BMD-1
NATO: M1970
Introduction
BMD-1
Russian BMD-1 airborne combat vehicles in the snow in 2011.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin -
© GNU Attribution Share Alike license
1971 for BMD-1K
1979 for BMD-1P
340 BMD-1K and 220 BMD-1PK
Russian for "airborne combat vehicle"
M1970 (NATO reporting name)
Description
Introduction
The BMD-1 is a mechanized infantry combat vehicle of Soviet origin. It was specifically designed for use by the Soviet air assault division and has the unique ability to be air dropped from cargo planes. BMD stands for "Boevaya Mashina Desantnaya", which is Russian for "airborne combat vehicle". The BMD-1 was used alongside the contemporary BMP-1, which was produced in much larger quantities.
Design
The BMD-1 is operated by a crew of three and carries four infantry inside. The driver is seated in the front in the middle. An infantryman on each side operate the bow machine guns. The two man turret is placed in the middle. The infantry may exit the vehicle through a large hatch behind the turret. The engine is mounted at the rear. The ground clearance is adjustable due to the hydraulic suspension.
Firepower
The BMD-1 is fitted with the same turret as the BMP-1. It is armed with a 73mm 2A28 low pressure cannon, 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun and AT-3 missile launcher on top of the cannon. Additionally there are two PKT bow machine guns mounted at the front of the vehicle. The mix of armament allows the BMD-1 to engage both infanty and armored vehicles. In the BMD-1P the AT-3 launch rail is removed and a pintle mounted AT-4 missile launcher is fitted.
Protection
The aluminium armor protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters. Heavy machine gun rounds are likely to penetrate the armor. Early versions had a magnesium compound armor for reduced weight, but this was changed to aluminum as it became apparent that the armor itself was prone to catch fire. An NBC system is fitted, smoke grenade launchers are not.
Mobility
Due to its light weight the BMD-1 has a very good mobility. A 240 hp diesel engine provides propulsion. The limited weight results in a very high power to weight ratio and limited ground pressure. The BMD-1 is fully amphibious and is propelled in the water by two water jets. The BMD-1 may be fitted with parachutes and can be air dropped from low flying transport aircraft.
Users
The main user of the BMD-1 were the Soviet air assault divisions. A small amount was exported. Most remaining BMD-1 ended up in Russia due to the break up of the Soviet Union, but some successor states inherited a small number of BMD's.
Variants
BMD-1
Initial production model. First introduced in 1969. The BMD-1 is a mechanized infantry combat vehicle developed for the Soviet air assault divisions. It is a low weight, highly mobile, thinly armored and well armed vehicle. The original version mounts a 73mm 2A28 low pressure cannon with launch rail for 9M14 Malyutka (NATO: AT-3) missile and three PKT machine guns.
BMD-1K
Command variant of the BMD-1, first introduced in 1971. Additional radio equipment is fitted and an APU allows for continuous use of all electric equipment with the engine switched off. The crew of six is a dedicated command team. No infantry is carried and the ammunition load is reduced. Known as BMD-1PK after a similar upgrade as the BMD-1P.
BMD-1P
Upgrade of BMD-1's with more capable anti-tank guided missiles. Produced as new vehicles and as upgrade of existing BMD-1's. The launcher over the main barrel is replaced by a 9P135M pedestal mounted launcher on the turret roof. This has the ability to launch the either the 9M113 Konkurs (NATO: AT-5) missile and the smaller 9M111 Fagot (NATO: AT-4).
BMD-2
The BMD-2 is the successor of the BMD-1. BMD-2 uses a new and different shape turret with 30mm 2A42 atuconnon. Whereas the BMD-1 reused the turret of the BMP-1, the turret of the BMD-2 is a custom design.
Details
Media
BMD-1P
BMD-1P with pedestal mounted anti-tank missile crossing a water barrier.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
BMD-1
Belorussian BMD-1 airborne combat vehicles in the snow in 2011.
Source: Serge Serebro
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
BMD-1
Ukranian BMD-1 being prepared for airdrop by parachute in front of Il-76 transport aircraft.
Source: Olegvdv68
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
BMD-1
Ukranian BMD-1 ready for airdrop by parachute in Il-76 transport aircraft.
Source: Olegvdv68
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
BMD-1
Troops on top of their BMD-1 airborne combat vehicle.
Source: www.anaga.ru
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
BMD-1
Troops on top of their BMD-1 airborne combat vehicle.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
BMD-1
Ukranian BMD-1s being prepared for airdrop by parachute using Il-76 transport aircraft.
Source: Olegvdv68
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
BMD-1P
BMD-1P showing its amphibious capability while crossing a water barrier.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
BMD-2
The BMD-2 uses a similar hull to the BMD-1, but uses a new and different turret. Whereas the BMD-1 reused the turret of the BMP-1, the turret of the BMD-2 is a custom design.
BTR-D
Airborne armored personnel carrier based on the same automotive components as the BMD-1.
KShM-D
Soviet command post vehicle based on the BTR-D. Also known as BMD-1KSh.
PKT
The BMD-1 is fitted with three PKT machine guns. One as coaxial armament and two are fitted as bow mounted machine gun.