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BMD-3 Airborne Infantry Fighting Vehicle

The BMD-3, which rectifies many of the faults of the BMD-1 and BMD-2 AIFVs, is more rugged (and heavier) than previous BMDs and can be airdropped with its crew in the vehicle. The IL-76M can carry 3 BMD-3s ready for airdrop. All BMDs have an adjustable suspension to raise or lower the vehicle's height and cushion it better for airdrop. The BMD-3 features an entirely new chassis fitted with the two-man turret of the BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle. While retaining the boat-shaped hull of the earlier vehicles, the BMD-3 has improved amphibious capability and a significant increase in firepower. And unlike its predecessors, the BMD-3 can be airdropped with its complement of of seven men inside the vehicle, enhancing the element of surprise associated with airborne operations. Previously the crew of other vehicles would be dropped separately, requring additional time to marry up with their fighting vehicle. The all-welded construction of the BMD-3 provides the crew with protection from small arms fire and shell splinters.

The crew consists of commander, gunner, driver, and four infantrymen, with the commander normally dismounting with the squad. Three additional infantrymen may be carried in an emergency in the rear.

The two-man power operated turret is armed with a 30-mm 2A42 dual feed cannon and a 7.62-mm PKT machine-gun mounted coaxially to the right. The roof-mounted ATGM launcher can fire either the AT-4 SPIGOT or AT-5 SPANDREL. The bow-mounted AG-17 30-mm automatic grenade launcher and 5.45-mm RPKS machine-gun are operated by the infantrymen seated in the front of the BMD-3. The automatic grenade launcher has 290 ready rounds and 261 in the rack. The ATGM launcher has 3 ready rounds (one on the launcher), and two stowed. The Russian SANOET-1 thermal gunner's sight is available. Thermal sights are available for the ATGM launcher. The Russian Trakt/1PN65 thermal imaging ATGM night sight is optional. Acquisition range is 2,500 m (NFI). For the ATGM launcher in dismount configuration, the Russian Mulat/1PN86 lightweight thermal ATGM night sight has 3,600 m detection range and 2,000 m identification range. French-German Flame-V adapter kit permits the BMD-3 to launch Milan, Milan-2 and Milan-3 ATGMs. Russian KBP offers a drop-in one-man turret, called Kliver, with a stabilized 2A72 30-mm gun, a 4 Kornet ATGM launcher, thermal sights, a coaxial 7.62-mm MG and improved fire control system.

The BMD-3 is powered by a rear-mounted 2V-06 water-cooled diesel which provides a high power-to-weight ratio of 34 hp/ton. The hydroneumatic suspension has variable height control. Propelled by two water jets at the rear of the vehicle, the BMD-3 is fully amphibious. A French SNPE explosive reactive armor (ERA) kit and others are available for use on the BMD-3. However, during dismounted troop movement, ERA would be a hazard. Thus, passive armor is more likely and ERA application is doubtful. For amphibious use, additional armor application is unlikely. Other options are spall liners, air conditioning, and a more powerful engine.

Specifications

Alternative Designations N/A
Date of Introduction 1992
Proliferation At least 1 country
Description
Crew 3
Troop Capacity 4 (+3) passengers
Combat Weight (mt) 12.9
Length Overall (m) 6.00
Height Overall (m) 2.25
Width Overall (m) 3.13
Ground Pressure (kg/cm 2 ) 0.32 (wide track) / .48 (standard track)
Automotive Performance
Engine Type 450-hp Diesel
Cruising Range (km) 500
Speed (km/h)
Max Road 70
Max Off-Road 45
Average Cross-Country INA
Max Swim 10
Fording Depth (m) Amphibious
Radio R-173
Protection
Armor, Turret Front (mm) "Antibullet" (7.62)
Applique Armor (mm) N/A
Explosive Reactive Armor (mm) Available
Active Protective System N/A
Mineclearing Equipment KMT-8 plow or -10 roller
Self-Entrenching Blade N/A
NBC Protection System Collective
Smoke Equipment Smoke grenade launchers, 3 x each side of turret Vehicle engine exhaust smoke system (VEESS)
ARMAMENT
Main Armament
Caliber, Type, Name 30-mm automatic gun, 2A42
Rate of Fire (rd/min) 550 cyclic in bursts/ 200-300 practical
Loader Type Dual-belt feed
Ready/Stowed Rounds 500/ 360
Elevation (°) -5 to +74
Fire on Move Yes
Auxiliary Weapons
Caliber, Type, Name 30-mm automatic grenade launcher, AG-17
Mount Type Bow left side
Maximum Aimed Range (m) 1,700
Max Effective Range (m)
Day 1,200
Night N/A
Fire on Move Yes
Rate of Fire (rd/min) 60-100 practical in short (< 5 rds) or long (6-10 rd) bursts.
Caliber, Type, Name 7.62-mm (7.62 x 54R) machinegun, PKT
Mount Type Turret coax
Maximum Aimed Range (m) 2,000
Max Effective Range (m)
Day 1,000
Night 1,000
Fire on Move Yes
Rate of Fire (rd/min) 250 practical / 650 cyclic, 2-10 round bursts
Caliber, Type, Name 5.45-mm light machinegun, RPK-74
Mount Type Bow right side
Maximum Aimed Range (m) 1,000
Max Effective Range (m)
Day 800
Night INA
Fire on Move Yes
Rate of Fire (rd/min) 150 automatic/ 50 semiautomatic
ATGM Launcher
Name 9P135
Launch Method Tube-launched
Guidance SACLOS
Command Link Wire
Launcher Dismountable Yes
FIRE CONTROL
FCS Name INA
Main Gun Stabilization 2-plane
Rangefinder Laser
Infrared Searchlight Yes
Sights w/Magnification
Gunner
Day BPK-2-42
Field of View (°) 8
Acquisition Range (m) INA
Night BPK-2-42 II/IR
Field of View (°) INA
Acquisition Range (m) INA
Commander Fire Main Gun No
MAIN ARMAMENT AMMUNITION
Caliber, Type, Name30-mm AP-T
Maximum Aimed Range (m) 2,500
Max Effective Range (m)
Day 1,500
Night INA
Tactical AA Range 4,000
Armor Penetration (mm) 18 (RHA) at 1,500m
30-mm APDS
Maximum Aimed Range (m) 2,500
Max Effective Range (m)
Day 2,000
Night INA
Tactical AA Range 4,000
Armor Penetration (mm) 25 (RHA) at 1,500m
30-mm APFSDS-T M929
Maximum Aimed Range (m) 2,500
Max Effective Range (m)
Day 2,000+
Night INA
Tactical AA Range 4,000
Armor penetration (mm) 55 (RHA) at 1,000m, 45 at 2,000m
30-mm Frag-HE
Maximum Aimed Range (m) 4,000
Max Effective Range (m)
Day 4,000
Night INA
Tactical AA Range 4,000
Armor Penetration (mm) INA
Other Ammunition Types 30-mm HEI-T
Antitank Guided Missiles
Name AT-5B/Konkurs-M
Warhead Type Tandem shaped charge (HEAT)
Armor Penetration (mm) 925 (RHA)
Range (m) 4,000
Name AT-5/Spandrel
Warhead Type Shaped charge (HEAT)
Armor Penetration (mm) 650 (RHA)
Range (m) 4,000

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Maintained by Robert Sherman
Originally created by John Pike
Updated Saturday, June 19, 1999 6:37:33 AM