BRDM-2
Overview
BRDM-2
BRDM-2 reconnaissance vehicle in service with Polish forces.
Source: J. Magnuski -
© public domain
1963 - 1982
Soviet Union - Arzamas machine-building plant
1982 - 1989
Russian for "combat reconnaissance and patrol vehicle"
BTR-40PB (early name)
BTR-40P-2 (early name)
GAZ-41 (factory designation)
SPW-40P2 (East German service)
Description
Introduction
The BRDM-2 is a reconnaissance vehicle of Soviet origin. It was developed in the early 1960’s as a more capable alternative to the BRDM-1. Large quantities have been produced and remain in service today. The name BRDM-2 stands for "Boyevaya Razvedyvatelnaya Dozornaya Mashina", which translates to "combat reconnaissance and patrol vehicle".
Layout
The BRDM-2 is based on the chassis of the BRDM-1, but has the engine in the rear for greater internal volume. Unlike the BRDM-1 a fully enclosed one man turret is fitted. There are no hatches or doors besides the ones in the front roof of the vehicle.
Firepower
The BRDM-2 is armed with a powerful 14.5mm KPVT heavy machine gun and a coaxial 7.62mm PKT machine gun. Both weapons can be fired on the move, but at reduced accuracy since the turret has no stabilization.
Protection
The steel hull and turret protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters. The BRDM-2 is vulnerable for all heavier weapons including heavy machine gun fire and road side bombs. The wheels are particularly vulnerable to puncture. An NBC protection system is fitted as standard. Some upgrade packages add smoke grenade dischargers but most vehicles have none.
Mobility
The 4x4 wheeled chassis provides a 100 km/h road speed and good all terrain mobility. Four chain driven belly wheels can be lowered to increase off road performance. A 140 hp gasoline engine provides propulsion. The BRDM-2 is fully amphibious and may achieve speeds of 10 km/h in the water.
Users
The BRDM-2 was widely used by Soviet and Warsaw Pact nations. It was also exported to most nations with good ties to the USSR. Nowadays the BRDM-2 is no longer produced but it remains in active use in reduced numbers. Various local upgrades have been developed.
Variants
BRDM-2
Side view of Russian army BRDM-2 reconnaissance vehicle.
Source: Counterfeiter -
© public domain
The BRDM-2 chassis has served as the basis for many specialist combat vehicles. Some of these are discussed in separate articles. The variants that closely resemble the original BRDM-2 reconnaissance vehicle are listed below.
Details
Vehicles based on the BRDM-2 chassis
Vehicles based on the BRDM-2 chassis
9P122
The 9P122 is the first tank destroyer based on the BRDM-2 chassis. It features a 6-round launcher for the 9K14M anti-tank missile. These are manually guided by the commander, who doubles as gunner.
9P133
The 9P133 is an improved version of the 9P122. The major difference is that this vehicle uses the 9M14P anti-tank missile, which is the SACLOS variant of the 9M14 series of anti-tank missile.
9P148
The 9P148 is the latest of the tank destroyer variants based on the BRDM-2 chassis. It has a launcher for five 9M113 Konkurs anti-tank missiles.
9K31 Strela-1
The 9K31 Strela-1 is a self-propelled SAM system based on the BRDM-2 chassis. The launcher has four 9M31 infrared guided missiles ready to fire.
Media
BRDM-2
Two Polish BRDM-2 on the move during an excersize.
Source: J. Magnuski
Copyright: public domain
BRDM-2
Rear view of a column of Polish BRDM-2.
Source: J. Magnuski
Copyright: public domain
BRDM-2
A Polish BRDM-2 showing its amphibious capability.
Source: J. Magnuski
Copyright: public domain
BRDM-2 with mortar
Cuban modification of BRDM-2 with 120mm M43 mortar.
Source: unknown photographer
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
BRDM-1
The BRDM-2 is the successor to the BRDM-2. The BRDM-2 has more internal volume and is better armed than its predecessor.
14.5mm KPVT
The 14.5mm KPVT heavy machine gun is the main armament of the BRDM-2.
7.62mm PKT
The 7.62mm PKT machine gun is mounted as a coaxial weapon alongside the KPVT.