BMP-2



Overview

BMP-2

BMP-2 in Finnish military service. Note that this vehicle is in original configuration and that Finland employs modernized versions of the BMP-2 as well.
Source: Unknown author - © Copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Mechanized infantry combat vehicle
Entered service
1980
Status
In service
Development
1974 - 1980
Developer
Soviet Union - KMZ / Kurganmashzavod
Production
1980 - ? (Soviet production)
1987 - 2007 (Indian production)
Producer
Soviet Union - KMZ / Kurganmashzavod
Czechoslovakia - ZTS
India - Ordnance Factory Medak
Designations
BVP-2
Czech production and service
BWP-2
Polish service
Sarath
Indian production and service
Obyekt 675
GABTU index
BMP-2E
Incorrect name for BMP-2D

Description

Introduction

The BMP-2 is a mechanized infantry fighting vehicle of Russian origin. It is a more combat capable version of the earlier BMP-1. The BMP-2 was developed in the late 1970's after combat experience with the BMP-1 during conflicts in the Middle East.

Layout

The BMP-2 retains the overall layout of the BMP-1 as roughly the same chassis is used. The main improvements over the BMP-1 are the two man turret, which now also houses the commander, and the improved armament. Due to the larger turret the troop capacity is reduced from eight to seven. The armor package was slightly improved, but remains quite similar to the BMP-1.

Firepower

The main armament is the powerful 30mm 2A42 dual feed autocannon. It has a cyclic rate of fire of either 200 to 300 rounds per minute or 550 rounds per minute. The latter fire mode is hardly used. The effective range is 1.5 km against vehicles and about 2.5 km against slow moving helicopters and soft targets. A 7.62mm PKT machine gun is mounted as a coaxial weapon. Additionally there is a 9P135 missile launcher on the roof which is able to fire both 9M113 Konkurs (AT-5 Spandrel) and 9M111 Fagot (AT-4 Spigot) anti-tank missiles.

Protection

The BMP-2 has a slightly improved armor package compared to the BMP-1. Over the frontal arc there is protection against 12.7mm rounds and the sides and rear at able to withstand small arms fire. Some BMP-2's have been fitted with add-on armor. An NBC system is standard and six smoke grenade launchers are fitted on the turret.

Mobility

The tracked chassis provides the BMP-2 with a good cross country performance. A 300hp diesel engine provides propulsion. The BMP-2 is fully amphibious by raising the trim vane and is propelled in the water by its tracks.

Users

The BMP-2 was mainly used by the Soviet army during the Cold War. Adoption in Eastern Europe varied. The BMP-2 was also widely exported to Soviet allies. Despite the much improved firepower over the BMP-1 it wasn't produced in similar numbers, mainly due to the break up of the USSR.

Variants

BMP-2

Forward view of Russian BMP-2 on exercise in 2011.

Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin - © GNU Attribution Share Alike license

Variants of the BMP-2

BMP-2 obr 1980: Initial production model.
BMP-2 obr 1984: Model with improved turret armor.
BMP-2 obr 1986: Model with newer BPK-2-42 gun sight.
BMP-2D: Uparmored BMP-2 with applique armor on turret and 6 mm thick side skirts.
BMP-2K: Command variant with additional long range radios and a crew of 6.

Details

Facts BMP-2
General
Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Mechanized infantry combat vehicle
Crew
3 + 7 (commander, driver, gunner, 7 infantry)
Dimensions
Weight
14.3 t combat load
Length
6.74 m
Width
3.15 m
Height
2.45 m
Main armament
Type
30mm 2A42 autocannon
Mount
Turret
Ammunition
500 rounds
Elevation
-5 to +75°, powered, 6°/s
Traverse
360°, powered, 35°/s
Stabilizer
Yes, both axis
Sight
BPK-1-42 or BPK-2-42 day and night sight
Secondary armament
Type
7.62mm PKT machine gun
Mount
Coaxial with main armament
Ammunition
2.000 rounds
Anti-tank guided weapon
Type
9P135M launcher for anti-tank missiles
Ammunition types
9M113 Konkurs and 9M111 Fagot
Mount
Pintle mount on turret roof
Ammunition
4 missiles, 1 ready to fire
Traverse
Manual traverse and elevation
Chassis
Chassis
Tracked chassis, 6 roadwheels
Drive sprocket front, idler rear
Track
3.60 m length on ground
0.30 m track width
2.55 m track
Suspension
Torsion bar
Ground pressure
0.64 kg/cm^2
Automotive
Engine
UTD-20 V6 diesel
Power output
300 hp at 2.600 rpm
Transmission
Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse
Fuel
462 L
Mobility
Max speed
65 km/h on road
45 km/h off road
7 km/h in water
Range
600 km on road
Power to weight ratio
21.0 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.42 m
Wall
0.7 m
Trench
2.5 m
Gradient
60 %
Slope
30 %
Fording
Amphibious
Protection
Armor type
Steel
Armor thickness
23 mm on turret front
5 to 19mm on hull
Smoke
2x3 81mm Type 902V Tucha smoke grenade dischargers
NBC system
Yes, overpressure
Equipment
Night vision
Yes
Radio
R-123M or R-173

Media

Subcomponents

BMP-2

Russian army BMP-2 on display in 2011.

Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin - © GNU Attribution Share Alike license

Armament of the BMP-2

30mm 2A42
The 30mm 2A42 autocannon serves as main armament on the BMP-2. This powerful autocannon is stabilized in both axis. The double belt feed allows fast switching between HEI-T and API-T ammunition types.
7.62mm PKT
The 7.62mm PKT is fitted as coaxial machine gun. This is the vehicle variant of the well known PK machine gun as used by infantry.
9K113 Konkurs
The 9M113 Konkurs (NATO: AT-5 Spandrel) anti-tank missile allows the BMP-2 to engage main battle tanks.
9K111 Fagot
The 9M111 Fagot (NATO: AT-4 Spigot) can be launched from the same pedestal mounted launcher. The smaller Fagot is cheaper, but has less range and penetration than Konkurs.

Related articles

BMP-2M

The BMP-2M is an upgrade package for existing BMP-2. It is fitted with the improved Berezhok turret which includes the Kornet anti-tank missile and AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher.

Read more about BMP-2M

BMP-1

The BMP-2 is a modernized and improved version of the BMP-1. Both vehicles share many automotive components, but the BMP-2 feature a new and larger turret.

Read more about BMP-1