BTR-T

Infobox Weapon
name=BTR-T


caption=Russian BTR-T
origin=Russia
type=Heavy infantry fighting vehicle
is_vehicle=yes
length=6.45 m
width=3.27 m
height=2.4 m
weight=38.5 tonnes
suspension=torsion bar
speed=50 km/h off-road: 25 km/h
vehicle_range=500 km
primary_armament= 9M113 Konkurs ATGMs
secondary_armament= 30mm autocannon 2A42 or AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher
armour=600mm max with ERA
engine=diesel
crew=3 (+5 passengers)
engine_power=520hp
pw_ratio=14hp/tonne

The BTR-T (Russian: "Bronetransporter-Tyazhelyy", ‘Armoured Transporter–Heavy’) is a Russian heavy infantry combat vehicle, designed by the Design Bureau of Transport Machine-Building (Omsk Transmash) state-run production association.

Description

It is based on the hull of the T-55 tank and answers the need for a heavy, well protected and well armed vehicle adapted to urban combat. The need for a heavy IFV appeared after the First Chechen War during which APCs such as the BTR-80 and BMP-2 suffered heavy losses in urban areas at the hands of Chechen rebels using RPG shoulder-launched anti-tank weapons. As a result, the design incorporates thicker armour, with built-in reactive armour. It also has heavier armament with sufficient elevation to engage targets in multi-story buildings.

Design

The choice of the T-55 hull rather than that of a more modern tank was decided as a cost-cutting measure and also probably in order to validate a conversion solution for the many T-55s in use around the world. However, no export contracts have been signed so far.

The turret can accommodate several weapon configurations:

* 2A42 30mm autocannon.
** 9M113 Konkurs ATGMs.

* 2A42 30mm autocannon.
** 30mm AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher.

* Twin 2A38 30mm autocannons.

* 12.7x107mm NSV heavy machine gun.
** 9M113 Konkurs ATGMs.

* 12.7x107mm NSV heavy machine gun.
** 30mm AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher.

ee also

* Achzarit

References

* [http://milparade.udm.ru/25/034.htm]
* [http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0IAV/is_2_90/ai_76736956]