BMP-23

Infobox Weapon|is_vehicle=yes| name=BMP-23


caption=BMP-23 in Iraq
type=Infantry fighting vehicle
origin= flagcountry|Bulgaria
length=7.28 m
width=3.05 m
height=2.53 m
weight=15.2 tonnes
suspension=torsion bar
speed=61.5 km/h (road)
speed_water=
vehicle_range=550 - 600 km
primary_armament=23 mm automatic cannon
9M14M ATGM "Malyutka"
secondary_armament=7.62 mm machine gun (PKT)
armour=? mm
engine=diesel YMZ-238
crew=3 (+7 passengers)
engine_power=315 hp
pw_ratio=20.7 hp/tonne

The BMP-23 is a Bulgarian infantry fighting vehicle which was first introduced in the early 1980s. Despite its name, the BMP-23 is much more different than the BMP-1 and more similar to BMP-2. The hull is based around that of the Soviet 2S1 Gvozdika, but with thicker armor and a more powerful diesel engine. Since the Gvozdika is a larger vehicle, the troop transport compartment isn't as cramped as that of the BMP-1. The armor is cast steel, capable of withstanding heavy machine gun fire. The turret is armed with a 23-mm autocannon, and two AT-4 Spigot or AT-5 Spandrel launchers (4 in later variants). The BMP-23 was first seen on a parade in 1984. It serves with the Bulgarian army in Iraq along with the M1117 Armored Security Vehicle.

References

* [http://otvaga.vif2.ru/Otvaga/armour-bulg/a_bmp23.htm BMP-23 (in Russian)]