9P148



Overview


9P148 tank destroyer

Romanian 9P148 tank destroyer launching a 9M113 anti-tank missile.
Source: Spingoş Valentin şi Dumbravă Valentin - © GNU Attribution - Share Alike license

Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Tank destroyer
Entered service
1974
Status
In service
Development
Early 1970's
Developer
Soviet Union
Production
Early 1970's - ?
Producer
Soviet Union - GAZ
Number produced
Over 400 for USSR, plus more for exports
Designation
9P148
GRAU index
BRDM-3
Incorrect nickname used in the West

Description


Introduction

The 9P148 is a tank destroyer of Soviet origin. It is the latest tank destroyer version of the BRDM-2. Compared to the earlier models it is more combat effective. Accuracy and range are increased and the warhead is effective against contemporary tanks.

Layout

The 9P148 is based on the BRDM-2 4x4 reconnaissance vehicle. It is fitted with an overhead five round launcher for the 9K113 Konkurs (AT-5 Spandrel) and 9K111 Fagot (AT-4 Spigot) anti-tank missiles. Unlike the older tank destroyer versions the launcher cannot be retracted into the vehicle. The driver is seated on the left. The commander sits on the right and doubles as the gunner. The commander uses the sight unit above his head to guide the missiles onto target.

Firepower

The 9P148 is armed with a five round launcher for 9M113 Konkurs missiles. Alternativeliy the 9M111 Fagot can be used. Both missiles are SACLOS guided, meaning that the missile follows the crosshair of the gunner's sight. The Konkurs missile has a maximum range of 4 km. Time of flight to maximum range is about 20 seconds. The launcher holds 5 missiles, but only a single target can be engaged at a time. A maximum of 16 9M113 missiles are carried or a mix of 10 9M113 and 10 9M111.

Protection

The steel hull protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters. The BRDM-2 is vulnerable for all heavier weapons including heavy machine gun fire and road side bombs. The wheels are particularly vulnerable to puncture. An NBC protection system is fitted as standard.

Mobility

The 4x4 wheeled chassis provides a 100 km/h road speed and good all terrain mobility. The BRDM-2's four chain driven belly wheels are retained and can be lowered to increase off road performance. A 140 hp gasoline engine provides propulsion. The 9P148 is fully amphibious and may achieve speeds of 10 km/h in the water.

Users

The 9P148 was widely used by Soviet and Warsaw Pact nations. It was also exported to several nations with good ties to the USSR. The 9P148 is one of the few BRDM-2 variants that is still relevant today.

Variants


9P148 tank destroyer

Russian 9P148 tank destroyer during a parade.
Source: Kiril Kapustin - © GNU Attribution - Share Alike license

9P148 tank destroyer

The 9P148 was produced only in a single variant. Late production vehicles differ in some subsystems, such as radio.

The 9P148 is easily identified by the missile launcher which has 5 missiles ready to fire. Furthermore there is a large sight mounted on the roof above the commander's seat, which is at the front right of the vehicle.

Details


Facts 9P148
General
Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Tank destroyer
Crew
2 (commander, driver)
Dimensions
Weight
7 t combat load
Length
5.75 m
Width
2.35 m
2.19 m to top of sight
Height
2.49 m overall
Main armament
Type
Pentuple 9P135M ATGM launcher
Ammunition
16x 9M113 or 10x 9M113 and 10x 9M111
Elevation
-5 to +20°
Traverse
-110 to +110°
Gun sight
9Sh119M1, 10x magnification, 5 degree view angle
Stabilizer
No
Max range
4 km with 9M113 Konkurs
2 km with 9M111 Fagot
Automotive
Chassis
Wheeld chassis, 4x4
4 retractable chain driven belly wheels
Tire size
13.00 x18
Wheelbase
3.1 m
Track
1.84 m
Engine
GAZ-41 V8 petrol
Power output
140 hp at 3.400 rpm
Transmission
Manual, 4 forward, 1 reverse
Mobility
Max speed
95 km/h on road
10 km/h in in water
Turn radius
9 m
Ground clearance
0.43 m
Power to weight ratio
20.0 hp/t
Fuel capacity
290 L
Range
750 km on road
Wall
0.4 m
Trench
1.2 m
Gradient
60%
Fording
Amphibious
Protection
Armor type
Steel
Thickness
7mm all around
NBC system
Yes
Systems
Night vision
Yes
Radio
R-124 intercom
R-123M or R-173 long range radio

Related articles


BRDM-2

The 9P148 is based on the 4x4 chassis of the BRDM-2 reconnaissance vehicle.

9P149 Shturm-S

While the 9P148 was widely use in Soviet motorized units, the more capable 9P149 Shturm-S was used by mechanized units.

9P133

The 9P148 replaced the 9P133 on the production line. This older tank destroyer featured a retractable launcher for the SACLOS variant of the 9K14 Malyutka anti-tank guided missile.

9K113 Konkurs

The 9M113 Konkurs missile serves as the main armament on the 9P148