the BMP-2.[1]
Armament
The BMD-3 is armed with one stabilised 30 mm
Mobility
The BMD-3 is powered by a 450 hp 2V-06-2 engine. Its maximum speed is 70 km/h on roads, and 45 km/h cross-country. The BMD-3 is amphibious, with a maximum speed of 10 km/h on water. A new parachute system was specifically designed for the BMD-3, in order to cope with its higher weight.[1]
Variants
- BMD-3 (Object 950) - Basic type, as described.
- BMD-4 (Object 960) - Modified chassis with new turret "Bakhcha-U" comprising: 100 mm main gun 2A70, 30mm autocannon 2A72, 7.62 mm machine gun, and new fire control system "Ramka". The bow-mounted AGS-17 has been removed. The armament is similar to the one of the BMP-3. BMD-4s are new-build or upgraded BMD-3s. The prototype was known as BMD-3M. The BMD-4 is no longer being purchased for the Russian troops, in favor of the BMD-4M.[2]
- RKhM-5 (Object 958) - Chemical reconnaissance vehicle, fitted with the same specialised equipment as the BTR-80 version RKhM-4. The turret has been removed; the RKhM-5 has a fixed superstructure with machine gun turret.
- BTR-MD “Rakushka” (Object 955) - Multi-role transport vehicle with bigger hull and no turret. This type can be used to transport troops, fuel, ammunition and wounded personnel. It also serves as the basis for a new range of specialised vehicles for the Russian airborne forces, including a mortar platform, an ambulance BMM-D, a command post vehicle and a recovery vehicle. Some of the variants will have a longer chassis with 7 road wheels and probably the same 510 hp engine as the 2S25.
- 9M119 Svir. The chassis has 7 instead of 5 road wheels on each side and the engine is now the 2V-06-2S of 510 hp. The 2S25 has a combat weight of 18 tonnes and a crew of 3. It entered service in 2007.
Operators
Russia - Originally approved for serial production in 1990, under the Soviet Union, with up to 700 vehicles planned. Ultimately, only 137 vehicles were completed in eight years of production.[3] The BMD-3 may not be in active service anymore, or only with a very limited number of vehicles.[1]
People's Republic of China - The BMD-3 served in Chinese Air Force Airborne Corps with limited numbers. Replaced by ZBD-03.[4]
Ukraine - Eight BTR-MDM "Rakushkas" had been captured from Russian forces during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine[5]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h "[Dossier] Le BMD-4M: le renouveau des blindés aéroportés". Red Samovar. 21 September 2017.
- ^ "Бронетехника раздора Генштаб и вице-премьер РФ разошлись по вопросу о военных закупках". Lenta.RU.
- ^ "БМД-3 приняли на вооружение 30 лет назад". 10 February 2020.
- ^ "ZBD-03 Airborne armoured infantry fighting combat vehicle". Army Recognition.
- ^ Oryx. "Attack On Europe: Documenting Russian Equipment Losses During The 2022 Russian Invasion Of Ukraine". Oryx. Retrieved 2023-09-04.
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