Alexander G. Masyagin traces the rapid progress of the BTR armoured personnel carriers
				Personal success
				Russia was a slow starter in the race to field armoured personnel carriers (APCs) for frontline infantry units. After World War II the pace of development increased and Russia now produces some of the most advanced vehicles in this class of combat systems. Modern tactical requirements for combat operations have placed high demands on APCs. They must be able to be used to carry infantrymen and to conduct reconnaissance tasks, gun and mortar towing, logistic work and be converted to act as headquarters vehicles, ambulances and other specialist roles. In 1958 the Prokhorov automotive plant became the birthplace of the amphibious multi-wheeled (8x8 configuration) BTR-60P APC. The distinctive feature of this vehicle was the installation arrangements for its two 90hp engines. Each drives an individual transmission with the right engine operating the first and third axles and the left engine operating the second and fourth axles. On the BTR-60P there is independent level torsion suspensions for all wheels, enhanced friction cam differentials, wheel reducers allowing increased clearance up to 475mm, air-tight hull with smooth bottom and sections for installing all main parts and units. These features increase cross-country capacity in off-road conditions, making it possible to move alongside tanks across rugged terrain and negotiate ditches or trenches up to two metres wide. The BTR-70 APC went into production in 1974. Its main feature compared to previous versions was the installation of two more-powerful 115hp engines that increased speed and performance. The use of two engines required precise synchronisation of operations, otherwise overloading of one engine and failure of the other could result. Servicing and maintenance of the engines was very time consuming.
		BTR90, the latest success in a long line of Russian armoured personnel carriers
				The BTR-80 was designed and put into production in 1983. It was powered by a single 260hp turbo diesel engine. Torque distribution to the axles was provided through a single transfer case with a blocking intermediate axle differential. These were first used in combat in Afghanistan in the 1980s, allowing the Soviet Army to assess its performance. The vehicle demonstrated its survivability and saved lives and was assessed as a highly effective armoured vehicle for multi-purpose missions. BTR-80 was designed with 30mm cannon but specialist versions include a 120mm gun, BREM-K armoured recovery vehicle, command post APC, armoured reconnaissance and patrol vehicle, communications centre and fire-control vehicle. Changes in geo-politics, outbreaks of local conflicts and reductions in armed-forces manpower levels, has led to production of highly mobile, agile and well-protected vehicles with armaments capable of accomplishing modern combat missions very effectively. Designers at the GAZ Automobile Plant have developed the new BTR-90 wheeled APC that out performs the Russian BTR-60PB, BTR-70 and BTR-80 APCs as well as similar foreign APCs. The BTR-90’s advantages over its rivals are firepower, cross-country performance and protection. Usually APC armament comprises 12.7mm or 14.5mm large-calibre machine guns and a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun. Recently 25mm or 30mm small-calibre cannons have been installed instead of machine guns. The turret of the BTR-90 allows for the mounting of four types of weapon, 30mm 2A42 automatic gun, 7.62mm PKT machine gun, 30mm AG-17 grenade launcher and the Konkurs anti-tank guided missile system. The turret of the BTR-90 is stabilised in two planes. It allows firing from stationary positions or while on the move, day or night. Targets, including tanks, can be hit at ranges in excess of 4,000m. Infantry combat vehicles, helicopters and field fortifications can be engaged at 2,000 or 2,500m. Infantrymen in the open, in trenches or on reverse slopes of hills can be hit at 4,000m, as well as pinpoint targets such as anti-tank guided missiles and anti-tank guns. To enhance APC firepower, the commander has an all-round viewer that allows him to perform weapon control and engage targets. The turret also houses the BPKZ-42 day/night sight and the 1P-13 day-vision device and the radio set. The turret can be equipped with a BPK-M gunner’s sight with a SAT thermal-module. Stringent mobility, cross-country performance and agility requirements were imposed on the design of the BTR-90 chassis. High mobility is ensured by a powerful 510hp multi-fuel supercharged diesel engine, an automatic reversible hydraulic gearbox and independent suspension of all-wheel drive. New independent torsion-bar suspension and the traverse arms feature high-capacity telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers. Wide section bullet-proof types with a central air-pressure regulation system provides movement up to 100kph on roads and over 50kph on rugged terrain. The vehicle can move even when four wheels are damaged. The BTR-90 is fitted with a new special transmission. Engine power is delivered through a hydraulic gearbox via the differential mechanism into parallel flows each side of the vehicle. Hydraulic transmission can provide different speeds on each side of the vehicle, reducing its turning radius twofold. A small turning radius plus capacity to move forward and backwards with equal speed, considerably increases the vehicle's agility. Despite the vehicle's 21 tons it can negotiate water obstacles without preliminary preparation because of its two hydrojets. The vehicle can swim in sea state No 3 and climb easily in and out of a landing ship. It can be shipped by rail, air, motor or water transport. It is the first APC to be fitted with an onboard information and control system that provides effective automated control of transmission and the engine, as well as testing and diagnostics of vital systems. The APC’s 10-strong combat crew is protected against blast wave and penetrating nuclear explosion radiation, radioactive dust, bacteria and chemical agents during operations in contaminated terrain. There is protection against large-calibre machine gun bullets and shell splinters. To enhance these properties, additional armour plating and active and passive protection can be installed, and so too can an air conditioner. ©