BRDM-1
Overview
BRDM-1
BRDM-1 obr. 1960 in a museum.
Source: Paul Lusta @ www.dishmodels.ru -
© copyright lies with original owner
Russian for "combat reconnaissance and patrol vehicle"
BTR-40P (early name)
Description
Introduction
The BRDM-1 is an early Cold War era reconnaissance vehicle of Soviet origin. It was developed in the late 1950's to provide Soviet forces with an armored and amphibious reconnaissance vehicle. It was used in large numbers until it was supplemented and eventually replaced by the improved BRDM-2.
Design
The BRDM-1 is a 4x4 vehicle with large wheels and a front mounted engine. The chassis and automotive parts are derived from the BTR-40 armored personnel carrier. The cabin is located in the middle and there is a crew compartment at the rear. Fout retractable bogey wheels are located between the axles for improved cross country mobility. Early versions had an open roof but a closed roof with large hatches is most common. Dedicated tank destroyer versions have a retractable launcher located in the crew compartment.
Firepower
Most BRDM-1 were fitted with a single 7.62mm SGMB machine gun. Sometimes a 12.7mm DShKM heavy machine gun was mounted instead. Late variants have the ability to mount up to three machine guns. Dedicated tank-destroyer versions with anti-tank guided missiles were developed on the BRDM-1 chassis.
Protection
The steel armor provides protection against small arms fire and shell splinters. When operating the armament the crew is exposed. No NBC system was fitted, forcing the crew to rely on personal NBC equipment.
Mobility
The BRDM-1 enjoys good cross country capability due to its large wheels and retractable bogey wheels. The 90 hp petrol engine allows for a maximum speed of 80 km/h on roads. It is amphibious with speeds up to 9 km/h in water.
Users
The BRDM-1 was used in large quantities with Soviet forces. Large numbers were exported to Soviet allies in Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The BRDM-1 was supplemented and eventually replaced by the more capable BRDM-2. Small numbers remain in service in third world nations.
Variants
BRDM-1
Forward view of BRDM-1 obr. 1960
Source: Janusz Magnuski -
© public domain
Details
Related articles
BTR-40
The BRDM-1 replaced the BTR-40 in the reconnaissance role. The chassis is based on the BTR-40, but has a lower silhouette, belly wheels for improved mobility and has amphibious capability that the BTR-40 lacks.
BRDM-2
The BRDM-2 is the successor of the BRDM-1. It is larger and better armed.
DShK
The 12.7mm DShKM heavy machine gun was often used on the BRDM-1 as main armament.