Analysis: Discover combat capabilities of Russian BMD-2 airborne IFV deployed in Ukraine
According to pictures and videos released on Social Networks, the BMD-2 is one of the most used armored vehicles by the Russian army during the combat operations in Ukraine. In this article, discover the combat capabilities of the BMD-2 airborne tracked IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle).
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A Russian army BMD-2 tracked airborne IFV Infantry Fighting Vehicle fires Spigot anti-tank missile during combat operations in Ukraine. (Picture source Russian MoD)
The BMD-2 is a Soviet-made airborne tracked IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) that was designed by Arkadyi Shabalin who later designed the BMD-3, an improved version of the BMD-2. The first prototype of the BMD-2 was completed in 1985 and was first seen in 1988. The vehicle has been designed to be airdropped by parachutes thanks to a very light hull and a small combat turret. It has a weight of only 8,225 kg.
The BMD-2 is fitted with a one-man turret armed with a 30 mm 2A42 stabilized cannon, which is also used in the BMP-2 infantry combat vehicle, has an elevation of +75º and a depression of -5º. A coaxial 7.62 mm PKT machine gun is mounted to the right side of the main armament. An AT-4 Spigot or AT-5 Spandrel anti-tank guided missile launcher is mounted on the right side of the turret roof. a second 7.62mm PKT machine gun is mounted at the right side, at the front of the hull.
The layout of the BMD-2 consists of three main parts with the driver seat at the front of the hull in the center just forward of the turret. A one-man turret is mounted at the center of the hull and has a single-piece forward-opening hatch cover to the left of the turret. The rear part of the vehicle can accommodate up to four paratroopers.
The BMD-2 is powered by a 5D20 V-6 liquid-cooled diesel developing 240 hp, and manual transmission with 5 forward and 1 reverse gears. It can run at a maximum road speed of 60 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 500 km.