BT-3F Amphibious armored personnel carrier

[Zarvan]

The BT-3F armored personnel carrier is based on the BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle



Country of origin Russia
Entered service ?
Crew 3 men
Personnel 14 men
Dimensions and weight
Weight 18.5 t
Length 7 m
Width 3.3 m
Height 3 m
Armament
Machine guns 3 x 7.62 mm
Mobility
Engine UTD-29 diesel
Engine power 500 hp
Maximum road speed 70 km/h
Amphibious speed on water 10 km/h
Range 600 km
Maneuverability
Gradient 60%
Side slope 30%
Vertical step 0.8 m
Trench 2.5 m
Fording Amphibious


The BT-3F is a new Russian tracked armored personnel carrier. Its development began in 2010. It is based on a BMP-3F infantry fighting vehicle with improved amphibious capabilities. It lacks turret of the BMP-3F, but has a raised superstructure, similar to that of the 1V172-2 artillery control vehicle. The BT-3F is intended for the Russian naval infantry units. Once in service it could partly replace a fleet of BTR-80 series 8x8 armored personnel carriers, used by the Russian naval infantry units. A demonstrator of the BT-3F was first publicly revealed in 2016. It is unclear if the Russian Navy will adopt this armored vehicle. The BT-3F is also being proposed for export customers.

The BT-3F can be launched at sea from amphibious assault ships. Its main role is to deliver marines from ship to shore under armor protection. The BT-3F is also intended to spearhead a beach and to secure coastline for ongoing troops. Once ashore the BT-3F can be used for patrolling, guard checkpoints, and carry troops and supplies further inland. In concept it is similar to the ageing Soviet BTR-50P, or the US AAV7 amphibious armored personnel carriers. However the BT-3F is a smaller vehicle, which accommodates less passengers.

The BT-3F has some advantages over the current BTR-80 series armored personnel carriers, that are currently used by the Russian marines. It is much better protected, can carry twice more troops and has better off-road mobility due to its tracked configuration.

Hull of this armored personnel carrier is of welded aluminum alloy armor. All-round protection is against 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds. It is likely that the front arc is made of composite armor and withstands hits from 30 mm armor-piercing rounds. Protection could be enhanced by installing add-on explosive reactive armor kit. Vehicle is fitted with NBC protection system and automatic fire suppression system. Though the BT-3F is vulnerable to mine blasts and improvised explosive devices due to its tracked configuration.

The BT-3F is fitted with smoke grenade dischargers. It can also generate smoke screens by injecting fuel into exhaust.

It has a crew of 3, including commander, driver and gunner, and accommodates 14 dismounts. Troops enter and leave the vehicle via two rear doors. Though entry and exit is cramped due to the rear engine layout. Accommodation is also rather uncomfortable due to limited internal space. Russian armored vehicle designers were never bothered about the comfort for the crew and passengers. There are roof hatches for emergency exit.

A demonstrator of this armored personnel carrier is fitted with a remotely-controlled weapon station, armed with a 7.62 mm machine gun. Though heavier weapons, such as 12.7- or 14.5 mm heavy machine guns, or 30- or 40 mm automatic grenade launchers.

Additionally there are two bow-mounted and forward-firing 7.62 mm machine guns. These are operated by two dismounts, seated on each side of the driver.

The driver is located in the middle of the hull.

The BT-3F retains the engine and transmission of the BMP-3. It is powered by an UTD-29 diesel engine, developing 500 hp. Engine is mounted at the hull rear. This armored personnel carrier has a hydropneumatic suspension, which can be adjusted to suit the type of ground being crossed.

Vehicle is fitted with a built-in self-entrenching blades, and can prepare itself a defensive position.

This armored personnel carrier is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by two waterjets.

Due to similar dimensions and weight, the BT-3F can be airlifted by the same military transport aircraft, that can carry the BMP-3.

This armored vehicle can be used as a special purpose carrier for various systems.

BT-3F
Armored Personnel Carrier

BT-3F
Armored Personnel Carrier

BT-3F
Armored Personnel Carrier

BT-3F
Armored Personnel Carrier

BT-3F
Armored Personnel Carrier

BT-3F
Armored Personnel Carrier

http://www.military-today.com/apc/bt_3f.htm