Army-2021: VPK unveils new BTR-BM 8x8 wheeled armored IFV armed with Konkurs-M missiles.

The Russian Military Industrial Company (VPK) unveils its new BTR-BM 8x8 wheeled armored IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) at Army-2021, Military Technical Forum that was held in the Patriotic Park near Moscow Russia. The BTR-BM is based on the BTR-82A but fitted with a new turret with one 30mm cannon and Konkurs-M anti-tank guided missiles and an enhanced armor package.

VPK unveils the new BTR-BM 8x8 wheeled IFV Infantry Fighting Vehicle at Army-2021, Military Technical Forum near Moscow, Russia. (Picture source Army Recognition)

The BTR-BM was developed by the Russian company VPK to increase the firepower and the protection of the prevision models of the BTR-80 family of wheeled armored vehicle personnel carriers. The vehicle is based on the chassis of the BTR-82A with many new improvements.

As for the BTR-82A, the hull of the BTR-BM has a hull of all-welded steel armor construction. The commander sits at the front of the hull on the right with the driver to his left. For the previous version of the BTR-80 family, the commander and the driver position was fitted with a single hatch, but for the BTR-BM, the hatches are covered by additional armor plates. Each also has three forward- and one side-facing day periscopes.

The troop compartment of the BTR-BM is to the rear of the turret while the engine compartment is at the rear of the hull. The original BTR-82A has three firing ports and one vision block in each side of the hull, but for the BTR-BM, the side of the hull is covered by armor plates rendering the firing ports unusable. A single door is mounted between the second and third axles, the upper part of which opens to the front while the lower part folds down to form a step. This allows the infantry to dismount from the vehicle much more quickly and with less exposure to enemy fire.

The BTR-BM is fitted with a new turret armed with one 2A42 30mmm automatic cannon, one PKT 7.62mm caliber coaxial machine gun, and two container launchers for 9K111-1M Konkurs-M ATGM (Anti-Tank Guided missile). The vehicle has a crew of three and can carry up to seven infantrymen. the turret is fully stabilized on two axles and is equipped with a computerized firing control system, day/night gunner sight system, laser rangefinder, ATGM control channel, and automatic tracking system. With its new thermal imaging system and detection range targets, the BTR-BM is able to destroy land targets up to a range of 3,000 during day and night and in all weather conditions.

According to VPK, the BTR-BM keeps the same motorization as the BTR-82A which consists of a KamAz-740.14300 developing 300 hp. coupled to a 5-speed mechanical gearbox. The vehicle can reach a maximum road speed of 100 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 600 km.