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KShM-D


BMD-1KSh | Soroka


Overview


KShM-D

KShM-D command post vehicle for airborne forces on display in a museum.
Source: Ain92 - © GNU Attribution Share Alike license

Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Command post vehicle
Entered service
1975 or 1976
Status
In service
Development
Early 1970's
Developer
Soviet Union - VTZ / Volgograd tractor plant
Production
1975 - Late 1980's
Producer
Soviet Union - VTZ / Volgograd tractor plant
Number produced
Produced in limited numbers
Designations
BMD-1KSh (alternative designation)
Soroka (official nickname)
KSh / Komandno-Shtabnaya
Russian for "command and staff"
Obyekt 926 (GABTU index)
Notable users
Soviet Union
Russia

Description


Introduction

The KShM-D is a late Cold War era armored command post vehicle of Soviet origin. It is also known as the BMD-1KSh, which denotes its intended role to support airborne troops equipped with the BMD-1. The KShM-D is based on the chassis of the BTR-D which allows it to be airdropped alongside other Soviet airborne combat vehicles.

Design

The KShM-D is based on the chassis of the BTR-D airborne armored personnel carrier. The firing ports have been removed, roof hatches relocated and the internal space has been rearranged for the staff. Three types of radios are fitted, including for long range communication. In addition there is a navigation system. Both whip antennas and rail type antennas are fitted. An APU provides power for the equipment when the vehicle's engine is turned off.

Variants

BMD-1KSh
Original production vehicle. Can be identified by the two rail type antennas.
BMD-1KSh-A
Upgrade of existing vehicles replacing all three radio types and navigation system. Also adds satellite communication.

Firepower

The KShM-D is unarmed. The bow mounted machine guns have been removed and the firing ports as well.

Protection

The aluminum armor protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters to a certain degree. Armor piercing ammunition will penetrate. The same goes for heavy machine gun fire. An NBC system is fitted, smoke grenade launchers are not.

Mobility

The KShM-D has a very good tactical and strategic mobility due to its limited weight. A 240 hp diesel engine provides propulsion. The limited weight results in a good power to weight ratio and limited ground pressure. The KShM-D is fully amphibious and is propelled in the water by two water jets. The KShM-D can be loaded onto a platform fitted with parachutes, allowing it to be air dropped from low flying transport aircraft.

Users

The KShM-D was adopted by the Soviet Union to equip their VDV airborne forces. The KShM-D is used alongside the BMD-1 airborne infantry fighting vehicle and BTR-D armored personnel carrier. Due to its specialized role only a small amount was produced. These vehicles remain in service with Russia and other Soviet successor states. In Russian service it is being replaced by a command vehicle based on the BTR-MDM, which shares its automotive components with the BMD-4M airborne infantry fighting vehicle.

Media


Details


Facts KShM-D
General
Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Command post vehicle
Crew
6 (commander, driver, 4 staff)
Dimensions
Weight
8.7 t combat load
Length
5.88 m
Width
2.63 m
Height
2.0 m with suspension raised
1.65 m with suspension lowered
Chassis
Chassis type
Tracked chassis, 6 roadwheels
Layout
Idler front, drive sprocket rear
Ground pressure
0.54 kg/cm²
Suspension
Hydropneumatic, variable height
Tread
2.38 m
Automotive
Engine model
5D20-240
Engine type
15.9 L four stoke V6 liquid-cooled diesel
Power output
240 hp at 2.400 rpm
Transmission
Manual, 4 forward
Fuel
280 L
Mobility
Speed
60 km/h on road
35 km/h off road
9 - 10 km/h afloat
Range
500 km on road
Power to weight ratio
27.6 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
Variable, 0.10 to 0.45 m
Wall
0.7 m
Trench
2.5 m
Gradient
32°
Slope
18°
Fording
Amphibious
Protection
Armor type
Aluminum
Armor thickness
15 mm hull front
10 mm hull sides and rear
NBC system
Yes
Smoke system
No
Equipment
Night vision
Yes, for driver
Radio
2x R-123M
2x R-111
1x R-130
Navigation
TNA-3
APU
Yes, AB-0.5P / 30

Related articles


BTR-D

The KShM-D is based on the hull of the BTR-D armored personnel carrier for airborne troops. The BTR-D has a longer hull than the BMD-1. The greater internal volume is very welcome for a command vehicle. However, the KShM-D is still rather cramped.

BMD-1

The KShM-D is often known as BMD-1KSh, referring to its role as command and staff vehicle for airborne troops equipped with the BMD-1.