BA-64



Overview


BA-64

A BA-64 in the snow during World War 2.
Source: www.wwiivehicles.com - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Reconnaissance vehicle
Entered service
1942
Status
Obsolete
Development
1941 - 1942
Developer
Soviet Union - GAZ
Production
1942 - 1943 (BA-64)
1943 - 1946 (BA-64B)
Producer
Soviet Union - GAZ
Number produced
3.901 BA-64
5.209 BA-64B
Designations
Bobik (Russian service nickname)
Notable users
Soviet Union

Description


Introduction

The BA-64 is a small World War 2 era reconnaissance vehicle of Soviet origin. It was developed to support Soviet infantry and to provide reconnaissance. Compared to other Soviet armored cars the BA-64 was smaller, less costly and highly mobile, although it lacked firepower.

Layout

The original BA-64 was based on the GAZ-61 jeep, the later BA-64B is based on the GAZ-67B chassis. The BA-64 features a monocoque armored hull that protects the engine bay and crew compartment. The crew is reduced to a driver and a gunner. A small armored one man turret is fitted on top, allowing the single machine gun to be fired under armor protection.

Firepower

The vast majority of BA-64 are fitted with a single 7.62mm DT machine gun in a one man turret. The machine gun has a high elevation angle for anti-aircraft use. The 7.62mm DT is of little use against aircraft but the elevation proved very useful in urban combat. The BA-64D variant was armed with a 12.7mm DShK heavy machine gun, making it much more effective against infantry, light armored vehicles and aircraft.

Protection

The 12mm steel monocoque hull and turret armor protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters. The sloped armor results in a good weight vs protection ratio. The wheels are easily punctured by small arms fire, reducing mobility significantly. An NBC system and smoke grenade dischargers are both lacking.

Mobility

The 4x4 chassis provides a reasonable cross county ability and good performance on roads. The 50 hp gasoline engine allows for a maximum road speed of 80 km/h. The original BA-64 was top heavy and easily turned over in rough terrain. This problem was solved in the improved BA-64B.

Users

The BA-64 was widely used by Soviet forces during World War 2. It was used for a short period after World War 2, but was soon replaced by the BRDM-1 and other vehicles. The BA-64 was exported to several nations with good ties to the USSR. Nowadays it only remains in service in North Korea.

Variants


BA-64

Ex-USSR BA-64 armored car in a museum.
Source: S. Filatov - © GNU Attribution - Share Alike license

Production models

BA-64
Original production version based on GAZ-61 jeep chassis. Produced from 1942 - 1943.
BASh-64
Command version with rearranged rear compartment.
BA-64B
Improved BA-64 based on GAZ-67B jeep chassis. Produced from 1943 to 1946.
BA-64D
BA-64B with redesigned turret to house the more powerful 12.7mm DShK heavy machine gun. Introduced in 1944 and also known as BA-64DShK.

Prototype models

BA-64D
Armored personnel carrier for transport assault troops on the battlefield.
BA-64ZhD
Railroad version with train wheels mounted at the front and rear.
BA-64SKh
Snow mobile with tracks rear and skis at the front.

Details


Facts BA-64 BA-64B
General
Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Reconnaissance vehicle
Crew
2 (driver, gunner)
Dimensions
Weight
2.45 t combat load
Length
3.67 m
Width
1.69 m
Height
1.89 m
Main armament
Type
7.62mm DT machine gun
Mount
One man turret
Ammunition
1.070 rounds
Traverse
360°, manual
Stabilizer
No
Chassis
Chassis type
Wheeled chassis, 4x4
Automotive
Engine
GAZ M1 4-cylinder
Power output
54 hp
Transmission
Manual, 4 forward, 1 reverse
Fuel
110 L
Mobility
Speed
80 km/h on road
Range
560 km on road
300 km cross country
Power to weight ratio
21.3 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.21 m
Fording
0.9 m
Protection
Armor type
Steel
NBC system
No
Smoke system
No
Fire suppression
No

Media