Combat vehicles / Infantry fighting vehicles / BMP-1
BMP-1
General Facts
- TYPE
Mechanized infantry combat vehicle - ORIGIN
USSR - NICKNAMES
BVP-1 (Czechoslovak designation)
BWP-1 (Polish designation)
Object 765 (production codename)
M1970 (NATO designation for BMP-1)
M1975 (NATO designation for PRP-3)
M1976/2 (NATO designation for BRM-1K)
Korshun (North Korean designation)
Type 86 (Chinese service
WZ501 (Chinese factor - DESIGNED
1961 - 1965 - DESIGNER
KMZ - PRODUCTION
1963 - 1979 (BMP-1)
1979 - 1983 (BMP-1P) - PRODUCERS USSR
Foreign production:
China
Czechoslovakia
India
Poland - QUANTITY
Over 20.000 vehicles, including derivatives - UNIT COST
Unknown - CHARACTERISTICS
Good firepower
Good mobility
Limited effective range of armament
Average armor
Introduction
The BMP-1 is a mechanized infantry combat vehicle of Russian origin. It was the world's first mass produced infantry carrier which was to fight side by side with the infantry it carried and tanks it supported. The BMP-1 was one of the most significant Soviet weapon systems during the Cold War and spurred the development of the German Marder and US Bradley.
Layout
The BMP-1 has the engine and drive train mounted at the front, with the driver at the left of the engine. The commander is seated behind the driver and is separated from the gunner and infantry. The one man turret is fitted in the middle of the vehicle and the troop compartment is at the rear. The eight infantrymen are seated with the backs against each other and may enter via four large roof hatches or the two rear doors.
Firepower
The main armament is the 73mm 2A28 Grom low pressure cannon connected to an autoloader. The maximum range is 1.3 km, but the effective range is much less. A 7.62mm PKT machinegun is mounted as a coaxial weapon. Over the main gun a launch rail is mounted for the 9M14 Malyutka (AT-3 Sagger) guided anti tank missile. Firing ports are fitted in the sides and left rear door.
Protection
The BMP-1 is protected against 12.7mm rounds over the frontal arc. The rear and sides provide protection from small arms fire and shell splinters. Some BMP's have been fitted with add-on armor. An NBC system is fitted and a smoke screen can be created by injecting fuel in the exhaust. Upgraded vehicles have been fitted with smoke grenade dischargers at the rear of the turret.
Mobility
The tracked chassis provides the BMP-1 with a good cross country performance. A 300hp diesel engine provides propulsion. The BMP-1 is fully amphibious by raising the trim vane and is propelled in the water by its tracks.
Users
The BMP-1 is the most widely produced mechanized infantry fighting vehicle in the world. Even though it was supplemented by the more capable BMP-2, the BMP-1 remained the most numerous Soviet infantry fighting vehicle during the entire Cold War. Many BMP-1's were exported to Soviet allies and it was used during various conflicts, such as those in the Middle East.
BMP-1
Of all variants the original BMP-1 is by far the most produced version. The BMP-1 was produced in three batches designated M1966, M1970 and M1976 by NATO. The second model has an improved and longer nose section and the third model has stabilized armament, improved ammunition and disposed of the autoloader. The BMP-1K models are commander models and come in platoon, company and battalion versions. The BMP-1D is a special assault variant that was developed for use in Afghanistan. The D stands for desantnaya, Russian for assault. The main improvement is the additional turret armor, belly armor against mines, appliqué side armor and armored skirts. Due to the added weight the BMP-1D is no longer amphibious. Some BMP-1D's have been fitted with smoke grenade dischargers and/or an AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher.
| Type | Mechanized infantry combat vehicle |
|---|---|
| Crew | 3 + 8 (commander, driver, gunner, 8 infantry) |
| Length | 6.74 m |
| Width | 2.94 m |
| Height | 2.15 m (overall) |
| Ground clearance | 0.39 m |
| Weight | 13.2 t combat load |
| Ground pressure | 0.60 kg/cm2 |
| Wheelbase | Tracked chassis, 6 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear, 3.60 m length, 0.30 m width, 2.55 m track |
| Turn radius | ? |
| Engine | UTD-20 V6 diesel, 300 hp at 2.600 rpm |
| Power ratio | 22.7 hp/t |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse |
| Speed | 65 km/h on road, 45 km/h off road, 7 km/h in water |
| Fuel | 460 L |
| Range | 600 km |
| Wall | 0.8 m |
| Trench | 2.5 m |
| Gradient | 60% gradient, 30% slope |
| Fording | Amphibious |
| Armor | Steel, 5 to 33 mm |
| NBC equipment | Yes |
| Night vision | Yes |
|---|---|
| Smoke | exhaust diesel injection |
| Remarks | - |
| Armament | 73mm 2A28 cannon 7.62mm PKT machine gun AT-3 anti-tank missile |
| Weapon1 | 73mm 2A28 Grom low pressure cannon 40 rounds -4 to +33° elevation, powered 360° traverse, powered non-stabilized |
| Weapon2 | 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun 2.000 rounds traverse and elevation as main armament non-stabilized |
| Weapon3 | AT-3 missile launcher on main gun 5 missiles, 1 ready to fire |
| Weapon4 | - |
| Weapon5 | - |
| Weapon6 | - |
| Type | Mechanized infantry combat vehicle |
|---|---|
| Crew | 3 + 8 (commander, driver, gunner, 8 infantry) |
| Length | 6.74 m |
| Width | ? |
| Height | 2.15 m (overall) |
| Ground clearance | 0.39 m |
| Weight | 14.5 t combat load |
| Ground pressure | 0.66 kg/cm2 |
| Wheelbase | Tracked chassis, 6 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear, 3.60 m length, 0.30 m width, 2.55 m track |
| Turn radius | ? |
| Engine | UTD-20 V6 diesel, 300 hp at 2.600 rpm |
| Power ratio | 20.7 hp/t |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse |
| Speed | 65 km/h on road, 45 km/h off road, 7 km/h in water |
| Fuel | 460 L |
| Range | 550 km |
| Wall | 0.8 m |
| Trench | 2.5 m |
| Gradient | 60% gradient, 30% slope |
| Fording | 1 m |
| Armor | Steel and applique |
| NBC equipment | Yes |
| Night vision | Yes |
|---|---|
| Smoke | exhaust diesel injection |
| Remarks | - |
| Armament | 73mm 2A28 cannon 7.62mm PKT machine gun |
| Weapon1 | 73mm 2A28 Grom low pressure cannon 40 rounds -4 to +33° elevation, powered 360° traverse, powered non-stabilized |
| Weapon2 | 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun 2.000 rounds traverse and elevation as main armament non-stabilized |
| Weapon3 | - |
| Weapon4 | - |
| Weapon5 | - |
| Weapon6 | - |
BMP-1P
The BMP-1P is an interim production vehicle and is designated M1981 by NATO. The main improvement is the removal of the AT-3 Sagger launch rail and its controls in the turret and the addition of a pedestal mounted 9P135 launcher on the turret roof, which is able to fire both AT-4 Spigot and AT-5 Spandrel missiles. The BMP-1PG adds a AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher to the left side of the roof.
| Type | Mechanized infantry combat vehicle |
|---|---|
| Crew | 3 + 8 (commander, driver, gunner, 8 infantry) |
| Length | 6.74 m |
| Width | 2.94 m |
| Height | ? |
| Ground clearance | 0.39 m |
| Weight | 13.4 t combat load |
| Ground pressure | 0.61 kg/cm2 |
| Wheelbase | Tracked chassis, 6 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear, 3.60 m length, 0.30 m width, 2.55 m track |
| Turn radius | ? |
| Engine | UTD-20 V6 diesel, 300 hp at 2.600 rpm |
| Power ratio | 22.4 hp/t |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse |
| Speed | 65 km/h on road, 45 km/h off road, 7 km/h in water |
| Fuel | 460 L |
| Range | 600 km |
| Wall | 0.8 m |
| Trench | 2.5 m |
| Gradient | 60% gradient, 30% slope |
| Fording | Amphibious |
| Armor | Steel, 5 to 33 mm |
| NBC equipment | Yes |
| Night vision | Yes |
|---|---|
| Smoke | smoke grenade dischargers, exhaust diesel injection |
| Remarks | - |
| Armament | 73mm 2A28 cannon 7.62mm PKT machine gun AT-5 anti-tank missile |
| Weapon1 | 73mm 2A28 Grom low pressure cannon 40 rounds -4 to +33° elevation, powered 360° traverse, powered non-stabilized |
| Weapon2 | 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun 2.000 rounds traverse and elevation as main armament non-stabilized |
| Weapon3 | AT-5 missile launcher on turret roof 4 missiles, 1 ready to fire manual traverse and elevation non-stabilized |
| Weapon4 | - |
| Weapon5 | - |
| Weapon6 | - |
| Type | Mechanized infantry combat vehicle |
|---|---|
| Crew | 3 + 8 (commander, driver, gunner, 8 infantry) |
| Length | 6.74 m |
| Width | 2.94 m |
| Height | ? |
| Ground clearance | 0.39 m |
| Weight | 13.5 t combat load |
| Ground pressure | 0.61 kg/cm2 |
| Wheelbase | Tracked chassis, 6 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear, 3.60 m length, 0.30 m width, 2.55 m track |
| Turn radius | ? |
| Engine | UTD-20 V6 diesel, 300 hp at 2.600 rpm |
| Power ratio | 22.2 hp/t |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse |
| Speed | 65 km/h on road, 45 km/h off road, 7 km/h in water |
| Fuel | 460 L |
| Range | 600 km |
| Wall | 0.8 m |
| Trench | 2.5 m |
| Gradient | 60% gradient, 30% slope |
| Fording | Amphibious |
| Armor | Steel, 5 to 33 mm |
| NBC equipment | Yes |
| Night vision | Yes |
|---|---|
| Smoke | smoke grenade dischargers, exhaust diesel injection |
| Remarks | - |
| Armament | 73mm 2A28 cannon 7.62mm PKT machine gun 30mm AGS-17 grenade launcher AT-5 anti-tank missile |
| Weapon1 | 73mm 2A28 Grom low pressure cannon 40 rounds -4 to +33° elevation, powered 360° traverse, powered non-stabilized |
| Weapon2 | 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun 2.000 rounds traverse and elevation as main armament non-stabilized |
| Weapon3 | 30mm AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher on roof 290 rounds, 30 ready to fire manual traverse and elevation non-stabilized |
| Weapon4 | AT-5 missile launcher on turret roof 4 missiles, 1 ready to fire manual traverse and elevation non-stabilized |
| Weapon5 | - |
| Weapon6 | - |
BRM-1K
The BRM-1K is a dedicated reconnaissance version of the BMP-1. The BRM-1K is designed as a more advanced platform than vehicles such as the BRDM-2. It is fitted with a variety of reconnaissance and command and control equipment, including various optics, a laser range finder, NBC detection suite, ground surveillance radar and long range communications. The commander is not seated behind the driver but in the larger two man turret, which is usually not fitted with a missile launcher.
- Specifications:
- BRM-1K
| Type | Reconnaissance vehicle |
|---|---|
| Crew | 6 (commander, gunner, driver, 3 scouts) |
| Length | 6.76 m |
| Width | 2.94 m |
| Height | 1.92 m (turret roof) |
| Ground clearance | 0.37 m |
| Weight | 13.3 t combat load |
| Ground pressure | 0.60 kg/cm2 |
| Wheelbase | Tracked chassis, 6 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear, 3.60 m length, 0.30 m width, 2.55 m track |
| Turn radius | ? |
| Engine | UTD-20 V6 diesel, 300 hp at 2.600 rpm |
| Power ratio | 22.6 hp/t |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse |
| Speed | 65 km/h on road, 45 km/h off road, 7 km/h in water |
| Fuel | 462 L |
| Range | 575 km |
| Wall | 0.7 m |
| Trench | 2.5 m |
| Gradient | 60% gradient, 30% slope |
| Fording | Amphibious |
| Armor | Steel |
| NBC equipment | Yes |
| Night vision | Yes |
|---|---|
| Smoke | exhaust diesel injection |
| Remarks | IRL-331-1 / PSNR-5K (Tall Mike) radar |
| Armament | 73mm 2A28 cannon 7.62mm PKT machine gun |
| Weapon1 | 73mm 2A28 Grom low pressure cannon |
| Weapon2 | 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun 2.000 rounds traverse and elevation as main armament non-stabilized |
| Weapon3 | - |
| Weapon4 | - |
| Weapon5 | - |
| Weapon6 | - |
PRP
The PRP-3 Val is an artillery reconnaissance vehicle based on the BMP-1 chassis. PRP stands for podvizhnoy razvedyvatelniy punkt, Russian for mobile reconnaissance post. It is fitted with a two man turret that is armed only with a 7.62mm PKT machine gun. Among the specialized equipment are an artillery radar, various optical systems, an illumination mortar and a laser range finder. The PRP-4 Nard is an improved model of the PRP-3 and is fitted with newer equipment and better radar. The PRP-4M Deyteriy and PRP-4MU are subsequently improved models.
| Type | Reconnaissance vehicle |
|---|---|
| Crew | 5 (commander, gunner, driver, 2 scouts) |
| Length | 6.76 m |
| Width | 2.94 m |
| Height | ? |
| Ground clearance | 0.39 m |
| Weight | ? |
| Ground pressure | ? |
| Wheelbase | Tracked chassis, 6 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear, 3.60 m length, 0.30 m width, 2.55 m track |
| Turn radius | ? |
| Engine | UTD-20 V6 diesel, 300 hp at 2.600 rpm |
| Power ratio | ? |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse |
| Speed | 65 km/h on road, 45 km/h off road, 7 km/h in water |
| Fuel | 460 L |
| Range | 600 km |
| Wall | 0.8 m |
| Trench | 2.5 m |
| Gradient | 60% gradient, 30% slope |
| Fording | Amphibious |
| Armor | Steel |
| NBC equipment | Yes |
| Night vision | Yes |
|---|---|
| Smoke | exhaust diesel injection |
| Remarks | Small Fred radar, 90mm 2P130 illumination launcher, 1D6M1 laser range finder |
| Armament | 7.62mm PKT machine gun |
| Weapon1 | 7.62mm PKT machine gun in turret 2.000 rounds non-stabilized |
| Weapon2 | - |
| Weapon3 | - |
| Weapon4 | - |
| Weapon5 | - |
| Weapon6 | - |
| Type | Reconnaissance vehicle |
|---|---|
| Crew | 5 (commander, gunner, driver, 2 scouts) |
| Length | 6.74 m |
| Width | 2.94 m |
| Height | 2.15 m |
| Ground clearance | 0.37 m |
| Weight | 13.2 t combat load |
| Ground pressure | 0.60 kg/cm2 |
| Wheelbase | Tracked chassis, 6 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear, 3.60 m length, 0.30 m width, 2.55 m track |
| Turn radius | ? |
| Engine | UTD-20 V6 diesel, 300 hp at 2.600 rpm |
| Power ratio | 22.7 hp/t |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse |
| Speed | 65 km/h on road, 45 km/h off road, 7 km/h in water |
| Fuel | 460 L |
| Range | 600 km |
| Wall | 0.8 m |
| Trench | 2.5 m |
| Gradient | 60% gradient, 30% slope |
| Fording | Amphibious |
| Armor | Steel |
| NBC equipment | Yes |
| Night vision | Yes |
|---|---|
| Smoke | exhaust diesel injection |
| Remarks | IRL-331-1 / PSNR-5K (Tall Mike) radar, 1D11 or 1D14 laser range finder, 1 PN61 or 1PN71 thermal imager |
| Armament | 7.62mm PKT machine gun |
| Weapon1 | 7.62mm PKT machine gun in turret 2.000 rounds non-stabilized |
| Weapon2 | - |
| Weapon3 | - |
| Weapon4 | - |
| Weapon5 | - |
| Weapon6 | - |
BREM-2
The BREM-2 is an armored recovery vehicle based on the BMP-1 chassis. BREM stands for bronirovannaya remonto-evakuatsionnaya mashina, Russian for armored maintenance and recovery vehicle. The BREM-2 has not turret and is fitted with a light crane, winch and dozer blade. A 7.62mm PK machine gun can be fitted for self-defense.
- Specifications:
- BREM-2
| Type | Armored recovery vehicle |
|---|---|
| Crew | 4 |
| Length | 6.74 m |
| Width | 2.94 m |
| Height | ? |
| Ground clearance | 0.39 m |
| Weight | 14 t |
| Ground pressure | 0.63 kg/cm2 |
| Wheelbase | Tracked chassis, 6 roadwheels, drive sprocket front, idler rear, 3.60 m length, 0.30 m width, 2.55 m track |
| Turn radius | ? |
| Engine | UTD-20 V6 diesel, 300 hp at 2.600 rpm |
| Power ratio | 21.4 hp/t |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse |
| Speed | 65 km/h on road, 45 km/h off road, 7 km/h in water |
| Fuel | 460 L |
| Range | 600 km |
| Wall | 0.8 m |
| Trench | 2.5 m |
| Gradient | 60% gradient, 30% slope |
| Fording | Amphibious |
| Armor | Steel |
| NBC equipment | Yes |
| Night vision | Yes |
|---|---|
| Smoke | exhaust diesel injection |
| Remarks | dozer blade, crane, winch, welding and repair equipment |
| Armament | - |
| Weapon1 | - |
| Weapon2 | - |
| Weapon3 | - |
| Weapon4 | - |
| Weapon5 | - |
| Weapon6 | - |
7.62mm PKT
The 7.62mm PKT is used as coaxial machine gun alongside the 73mm low pressure cannon.
9M113 missile
The 9M113 (AT-5) is the primary anti-tank missile used on the roof mounted launcher on the improved BMP-1P.
9M111 missile
The 9M111 (AT-4) is the alternative anti-tank missile used on the roof mounted launcher on the BMP-1P.