Infantry Fighting Vehicles of Pakistan

[Mercenary]

Pakistan currently has two varients of IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicles), Al Hamza which is locally produced and Al-Fahd which we bought from Saudi Arabia.

How do these IFV measure up to their western counterparts such as the American M2 Bradley, German Puma, British Warrior, and the Russian BMP-3.

I ask because the kind of conflict that Pakistan is involved in requires a lethal IFV to support combat operations.

Pakistan in my opinion is relying too heavily on Tanks, Artillery and Aerial Attacks to take on the TTP and needs a faster and lighter footprint to engage the enemy.

Why hasn't Pakistan deployed more IFV to combat operations in FATA vs Tanks?

 

[paritosh]

I have had a question bugging me for long...what is the difference between a n infantry fighting vehicle IFV and an Armored personnel carrier APC?

 

[Nutuk]

Al Hamza is actually the M113 with a Chinese turret, an apc that is converted into an IFV.

The Al Talha development got assistance from the Turkish FNSS, hence the looks similar to the ACV 300.

Both Turkey and Pakistan are in need of a new type modern tracked AIFC and tracked APC. In Turkey there are already plans to start development of a new type in the near future, an AIFV that is going to function alongside the Altay MBT. Hope to see Turkey and Pakistan in a joint development here.

 

[All-Green]

I have had a question bugging me for long...what is the difference between a n infantry fighting vehicle IFV and an Armored personnel carrier APC?

IFV has to be able to provide direct fire support to the infantry and so is quite well armed compared to APCs.
Usually it is armed with an autocannon, though ATGMs and/or SAMs can also be integrated.
IFV is also supposed to be more heavily armored since it has to sustain an active direct fire support in a battlefield to support the infantry.

Typically it does not match the modern tanks in terms of firepower and protection, however there are heavy IFVs and some modifications of Tank designs to accommodate infantry.

Its strength is high mobility and ability to carry infantry and packing a significant punch in terms of weaponry which can cause great damage.
It has good anti tank weapons as well though it is not expected to take on armored formations.

In modern asymmetric warfare, it is a very important asset...even more so than tanks.
Clearly in a low intensity conflict the ideal vehicle is the IFV since it can handle a variety of threats and has a great mobility.

 

[Mercenary]

^^ exactly the reason why need some modern IFV for combat operations in FATA

Tanks and Artillery just cause too much collateral damage

 

[All-Green]

^^ exactly the reason why need some modern IFV for combat operations in FATA

Tanks and Artillery just cause too much collateral damage

No doubt IFV is very important and will add a great value to the Army operating against insurgents, however it shall not reduce the Artillery and Armour role, especially in FATA.

When your enemy is reinforced in concrete bunkers or rock formations, you need the extra punch to penetrate their defenses.
FATA is ideal for highly kinetic actions and Artillery/Tanks will always play a critical role in giving superior firepower to the PA.

Also note that Artillery is very precise nowadays and Pakistan has always maintained a high standard in this arm.
It really is not a case of shelling everything to smithereens....

 

[fatman17]

Also note that Artillery is very precise nowadays and Pakistan has always maintained a high standard in this arm.

u can say that again - a good narrative to read is "a history of pak artillery".

 

[S10]

I have had a question bugging me for long...what is the difference between a n infantry fighting vehicle IFV and an Armored personnel carrier APC?

Traditionally, APC is an armored vehicle that transports troops to the front line, essentially a battle taxi. It was normally lightly-armed and not meant for engaging in direct combat. IFV on the other hand, accompanies troops in battle, provide fire support and keep up with tank formation. It tends to be a bit more heavily armored and armed.

However, the current trend is modular vehicles, such as the LAV III or Stryker. LAV III can easily be modified from an APC to an IFV in a matter of hours by using add-on armor and weapon stations. It can also be modified into an ambulance, command vehicle or electronic warfare post. So the line between IFV and APC has blurred.

 

[Mercenary]

Is Pakistan investing in some IFV or Modular APC/IFV?

I know they purchased some IFV from Saudis called Al-Fahd which was a copy of the US Marines IFV.

 

[Ratus Ratus]

However, the current trend is modular vehicles, such as the LAV III or Stryker. LAV III can easily be modified from an APC to an IFV in a matter of hours by using add-on armor and weapon stations. It can also be modified into an ambulance, command vehicle or electronic warfare post. So the line between IFV and APC has blurred.

Gumph!!!

The LAV III and Stryker are two totally different vehicles. Neither are even with "modular armour" IFV. That is by basic design.
In essence the LAVIII already has a turret and a 25mm chain gun. the Stryker fundamentally has a Remote gun or grenade launcher mount. In its base form it has a 50cal MG

 

[Penguin]

Gumph!!!

The LAV III and Stryker are two totally different vehicles. Neither are even with "modular armour" IFV. That is by basic design.
In essence the LAVIII already has a turret and a 25mm chain gun. the Stryker fundamentally has a Remote gun or grenade launcher mount. In its base form it has a 50cal MG

They're all Mowag Piranha 3 derivatives

 

[Super Falcon]

russian BMP and german puma are good options to get tot and manufature them in pak

 

[Super Falcon]

Veicolo blindato medio (VBM) Freccia 8×8 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) is a medium armoured vehicle developed by the consortium Iveco-Oto Melara. It is the first digitised vehicle to enter into service with the Italian Army.

The VBM Freccia IFV is based on the chassis of the 105mm-armed Centauro tank destroyers developed by the consortium during 1992-96. The first prototype of the vehicle was ready by 1996.

The vehicle has been modified to provide greater anti-tank blast protection for the crew. The interior layout of the Freccia has been optimised to carry a crew of eight soldiers, with two men in the turret and a driver.

The first VBM Freccia IFV was delivered to the Italian Army in February 2009, at Cepolispe in Montelibretti, Rome.

On 26 May 2009, Oto Melera, the designer and manufacturer of the Hitfist Plus turret, and Rafael, the designer and manufacturer of Spike missiles, performed the launching trials on the weapon system. This trial campaign was completed in June 2009 with approval of the anti-tank system following soon after.

"The VBM Freccia IFV is based on the chassis of the 105mm-armed Centauro tank destroyer."Freccia features

The VBM Freccia IFV has a longer and narrower hull than the Centauro tank destroyer and weighs 26t. It is an 8×8-drive vehicle with disc brakes on all eight wheels and is equipped with the Hitfist Plus turret.

The vehicle's hull and turret are aluminium with a layer of ballistic steel fitted to provide higher protection.

Orders and deliveries

In 2006, the Italian Army placed an order for 249 Freccias of different variants. The order includes 172 Freccia's fitted with the Oto Melara Hitfist Plus two-person turret armed with a 25mm KBA cannon, 36 anti-tank vehicles armed with the Rafael Armament Development Authority Spike long-range missiles; 20 command vehicles and 21 120mm mortar carriers.

The first tranche included delivery of 54 Freccias, while the second for 109 vehicles is currently under negotiation. The third tranche is for the remaining vehicles, which will complete the delivery requirement of 249 Freccia's by 2013.

The total cost of the acquisition of these vehicles is estimated at €1,540m spread between 2006 and 2014.

Mission variants

The VBM Freccia IFV is manufactured in six variants: armoured personal carrier, ATGW carrier, mortar carrier, command vehicle, armoured ambulance and recovery vehicle.

"The Freccia's hull and turret are aluminium with a layer of ballistic steel fitted to provide higher protection."The armoured personal carrier can carry a crew of three and eight soldiers. It is fitted with a Hitfist Plus turret, a pointing laser device and a thermal night camera.

The ATGW variant has two Rafael Spike anti-tank guided missiles in addition to 25mm cannons.

Instead of the Hitfist Plus turret, the mortar variant is fitted with a Thales Defense Armament 2R2M, striped 120mm mortar. It has an automatic loading system, a hydraulic system for cushioning the recoil, and an automatic handling and shooting management system.

The command variant is equipped with the Oto Melara Hitrole 12.7mm turret, transmission systems, LCD monitors and computers pitched.

The ambulance variant has the same hull as that of the command variant but is fitted with the medical equipment necessary for rescue and treatment on the battlefield.

Armament

The Hitfist Plus turret is fitted with an Oerlikon KBA 25mm automatic cannon, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and two TOW missile launchers. A pair of 7.62mm machine guns make up the secondary armament of the VBM Freccia IFV. One is fitted with the main gun and the other is fitted on the roof.

Defence and self-protection

The front and the underside armour of the VBM Freccia IFV can protect from 25mm to 30mm rounds and 6kg TFT blasts. The protection can be increased to withstand 8kg mine blasts.

It is also equipped with nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

Engine

Each VBM Freccia IFV runs on an Iveco 6V supercharged 550hp diesel engine (405kW at 2,300rpm) with five-speed plus two reserve mechanical transmission. The top speed of the vehicle with maximum load is 110km/h.


Expand Image
The VBM Freccia IFV is manufactured in six variants: armoured personal carrier, ATGW carrier, mortar carrier, command vehicle, armoured ambulance and recovery vehicle.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Expand Image
VBM Freccia is an 8×8-drive vehicle with disc brakes on all eight wheels.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Expand Image
The VBM Freccia with 25mm Hitfist Plus turret and Spike missile launchers.

 

[Super Falcon]

The Projekt Systems and Management (PSM) consortium, based in Kassel in Germany, is developing the Puma tracked infantry fighting vehicle for the German Army under a programme authorised by the German Federal Parliament in 2002. The PSM industrial consortium is owned by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Rheinmettall Landsysteme. The Puma programme was formerly known as the Igel and the Neuer Schuetzenpanzer (NsPz).

The German Bundestag approved low-rate initial production of the first five vehicles in December 2004. The first prototype vehicle and systems demonstrator was rolled out in December 2005 and delivered in May 2006. Five preproduction vehicles were delivered in 2007 and army trials began in early 2008.

In November 2007, the German parliament approved the procurement of 410 vehicles and a contract award is expected in 2008. The first serial production Puma is scheduled to enter service in 2010. The Puma vehicles are to replace the Rheinmetall Landsysteme Marder 1 infantry fighting vehicles which entered service in 1971 with the German Army and will soon reach the end of operational life.

The development programme includes the build and test of a number of major Puma subsystem demonstrators. These include demonstrators to test: the armour protection, the weapon and ammunition handling and flow system, three versions of the turret and three versions of the chassis.

Turret 1 has been successfully built and tested the weapon operation out of the vertical axis. Turret 2 is being constructed in order to test the optics and stabilisation. Turret 3 will be constructed and tested to the final agreed design configuration.

The first version of the chassis, F1, will be used for driving tests and the second and third versions, F2 and F3, are being built to the final chassis design and will be used as demonstrator models.

New hull design
The hull is a new design rather than a derivative of an older system. Rheinmetall is responsible for the development and design of the chassis. The vehicle is operated by a crew of three (commander, gunner and driver) and carries up to eight equipped troops in the rear troop compartment.

The vehicle is of modular construction which allows it to be fully air transportable on an A400M aircraft.

Puma weapons
The vehicle is armed with a remotely controlled weapon station, developed by Kraus-Maffei Wegmann, which is fitted with a dual feed Mauser 30mm MK 30-2 cannon. Rheinmetall is responsible for the integration of the Mauser cannon and the ammunition handling system. The MK 30-2, which is in production for the Spanish Pizarro and Austrian Ulan IFV, has a rate of fire of 700 rounds a minute and a range of up to 3km.

"The MK 30-2 has a rate of fire of 700 rounds a minute and a range of up to 3km."The cannon fires 30mm APFSDS-T (armour-piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot - tracer) rounds with a muzzle velocity of 1,385m/sec.

The rounds, developed by RWM Schweiz AG (formerly Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec) and being qualified in Switzerland for deployment in the Swiss and Austrian armed forces, have entered volume production. The round is not fitted with a depleted uranium penetrator and is non-toxic.

The MK 30-2 cannon also fires the FAPIDS-T (frangible armour-piercing incendiary discarding sabot - tracer) round that is deployed against hard and soft targets.

A new round, the 30mm air burst munition (ABM) by RWM Schweiz AG is undergoing qualification trials with the German Army for use on the Puma.

The ABM round (173mm long, 30mm diameter) contains an electronic timer, an ejection charge and 135 cylinder-shaped tungsten alloy bars or projectiles. The electronic timer is programmed by inductive coupling through a device installed in the muzzle of the cannon. The timer initiates the ejection charge which releases and disperses the tungsten projectiles before impact with the target.

Eurospike is offering the Spike-LR fire-and-forget anti-tank missile for the German Army requirement for a guided missile system to arm the Puma armoured vehicle.

Self protection
In August 2006, EADS Defence Electronics was awarded a contract for the MUSS Multifunctional Self-Protection System for the Puma vehicles. MUSS consists of a missile warner with ultraviolet sensor (based on the EADS MILDS airborne missile warner), laser warner, central computer and electronic / pyrotechnic countermeasures.

MUSS can handle four threats simultaneously and is effective in 360° azimuth and 70° elevation.

Puma engine
The vehicle is fitted with a new high power density 892 series diesel engine developed by MTU. The MTU 892 series is rated at 800kW which provides the Puma with a power-to-weight ratio of 25.4kW/t.

"The Puma infantry fighting vehicle is built with the option of three levels of armour protection to suit the operational requirements. "The running gear is decoupled so the vehicle has low noise and vibration characteristics. Krauss Maffei Wegmann is responsible for the vehicle's hydropneumatic suspension system. Diehl has been selected to supply the tracks.

Armour variants
The vehicle is built with the option of three levels of protection to suit the operational requirements. The versions weigh 29.4t, 31.45t and 43t.

The basic level 1, 29.4t, version provides protection against explosively formed projectile (EFP) mines, top attack artillery projectiles and has all round protection against 14.5mm kinetic energy rounds and RPG-7 rocket propelled grenades.

The front and flank of the vehicle are fitted with a higher level of protection against 30mm kinetic energy rounds.

Level A has been selected as the baseline armour protection for the Puma IFV for the German Army. Level A gives all round protection against 14.5mm machine gun rounds and artillery fragments. The front and flank are protected against 30mm cannon rounds. The front armour protects against hollow charge rounds. The vehicle is also protected against 10kg blast and EFP mines. The German Army Puma with level A protection has a combat weight of 31.45t and is air transportable in the A400M aircraft.

Additional armour modules can be fitted to the hull and turret to provide level C protection. With level C armour protection the combat weight is increased to 43t. It would be necessary to deploy four A400M transporters to carry three Puma infantry fighting vehicles fitted with level C armour protection, the fourth aircraft lifting the additional modular armour fits.

 

[Super Falcon]

The BMP-3 infantry combat vehicle entered production in the late 1980s. About 120 BMP-3 vehicles are in service with the Russia Army and over 600 have been exported to a number of countries, including United Arab Emirates (390 vehicles), Cyprus (40), Indonesia (30), Kuwait (110) and South Korea (70).

Kurganmashzavod of Kurgan, Russian Federation manufactures the chassis and the Instrument Design Bureau (KBP) of Tula is responsible for the turret. It is a tracked, armoured, amphibious vehicle designed to engage armoured ground and air targets while stationary, on the move and afloat.

In 2007, the Russian Army placed an order with Kurganmashzavod for a number of new-build BMP-3 vehicles.

A command version, the BMP-3K, is available, which is the same as the basic BMP-3, but with additional communications and navigation equipment. A version designed for more sustained amphibious operation is the BMP-3F.

"The BMP-3 infantry combat vehicle entered production in the late 1980s."Changes in construction allow movement afloat in sea state three and firing with necessary accuracy in sea state two. The BMP-3F can endure continuous amphibious operation for seven hours. A reconnaissance version, the BRM-3K, is in service with the Russian Army.

Upgraded BMP-3M vehicle
KBP and Kurganmashzavod have upgraded the vehicle with a new turret and engines. The upgraded vehicle is called the BMP-3M and the new turret includes a new automatic fire control system with digital computer, new BZS1 gunner's sight with SAGEM thermal imager and laser illuminator, TKN-AI commander's periscope with laser infrared illuminator and new ammunition-loading system.

The BMP-3M will also be able to fire ammunition types including new 100mm laser-guided projectiles, new 100mm HE-FRAG (high-explosive fragmentation) rounds and new 30mm APSDS (armour-piercing discarding sabot) rounds.

Additional passive armour protection is effective against 12.7mm armour-piercing rounds from a range of 50m. Explosive reactive armour is available as an option. The new uprated engine is the UTD-32, which is rated at 660hp.

BMP-3 armament
The main armament of the BMP-3 is a 100mm 2A70 semi-automatic rifled gun / missile launcher, which is stabilised in two axes and can fire either 3UOF HE-FRAG rounds or 3UBK10 anti-tank guided missiles. Effective range for the HE-FRAG round is 4,000m. Muzzle velocity is 250m/s. 22 HE-FRAG rounds can be carried in the automatic loader, total ammunition load being 40 rounds. Rate of fire is ten rounds a minute.

"The BMP-3F
can endure continuous amphibious operation for seven hours."The gun fires the 3UBK10 anti-tank guided missile round, which consists of the 9M117 laser beamriding missile and container. This missile is used in the Bastion missile system (Nato designation AT-10 Stabber). It can engage tanks with explosive reactive armour as well as slow, low-flying targets such as helicopters.

Range is 100m to 4,000m. Hit probability is given as at least 0.8 with armour penetration of 600mm. Ammunition load is eight rounds.

Armament also includes a 30mm 2A72 automatic gun, stabilised in two axes, which fires 3UOR-6 and 3UOR-8 rounds. Ammunition load is 500 AP (Armour-Piercing) or HE-FRAG rounds. Rate of fire is more than 300 rounds a minute and range is 1,500m to 2,000m. There is also one 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun and two 7.62 bow machine guns.

Self-protection

The BMP-3 can be fitted with the Arena defensive aids suite, developed by KBM Kolumna. The system consists of target detection and tracking radar, computer and processing unit and protective ammunition.

The system is automatic: the radar passes tracking data to the computer, which selects the number of ammunition rounds and controls firing. The selected ammunition is then expelled as a directed field. The vehicle can also be fitted with the Shtora defensive aids system which counters anti-tank guided weapons with SACLOS (semi-automatic command to line-of-sight).

The hull and turret are constructed from aluminium alloy armour. Protection also includes steel external straps fitted on the turret, side armour displacement panels and a double-bottom at the front of the vehicle.

NBC equipment includes a filter ventilation unit as well as hermetic sealing. This system is located in the rear of the vehicle, as is the ejection cooling system which, coupled with the reduced length of the gas ventilation system exhaust, serves to reduce the tank's thermal signature.

Fire control and observation

The fire control system is automatic with manual override for both gunner and commander. It includes a 1V539 ballistic computer, 2E52 electro-mechanical armament stabiliser and 1D16 laser rangefinder. The gunner has a 1K13-2 main sight, a combined image-intensified day / night sight and PPD-1 standby day sight. The commander has a 1PZ-10 day sight and TKN-3 combined day and image-intensified night sight.

"The main
BMP-3 armament is a 100mm 2A70 semi-automatic rifled gun / missile launcher."The French company SAGEM, with Kurganmashzavod and Peleng of Belarus, have developed the Namut thermal sight for the BMP-3.

This sight is based on the SAGEM Athos eight – 12 micron three field of view thermal imager and is fitted to the BMP-3 ICVs delivered to the United Arab Emirates.

Propulsion

The engine is the V-shaped UTD-29 diesel engine, which produces 500hp.

The transversal mount of the engine enables the wheel drive, cardan shaft for the waterjet drives and electric bilge pump to be located underneath. Transmission is hydromechanical with a hydrostatic gearbox for the steering gear and power take-off for the water jets.

The BMP-3 vehicle weighs 18.7t and is capable of a maximum speed of 70km/h and range of 600km on roads.

---------- Post added at 03:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:50 PM ----------

The Bradley fighting vehicle system is manufactured by BAE Systems Land & Armaments (formerly United Defence) and includes the M2 infantry fighting vehicle and the M3 cavalry fighting vehicle. It is in service with the armies of the USA and Saudi Arabia. Since 1981, 6,720 vehicles of both types have been fielded.

The role of the M2 infantry fighting vehicle is to transport infantry on the battlefield, to provide fire cover to dismounted troops and to suppress enemy tanks and fighting vehicles. The M2 carries three crew, commander, gunner and driver, plus six fully equipped infantry men.

The M3 performs scout missions and carries three crew plus two scouts.

M2A3 / M3A3 upgrade programme

The US Army A3 Bradley upgrade programme includes improvements based on operational experience in the Gulf War. The first low-rate initial production M2A3 / M3A3 Bradley was delivered in November 1998 and entered service in April 2000. The system was approved for full-rate production in May 2001.

"The Bradley vehicle system includes the M2 infantry-fighting and the M3 cavalry-fighting vehicles."Over 620 vehicles have so far been upgraded. The upgrade of a further 120 vehicles (80 M2A3, 29 M3A3 and 11 A3 BFIST fire support) was ordered in February 2005. In June 2005, a contract for the upgrade of an additional 450 vehicles to A3 standard was placed.

In August 2006, a follow on contract was awarded for 96 vehicles (57 M2A3, 16 A3 BFIST and 22 A2 ODS BFIST) and, in November 2006, for 610 vehicles (490 A3 and 120 A2ODS). In July 2007 a further 172 vehicles (108 A2, 60 A3, four BFIST) were contracted. The US Army's requirement is for 2,545 upgraded Bradley A3 vehicles.

The upgrade includes the improved Bradley acquisition system (IBAS) for the TOW missile from DRS Technologies and commander's independent thermal viewer (CITV), from Raytheon which use second generation thermal imagers derived from the US Army's horizontal technology initiative (HTI). The imagers are based on a 480×4 scanning infrared focal plane array.

The IBAS also has day TV and direct view optics, automatic dual target tracking, eyesafe laser rangefinder and two-axis stabilised head mirror. The thermal imaging DRS Technologies driver's vision enhancer (DVE), AN\VAS-5, uses a 320×240 uncooled ferroelectric scanning array. A combat identification system is being installed. The electronics system includes a databus with central processors and digital information displays for commander, driver and squad leader.

Bradley urban survivability kit (BUSK)

Under a contract awarded in January 2008, BAE Systems is supplying 952 Bradley urban survivability kits (BUSK). BUSK includes: high-powered, hand-held directional spotlight, sight protection for the turret external optics consisting of a mesh encased in a steel frame and a lightweight, non-conductive 'dome tent' structure to protect turret and crew from low-hanging electrical power lines. The work is expected to be completed by December 2010.

A commander's light automatic weapon (CLAW) – a 5.56mm light machine gun integrated with the A3 fire control system and fired under armour – is under development for the BUSK as well as additional armour to counter the effects of mines and improvised explosive devices (IED). Syracuse Research Corporation is supplying CREW-2 electronic warfare systems for 1691 Bradley vehicles. CREW-2 is designed to jam remotely controlled IEDs to prevent the detonation of roadside bombs.

Under contracts placed in October 2008, BUSK will also include fire detection / suppression systems and advanced survivability seats.

FBCB2

In June 2004, DRS Technologies was awarded a contract to provide systems including rugged appliqué computers for the M2A3 Bradley and M1A2 Abrams tanks as part of the US Army's Force XXI battle command, brigade and below (FBCB2) programme.

"Over 620 vehicles have been upgraded."FBCB2 is a digital battle command information system which provides enhanced interoperability and situation awareness from brigade to individual soldier that will be used in conjunction with the Army's tactical internet.

Fire control and observation

The gunner is equipped with a Raytheon integrated sight unit (ISU) which includes a day / thermal sight of magnification ×4 and ×12. An optical relay provides the image of the gunner's sight to the commander. The gunner also has periscopes for forward and side observation. A daytime sight system for the gunner or commander is provided as backup to the primary sight.

The driver is equipped with three forward periscopes plus one periscope to the left. The central periscope can be replaced with the Northrop Grumman (formerly Litton) AN/VVS-2 driver's night viewer with a 25mm second-generation image intensifier. Upgraded M2 Bradleys are equipped with the DRS Technologies driver’s vision enhancer (DVE).

Armament

The main armament is a ATK Ammunition Systems (formerly Boeing Ordnance) 25mm M242 Bushmaster chain gun. The M242 has a single barrel with an integrated dual feed mechanism and remote feed selection. The gunner can select single or multiple shot mode. The standard rate of fire is 200 rounds a minute but the gun is optionally converted to 500 rounds a minute. An M240C 7.62mm machine gun is mounted coaxially to right of the Bushmaster.

The M2 Bradley is equipped with the Raytheon TOW BGM-71 anti-tank missile system. The twin-tube TOW launcher is mounted on the left of the turret. The target is tracked using an optical sight, which detects the infrared signal from the back of the missile in flight. A double-wire command link between the missile and the gunner is dispensed from two spools at the back of the missile. The launcher sends flight correction data to the guidance system on the missile via the command link. The range of the TOW missile is 3.75km.

Self-protection

The Bradley is equipped with two M257 smoke grenade dischargers, each loaded with four smoke grenades. It is also fitted with an engine smoke-generating system.

The hull of the M2 is constructed of welded aluminium and spaced laminate armour. In addition, the M2A2 / M3A2 Bradleys have appliqué steel armour with provision for additional passive armour or explosive reactive armour (ERA). General Dynamics Armament and Technical products has developed an enhanced-capability reactive armour package for the Bradley. 150 sets have been delivered and a follow-on contract for 168 sets was placed in July 2005.

"The Bradley is equipped with two M257 smoke grenade dischargers, each loaded with four smoke grenades."Rafael Armament Development Authority, Ordnance Systems, of Haifa, Israel, is sharing 50% of the production.

The ERA consists of 96 tiles fixed to the sides, turret and front of the vehicle, which enhance protection against a variety of anti-armour munitions including shoulder-launched rocket propelled grenades (RPG).

In September 2008, BAE Systems was awarded a contract to install improvised explosive device (IED) mine armour on 433 Bradley M2/M3 vehicles. Deliveries are scheduled from December 2008 to March 2009.

Propulsion

The Bradley is equipped with a VTA-903T engine from Cummins Engine Co of Colombus, Indiana. The hydromechanical transmission HMPT-500 from Combat Propulsion Systems, a Division of L-3 Communications, provides three speed ranges. The engines provide a maximum speed of 66km/h.

All Bradleys are amphibious. Earlier models are equipped with a water barrier, which is fitted by the crew before entering the water. A3 models have an inflatable pontoon which fits on the front and sides of the vehicle. Water propulsion is provided by tracks and the Bradley can attain a maximum speed of 7.2km/h in water.

---------- Post added at 03:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:51 PM ----------

The BTR-80 8x8 armoured personnel carrier, manufactured by the Arzamas machinery Construction Plant of Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, is intended to carry personnel on the battlefield and provide close fire support. It can also carry out reconnaissance, combat support and patrol missions.

It entered service with the Russian Army in the late 1980s and has since been used in a number of military conflicts, including UN peacekeeping operations.

The vehicle is in production and the Russian Army ordered 100 in 2006. The vehicle is also in service with the Ukraine and has been sold to Hungary, Turkey, Macedonia and Bangladesh.

"The fully amphibious BTR-80 is equipped to carry ten personnel."BTR-80 variants and developments

The following vehicles have also been developed from the basic BTR-80 armoured personnel carrier: BREM-K armoured recovery and repair vehicle; BMM armoured ambulance vehicle; RkhM-4-01 radiation and chemical reconnaissance vehicle; and 2S23 Nona SVK 120mm self-propelled gun, in service with the Russian Army since 1990.

An enlarged version, the BTR-90 with improved armour protection, has been developed. The BTR-90 has a 30mm 2A42 automatic cannon and is capable of mounting a launcher for the Konkurs anti-tank missile system. BTR-90 entered production in May 2008.

In July 2005, Bumar, a Polish company, was awarded a contract by the Iraqi Ministry of Defence for 98 reconditioned, ex-Hungarian Army BTR-80 APCs. The first three vehicles, which were newly built by Nikolayev of Ukraine, were delivered in September 2006. Delivery of the reconditioned vehicles will begin in 2007.

Bangladesh ordered a further 60 BTR-80 APC vehicles for use in UN peacekeeping missions. Deliveries completed in April 2006.

Fully amphibious design

The fully amphibious BTR-80 is equipped to carry ten personnel: commander, driver/mechanic, gunner and seven troops. There are seven ball-swivel firing ports in the vehicle hull, four on the right and three on the left side of the vehicle, as well as ports in the upper hatches of the firing compartment. The hatches have armoured doors and are situated on both sides of the vehicle.

The BTR-80 is fitted with NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection system, automatic firefighting system, camouflage devices, bilge pumps and a self-recovery winch.

Armament

BTR-80 personnel carrier has a BPU-1 turret machine gun mount, which houses 14.5mm KPTV and 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine guns.

"BTR-80 is capable of a speed of 80km/h on paved road and 9km/h when afloat."The 14mm gun has a full 360° traverse with an elevation of 60° for improved effectiveness in air defence. The range of this gun is 2km. The range of the 7.62mm gun is 1.5km.

Ammunition load for the KPVT machine gun is 500 rounds, with 2,000 rounds for the PKT machine gun.

There are six smoke grenade dischargers, three fitted either side of the main gun.

Propulsion

The vehicle is powered by a 7,403 four-stroke, eight cylinder liquid cooled diesel engine, which provides 260hp. It is capable of a maximum speed of 80km/h on paved road and 9km/h when afloat. Fuel endurance range is 600km on roads.

BTR-80K commander APC

The BTR-80K is intended to enable the infantry battalion commander to command sub-units and maintain communications with headquarters. It is based on the BTR-80, with the same 14.5mm and 7.62mm machine guns, but has a number of extra systems necessary for this mission.

These include: two VHF-173 radio sets, antenna device set for UHF antenna, IFF automatic interrogator, TNA-4 navigational aid, PAB- 2M artillery periscope aiming ring, TNP-165A night vision sight and TSh-4 interphone headsets with GVSh-T-13 head and chest set.

"BTR-80 has a BPU-1 turret machine gun mount, which houses 14.5mm KPTV and 7.62mm PKT machine guns."BTR-80A/80S

On the BTR-80A (in service since 1994) and BTR-80S, the standard BTR-80 turret is replaced with a modular armaments system. The BTR-80A is fitted with a 30mm 2A72 automatic gun and 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun.

The 30mm gun has a maximum firing rate of 330 rounds a minute and can fire AP-T (armour piercing - tracer), HEF-I (high-explosive fragmentation - incendiary) and HE-T (high-explosive - tracer) rounds.

The BTR-80S is equipped with 14mm KPVT machine gun and 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun. For both these modifications, the armament system can be altered to fit customer requirements. The armament sighting system is manual. The fire control system includes a dual magnification day sight and x5.5 night sight.