BTR-40
Overview
BTR-40
Captured BTR-40 in use with Israeli forces. Note the two 7.62mm MAG machine guns.
Source: www.army.fresh.co.il -
© copyright lies with original owner
V.A. Dedkov
China
Sorokovka (Soviet nickname)
SPW-40 (East German service)
BTR-141 (prototype designation)
Description
Introduction
The BTR-40 is an early Cold War era armored personnel carrier of Soviet origin. It was developed shortly after World War 2 and is based on the GAZ-63 utility vehicle. The BTR-40 was one of the first mass produced armored personnel carriers. It was supplemented and replaced by the BTR-152 and BTR-60 since the 1960's. The BRDM-1 reconnaissance vehicle was derived from the BTR-40.
Design
The BTR-40 is based on the GAZ-63 4x4 utility vehicle. If features a thin steel monocoque hull. The cabin and crew compartment are connected. Most versions have an open roof. Firing ports are located on either side and one, two or three pintle mounts are provided.
Firepower
Often the BTR-40 was fitted with only a single 7.62mm SGMB machine gun. Up to three weapons can be fitted. Occasionally a 12.7mm DShKM or 14.5mm KPVT heavy machine gun are fitted. The BTR-40A anti-aircraft version features a ZTPU-2 mount with two 14.5mm KPVT heavy machine guns.
Protection
The welded steel armor protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters. Most BTR-40 feature and open roof. The gunners are exposed when operating the pintle mounts. NBC protection and smoke grenade launchers are not provided.
Mobility
The 4x4 chassis with large wheels make the BTR-40 highly maneuverable on road. Cross country mobility is good in all but the most difficult terrain. The 80 hp petrol engine provides a maximum speed of 80 km/h. The BTR-40 is not amphibious, unlike the BRDM-1 reconnaissance vehicle that was derived from the BTR-40.
Users
The BTR-40 was used in large quantities with Soviet forces. It was eventually replaced by the larger BTR-152. Many have been exported to Soviet allies around the world. China used both Soviet and locally produced vehicles under the designation Type 55. A limited number of BTR-40's remain in service with third world nations today.
Variants
BTR-40
Afghan BTR-40 on parade.
Source: www.warwheels.net -
© copyright lies with original owner
Details
Media
BTR-40
BTR-40 with 7.62mm SGMB machine gun.
Source: www.btr40.tripod.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
BTR-40
East German SPW-40 during an excersize.
Source: www.btr40.tripod.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
BTR-40
Top view of BTR-40. Note the open roof and exposed gunner.
Source: www.btr40.tripod.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
BTR-40
Afghan BTR-40 on parade.
Source: www.warwheels.net
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
BTR-40Kh
Rear view of Soviet BTR-40Kh NBC reconnaissance vehicle.
Source: www.warwheels.net
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
BTR-40A
The BTR-40A is a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun variant of the BTR-40. It features a gun mount for two 14.5mm KPV heavy machine guns.
BRDM-1
The BRDM-1 is a dedicated reconnaissance vehicle designed to replace the BTR-40B as a scout vehicle. The BRDM-1 is amphibious and has better all terrain mobility.