BTR K-17 Bumerang
BTR K-17 Bumerang: Infantry Fighting Vehicle
Statistics
Main Gun: 2A72 30mm Autocannon
Ammunition Stowage: 500 ready/0 stowed
Default Ammunition: 160/0 3UBR8 APBC-T (KE), 340/0 OT HEI-T SD (HE)
ATGM: AT-14 'Spriggan' (Kornet-EM)
Ammunition Stowage: 4 ready/0 stowed
Default Ammunition: 4/0 AT-14 Kornet-EM
Coaxial Machine Gun: PKT
Ammunition Stowage: 2000 ready/0 stowed 7.62mm AP (RU)
Default Ammunition: 2000/0 7.62mm AP (RU)
Grenade Dischargers: 24x81mm 902V "Tucha"
Ammunition Stowage: 24 ready (individual grenades, 12 in each left/right salvo)/0 stowed
Default Ammunition: 12/0x2 3D17 Smoke
Armor Protection:
Frontal Turret Armor: Light, Steel (?). Protected against shell splinter and light auto-cannon.
Frontal Hull Armor: Moderate, Composite. Protected vs 12.7mm/14.5mm AP. Blast resistant design features.
Combat Mass: 34 tonnes
Length: 8.80m
Width: 3.19m
Height: 3.18m
Engine Power: 810hp UTD-32TR turbocharged diesel
Top Speed: 110kph
General
The BTR K-17 Bumerang (Ru: VPK-7829 “Boomerang”) is an 8x8 wheeled armored multipurpose vehicle designed by the Military Industrial Company (MIC) for the Russian military. Developed near the end of 2011, the Bumerang is a radical departure from earlier Russo/Soviet wheeled APC designs being similar in capability, layout, and weight to western contemporaries such as the Patria AMV XA-360 and Mowag Piranha V. The hull features composite construction with all-round protection versus 14.5mm AP and an omission of infantry firing ports to maintain armor integrity. Particular focus on hull shaping and isolation of the crew from the hull provides much higher survivability against IEDs and other mines compared to previous Russian APCs. Egress for the carried infantry squad is via a hydraulically powered ramp at the rear.
For armament the K-17 shares the same Epoch remotely controlled turret found on the B-11 Kurganets-25 and BMP T-15 Armata armed with a 30mm 2A72 autocannon, a coaxial 7.62mm PKMT machine-gun, and four extended range AT-14 Kornet-EM ATGMs mounted two each on either side of the turret.
Designation of the fire control system is unknown but involves an integrated primary sight and IR backup sight equivalent to those of the T-90MS along with a third-generation thermal sight, laser rangefinder, and a full meteorological suite to increase first round hit probability. The commander is provided with a panoramic version of the same sighting complex for hunter-killer capability.
Motive power is provided b a front mounted 810hp UTD-32TR turbocharged diesel mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Suspension is of the hydro-penumatic type and includes a central tire inflation system. As with most Russian combat vehicles the Bumerang is amphibious with minimal preparation.
The infantry compliment for the Bumerang is 8 dismounts, equipped with RPG-7R anti-armor weapons, a PKM MG, and 5.45mm rifles.
Ultimately as a “armored multipurpose vehicle” the Bumerang platform will fulfill a number of roles including: ambulance, APC, ATGM carrier, C3I vehicle, reconnaissance vehicle, and mortar carrier. Intended to enter service in 2015, after several delays a 2020 testing regime resulted in changes in the hull design to increase buoyancy and troop compartment comfort. Currently (2022) MIC is contracted to produce 2000 Bumerang with deliveries beginning in 2023, but in light of Russia's economic situation and operations in Ukraine it is unknown whether this order will go forward. If completed, priority for fielding will be Russian Naval Infantry Brigades followed by tier-1 Motor-Rifle Brigades.
Thermal Signature
