KShM-D
BMD-1KSh | Soroka
Overview
KShM-D
KShM-D command post vehicle for airborne forces on display in a museum.
Source: Ain92 -
© GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Soroka (official nickname)
KSh / Komandno-Shtabnaya
Russian for "command and staff"
Obyekt 926 (GABTU index)
Russia
Description
Introduction
The KShM-D is a late Cold War era armored command post vehicle of Soviet origin. It is also known as the BMD-1KSh, which denotes its intended role to support airborne troops equipped with the BMD-1. The KShM-D is based on the chassis of the BTR-D which allows it to be airdropped alongside other Soviet airborne combat vehicles.
Design
The KShM-D is based on the chassis of the BTR-D airborne armored personnel carrier. The firing ports have been removed, roof hatches relocated and the internal space has been rearranged for the staff. Three types of radios are fitted, including for long range communication. In addition there is a navigation system. Both whip antennas and rail type antennas are fitted. An APU provides power for the equipment when the vehicle's engine is turned off.
Variants
Firepower
The KShM-D is unarmed. The bow mounted machine guns have been removed and the firing ports as well.
Protection
The aluminum armor protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters to a certain degree. Armor piercing ammunition will penetrate. The same goes for heavy machine gun fire. An NBC system is fitted, smoke grenade launchers are not.
Mobility
The KShM-D has a very good tactical and strategic mobility due to its limited weight. A 240 hp diesel engine provides propulsion. The limited weight results in a good power to weight ratio and limited ground pressure. The KShM-D is fully amphibious and is propelled in the water by two water jets. The KShM-D can be loaded onto a platform fitted with parachutes, allowing it to be air dropped from low flying transport aircraft.
Users
The KShM-D was adopted by the Soviet Union to equip their VDV airborne forces. The KShM-D is used alongside the BMD-1 airborne infantry fighting vehicle and BTR-D armored personnel carrier. Due to its specialized role only a small amount was produced. These vehicles remain in service with Russia and other Soviet successor states. In Russian service it is being replaced by a command vehicle based on the BTR-MDM, which shares its automotive components with the BMD-4M airborne infantry fighting vehicle.
Media
BMD-1KSh-A
BMD-1KSh-A command post vehicle for airborne forces in trave configuration.
Source: www.niissu.ru
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
BMD-1KSh-A
BMD-1KSh-A command post vehicle in a dug in position.
Source: www.bastion-karpenko.ru
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Details
Related articles
BTR-D
The KShM-D is based on the hull of the BTR-D armored personnel carrier for airborne troops. The BTR-D has a longer hull than the BMD-1. The greater internal volume is very welcome for a command vehicle. However, the KShM-D is still rather cramped.
BMD-1
The KShM-D is often known as BMD-1KSh, referring to its role as command and staff vehicle for airborne troops equipped with the BMD-1.