BRM-1K Korshun


NATO: BMP-R, BMP M1976/1 and 1976/2


Overview


BRM-1K

BRM-1K with radar in raised position.
Source: Unknown author - © Copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Reconnaissance vehicle
Entered service
1973
Status
In service
Development
Early 1970's (design project)
1972 (Soviet state trials)
Developer
Soviet Union - Design bureau of the Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant
Production
1973 - 1988 (or later)
Producer
Soviet Union - KMZ / Kurganmashzavod
Number produced
1.200 - 1.500
Designations
Korshun (nickname)
Russian for "kite"
BMP-R (NATO reporting name for BRM-1)
BMP M1976/1 (NATO name for BRM-1)
BMP M1976/2 (NATO name for BRM-1K)
BWR-1D (Polish name for BRM-1K)

Description


Introduction

The BRM-1K is a late Cold War era reconnaissance vehicle of Soviet origin. It was developed to support armored and mechanized formations employed by Soviet forces. The BRM-1K was to scout routes and detect enemy formations. During development in the early 1970's a regular BRM-1 was envisaged with a limited equipment set, with the BRM-1K serving as command vehicle and having an advance equipment suite including radar. Only the BRM-1K reached serial production. The role of a less advanced vehicle with scout sections was filled by the regular BMP-1.

Design

The BRM-1K is based on the chassis of the BMP-1 and looks rather similar at a glance. The chassis was selected since it offers good off road and amphibious mobility and has parts commonality with the BMP-1 as used by mechanized forces. A large two man turret is fitted, which has a reduced armament suite. Instead observation devices are fitted, including a mast mounted surface search radar, which can be lowered into an armored cover. Navigation devices, mine and chemical detectors and radio equipment is fitted within the hull. The crew of 6 can use all equipment from within the vehicle, or choose to dismount.

Firepower

The BRM-1K was not intended to engage the enemy, but is armed for self-defense purposes. The larger two man turret is armed with the same 73mm 2A28 Grom low pressure cannon as found in the BMP-1. It has the ability to fire HEAT rounds at targets out to 1.4 km and HE rounds out to 4 km. A reduced ammunition load of 20 rounds is carried. There is no anti-tank guided missile on the BRM-1K. A 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun is present.

Protection

All systems on the BRM-1K can be used from under armor protection. The BRM-1K was envisaged to carry out its activities even in conditions with NBC threats. The steel armor offers some protection against 12.7mm heavy machine gun rounds over the frontal arc. The sides and rear at able to withstand small arms fire. An NBC system is fitted and six smoke grenade launchers are fitted on the turret.

Mobility

The tracked chassis provides the BMP-1K with a good cross country performance. A 300hp diesel engine provides propulsion. The BMP-1K is fully amphibious by raising the trim vane and is propelled in the water by its tracks.

Users

For a long time the BRM-1K was used only by Soviet forces. In the late 1980's small batches were exported to Poland, Czechoslovakia and East Germany. With a limited number of vehicles available the BRM-1K was to be supported in the reconnaissance role by the regular BMP-1. The BRM-1K would serve as a command vehicle, protected by two or three BMP-1.

Details


Facts BRM-1K
General
Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Reconnaissance vehicle
Crew
6 (commander, driver, gunner, 2 radio operators, equipment operator)
Dimensions
Weight
13.2 t combat load
Length
6.76 m
Width
2.94 m
Height
1.92 m
Main armament
Type
73mm 2A28 Grom low pressure cannon
Mount
Main gun in turret
Ammunition
20 rounds
Elevation
-4 to +30°, powered
Traverse
360°, powered
Stabilizer
No
Secondary armament
Type
7.62mm PKT machine gun
Mount
Coaxial with main armament
Ammunition
2.000 rounds
Traverse
Elevation and traverse as main armament
Chassis
Chassis
Tracked chassis, 6 roadwheels
Layout
Drive sprocket front, idler rear
Track width
0.30 m
Length on ground
3.60 m
Tread
2.55 m
Suspension
Torsion bar
Ground pressure
0.60 kg/cm²
Automotive
Engine model
UTD-20
Engine type
15.8 liter 6-cylinder 4-stroke water-cooled diesel
Power output
300 hp at 2.600 rpm
Transmission
Manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse
Fuel
460 L
Mobility
Max speed
65 km/h on road
45 km/h off road
7 - 8 km/h in water
Range
500 - 600 km on road
380 km off road
Power to weight ratio
22.7 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.37 m
Wall
0.7 m
Trench
2.5 m
Gradient
60 %
Slope
30 %
Fording
Amphibious
Protection
Armor type
Steel
Hull armor
19 mm hull front
16 - 18 mm sides
16 mm rear
6 mm top
Turret armor
23 mm front
13 mm sides and rear
6 mm top
Smoke
2x3 Type 902V Tucha smoke grenade dischargers
Exhaust diesel injection
NBC system
Yes
Equipment
Night vision
Yes
Fire control
1PN22M gunsight
Radio
R-123M, R-130 and R-148
Observation radar
PSNR-5K / 1RL133-1
Navigation
TNA-3 Kvadrat-1
Range finder
DKRM-1 with 8 km range
Mine detector
IMP-1
Radio direction finder
ERRS-1 with 60 km range

Media


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