2P27
BRDM-1 with 3M6 Shmel
Overview
2P27
Rear view of a 2P27 tank destroyer with its launcher in raised position.
Source: Janusz Magnuski -
© public domain
AT-1 Snapper (NATO reporting name for missile)
Poland
Description
Introduction
The 2P27 is an early Cold War era tank destroyer of Soviet origin. It was developed in the early 1960's as a more capable alternative to the 2K15 Shmel, which was based on the GAZ-69 softskin all terrain vehicle. The 2K16 Shmel system is a second generation system that remedies much of the drawbacks of the earlier 2K15. It retains the 3M6 missile and associated limited capabilities, but the 2P27 launch vehicle is based on the BRDM-1 chassis. This offers basic armor protection, increased cross terrain mobility and amphibious capability.
Design
The 2P27 launch vehicle is based on the BRDM-1 chassis. It differs from the BRDM-1 in having a larger rear superstructure with 3 launch rails the can be lowered and covered with side folding doors. This new chassis offers basic armor protection, increased cross terrain mobility and amphibious capability. Since the three launch rails face forwards face forwards it is easier to position the vehicle for firing. Also the missiles can be launched from the vehicle.
Firepower
The 3M6 Shmel (NATO: AT-1 Snapper) is the earliest fully operational Soviet anti-tank guided missile. It uses wire guidance and is manually steered towards the target by the operator. The 2K16 launch system has three launch rails, but only a single missile can be guided at a time. The dead zone upon launch is 0.6 km and the maximum range is 2.0 km. This makes the 3M6 rather difficult to use.
Protection
The BRDM-1 chassis provides a degree of armor protection not found on the earlier 2P26 launch vehicle. The steel hull protects from small arms fire and shell splinters. There is no NBC protection or any smoke grenade launchers. The missiles can be fired from the vehicle, or via a control station up to 30 meters away.
Mobility
The BRDM-1 chassis provides good mobility. Cross country capability is provided by large wheels and retractable belly wheels. The 90 hp petrol engine allows for a maximum speed of 80 km/h on roads. It is fully amphibious with speeds up to 9 km/h in water. The combat weight is increased marginally over the BRDM-1, but nog enough to impact its mobility. Since the three launch rails face forwards face forwards it is easier to position the vehicle for firing. Also the missiles can be launched from the vehicle.
Users
The 2P27 was acquired by the Soviet Union. It was formally adopted in 1961, first seen on parade in 1962 and reportedly only available in numbers from 1964. The 2P27 was allocated anti-tank batteries attached to motor rifle regiments, with three platoons of three launch vehicles. The Soviet Union exported the 2P27 to several of its allies, including Poland and Cuba. The 2P27 was supplemented and replaced by more capable tank destroyers based on the BRDM-2 chassis and fitted with newer missile systems.
Details
Armament
3M6 Shmel (NATO: AT-1 Snapper)
The 2P27 is a launch vehicle for the 3M6 Shmel anti-tank guided missile. Three missiles are ready to launch. Only one can be controlled at a time.
Related articles
2P26
The 2P27 was developed as a more capable launch vehicle for the 3M6 Shmel than the previous 2P26 launch vehicle.
BRDM-1
The BRDM-1 amphibious chassis is used for the 2P27. This was initially developed for the reconnaissance role.