Basic Information

Name

BMD-4 Russian Airborne Amphibious Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV)

Designation

BMD-4

Alternate Designation

BMD-4

Equipment Type

Amphibious Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV)

Manufacturer

Volgograd Tractor Plant

Date of Introduction

2004

Description

The BMD-4 (Russian: "Боевая Машина Десанта-4"; Boyevaya Mashina Desanta-4 literally "Combat Vehicle of the Airborne") is an amphibious infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) originating from post-Cold War Russia. Originally designated as the BMD-3M, the chassis of the BMD-4 is the same as that of the BMD-3 because it was developed on the same basis. This armored fighting vehicle is one of the lightest and one of the most heavily armed in its class, possessing a substantial amount of firepower in comparison to its counterparts. The vehicle was designed to transport Russian Airborne Troops (VDV); increasing its mobility, armament, and protection on the battlefield. Many components of the vehicle, such as the ergonomics and positioning of the passengers, remain relatively unchanged. Primary differences between the BMD-4 and its predecessors lie in its armament. The vehicle is fitted with the Bakhcha-U turret, which consists of: a 100 mm 2A70 low-pressure rifled gun, a 30 mm 2A72 coaxial autocannon, and a 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun. The 2A70 rifled cannon is capable of firing high explosive fragmentation rounds and laser-guided anti-tank missiles. It also features secondary weapons designed to engage and destroy enemy infantry and armored fighting vehicles. The automated fire control system of the vehicle is advanced with new features that simplify the use of the vehicle's armament by the gunner and commander. The vehicle is designed by the Volgograd tractor factory and the armament was developed by the KBP Instrument Design Bureau unitary enterprise located in Tula. Kurganmashzavod is the official manufacturer of the vehicle. The only operator of the BMD-4 is Russia, where it entered service in late 2004 and has been produced ever since then. In 2008, a modernized version, designated as the BMD-4M, was introduced with significant contributions from Kurganmashzavod; the designer of the BMP.

Ground Specifications

Crew 3

Mobility Type Tracked

Main Weapon 100 mm 2A70 rifled gun, 30 mm 2A72 autocannon, and 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun

Engine Diesel (500 hp)

NBC Protection Yes

Max Speed 70.0 km/h

Range 500.0 km

Variants

BMD-4K The commander variant featuring an additional radio station.

BMD-4M A variant with a modular unification with the BMP-3.

BMD-4M Sinitsa A variant with further modular unification with the BMP-3 and Sinitsa turret.

BTR-MDM Rakushka A armored personnel carrier based on BMD-4M. It can carry 3 crews and 12 troops.

2S25 Sprut-SD- A new order for 2S25 replacement 125 mm tracked self-propelled guns were made in 2013. These tank destroyers are planned to be made using the chassis of the BMD-4 with the turret being replaced by the 2A46M-5 125 mm gun; the same smoothbore gun used on the T-90

2S42 Lotus A self-propelled 120 mm mortar based on BMD-4M

Ptitselov A self-propelled airdroppable SAM system with twelve 9M337 missiles based on BMD-4M

BMD-4M The BMD-4M was unveiled by Kurganmashzavod in 2008. This vehicle retains the Bakhcha-U turret with a number of other innovations. Overall bulletproof crew protection is ensured. Special lightweight and durable alloys make this possible without the vehicle losing its ability to swim or be airdropped. The more powerful and compact engine of the BMP-3 is integrated into the BMD-4M; providing 500 hp.In general, the unification of units, plants, and systems of the modernized BMD-4 chassis with the same units, plants and systems of BMP-3 is 80%. This decreases the expenses of the airborne assault vehicle servicing in the army allowing a significant reduction of service maintenance of airborne combat vehicles in the army.

BMD-4M Sinitsa The BMD-4M Sinitsa was unveiled in 2017. This vehicle has the Sinitsa turret combat module fitted with a top-mounted panoramic sight with a thermal imaging channel and housing a 100 mm 2A70 tank gun/ATGM launcher, 30 mm 2A72 autocannon and a 7.62mm PKMS medium machine gun. The original power unit and transmission system are changed to the parts used in the BMP-3 to standardise production and spare parts supply.

Kornet-D1 In January 2019, the Russian MoD announced it would begin state trials of the 9P163 Kornet-D1 anti-tank missile system, a version of the BMD-4M chassis modified to fire Kornet ATGMs.

System

Alternative Designation BMD-4

Type Airborne Infantry Fighting Vehicle

Manufacturer Volgograd tractor factory

Family BMD-4

Estimated Service Life 40 years

Crew 3 ea

Passenger Capacity 6 ea

Amphibious Yes, The BMD-4 is amphibious and propelled in the water by two water-jets mounted on both sides at the rear of the vehicle

Note It is reported that the BMD-4 can cause mission system damage to a MBT sized target at 1,500 meters while afloat.

Dimensions

Length (Gun Forward) 6.4 m

Lenght (Hull) 6.1 m

Width 3.1 m

Height 2.5 m

Weight, Combat 13.5 tons

Ground Pressure 0.45 kg/cm2

Automotive

Engine Name UTD-29

Engine Type Diesel

Engine Power 500 hp

Cruising Range 500 km

Speed, Maximum Road 70 km/h

Speed, Average Cross 40 km/h

Speed Maximum Swim 10 km/h

Gradient 70 %

Side Slope 30 %

Vertical Step 0.8 m

Trench 1.8 m

Fording Depth Amphibious

Note The engine remains effective in elevations up to 3,000 m above sea level.

Communications

Primary Radio R-168-25UE-2 (Digital Radio)

R-168-25UE-2 Freauency 30-107,975 MHz range

R-168-25UE-2 Range 17-35 km

Data Transmit 1, 2 or 16 Kbits/s

Antenna either the R-168TWBA or R-168BBMA antenna

Main Weapon System

Note The Turret System includes: Bakhcha-U turret with 100 mm 2A70 rifled tank gun, 30 mm 2A72 autocannon, and 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun

System

Name 1 x 2A70 Cannon

Type Cannon

Caliber 100 mm

Max Rate of Fire 10 rds/min

Loader Type Automatic loader, manual for gun and ATGMs

Maximum Elevation +60 deg

Minimum Elevation -5 deg

Traverse Range 360 deg

Traverse Left 180 deg

Traverse Right 180 deg

Fire on the Move Yes

Maximum Aimed Range 5,000 m

Maximum Effective Range (Day) 4,000 m

Tactical AA Range 4,000 m

Armor Penetration 25mm of RHA

Ammunition (Option 1)

Name 9M117M1 Arkan

Type Laser beam riding missile

Caliber 100 mm

Cartridge 3UBK23-3 cartridge

Muzzle Velocity 330 m/s

Maximum Effective Range 4,000 m

Soft Launch Yes

Warhead Type HEAT

Motor Type Rocket

Penetration 650 mm of rolled homogenous armour (RHA) behind ERA or 750 mm of RHA without ERA and it has a maximum range of 4,000 m

Basic Load 34 total rounds of any Russian 100mm Projectiles

Note The gunner can issue corrections whilst the missile is in flight.

Ammunition (Option 2)

Name 3OUF19-1

Type 100 mm

Muzzle Velocity INA

Penetration INA

Fuze Type proximity fuse, designed to detonate the shell 3 meters above ground

Lethal Area 600 m2 against soft targets.

Basic Load 34 total rounds of any Russian 100mm Projectiles

Note This type of projectile is used against entrenched infantry and aircraft, but not heavly protected vehicles.

Ammunition (Option 3)

Name 3UOF19 Vishnia HE

Type 100 mm

Muzzle Velocity 340 m/s

Penetration INA

Fragments The projectile produces over 3,000 fragments in a butterfly pattern

Lethal Area 360 m2 lethal area.

Basic Load 34 total rounds of any Russian 100mm Projectiles

Auxiliary Weapon System #1

System

Name 1 x Shipunov 2A72, 30mm Autocannon

Type Autocannon

Caliber 30 mm

Manufacturer Tulamashzavod

Length (Total) 3.027 m

Barrel Length 2,416 mm

Weight 115 kg

Action Gas-operated

Barrels 1 ea

Max Rate of Fire (Low) 200-300 rds/min

Max Rate of Fire (High) 550-800 rds/min

Effective Firing Range 2,000 m

Maximum Firing Range 4,000 m

Feed System Twin Feed

Traverse Range 360 deg

Traverse Left 180 deg

Traverse Right 180 deg

Maximum Elevation +75 deg

Minumum Elevation -5 deg

Ammunition (Option 1)

Name 3UOF8

Type HEI

Caliber 30 mm

Cartridge 30 × 165 mm

Muzzle Velocity 960 m/s

Projectile Weight 389 g

Bursting Charge 49 g

Basic Load INA

Note A high-explosive incendiary round with A-670M nose fuze.The fuze produces a 0.15 millisecond delay on impact, and a self-destruct mechanism detonating the projectile after 7.5 to 14.5 seconds of flight (3900–5300 m distance from muzzle).

Ammunition (Option 2)

Name M929

Type APFSDS-T

Caliber 30 mm

Cartridge 30 × 165 mm

Projectile Weight 235 g

Bursting Charge None

Muzzle Velocity 1,260 m/s

Basic Load INA

Note A sub-caliber fin-stabilized discarding sabot round with tracer from Belgian Mecar, with tungsten alloy penetrator. Penetration: 50 mm RHA steel at 60 degree impact at 1,000 m range

Ammunition (Option 3)

Name 3UBR8

Type APDS

Caliber 30 mm

Cartridge 30 × 165 mm

Projectile Weight 304 g

Bursting Charge None

Muzzle Velocity 1,120 m/s

Basic Load INA

Note A sub-caliber discarding sabot. No tracer. Penetration: 25mm RHA at flat angle of impact, 1500 m range 25mm thick plate at 60 degree impact, 1500 m

Auxiliary Weapon System #2

System

Name 1 x 7.62mm PKT (Kalashnikov's Machine Gun)

Type General-Purpose Machine Gun

Caliber 7.62 mm

Function In use as a front-line infantry and vehicle-mounted weapon with Russia's armed forces.

In Service 1961-present

Manufacturer Degtyaryov plant

Proliferation 1 Million +

Length (Overall) 1,203 mm

Length (Barrel) 605 mm

Weight (Gun Only) 9 kg

Weight (Tripod Only) 7.7 kg

Action Gas-operated, open bolt

Max Rate of Fire 650 rds/min

Effective Rate of Fire 250-300 rds/min

Effective Firing Range (With Sight Adjustments) 100-1,500 m

Maximum Firing Range 4,000 m

Feed System Non-disintegrating metal 50 round belts in 100 and 200/250 round ammunition boxes

Sights Iron Sights

Note The 7.62 PKT can be controlled remotely and is slaved to the main gun,

Ammunition (Option 1)

Name 57-N-323S

Type Rifle

Caliber 7.62 mm

Cartridge 7.62×54mmR

Muzzle Velocity 855 m/s

Muzzle Energy 3,509 J

Accuracy of fire at 300 m 90 mm

Basic Load 2,500 ea

Ammunition (Option 2)

Name 7N13 (AP)

Type Rifle

Caliber 7.62 mm

Cartridge 7.62×54mmR

Muzzle Velocity 855 m/s

Muzzle Energy 3,436 J

Accuracy of fire at 300 m 90 mm

Basic Load 2,500 ea

Ammunition (Option 3)

Name 7BZ3 (API)

Type Rifle

Caliber 7.62 mm

Cartridge 7.62×54mmR

Muzzle Velocity 834 m/s

Muzzle Energy 3,613 J

Accuracy of fire at 300 m 150 mm

Basic Load 2,500 ea

Anti-Tank Guided Weapon (ATGW)

Name 1 x 9M113 Konkurs (AT-5 Spandrel)

Type Soviet SACLOS wire-guided anti-tank missile.

Manufacturer Tula Machinery Design Bureau (Tula KBP) – Tulsky Oruzheiny Zavod

In Service 1974-Present

Proliferation Algeria– used by mechanized infantry units Armenia Azerbaijan Egypt – mounted on Fahd armoured personnel carriers purchased in 1990s Belarus The launcher is been locally produced and upgraded. Bulgaria Croatia Cuba – not confirmed Czech Republic Eritrea[ Finland – known as PstOhj 82M, fired from 9P135M-1 launchers (withdrawn from service) Georgia Guinea Hungary Indonesia – mounted on BVP-2 infantry fighting vehicles operated by the marine corps India – 15,000 Konkurs-M, ordered in 2008 for Rs 1,380-crore. Another 10,000 Konkurs-M ordered for US$250 million in 2012. A new contract was signed in 2019 for USD 110 mln. Iran– produced domestically as Tosan-1 Iraq Ivory Coast (reported) Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Morocco[ Mongolia Moldova– used on BRDM-2 North Korea – produced domestically Pakistan – Used on Viper infantry fighting vehicle Peru Romania Russia – about 300 Konkurs-M complexes delivered annually in the last years (2014) Slovakia Turkmenistan Turkey Syria Ukraine Houthis – Tosan version

Varaints 9M113M,Towsan-1, Tosan, Towsan, or M113, 9N131M1, 9N131M2-1

Length 1,150 mm

Diameter 135 mm

Weight (Missile) 14.6 kg

Weight (9P135 Launching Post) 22.5 kg

Warhead Weight 2.7 kg

Detonation Mechanism Contract

Engine Solid-fuel rocket

Wingspan 468 mm

Maximum Operational Range 4 km

Minimum Operational Range 70 m

Speed 208 m/s

Guidance system Wire-guided SACLOS

Steering system Two control surfaces

Launch platform Individual, vehicle

Penetration 600mm of RHA

Basic Load 1 x 9M113 Konkurs (AT-5 Spandrel)

Fire Control

Name 1V539M FCS

Computerized FCS Yes

Battle Management System Yes

Thermal Sight Vehicle Commander Yes, 1PZ-3 with a TNP-165A designator

Thermal Sight Gunner Yes, BPK-1-42 with a TNPT-1 designator and a TKN-3B binocular sight

Driver Sight TVNE-1B periscope for night driving

Main Gun Stabilization 2E52 electro-mechanical stabiliser.

Main Gun Stabilization Modes Three modes of operation: utomatic; semi-automatic; and guidance.

Periscopes TNPO-170A periscopes and the TNPO-350B night vision periscope.

Laser Rangfinder 1D16-3 LRF

GLONASS System Yes

Gyrocompass GPK-59 gyrocompass

Note The 1V539M FCS can process five ballistic setterings and calculate fire solutions at a mazimum distance of 5,000 meters.

Protection

Hull Armor Hull: Welded Aluminum Alloy with Ceramic plates. Protection to stop up to 12.7mm rounds fired at the hull and 7.72mm rounds fired at the sides

Turret Armor Turret: welded aluminium Protection to stop up to 12.7mm rounds fired at the hull and 7.72mm rounds fired at the sides

Applique Armor INA

Explosive Reactive Armor INA

Active Protection System INA

Mine Clearing No

Self-Entrenching Blade No

NBC Protection Yes

Smoke Equipment Yes, 902 toucha smoke grenade launchers

IR Signature INA

Fire Suppression System Yes

Image Sources

Notes https://www.militarytoday.com/apc/bmd_4.htm; https://www.army-technology.com/projects/bmd-4m-infantry-fighting-vehicle/; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMD-4;