Despite the release of the new BTR-82 model, the BTR-80 is the most popular armored personnel carrier in the Russian army. This wheeled vehicle was created taking into account the experience of previous military conflicts. The BTR-80 crosses small water obstacles, quickly picks up speed, and has good maneuverability coupled with weapons, armor for the engine and crew. There is also fire-fighting equipment and radiation protection - a tribute to the capabilities of modern weapons. The main task of the vehicle is to quickly deliver troops to the battlefield and provide cover. In the case of organizing a defense, an armored personnel carrier is dug into the ground, and a tower with a machine gun is turned into a pillbox.
In which troops is it used?
The scope of application of armored personnel carriers is quite wide. If we talk about the BTR-80, the technical characteristics allow this vehicle to be used in a wide variety of troops. It is mainly used by motorized riflemen. In any textbook on tactics you can find schemes for conducting combat in various situations with a motorized rifle platoon and three armored personnel carriers.
High speed and maneuverability make the BTR-80 an ideal vehicle for airborne units. The ability to cross water obstacles and the ability to be transported on landing ships allow it to be used in Marine Corps operations. Eight-wheeled vehicles easily slide down ramps straight into the water, within a few minutes, under the cover of artillery, they reach the shore and begin the assault on land, while under the armor “black berets” are waiting in the wings.
It is also possible to drop equipment from aircraft; after landing, the armored personnel carrier immediately enters into battle. Modern parachute systems allow tanks and armored personnel carriers to be dropped simultaneously with their crew, with minimal risk to people.
In addition to Russia, the BTR-80 is actively used in the CIS countries, Estonia, Turkey, etc.
Places of military glory
Since 1976, the main armored personnel carrier in the Soviet Union has been the BTR-70 - a good vehicle, but it inherited the shortcomings of its predecessor - the BTR-60PB. It had high fuel consumption, an insufficiently thought-out landing and landing system, and an unreliable power plant. In the early 80s, the design bureau of the Gorky Automobile Plant designed a new armored personnel carrier - the BTR-80, the characteristics of which allow it to be used in a wide variety of conditions. The new technology has earned its fame through hard work, having traveled the roads of all military conflicts of the USSR and the CIS since the late 1980s: Moldova, Tajikistan, Chechnya, Nagorno-Karabakh, etc.
The BTR-80 was used as the main vehicle in the wars in the North Caucasus. The troops were transported directly on the roof of the transport vehicle. In the event of a military clash on the way, the soldiers jumped off and took cover behind the armored sides.
For foreigners, the Russian soldier is associated not only with the Kalashnikov assault rifle, but also with the BTR-80. Technical characteristics allow the equipment to be effectively used in anti-terrorist operations. This is the most popular wheeled vehicle in the Russian army; modifications based on the BTR-80 are used by assault units, communications units, artillery, and also as a mobile first aid post.
Modernization and comparison with foreign analogues
Over its many years of service, the BTR-80 has been modernized several times. The following types of vehicles are found in the Russian army:
- a command and staff vehicle, additionally equipped with radio communications and terrain positioning equipment; in addition, part of the BTR-80K was released as mobile missile launch control posts;
- BTR-80A, a modernized version with an uninhabited combat module with a 30 mm 2A72 cannon. Instead of a turret with a pair of machine guns;
- BTR-80M, with a reinforced YaMZ-238 engine, as well as tires with increased bullet resistance and a longer hull;
- BTR-80AM, YaMZ-238 engine and uninhabited combat module.
In addition to Russia, these transporters are in service in 26 countries around the world. Not only Russians like to improve, so there are options that are adjusted even to NATO standards. Hungarian developers have achieved the greatest success in this field:
- BTR-80 SKJ – specialized medical vehicle;
- BTR-80 VSF - for RCBZ troops;
- BTR-80 MVJ – a tow truck for equipment damaged on the battlefield with the possibility of simple repairs on site;
- BTR-80 MPAEJ – device for repair and maintenance;
- BTR-80 MPFJ – engineering and technical modification.
In addition to Hungary, a lot of work was done on the “eighty” in Poland and Ukraine. The attention with which engineers treat this vehicle speaks of its enormous potential for modernization and importance in military affairs.
The use of the BTR-80 in Afghanistan and other conflicts did not greatly interest the American military, accustomed to tracked transporters. The situation was changed by the famous Throw on Pristina, which showed the advantage of wheeled vehicles over tracked vehicles in such operations.
As a result, the US Army received the M1126 Stryker, which is based on the Swiss “Piranha” armored personnel carrier and our “eighty”. Comparative tests, meanwhile, showed that Americans have serious problems. Due to the heavy weight of the vehicle and the features of the transmission, the Stryker is more likely to get stuck in the mud.
If a mine tears off a couple of wheels on a domestic armored personnel carrier, it is quite capable of getting to its own.
The American, despite having the same 8 wheels, gets up after losing at least one of them.
Appearance
Many combat vehicles have approximately the same appearance as the BTR-80. The photo below is presented for better understanding of the information. The body is made of armored steel, welded rigidly and reliably. The main elements are the bow, stern, sides, roof and bottom. The transport vehicle has a whole collection of hatches: for the winch in the bow, there are also inspection hatches, for the air gun, driver and commander hatches, the fighting compartment and a hatch above the power plant. There is also a wave-reflective shield in front.
The turret is made in the form of a truncated cone and has embrasures for installing coaxial machine guns. Welded from armored steel.
Transfer of weapons and military equipment to seasonal operation mode
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Organization of transfer of arms and military equipment to seasonal operation mode
The transfer of weapons and military equipment to summer or winter operation is carried out in order to maintain them at a high level of combat readiness and reliable operation during use.
Seasonal maintenance is carried out twice a year for up to 20 days (directive of the First Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation of 2002 No. 332/500 “Methodological recommendations for the organization and implementation of daily activities in a military unit. Book “Technical support”), in preparation vehicles for the seasonal period of operation within the time limits established by the commander of the military district.
Work to transfer weapons and military equipment to seasonal operation is planned taking into account the allocation of at least 10 full working days to each unit .
During this period, combat training classes conducted , and the involvement of crew personnel (crews) and repair units for other work (events) not related to seasonal maintenance of weapons and military equipment is prohibited
There are no plans to leave the fleet on days of seasonal maintenance , with the exception of a minimum number of vehicles to ensure combat duty and business needs.
The transfer of vehicles to seasonal operation is personally supervised by the commander of the military unit.
To guide and monitor the progress of the transfer of weapons and military equipment, a control center is deployed in the park of the military unit.
In units, translation work is managed by the commanders of units (battalions (divisions), companies (batteries).
Work on the transfer of weapons and military equipment begins daily with the formation of personnel of the military unit in the park and setting tasks. Personnel are brought into formation in overalls (working uniforms). Before starting work, the personnel (crews, crews, drivers) have plans and tasks and are given instructions on safety requirements when performing work.
Option for organizing the transfer of weapons and equipment of a military unit to seasonal operation mode - Appendix No. 1.
The commander of a military unit makes a decision in advance to organize the transfer of weapons and military equipment, restore the faulty weapons and military equipment available in the military unit, and prepare the fleet and material and technical base. The decision is formalized textually.
A variant of the decision-making algorithm for organizing the transfer of arms and military equipment of a military unit to seasonal operation mode is Appendix No. 2.
In order to ensure high-quality organization of work in a military unit (units), a set of documents is being developed.
The list of basic documents processed in a military unit and in subunits during the preparation and implementation of the transfer of weapons and military equipment to seasonal operation mode is Appendix No. 3.
All documents are printed on A-4 format sheets and are located in the folder with the files of the military unit (unit).
The military unit is developing:
order “On the preparation of personnel, weapons and military equipment, fleet and material and technical base for operation in summer (winter) conditions” - Appendix No. 4 ;
plan for transferring weapons and equipment, fleet and material and technical base of the military unit to seasonal operation mode - Appendix No. 5 ;
work schedule of specialized posts and teams - Appendix No. 6 ;
schedule for checking the quality of seasonal maintenance - Appendix No. 7 ;
statement of control over the progress of transferring weapons and military equipment and elements of the military unit's fleet to seasonal operation - Appendix No. 8 ;
plan for the restoration of weapons and military equipment of a military unit - Appendix No. 9 ;
lists of work when transferring to seasonal operation for each brand of weapons and military equipment (developed by the heads of the relevant services);
act of checking the quality of seasonal servicing of arms and military equipment of a military unit (drawn up by members of the commission of the military unit based on the results of checking the quality of seasonal servicing) - Appendix No. 10 ;
order “On the results of checking the readiness of personnel, weapons and military equipment, fleet and material and technical base for operation in summer (winter) conditions” - Appendix No. 11.
The decision made by the commander of the military unit is reflected in the order “On the preparation of personnel, weapons and military equipment, fleet and material and technical base for operation in summer (winter) conditions,” which is issued no later than 2 weeks before the start of work.
In the order, the commander of the military unit determines :
— deadlines for the translation;
— a list of planning and reporting documents on seasonal maintenance of weapons and military equipment processed in military units and divisions;
— the procedure for training unit commanders and personnel to perform seasonal maintenance work using weapons and military equipment and logistics;
— list of deployed specialized posts and brigades;
— forces and means involved in the maintenance and repair of machines;
— work schedule in the park;
— composition of the commission for checking the quality of translation work performed;
— the procedure for preparing reporting documents;
— safety requirements when performing work.
The plan for transferring weapons and military equipment to seasonal operation is developed on the basis of the instructions of the commander of the military unit by the chief of staff together with the deputy commanders of the unit with the participation of all heads of military branches and services and is approved by the commander of the military unit.
The translation plan provides for the following activities:
For personnel training:
— conducting instructional and methodological classes with officers, warrant officers and specialists;
— study by unit commanders and crew personnel (crews, drivers) of manuals, instructions and manuals for servicing weapons and military equipment;
— study by personnel of operational materials and fuels and lubricants used on samples of weapons and military equipment;
— training of personnel of maintenance and repair units to perform work at posts and sites;
— creation of specialized posts and teams, study by personnel of functional responsibilities according to the volume of work performed;
- the procedure for troubleshooting machines and filling out cards for recording deficiencies in their condition and content, forms (passports), deadlines for drawing up task plans for the day;
— studying safety requirements during maintenance and conducting briefings.
For the preparation of maintenance and repair points, mobile equipment for maintenance and repair:
— preparation of technological equipment, workplaces, posts and areas at the maintenance and repair point (MRP), at the battery charging station (gas station);
— equipping workplaces with tools, devices, equipment and mechanization;
— preparation of the necessary mobile equipment for maintenance and repair (workshops) for use;
— the procedure for using mobile maintenance and repair equipment (workshops) for maintenance and repair of weapons and military equipment;
— drawing up work schedules and technological maps for the use of workplaces.
For logistics:
— procedure and timing for requesting and providing fuel, spare parts and materials;
— the procedure for allocating repair units and mobile means of maintenance and repair (workshops) and technological equipment for performing work in the units of a military unit.
According to the order of work on the transfer of equipment and weapons:
— types and scope of work of numbered types of technical maintenance;
— types and scope of work on seasonal maintenance of weapons and military equipment, performers and procedure for monitoring the execution of work;
— procedure for repairing faulty weapons and military equipment.
To prepare the park and park premises:
— measures to bring elements of the park and internal services in it into compliance with the requirements of governing documents;
— insulation of premises of PTOR, gas stations and transformer substations (in winter);
— repair, preparation and testing of the heating system (when switching to winter operation);
— putting water and oil warmers in readiness (in winter);
— preparation and testing of fire equipment;
— preparation of equipment and supplies for cleaning the park;
— carrying out seasonal maintenance of all technological equipment of stationary and mobile repair facilities;
— preparation of means of increasing cross-country ability and evacuation;
— repair and preparation of means to facilitate the removal of machines from storage and starting of engines;
— preparation of storage areas for batteries in winter.
The timing of the review of the readiness of arms and military equipment, parks and material and technical base for seasonal operation.
In accordance with the plan instructions received from the headquarters of the military unit (extracts from the order “On the preparation of personnel, weapons and military equipment, fleet and material and technical base for operation in summer (winter) conditions”) the battalion (division) is developing:
— schedule for transferring the battalion’s (division’s) weapons and equipment to seasonal operation mode – Appendix No. 12 ;
In addition, the headquarters of the military unit informs battalion (division) :
— extract from the order “On the preparation of personnel, weapons and military equipment, fleet and material and technical base for operation in summer conditions”;
— an extract from the work schedule of specialized posts and brigades (issued by the headquarters of the military unit);
— extract from the plan for restoring faulty weapons and equipment;
in a company (battery, separate platoon) the following are developed:
— schedule for transferring the weapons and military equipment of a company (battery, separate platoon) to seasonal operation mode - Appendix No. 13 ;
— task plan for crews (crews, drivers) – Appendix No. 14 ;
- cards recording deficiencies in the condition and maintenance of machines for each sample - Appendix No. 15 .
— personnel work record sheet – Appendix No. 16 .
In addition, the headquarters of the military unit communicates the commanders of companies (batteries, individual platoons) lists of work when transferring to seasonal operation for each brand of weapons and military equipment.
Schedules for transferring arms and military equipment of battalions (divisions), companies (batteries, individual platoons) to seasonal operation are approved by immediate commanders (chiefs).
The days and hours of seasonal maintenance of weapons and military equipment are included in the class schedule.
Officials of a military unit, when planning and during the transfer of weapons and military equipment to seasonal operation, perform their functional responsibilities in accordance with the requirements of the Internal Service Charter of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and other governing documents.
Responsibilities of officials during seasonal maintenance of weapons and military equipment of a military unit - Appendix No. 17 .
Preparation and implementation of the transfer of weapons and military equipment to seasonal operation are divided into stages:
Stage I (for 1 – 1.5 months) – the unit commander gives instructions to deputies and service chiefs to carry out calculations:
the number of weapons and military equipment to be transferred;
fuel and lubricant needs;
volume of labor costs;
requirements for other material resources to ensure the transfer and ongoing repair of weapons and military equipment, repair of buildings and storage facilities of the park.
Stage II (per month) – development of organizational documents and bringing them to the attention of the performers.
Stage III (20 days) – organization of logistics:
the commander of a military unit controls the compilation of requests by service chiefs for the required amount of fuels and lubricants and technical equipment to ensure work related to the translation;
controls the preparation of stationary and mobile maintenance and repair equipment, control and testing equipment;
checks the equipment of posts and teams with tools and devices, the availability of containers for draining technical fluid.
Stage IV (10 days) – preparation of parks and park premises for the transfer of weapons and military equipment and work in seasonal conditions:
obtaining the requested military-technical equipment, fuels and lubricants for the repair of buildings and storage facilities of the park.
production of current repairs of park buildings and storage facilities, water and oil heaters, heating systems.
preparation and testing of fire equipment, lightning protection of buildings and storage facilities.
carrying out seasonal maintenance of technological equipment of stationary and mobile means of servicing and repairing weapons and military equipment.
Stage V (5 days) - holding three day training sessions and demonstration classes with officers, warrant officers and junior specialists.
Stage VI (practical implementation of translation work) - the commander of the military unit carries out the following activities:
checks the organization of work in units, at weapons and military equipment and posts (distribution of personnel, availability and maintenance of plans in units and task plans on machines, provision of work with materials, compliance with safety requirements);
selectively checks equipment, ammunition racks on tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and other vehicles, as well as their readiness for combat use;
daily sums up work with unit commanders;
checks the readiness of park premises for seasonal storage (maintenance) of weapons and military equipment;
in accordance with the combat training plan, in the last three days of the transfer, he conducts an inspection of the readiness for operation of arms and military equipment, the fleet, warehouses, and military base.
The most important requirement during the work is to ensure high combat readiness of weapons and military equipment. It is prohibited to leave weapons and equipment with dismantled components and parts at the end of the working day (when personnel leave the park).
Stage VII - summing up the results of the transfer of weapons and military equipment to seasonal operation . Publication of the order “On the results of checking the readiness of personnel, weapons and military equipment, fleet and material and technical base for operation in summer (winter) conditions.”
Training of personnel, equipment and facilities includes:
conducting demonstration classes with officers, warrant officers and junior specialists;
study of manuals, instructions, manuals, manuals on maintenance;
study of used operating materials, fuels and lubricants and special liquids;
procedure for preparing workplaces and equipment;
creation of specialized posts and teams, study of the work they perform;
procedure for checking machines and filling out relevant documentation;
studying the features of operating machines during the winter or summer training period;
studying safety requirements when carrying out seasonal maintenance work;
the procedure for providing and standards for the supply of material resources.
Classes are completed by taking tests from unit commanders and crew personnel (crews, drivers) on knowledge of the list of operations performed on weapons and military equipment and the order of their implementation.
When planning the preparation of equipment and maintenance equipment, the following is taken into account:
the procedure and timing for checking the technical condition of each sample with the preparation of cards for recording defects and machine forms;
car repair (as needed);
procedure for using stationary and mobile means of maintenance and repair of a military unit
When organizing workplaces and specialized posts and teams, the following are taken into account:
preparation of a maintenance and repair point (M&R), mobile repair and control and testing equipment, daily maintenance sites (DMT) and organization of posts with the preparation of technological maps for performing operations when servicing assembly units;
equipping workplaces with tools, devices and equipment;
measures to bring internal services and order in the park in accordance with established requirements;
the need for routine repairs of buildings and storage facilities;
the need for repair, preparation and testing of the heating system;
putting water and oil warmers, battery charging stations and battery storage areas in readiness during the winter;
preparation and testing of fire equipment;
preparing equipment for cleaning the park;
carrying out seasonal maintenance of technological equipment of stationary and mobile maintenance and repair facilities;
preparation and testing of means that facilitate engine starting.
Control over the organization of work and logistics during seasonal maintenance is carried out personally by the commander and officials of the military unit as part of control groups with daily summing up and reporting to the commander of the military unit in accordance with the schedule for checking the quality of the transfer of weapons and military equipment of the military unit to seasonal operation mode .
The objectives of the control group are:
— monitoring the completeness and quality of work on weapons and military equipment;
— monitoring the restoration of faulty weapons and equipment;
— monitoring the implementation of deadlines and the order of work on equipment to be transferred;
— monitoring the implementation of activities specified in the transfer plan;
— monitoring compliance with the work schedule of specialized posts and teams;
— monitoring compliance by post specialists and crews (drivers) with safety requirements.
The list of issues checked by control groups when transferring weapons and military equipment to seasonal operation is Appendix No. 18 .
The results of the control are summarized in the group monitoring the progress of the transfer of the military unit, which is deployed at the control point in the park of the military unit and are reported daily to the commander of the military unit.
The commander of the military unit organizes the presentation of a report (information) on the progress of work on the transfer of weapons and military equipment to a higher military command body (control group) at the appointed time.
Operational records of equipment translation work are carried out daily:
in a company (battery, separate platoon) - by the commander of the company (battery, separate platoon) - in the transfer schedule and in the work record sheet for the personnel of the company (battery, separate platoon);
in a battalion (division) - by the chief of staff of the battalion (division) in the schedule for transferring the battalion's (division's) weapons and military equipment to seasonal operation;
in a military unit - in the transfer control group under the leadership of the chief of staff of the military unit in the statement of control over the progress of transferring weapons and military equipment and elements of the military unit's fleet to a seasonal operation mode.
The order of reports on the progress of the transfer of weapons and military equipment:
a) orally:
- company commander (battery, separate platoon) - daily, based on the results of the day’s work, to the immediate commander (chief);
- battalion (division) commander - daily, based on the results of the day's work, by telephone at the end of the working day to the control group of the military unit;
- control group of the military unit - weekly, on the implementation of the transfer plan based on the results of the week, to the control groups of the association (directorate, department and service of the military district) according to subordination;
- control group of the association (directorate, department and service of the military district) - daily through the duty officers at the control points on the implementation of the transfer plan in subordinate military units - to the duty officer at the logistics control point of the military district.
b) in writing (by telegraph, fax) on Thursdays:
- commanders of formations, commanders of military units based on the results of the week (according to the control sheet) to the head of the technical support department of the military district;
- heads of departments (departments), branches of the military and services of the military district (chiefs of weapons departments) to the head of the technical support department of the military district, attaching a checklist for subordinate units.
At the end of the working day, the results are summed up:
- the commander of a military unit - with unit commanders and service chiefs;
- unit commanders - with personnel.
Unit commanders and the commander of a military unit are required to check the preparation of personnel, weapons and military equipment and fleet for the summer (winter) period and their readiness to report to the command.
The last three days of seasonal maintenance, in accordance with the combat training plan, are set aside for reviewing the readiness of arms and military equipment, parks, warehouses, and the military unit's operational base. During the review, 100% of all types of weapons and military equipment of the combat and combat unit operating groups of the military unit must be checked and evaluated.
The inspection is carried out at the parking areas. The inspection is carried out personally by the unit commander. The inspection is carried out by a comprehensive commission of the military unit with the involvement of specialists from repair units. To check the functioning of machine systems and assemblies, bring their parameters into compliance with the requirements of regulatory and technical documentation and restore weapons and military equipment, teams are created from among specialists from the repair unit of the military unit, diagnostic equipment is used, as well as test machines and maintenance workshops. The work of the teams is supervised by the heads of the relevant services.
All personnel of the unit being inspected participate in the inspection of weapons and military equipment. The detachment of personnel to perform work and activities not related to the inspection of weapons and military equipment is prohibited.
The development of a plan for the review is carried out in advance. Five days before its start, the implementation plan is approved by the commander of the military unit and communicated to the commander of the unit being inspected, the heads of the military branches and services.
Three days before the start of the review, services and units plan activities to conduct the review, prepare maintenance and repair equipment, and prepare material and technical support.
The review begins with the general formation of the unit being inspected, a comprehensive technical commission of the unit, personnel of the maintenance units and repairs in the park, the time of which is determined by the unit commander. The necessary equipment and the involved mobile maintenance equipment, control and inspection vehicles are concentrated in the parking lot (in the storage) of the unit being inspected before the start of construction.
After setting tasks and briefing on safety requirements, the commander of the military unit distributes the personnel to their workplaces.
Members of the commission check:
quality condition of units, mechanisms and systems of machines, weapons, communications and special equipment when the engine is not running;
quality of translation work on weapons and military equipment samples;
stowage of personnel property;
availability and quality of fuel, lubricants and special liquids;
the correctness of the content and maintenance of individual technical documentation, as well as the appearance of the machines.
After inspecting the machine, the functioning of systems, components and assemblies is checked and characteristics are taken with the engine running.
Upon completion of the inspection, a plan is drawn up to eliminate the identified deficiencies and restore faulty weapons and military equipment. Restoration of identified faulty equipment, adjustment and tuning work must be completed before the end of the weapons and military equipment inspection period.
The results of the review are documented in an act, an order is issued for the military unit “On the results of checking the readiness of personnel, weapons and military equipment, fleet and material and technical base for operation in summer (winter) conditions.”
The commander of the military unit reports about the inspection carried out , the state of the weapons and military equipment and the measures taken to eliminate the identified deficiencies .
Transfer of weapons and military equipment to seasonal operation mode
Tags:Seasonal maintenance
BTR-80. User manual
The armored personnel carrier is driven like a regular car, there is a steering wheel, pedals and a gear shift lever. The new models even have an automatic transmission. The visibility is a bit small for a driver, but this is not a racing car either. The main thing is to see everything that is in front, and the BTR-80 with its mass and power will not even notice what is on the side. It does not have the same maneuverability as tracked vehicles, but is irreplaceable in battles on level ground. The rapid movement of the landing forces will create a numerical and fire superiority at the required points. Blocking streets and certain areas of the city, crossing a river, pinning down enemy infantry with machine-gun fire - the BTR-80 was created to perform precisely such tasks.
Combat use of the BTR-80
From the moment the first vehicles entered service with the troops, they immediately occupied their rightful niche. Not a single military clash that has occurred since 1986 on the territory under the jurisdiction of the USSR, Russia and allied countries has occurred without at least the indirect participation of the BTR-80.
The armored personnel carrier, the workhorse of any conflict, ensured the fast and relatively safe delivery of manpower to the scene of a collision. She also supported the infantry with the fire of her machine guns, and, if necessary, evacuated wounded soldiers.
An indicative case of the competent use of the qualities of the BTR-80 can be seen in the events of August 1996.
In Grozny, units of internal troops were blocked on Minutka Square. There was no possibility of evacuating seriously wounded soldiers. One of the officers, Major Larin, decided to make his way with the wounded on an armored personnel carrier.
Having accelerated, Larin and his crew make their way through the first ring of encirclement, but it was necessary to drive through the entire city. The commander orders false smoke to be lit on the turret of the armored personnel carrier before the next barrier of militants. At the same time, the vehicle is attacked from several sides by grenade launchers.
One of the grenades, having torn off the boxes attached to reinforce the armor on board, explodes near the hull without damaging the engine. The commander orders the driver to slow down without turning off the engine and slowly stop the car. At the same time, smoke bombs flare up, and the complete impression of the vehicle being hit is created.
According to Larin’s recollections, the militants rose to their full height, expecting stunned and burned soldiers to climb through the hatches. Instead, the crew turns the KPVT towards the attackers. A burst from a machine gun is accompanied by an order to pick up speed again. This trick made it possible to escape from the encirclement and deliver the wounded to the hospital.
In other wars, skillful hands and a clear head made it possible to use the maneuverability and power of armored personnel carriers with all efficiency.
Technical changes to the engine
In the 80s, designers of the Gorky Automobile Plant were tasked with creating an armored personnel carrier, eliminating the shortcomings of the BTR-70. The design of the BTR-80 is very different from its predecessor. First of all, instead of two carburetor engines, they installed one diesel engine from a KamAZ vehicle - a 4-stroke 8-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel engine. This engine is less likely to explode, and its volume is 30 percent larger than its predecessor. A turbocharger is installed to increase power. As a result, the BTR-80 has 260 hp and accelerates to 100 km/h. This is in ideal conditions. On the highway - 80 km/h, on dirt roads - from 20 to 40 km/h. Can cross water obstacles at a speed of 9 km/h.
The use of one engine led to other changes. In the transmission, mechanical force is supplied to a 5-speed gearbox through a dry friction double-disc clutch with a hydraulic drive. All gears, except the first, are equipped with synchronizers.
Increased cross-country ability through differential locking
The differential of the BTR-80 has been improved compared to the BTR-70. From the gearbox the torque is transmitted to a two-stage transfer box. Differential distribution is carried out in two streams: to the first-third and second-fourth BTR-80 bridges. The center differential lock is forced and is activated in difficult road conditions. In this case, downshifting and differential locking occurs only when the front axles are engaged. To increase service life and avoid breakdowns due to overloads, the transfer case is equipped with a torque-limiting clutch.
History of creation
The fighting in the democratic republic of Afghanistan revealed many shortcomings of the BTR-70. One of the main ones was the unreliable power system, two carburetor engines, paired and located in the rear of the armored personnel carrier.
In addition to the traditional disadvantages of gasoline engines in the army, gluttony was added even by army standards. Combat operations in the highlands also showed problems with power loss. The hatches on the body of the armored personnel carrier caused problems; it was difficult for the crew and motorized riflemen inside; it was difficult to quickly leave the vehicle.
Fire support on the battlefield was also scant. Combat experience has shown that the elevation angle of armored personnel carrier weapons is insufficient for firing in the mountains. The armor protection of the “seventy” was also insufficient. The water-jet system did not operate effectively; when crossing water bodies, it became clogged with silt, peat and algae.
The design group of the Gorky Automobile Plant, under the command of I. Mukhin and E. Murashkin, was tasked with modernizing the car in accordance with the requirements of the military.
The modernization turned out to be so deep that we can talk about a fundamentally new armored personnel carrier of domestic design.
The twin engine was replaced with one powerful one, KamAZ-740.3, a diesel engine with a turbocharger. The body was increased in comparison with the BTR-70 by 115 mm in height and length, by 100 mm in width. However, due to the reduction in ground clearance, the overall height of the car increased by only 30 mm.
The hull armor was strengthened; all changes led to an increase in the weight of the vehicle by 18%. If the BTR-70 weighed 11.5 tons, then the “eighty” recovered to 13.6 tons. After testing at testing grounds, in 1986 the new armored personnel carrier was officially put into service.
BTR-80 survivability
The armored personnel carrier has bullet-resistant tires with adjustable pressure. After all, how long a given vehicle will survive on the battlefield depends on mobility. The design of the BTR-80 is such that the failure of one or two wheels will not stop it. The technical characteristics of even an anti-tank mine are such that the energy of the explosion will damage only one wheel, and anti-personnel mines of this model are not dangerous at all.
The desire to provide protection for the crew is understandable, but the thicker the armor, the heavier the vehicle and the slower it moves. The description of the BTR-80 makes it possible to recognize in it the features of the BTR-70; the differences in appearance are insignificant, especially for those not versed in military equipment. The BTR-80 has a longer hull and slightly improved armor. Even in this case, the weight increased by 18 percent - to 13,600 kg. Thanks to changes in the chassis and engine, mobility remains the same. The cruising range, thanks to the diesel engine, has increased to 600 km on the highway.
The firepower of the vehicle has been increased at the expense of the crew. The shooting ports on the sides of the hull are turned towards the front hemisphere, and an embrasure has also appeared, allowing the commander to fire.
Description of BTR-80
The BTR-80 armored personnel carrier is designed to transport personnel and support them with fire on the battlefield. Although, the fire support function is more relevant to an infantry fighting vehicle.
The vehicle body is made of rolled armor plates. The body of the machine has a streamlined shape, this is necessary to give it buoyancy and to increase its protection. The thickness of the armor does not exceed 10 millimeters.
The BTR-80 is divided into several sections. In front is the control compartment, which houses the driver-mechanic and the commander of the vehicle. Also installed here are surveillance devices (including night ones), control and measuring instruments, a radio station and an intercom.
Behind the control compartment is the combat compartment. It houses the operator-gunner's seat and space for paratroopers (seven people). One infantryman sits next to the gunner, facing the direction of travel, and the rest are located facing the sides of the vehicle, three people on each side. The department has embrasures for the use of personal weapons. To fire a machine gun, the gunner occupies a special hanging chair.
There is also a large landing hatch in the fighting compartment. It consisted of two doors: the upper part opened to the side, and the lower part was lowered and served as a convenient step when exiting the car.
The power compartment is located at the rear of the vehicle. A diesel engine with transmission, radiators, fuel and oil tanks, generators and other equipment are installed there.
The armament of the BTR-80 consists of a KPVT machine gun and a PKT machine gun, which are located in the turret of the vehicle. The KPVT machine gun has a caliber of 14.5 mm and can fight enemy personnel, light armored vehicles and low-flying air targets. The turret also houses a 1P3-2 sight and observation devices.
The BTR-80 has an 8×8 wheel arrangement; the two front pairs of wheels are steerable. The car's suspension is independent, torsion bar. The wheels are tubeless and bulletproof. There is a system that monitors tire pressure. The BTR-80 will continue to move even if two wheels fail.
Movement on water
The amphibious vehicle is easily distinguished by its upturned nose, similar to that of the BTR-80. The photo above shows the process of disembarking from the ship. A second car is floating in the background, and the first has already reached the shore. Operation of the BTR-80 when crossing a water obstacle is simple. The design includes one water jet with an axial pump located in the aft part. Movement on the water is controlled using the steering wheel. In addition to the two front axles, which move on land, water rudders and a damper help turn on water. An armored personnel carrier is a heavy vehicle, and it wouldn’t be possible without power steering.
Initially, the BTR-80 was conceived without a water cannon, but the naval command needed a vehicle capable of landing from ships and adapted to the needs of the Marine Corps. Marine units - from assault troops to command communications - all sit on the BTR-80.
Equipment BTR-80
The technical characteristics of the BTR-70 needed to be expanded to adapt to the conditions of modern warfare. The BTR-80 was equipped with a BPU-1 turret machine gun mount, the vertical guidance angle of which is 60 degrees. Together with the 1PZ-2 optical sight, it allows anti-aircraft shooting. Like a ninja from movies, the BTR-80 can create a smoke screen and hide: for this purpose, the 902B system, which consists of six grenade launchers, is installed on the roof.
At first, the armored personnel carrier, like its predecessor, was armed with a KPVT paired with a PKT.
During the creation of this technology, Afghanistan was the main testing ground for use, however, the designers took care of combat in cold climates. At temperatures from -5 to -25 °C, a pre-heater is provided, designed on the principle of an electric torch device. When the engine warms up, a flame torch is formed from the combustion of diesel, which also increases the temperature.
The R-123 radio station originally present in the armored personnel carrier was replaced with a newer and more efficient R-163-50U.
History of the creation of the BTR-80
The car received the factory designation GAZ-5903. The design of the vehicle is not fundamentally different from the BTR-70. The developers focused their main attention on improving the vehicle’s power plant. What was needed was one reliable diesel engine. The presence of two engines and transmissions in a combat vehicle at once gave certain advantages (if one engine was damaged, the armored personnel carrier could move with the help of the other). But the complexity of routine maintenance and repair of a power plant with such a device reduced the positive qualities to almost nothing.
The new vehicle was equipped with a diesel engine from the KamAZ production vehicle, which significantly reduced the cost of production and maintenance of the new equipment. Thanks to the installation of a turbocharger, the BTR-80 could reach a speed 20 km/h higher than its predecessor.
New landing hatches were made on the BTR-80, consisting of two doors. The armament remained the same, but the design of the turret was changed. The BTR-80 armored personnel carrier became two tons heavier than its predecessor, but thanks to the installation of a more powerful engine, this did not affect its maneuverability.
In 1986, the vehicle was put into service and mass production began. Today, the BTR-80 is the main armored personnel carrier of the Russian army, as well as many other armies of the world. This vehicle is actively exported; the BTR-80 has taken part in many conflicts.
Dozens of various modifications of the BTR-80 have been created, and vehicles to perform special functions are manufactured on its basis. The latest modifications of this vehicle are often equipped with an automatic cannon and anti-tank missile systems.
BTR-80 with automatic cannon
In 1994, a modification of the BTR-80A armored personnel carrier was put into service. For the first time, a landing vehicle was equipped with a 30-mm 2A72 automatic gun, with 300 rounds of ammunition. A similar gun is used on infantry and airborne combat vehicles, as well as on Ka-50, Ka-52 and Mi-28 helicopters. A burst of eight shells from such a BTR-80 cannon can penetrate 120 mm tank armor.
The technical characteristics of the new turret make it possible to hit targets with a large elevation angle - up to 70 degrees. Shot range is up to 4 km. The same PKT of 7.62 caliber with 2000 rounds is paired with the gun. All weapons are located outside the habitable compartment so that powder gases do not enter the premises. For shooting at night, a TPN-3-42 “Crystal” night vision sight is installed, the aimed shooting range with its use is up to 900 m.
The history of the BTR-80
At the end of the 50s, a number of Soviet design bureaus were tasked with creating a new armored personnel carrier. This vehicle had to keep up with tracked vehicles, and even surpass them in cross-country ability and speed. After the competition was announced, several interesting specimens were created from different manufacturers:
- ZIL-153, which had only three pairs of wheels, an armored body and a torsion bar suspension. It turned due to the front and rear wheels, which were movable. This vehicle was capable of not only staying afloat, but also moving through the water using an additional jet engine;
- An interesting model was presented by mechanical engineers from Bryansk. The main feature of its device was the hydropneumatic suspension, which could change the ground clearance up to 300 mm. This combat vehicle was planned to be armed with a 73 mm cannon;
- The most successful option turned out to be an armored personnel carrier created at the GAZ design bureau. The combat vehicle, called “49”, was put into service already in 1959. In 1961, mass production began. The Gorky armored personnel carrier received a new name - BTR-60P.
The BTR-60P armored personnel carrier received an open-top body made of armor plates. To protect from precipitation, the open top was covered with an awning. The weapon used was the SGMB machine gun, which was installed on the machine. The machine gun could be installed in several positions, since special brackets were provided for this:
- When the combat vehicle was moving, the machine gun was attached to the front plate;
- If the armored personnel carrier was in battle, then the machine gun could be mounted either in front or on the side.
In 1963, the BTR-60P was modernized, resulting in a completely enclosed body with 4 hatches for landing troops. In the same year, the BTR-60PB appeared, which received a conical turret with two coaxial machine guns.
After 9 years, a new model of armored personnel carrier was created - the BTR-70. In 1976, it began to be mass produced. The main differences between the BTR-70 and its predecessor were the following changes:
- The BTR-70 was equipped with two new engines from the GAZ-66, which developed 115 hp each. every;
- Now the paratroopers in the back sat facing the sides, and not their backs, which reduced the preparation time for firing;
- Side hatches for paratroopers appeared;
- The gas tanks were placed in isolated compartments, which made it possible not to fear severe damage to the armored vehicle if one of the tanks exploded;
- An automatic fire protection system for armored personnel carriers was installed;
- An independent and separate brake drive appeared, which made it possible to brake if one of the brake systems was damaged;
- It became possible, if one engine failed, to drive with a second working one, since the power transmission could be turned off from the driver’s seat;
- Now they began to install two generators on the car.
The armament of the BTR-70 was similar to that of the BTR-60PB, only the models of the last years of production were equipped with a new turret, which made it possible to fire from a larger angle. BTR-70s are still in service in many CIS countries.
