Airborne Combat Vehicles | Military-Today.com

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Airborne Combat Vehicles E-book by www.Military-Today.com Airborne Combat Vehicles E-book © Military-Today.com 2012 All rights reserved Additional and updated information on airborne combat vehicles described within is available at Military-Today.com website: www.Military-Today.com Contact us on: [email protected]

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Here you will find information on modern military airborne combat vehicles. I tired to collect in one e-book all information on the current ACVs. Some of these vehicles are rear and it is likely that you have never heard of them before. Information on airborne combat vehicles is arranged by country, where they have been developed. Newer machines are listed first. Information on each vehicle comes with a separate specifications table. This e-book is aimed at the wide range of readers, so I tried to keep everything as simple as possible. Hope you will like this e-book.

Transcript of Airborne Combat Vehicles | Military-Today.com

Page 1: Airborne Combat Vehicles | Military-Today.com

Airborne Combat Vehicles E-book by www.Military-Today.com

Airborne Combat Vehicles E-book © Military-Today.com 2012 All rights reserved Additional and updated information on airborne combat vehicles described within is available at Military-Today.com website: www.Military-Today.com Contact us on: [email protected]

Page 2: Airborne Combat Vehicles | Military-Today.com

Airborne Combat Vehicles E-book by www.Military-Today.com

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Contents

Foreword ............................................................................................................................1 Airborne Combat Vehicles ................................................................................................2

ZLC 2000..................................................................................................................3

Wiesel 2....................................................................................................................4

Wiesel 1....................................................................................................................5

BMD-4 ......................................................................................................................6

BMD-3 ......................................................................................................................7

BMD-2 ......................................................................................................................8

BMD-1 ......................................................................................................................9 About Military-Today.com Website ................................................................................10

Join Our Mailing List....................................................................................................10 Subscribe to Our RSS Feeds ......................................................................................10 Feedback.......................................................................................................................10 Advertise With Us ........................................................................................................11

Foreword

Dear Reader Thank you for downloading this short e-book! Feel free to share it with your friends. Here you will find information on modern military airborne combat vehicles. I tired to collect in one e-book all information on the current ACVs. Some of these vehicles are rear and it is likely that you have never heard of them before. Information on airborne combat vehicles is arranged by country, where they have been developed. Newer machines are listed first. Information on each vehicle comes with a separate specifications table. This e-book is aimed at the wide range of readers, so I tried to keep everything as simple as possible. Hope you will like this e-book. E-mail your comments, feedback and business proposals to: [email protected] Sincerely Andrius Genys

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Airborne Combat Vehicles

First Airborne Combat Vehicles (ACVs) were introduced in the late 1960s in the Soviet Union. These vehicles were specially developed for airborne troops. Often ACVs can be paradropped from military cargo aircraft. Latest vehicles can be airdropped with the crew inside. Once on the ground these are used as armored personnel carriers and support dismounted paratroops in combat. ACVs are fitted with heavy weapons, comparable to that of infantry fighting vehicles. These machines can engage any other lightly armored vehicles. Also these vehicles usually carry anti-tank missile launchers and have anti-tank capability. Typically armor protection of airborne combat vehicles is limited due to strict weight requirements. Often airborne combat vehicles are fully amphibious.

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The ZLC 2000 airborne combat vehicle reportedly entered service with Chinese airborne units in 2003. It is also referred as the WZ506. This vehicle was was first observed in 2005. It is the first Chinese ACV, which greatly enhanced China's offensive capability. The ZLC 2000 was indigenously developed in China, however it might contain some Russian technologies, used on the BMD-3.

The ZLC 2000 has a box-shaped hull and a front engine compartment. This vehicle has limited armor protection due to it's low weight required for airborne operations.

Vehicle is fitted with a one-man turret, armed with 25-mm cannon. It fires in 3- or 5-round burst modes, while the maximum rate of fire is 200 rpm. The ZLC 2000 turret is fitted with HJ-73C anti-tank guided missile launcher. Three of these missiles are carried inside the hull. There is also a coaxial 7.62-mm or 5.8-mm machine gun.

The ZLC 2000 has a crew of three and can carry four troops. There are a some firing ports and associated periscopes provides for the troops. Occupants enter and leave the vehicle via the rear doors or roof hatches.

The ZLC 2000 is powered by an unspecified diesel engine. This ACV has a hydropneumatic suspension system with adjustable ground clearance. Tracks are retracted before airdropping to reduce the impact during landing. This vehicle can be airdropped from any medium transport aircraft using parachute platform. The IL-76MD can carry three of these vehicles. Unlike the latest Russian ACV designs the ZLC 2000 is dropped separately from the crew. The ZLC 2000 is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by it's tracks.

ZLC 2000

Airborne combat vehicle

Variants of the ZLC 2000 include a command vehicle which has a higher rear hull to accommodate staff. There is also an anti-tank guided missile carrier, armed with HJ-8 anti-tank missiles.

Entered service 2003 Crew 3 men

Personnel 4 men Dimensions and weight

Weight 8 t Length ?

Hull length ? Width ? Height ?

Armament Main gun 25-mm cannon ATGW HJ-73C launcher (3 missiles)

Machine guns 1 x 7.62-mm / 5.8-mm Mobility

Engine diesel Engine power ?

Maximum road speed 68 km/h Amphibious speed on water 6 km/h

Range ~ 600 km Maneuverability

Gradient 60% Side slope 30%

Vertical step ~ 0.6 m Trench ~ 1.5 m Fording Amphibious

More information: http://www.military-today.com/apc/zlc_2000.htm

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The Wiesel 2 (weasel) airportable armored vehicle is a further development of the Wiesel 1. The Wiesel 2 has an extended hull and more powerful engine. It is currently in service with Germany.

The Wiesel 2 is a multi-purpose carrier, used for a wide range of missions, including reconnaissance, command and control, battlefield surveillance, anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapon carrier.

Vehicle offers better protection for the crew, comparing with it's predecessor. It is also fitted with an NBC protection system.

An APC variant the Wiesel 2 can carry 4 fully equipped troops. It has a roof mounted cupola armed with an externally mounted 7.62-mm machine gun. Troops enter and leave the vehicle via two doors in the rear.

Vehicle is powered by Audi TDI diesel engine, developing 109 horsepower. The Wiesel 2 can be easily distinguished from the previous variant by extra road wheel from either side of the hull.

The vehicle is fully airportable by a CH-53 helicopter and military transport aircraft.

Variants

Armored personnel carrier;

Ambulance;

Command vehicle;

Mortar carrier, fitted with 120-mm mortar;

Improved mortar carrier, fitted with external supports;

Ammunition resupply vehicle;

Argus - armored reconnaissance vehicle;

Wiesel 2

Airportable armored vehicle

Pionier - combat engineering reconnaissance vehicle;

Primus - reconnaissance and fire control vehicle;

ATM HOT - anti-tank missile carrier, fitted with HOT missiles;

BF/UF - air defense unit command post;

AFF - air defense radar;

Ozelot - air defense missile system.

Entered service 2001

Crew 2 men Personnel depends on version

Dimensions and weight Weight depends on version Length 4.2 m Width 1.85 m Height 1.7 - 2.11 m

Armament Machine guns 1 x 7.62-mm

Mobility Engine Audi diesel

Engine power 109 hp Maximum road speed 70 km/h

Range 550 km Maneuverability

Gradient 60% Side slope 40%

Vertical step 0.4 m Trench 1.5 m Fording 0.5 m

More information: http://www.military-today.com/apc/wiesel_2.htm

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The Wiesel 1 (weasel) airportable armored vehicle was developed by Porsche at the end of 1970s. It entered service with German airborne units in 1982. Production of the Wiesel 1 ended in 1993. Over 300 of these vehicles were built. The US Army has taken delivery of a small number of vehicles for use in extensive Robotic trials.

The Wiesel is used for a wide range of missions, including armored reconnaissance, command and control, battlefield surveillance, resupply, recovery, and as an anti-tank guided weapon carrier.

Due to it's light weight of less than 3 tons, vehicle provides protection against small arms fire and artillery splinters only. The Wiesel 1 also lacks NBC protection system.

There are two most common armament configurations of the Wiesel 1 in service with German army - the fire support vehicle, armed with a 20-mm cannon and TOW ATGM carrier. Various armament fits are carried by the Wiesel, including machine guns, anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles.

The Wiesel 1 is powered by a Volkswagen 2.1-liter diesel engine, developing 86 horsepower. Engine and transmission can be replaced in field conditions during 15 minutes. Vehicle has good cross-country performance due to it's low weight, tracked configuration and consequently low ground pressure. Flotation kit can be fitted to cross water obstacles. On water vehicle is powered by it's tracks.

The Wiesel 1 can be airlifted by aircraft and even helicopters. The CH-53 can transport two Wiesels. It can also be carried by helicopters underslung.

Variants

armored reconnaissance vehicle, fitted with 20-mm cannon;

MK25 - fire support vehicle, fitted with 25-mm cannon;

Wiesel 1

Airportable armored vehicle

ATM HOT - ATGW carrier, fitted with HOT missiles;

ATM HOT Variant 1 - fitted with the UTM 800 turret;

ATM TOW - ATGW carrier, fitted with TOW missiles;

ATM TOW Resupply - TOW resupply vehicle;

BTM208 - fitted with a BTM208 turret armed with 12.7-mm and 7.62-mm machine guns;

Radar - battlefield surveillance vehicle, fitted with RATAC-S multi-purpose radar;

recovery vehicle;

ambulance;

air defense vehicle, fitted with Saab Bofors Dynamics RBS-70 SAM;

Wiesel 2 is a further development of the Wiesel 1.

Reconnaissance variant with 20-mm cannon Entered service 1982

Crew 2 men Dimensions and weight

Weight 2.8 t Length 3.26 m Width 1.8 m Height 1.9 m

Armament Main gun 20-mm cannon

Ammunition load Main gun 400 rounds

Mobility Engine Volkswagen 2.1-liter diesel

Engine power 86 hp Maximum road speed 85 km/h

Range 300 km Maneuverability

Gradient 60% Side slope 30%

Vertical step 0.4 m Trench 1.2 m Fording 0.5 m

Fording (with preparation) Amphibious

More information: http://www.military-today.com/apc/wiesel_1.htm

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The BMD-4 airborne combat vehicle entered service with Russian airborne units in 2005. This vehicle uses the BMD-3 chassis, but carries a significantly more powerful armament. In some cases the BMD-4 can replace main battle tanks and artillery units with it's firepower during landing operations. Some older BMD-3 are being upgraded to BMD-4, while a low-rate production of new vehicles continues.

This new airborne combat vehicle is completed with the same armament, carried by the Russian BMP-3 IFV, the 100-mm gun and coaxial 30-mm cannon. The 100-mm gun can also fire Bastion laser-guided anti-tank missiles. This missile has a range of fire in 5.5 km and can also target helicopters. Ordinary 100-mm rounds have a maximum range of fire in 7 km. The 100-mm gun comes with an autoloader, which also loads anti-tank missiles. The 100-mm gun of the BMD-4 has a rate of fire in 10 -15 rounds per minute.

There is also a 9M113 Konkurs (AT-5 Spandrel) anti-tank guided missile launcher mounted on the roof of the hull. Additional armament consists of a 7.62-mm and 5.45-mm machine guns and a 40-mm automatic grenade launcher. In terms of firepower the BMD-4 is the most heavily armed vehicle in the world in it's class.

Armor of this airborne combat vehicle provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. The BMD-4 is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

Vehicle has a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver. It provides accommodation for five fully equipped troops.

The BMD-4 is powered by the 2V-60-2 diesel engine, developing 450 hp. Vehicle can be paradropped with all the crew inside, thus saving time for the assembly after landing. Furthermore it is well suited for amphibious landing operations. The BMD-4 is fully amphibious and can fire all it's weapons afloat at sea worthiness 2.

BMD-4

Airborne combat vehicle

The BMD-4M is an improved variant of the BMD-4. Vehicle has a number of improvements, including new fire control system. It was revealed in 2008. Currently the BMD-4M received no production orders.

Entered service 2005 Crew 3 men

Personnel 5 men Dimensions and weight

Weight 13.6 t Length 6.36 m

Hull length 6.1 m Width 3.11 m Height 2.45 m

Armament Main gun 100-mm gun, 30-mm cannon ATGW AT-5 Spandrel

Machine guns 1 x 7.62-mm, 1 x 5.45-mm Grenade launcher 1 x 40-mm

Mobility Engine 2V-60-2

Engine power 450 hp Maximum road speed 70 km/h

Amphibious speed on water 10 km/h Range 500 km

Maneuverability Gradient 60%

Side slope 30% Vertical step 0.8 m

Trench 1.8 m Fording Amphibious

More information: http://www.military-today.com/apc/bmd_4.htm

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Combat use of the BMD-2 airborne combat vehicle in Afghanistan revealed that an ACV with a two-man turret would perform more efficiently. Furthermore the BMD-2 was too light for a 30-mm cannon and the whole hull was swinging while firing. Significant improvement of the BMD-2 was impossible as it's improvement capabilities were already outgoing. Consequently a new BMD-3 airborne combat vehicle was developed and entered service in 1990.

The BMD-3 has a redeveloped hull featuring a better armored protection.

The BMD-3 has a similar turret used on the BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle, mounting a 30-mm cannon. Konkurs (AT-5 Spandrel) anti-tank guided missile launcher has four reload missiles and can defeat all the latest main battle tanks.

Secondary armament consists of a coaxial 7.62-mm MG. Additional 5.45-mm machine gun is mounted in front of the hull and there is also a 40-mm AG-17 automatic grenade launcher. Over 500 rounds are carried for the grenade launcher, of which 280 are ready to use.

The BMD-3 can carry five fully equipped troops, but in case of emergency 8 troops can be carried. Two of them are provided with a firing ports and vision blocks.

This vehicle is amphibious and fords water obstacle afloat. The BMD-3 is very seaworthy and can take damage while afloat. Even if 30 percent of it's displacement is filled with water vehicle will still keep on floating. Furthermore it is fitted with pumps, pumping out the breaching water. Propulsion on water is provided by two waterjets.

The BMD-3 airborne combat vehicle can be paradropped with all the crew inside, thus saving time for the assembly on the battlefield.

BMD-3

Airborne combat vehicle

Variants

BTR-MD "Rakushka" multirole airborne armored vehicle. It has a bigger hull and lacks turret. It is used to transport troops, cargo and serves as a base for a range of specialized vehicles;

RKhM-5 chemical reconnaissance vehicle;

2S25 Sprut-SD light tank;

BMD-4 airborne combat vehicle. It is a further development of the BMD-3, fitted with significantly more powerful armament.

Entered service 1990 Crew 2 men

Personnel 5 + 3men Dimensions and weight

Weight 12.9 - 13.2 t Length 6.36 m

Hull length 6.1 m Width 3.11 m Height 2.45 m

Armament Main gun 30-mm cannon ATGW AT-5 Spandrel

Machine guns 1 x 7.62-mm, 1 x 5.45-mm Grenade launchers 1 x 40-mm

Mobility Engine 2V-06 diesel

Engine power 450 hp Maximum road speed 70 km/h

Amphibious speed on water 10 km/h Range 500 km

Maneuverability Gradient 60%

Side slope 30% Vertical step 0.8 m

Trench 1.8 m Fording Amphibious

More information: http://www.military-today.com/apc/bmd_3.htm

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The BMD-2 airborne combat vehicle is a further development of the previous BMD-1 ACV. The main objective was to improve armament comparing with it's predecessor. Development began in the early 1980s and in 1985 this vehicle entered service with the airborne units of the Soviet army.

The most significant difference of the BMD-2 is a 30-mm cannon similar to the BMP-2 in place of rather inaccurate and 76-mm gun. The BMD-2 has a both-way armament stabilizers, so it can fire accurately while on the move. This vehicle also received newer anti-tank guided weapons, while there are a total of three 7.62-mm machine guns, two of them operated by the troops. Usually portable anti-aircraft missile launchers are also carried to fight against helicopters.

The main difficulty for the designers was to fit a standard turret of the BMP-2 on a significantly smaller vehicle. That led to redevelopment, thus only gunner is located in the turret of the BMD-2. This new turret has an elevation range for up to +75°, as it's predecessor proved ineffective during the war in Afghanistan, as it could not lift it's barrel high enough to fire at enemies hiding high in the mountains.

Hull of the BMD-2 will all the powerpack and chassis remained without any significant changes comparing with the BMD-1. There was an increase in weight however, but this airborne combat vehicle retains all the mobility features of it's predecessor, as well as amphibious capabilities.

The BMD-2 can carry up to five fully equipped troops. Vehicle is airlifted by most medium military transport aircraft and can be paradropped using parachute platforms.

The BMD-2K is a command vehicle variant based on the baseline ACV.

BMD-2

Airborne combat vehicle

Entered service 1985 Crew 2 men

Personnel 5 men Dimensions and weight

Weight 8 t Length ?

Hull length 5.97 m Width 2.7m Height 1.83 m

Armament Main gun 30-mm cannon ATGW AT-4 Spandrel / AT-5 Spigot

Machine guns 3 x 7.62-mm Mobility

Engine ? Engine power 240 hp

Maximum road speed 60 km/h Amphibious speed on water 10 km/h

Range 500 km Maneuverability

Gradient 60% Side slope 30%

Vertical step 0.8 m Trench 1.6 m Fording Amphibious

More information: http://www.military-today.com/apc/bmd2.htm

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Compared to the other Eastern Bloc infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers the BMD-1 ACV has been produced in relatively small numbers for the former Soviet Army Air Assault Divisions. It has been exported to Iraq and India.

First seen in 1973, the BMD-1 is a very lightly armored vehicle with only a limited combat capacity but capable of supporting airborne troops during the early phases of airborne operations. For this role the main emphasis is on direct fire support, so the BMD-1 is fitted with the same gun as that used on the BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicle in an essentially similar turret. The 9K11 ATGW launching rail is also provided, but has been removed from later models.

One feature of the BMD-1 is the variable height hydro-pneumatic suspension system to allow the vehicle to be para-dropped on platforms. The road wheels are also small while the tracks are only 230 mm wide. The hull is bulky to render the vehicle amphibious, but he hull space behind the turret is sufficient for only three personnel. Two more are seated each side of the driver while the turret houses only the gunner.

The 73-mm gun has a coaxial 7.62-mm MG while two more 7.62-mm MGs are fixed for firing from the front hull, a 30-mm grenade launcher on a ground mounting is also carried as standard.

On the BMD-2 the 73-mm gun is replaced by a 30-mm cannon, from 1990 onwards a new BMD-3 has appeared but is a new design overall. A lengthened turretless APC version of the BMD-1 (an extra road wheel is added each side) is known as the BTR-D - it can carry 12 troops plus the driver.

The 2S9 Nona-S is a 120-mm breech-loaded mortar system, based on a modified BMD-1 chassis. It was developed for the Soviet air assault divisions. Vehicle has no provision to carry extra troops.

Other BMD-1 variants include various artillery observation vehicles, an armored recovery vehicle and a mortar carrier.

BMD-1

Airborne combat vehicle

Entered service 1973 Crew 3 men

Personnel 4 men Dimensions and weight

Weight 7.5 t Length 5.4 m Width 2.63 m Height 1.67 - 1.97 m

Armament Main gun 1 x 73-mm ATGW 9K11 launcher

Machine guns 3 x 7.62-mm Mobility

Engine 5D-20 V-6 diesel Engine power 240 hp

Maximum road speed 70 km/h Amphibious speed on water 10 km/h

Range 320 km Maneuverability

Gradient 60% Side slope 30%

Vertical step 0.8 m Trench 1.6 m Fording Amphibious

More information: http://www.military-today.com/apc/bmd1.htm

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