via RiaNovosti
MOSCOW, June 10 (RIA Novosti) – The Russian Airborne Forces (VDV) have started testing eight advanced multi-purpose Rakushka armored personnel carriers in field conditions, military spokesman Yevgeny Meshkov said Tuesday.A couple of things.
The Russian Airborne Forces received two Rakushka armored vehicles last year and are expected to get another eight by mid-2014. After the tests, the vehicles are to be put into service.
“A controlled tactical exploitation of eight Rakushka airborne multi-purpose [BTR-MD] armored vehicles has started at the testing areas of an Airborne Forces unit,” Lieutenant Colonel Meshkov said.
The BTR-MD Rakushka is a Russian multi-purpose armored vehicle designed for airborne troops, produced by the Volgograd Tractor Factory. The vehicle has a weight of 13.2 tons and is equipped with two machine guns. The carrier requires two operators, while a total of 13 people are to be involved in the airborne landing test.
If these reports are to be believed then the Russian military is emphasizing its Airborne Forces ... at least when it comes to procurement. Expeditionary forces seem to be making a comeback when it comes to the Russian Bear.
Second, how can a nation that is so innovative when it comes to armored vehicles get the basics so wrong? The entry and exits from these vehicles is absolutely atrocious! When seconds count and you need to unass one of these vehicles, it must seem like it takes an eternity. The Russians are better than this. I wonder why they haven't fixed it.
Maybe to minimize cost, that "new" vehicle is very similar to "old" one. And it's look like they only have "advance" in the description. Old parts, old design and production line that's not need to build from scratch from totally new design. Probably the same power pack, more or less size... the same flaws and the same advantages. Maybe when some more specs go online we can get a better look on this "new" vehicle. For now it's look like a slightly pimp my ride of old BTR design.
ReplyDeleteBTR-MDM is just a modernized version of BTR-MD. Why such entry and exits ? Well because the engine is in the rear for balance for amphibious requirment and the fact that it needs to compact and carry 15 soldies inside and have room enough in evac carrier version to have people stand up.
ReplyDeleteThe over the top entry for BMP3,BMD4 (BTR-MD is based on BMD4) is dictated to large degree by center of gravity(mid mounted engine) for amphibious ops ,if you have seen Sprut SD its stable enough to fire a 125mm gun while on water. From what i can tell you could disembark the BTR-MD while on water as hatch is above waterline. In any case this thing is an transporter that happens to be armored, not an IFV .
ReplyDeleteDid not think of that debarking while afloat is useful.
DeleteIs that a hull mounted machine gun? or is that thing just happy to see us?
ReplyDeletethe Russians are real big on that and i wonder if we shouldn't follow their lead. grazing fire can be pure hell on infantry.
DeleteHe he... original BTR got two of them in front. Limited firing arc but great for charge thru roads.
DeleteSpecs state it's remote controlled by the TC! and may have a grenade launcher. Operates in a sea state 3 environment.
DeleteYes the hull MG set for 1 meter is a useful weapon. Just shoot and wiggle the vehicle.
Russians having fought some of the largest tank battles in history there must have been some good feedback on the hull mounted MGs as they are quite common in russian armor often in pairs ,if you think of actualy hitting something side firing gun ports(common even in some western armored vehicles are down right silly compared to forward facing guns . If you look at some of the street fighting happening now days you often have RPG guys briefly jumping in front of the vehicle and firing of a shot faster than a turreted gun could be brought to bear ,in those cases hull mounted MG can easily sweep the ground as its operated like pintle mounted MG.
DeleteDo the troops slide out of that rear deck hatch?
ReplyDeleteThat is Fo' Shizzle crazy!
DeleteNah, they do have to bend a little.
http://vpk.name/file/img/btr-mdm_back_001.t.jpg
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First picture - Is that the new version of the Buratino?
ReplyDelete