PRP-3 Val


NATO: BMP-SON, M1975


Overview


PRP-3 Val

PRP-3 Val artillery observation vehicle on railway flatbed.
Source: Unknown author - © Copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Forward observer
Entered service
1972
Status
Limited service
Development
1963 - Late 1960's (design project)
1970 (Soviet state trials)
Developer
Soviet Union - ChTZ
Production
1972 - ? (KMZ)
1979 - ? (RMZ)
Producer
Soviet Union - Kurgan machine-building plant (KMZ)
Soviet Union - Rubtsov machine-building plant (RMZ)
Number produced
65 - 100 (estimate)
Designations
PRP / Podvizhnoy Razvedyvatelniy Punkt
Russian for "mobile reconnaissance post"
Val (official nickname)
Obyekt 767 (GABTU index)
1Zh3 (GRAU index)
BMP-SON (NATO reporting name)
BMP M1975 (NATO reporting name)
Small Fred (NATO reporting name for 1RL126)

Description


Introduction

The PRP-3 is a forward observation vehicle of Soviet origin. Development took place throughout the 1960's. Its role is to acquire the exact location of enemy unit formations. Additionally it plots enemy artillery positions for counter battery fire. The PRP-3 was succeeded on the production line by the PRP-4 series.

Layout

PRP-3 is based on chassis of the BMP-1 mechanized infantry combat vehicle. This chassis provides good cross country mobility and is amphibious. The small turret is replaced by a much large one, crammed with observation devices and a ground surveillance radar. The PRP-3 has a 5 men crew and carries no additional troops.

Firepower

Unlike the BMP-1 the PRP-3 does not feature a low pressure cannon or anti-tank guided missiles. The turret is fitted only with a 7.62mm PKT vehicle machine gun. The PRP-3 is to valuable and fragile for frontline use. In combat it is to disengage whenever possible.

Sensors

The PRP-3 features a wide variety of sensors. It has day and night vision observation devices, a laser range finder and various types of navigation systems. An 1RL126 (NATO: Small Fred) ground surveillance and counter battery radar is stowed in the rear of the turret. Radar range is about 20 km. Several types of long range radios are fitted. A 90mm flare launcher can be used for battlefield illumination.

Mobility

The PRP-3 is based on the BMP-1 chassis and shares all automotive components. The tracked chassis provides good mobility on road and in the field. The PRP-3 is amphibious and can cross rivers and small bodies of water.

Protection

The PRP-3 operates near or beyond the frontline, although it is to stay clear of direct engagements. The armor provides protection against small arms fire and shell splinters. The sensors are operated from within the vehicle.

Users

The PRP-3 was used by Soviet forces and exported to several Soviet allies. Due to the advanced nature few vehicles were produced. Exports were limited to well developed nations. In Soviet service one PRP-3 was assigned to an artillery or guided missile battalion. Furthermore it was used in the target acquisition battery of an artillery regiment.

Details


Facts PRP-3 Val
General
Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Forward observer
Crew
5
Dimensions
Weight
13 t combat load
Length
6.74 m
Width
2.94 m
Height
2.095 m
Main armament
Type
7.62mm PKT machine gun
Mount
Main gun in turret
Ammunition
1.000 rounds, 250 ready to fire
Elevation
-4 to +33°, powered
Traverse
360°, powered
Stabilizer
No
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
UTD-20 V6 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 km/h in water
Range
550 - 600 km on road
Power to weight ratio
23 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.39 m
Wall
0.8 m
Trench
2.5 m
Gradient
60 %
Slope
30 %
Fording
Amphibious
Protection
Armor type
Steel
Armor thickness
5 to 26 mm
Smoke
Exhaust diesel injection
NBC system
Yes
Equipment
Day sight
TV-240 / 1OP79
Night vision
NPN / 1PN29
Laser range finder
1D6 or 1D6M1
Flare launcher
90mm 2P130-1 launcher
20x 9M41 rocket flare
1 - 3 km range
Radio
2x R-123M
1x R-124
1x R-108
Navigation
KP-4 / 1V44 course laying device
1G25-1 gyrocompass
1G13M gyropointer
Battlefield radar
Type
1RL123
Range
20 km detection
7 km tracking
Wavelength
J-band

Media


Related articles


PKT

The armament of the PRP-3 consists of a single 7.62mm PKT machine gun mounted in the large turret.