BTR-82A
Description
The BTR-82A is an 8x8 wheeled amphibious armored vehicle developed as a modernization of the BTR-80 series. Prototypes were first displayed in November 2009, and the Russian Ministry of Defense officially adopted the vehicle in early 2013. Manufacturing is conducted by the Arzamas Machine-Building Plant, which significantly increased production output following the start of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The vehicle is powered by a 300 hp diesel engine and equipped with GLONASS navigation. Design features include improved armor and the installation of spall liners. An upgraded configuration unveiled in August 2023 introduced enhanced ballistic and anti-mine protection. The BTR-82AM variant refers to original BTR-80 hulls refurbished and upgraded to the BTR-82A standard.
The primary armament of the BTR-82A is a 2A72 30 mm autocannon housed in a BPPU turret. The fire control system includes a TKN-4GA-02 night vision device, and vehicles produced since 2019 are equipped with a thermal imager. The BTR-82AT variant incorporates a third-generation thermal imager, SLAT armor, and the capability to mount Kornet anti-tank guided missiles. For amphibious operations, the vehicle utilizes a rear-mounted hydrojet.
The BTR-82A is operated by several countries, including Russia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan. It was first observed in combat during the conflict in Syria in 2015. The vehicle is also deployed in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, where several units have been documented as captured by Ukrainian forces. Specialized versions of the platform include the BPDM 15TS56M Typhoon-M, used for base security by Russian Strategic Rocket units, and the BTR-87, which relocates the engine compartment to the front-right of the hull.
Summary
| Origin country | 🇷🇺 Russia |
| Category | Armored Personnel Carrier |
| Sub-type | Amphibious armored personnel carrier |
| Manufacturer | Arzamas Machine-Building Plant |
| Number built | 5000 units |
Technical specifications
| Crew | 3 (+7 passengers) personnels |
| Range | 600 km |
| Mass | 13.6 tons |
| Height | 2.41 m (7.9 ft) |
| Width | 2.9 m (9.5 ft) |
| Length | 7.7 m (25.3 ft) |
| Max. speed | 90 km/h (56 mph) |
| Engine | diesel KamAZ-7403 260 hp (190 kW) |
| Weapon 1 | 14.5 mm KPVT machine gun |
| Weapon 2 | 30 mm 2A72 autocannon |
| Weapon 3 | 7.62 mm PKT machine gun |
| Weapon 4 | 81 mm smoke grenade launchers 902V Tucha |
Further Reading
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