BMD-2

BMD-2: Airportable Infantry Fighting Vehicle

Statistics

Main Gun: 2A42 30mm Autocannon
Ammunition Stowage: 300 ready/0 stowed
Default Ammunition: 120/0 3UBR6 APBC-T (KE), 180/0 OT HEI-T SD (HE)

ATGM: AT-5 'Spandrel'
Ammunition Stowage: 1 ready/2 stowed
Default Ammunition: 1/2 AT-5a

Coaxial Machine Gun: PKT
Ammunition Stowage: 2000 ready/980 stowed 7.62mm AP (RU)
Default Ammunition: 2000/980 7.62mm AP (RU)

Armor Protection:
Front Turret Armor: Light, Steel. Protected from .50 cal AP
Front Hull Armor: Light, Steel. Protected from .50 cal AP

Combat Weight: 7.5 tonnes
Length: 6.74m (hull)
Width: 2.94m
Height: 1.97m (turret top)
Engine: 241hp 5D-20 V6 15.9 liter diesel
Top Speed: 40kph (cross-country)

General

The BMD line of vehicles is a unique feature of Russian airborne forces that can proudly bear the flag with the words "Because they said it couldn't be done". These vehicles can be airdropped with the crew and an infantry section from inside Il-76 and An-22 cargo planes at heights of 500 to 1500 meters by means of the PRSM-925 parachute-rocket platform, and once on the ground all they have to do is raise up on their adjustable suspensions, roll off the platform, and start blasting the targets. The films of these vehicles on maneuvers doing exactly that have chagrined the NATO planners pretty badly.

The BMD-2 vehicle, fielded in 1985, differs from the BMD-1 in the same manner as BMP-2 differs from BMP-1. In other words, the 73mm gun was dropped in favor of a 30mm stabilized autocannon, while the Malutka (AT-3) ATGM was replaced by the much more powerful Konkurs (AT-5) missile.

Each BMD-2 carries 4 dismounts, equipped with RPG-7L anti-armor weapons, a 7.62mm MG, and 5,45mm rifles.

Entering service in 1985, these vehicles serve the same role on the battlefield as BMPs, but due to their air-mobility they can arrive from a direction from which you are not exactly expecting them. The 39 men they are carrying will usually also be much better trained than the ordinary Russian conscripts.

Vasiliy Fofanov

Thermal Signature