BTR-ZD "Skrezhet"



Overview

BTR-ZD

Left side view of BTR-ZD on the move.

Source: Unknown author - © Copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun
Entered service
1984
Status
In service
Development
Late 1970's
Developer
Soviet Union
Production
1984 - (1991?)
Producer
Soviet Union - VTZ / Volgograd Tractor Factory
Designations
Skrezhet
Nickname, Russian for "shriek".
BTR-ZD / Bronetransporter - Zenitnaya Desantnyy
Acronym, Russian for "troop transporter - anti-aircraft for assault troops".
Obyekt 925S (GABTU index)
Notable users
Soviet Union
Russia

Description

BTR-ZD

BTR-ZD in the field.

Source: Unknown author - © Copyright lies with original owner

The BTR-ZD is a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun of Soviet origin. It is a rather simple modification of the BTR-D airborne armored personnel carrier. The BTR-D provides Soviet airborne assault troops with lightweight and cost-effective front line air defense. As an anti-aircraft gun it is far less capable than vehicles equipped with radar, modern fire control systems and more powerful autocannon.

Most notable is the ZU-23-2 towed anti-aircraft gun mounted on top of the hull. Internally there are storage racks for 23mm ammunition and man-portable surface to air missiles. Missiles such as the 9K32M Strela-2M (SA-7 Grail) and 9K38 Igla (SA-18 Grouse) provide the crew of BTR-ZD with the ability to engage helicopters at greater ranges and the ability to engage ground attack aircraft.

The twin 23mm autocannon of the ZU-23-2 are also practical for engaging ground targets. The ZU-23-2 has been mounted on regular BTR-Ds for use as fire support for infantry sections. Therefore, not every BTR-D with a ZU-23-2 on top is a BTR-ZD with an associated MANPADS team.

Details

Facts BTR-ZD
General
Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Armored personnel carrier
Crew
2 + 4 (commander, driver, 4 troops)
Dimensions
Weight
8.5 t combat load (estimate)
Length
5.88 m
Width
2.63 m
Height
2.0 m roofline with suspension raised
1.65 m roofline with suspension lowered
Main armament
Type
23mm ZU-23-2 twin barrel anti-aircraft gun
Mount
Mounted on roof
Ammunition
2x 50 round belt ready to fire
Elevation
-10° to +90°
Traverse
360°
MANPADS
Type
9K32M Strela-2M
9K34 Strela-3
9K310 Igla-1
Ammunition
2 launchers, 6 missiles
Bow armament
Type
2x 7.62mm PKT machine gun
Mount
One gun in either corner of the bow
Ammunition
2.000 rounds in total, 250 ready to fire per gun
Traverse
Manual traverse and elevation
Stabilizer
No
Chassis
Chassis type
Tracked chassis, 6 roadwheels
Layout
Idler front, drive sprocket rear
Ground pressure
0.54 kg/cm²
Suspension
Hydropneumatic, variable height
Tread
2.38 m
Automotive
Engine model
5D20-240
Engine type
15.9 L four stoke V6 liquid-cooled diesel
Power output
240 hp at 2.400 rpm
Transmission
Manual, 4 forward
Fuel
280 L
Mobility
Speed
60 km/h on road
35 km/h off road
9 - 10 km/h afloat
Range
500 km on road
Power to weight ratio
24 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
Variable, 0.10 to 0.45 m
Wall
0.7 m
Trench
2.5 m
Gradient
32°
Slope
18°
Fording
Amphibious
Protection
Armor type
Aluminum
Armor thickness
15 mm hull front
10 mm hull sides and rear
NBC system
Yes
Smoke system
Not as produced
2x2 Type 902 Tucha smoke grenade dischargers (after refit)
Equipment
Night vision
Yes, for driver
Radio
1x R-123 or R-123M

Media

Related articles

ZU-23-2

The BTR-ZD is fitted with a regular ZU-23-2 towed anti-aircraft gun on the roof of the vehicle.

Read more about ZU-23-2

9K32 Strela-2

The BTR-ZD is also used to transport a team with man portable SAM systems, such as the 9K32M Strela-2M (NATO: SA-7 Grail). Two gripstock launchers and six missiles are standard loadout.

Read more about 9K32 Strela-2