BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle
The BMP-2 [BMP = Boyevaya Mashina Pyekhota - Infantry Fighting Vehicle] infantry combat vehicle, fielded in the early 1980's [initially designated BMP 1981], is an improved version of the BMP-1 incorporating major armament changes. The new twoman turret mounts a 30-mm automatic gun with a long thin tube and double-baffle muzzle brake that can be used against aircraft and helicopters. The ATGM launcher on top of the turret can employ either AT-4 SPIGOT or AT-5 SPANDREL missiles, though the AT-5 Spandrel canister is normally mounted. Given the enlarged turret, there are two roof hatches in the rear fighting compartment, rather than the four of the BMP-1, and the the BMP-2 accommodates one less passenger. Each side of the troop compartment has three firing ports with associated roof-mounted periscopes. The BMP-2 is fully amphibious, and the upper part of the track has a sheet metal cover deeper than that of the BMP-1 which is filled with a buoyancy aid. A French SNPE explosive reactive armor (ERA) kit and others are available for use on the BMP-2. However, during dismounted troop movement, ERA would be a hazard. Thus, passive armor is more likely and ERA application is doubtful. For amphibious use, additional armor application is unlikely. Other options are spall liners, air conditioning, and a more powerful engine. Russian AG-17 30-mm automatic grenade launcher modification is
offered for BMP-2. Russian KBP offers a drop-in one-man turret, called Kliver, with a stabilized 2A72 30-mm gun, a 4 Kornet ATGM launcher, thermal sights, a coaxial 7.62mm MG and improved fire control system. ATGM load consists of one ready on the launcher and four stowed. They are readily accessible, but require hand loading from an open hatch. The AT-5 and AT-5B are more likely than AT-4 and -4B. French-German Flame-V adaptor kit permits the BMP-2 system to launch Milan, Milan-2, and Milan-3 ATGMs. Thermal sights are available, and the Russian SANOET-1 thermal gunner's sight is available. The Russian Trakt/1PN65 thermal imaging (TI) ATGM night sight is optional. Acquisition range is 2,500 m (NFI). For the launcher in dismount
configuration, the Slovenian TS-F ATGM night sight is available and has a detection range of 4,500 m and recognition range of 2,000 m. The Russian Mulat/1PN86 lightweight TI ATGM thermal sight has 3,600 m detection range and 2,000 m identification range. VARIANTS A number of product improvements were made to the BMP-2 in the late 1980’s. • • •
BMP-2D: Variant with add-on plate armor, but which cannot swim BMP-2E: Variant with 6-mm steel plates added and track skirts BMP-2K: Command variant with additional radio
Specifications Alternative Designations
Yozh (Russia), Sarath (India)
Date of Introduction
1980
Proliferation
At least 20 countries
Description Crew
3
Troop Capacity
7 passengers
Combat Weight (mt)
14.3
Chassis Length Overall (m)
6.72
Height Overall (m)
2.45
Width Overall (m)
3.15
Ground Pressure (kg/cm 2 )
0.63
Automotive Performance Engine Type
300-hp Diesel
Cruising Range (km) 600 Speed (km/h) Max Road
65
Max Off-Road
45
Average CrossCountry
35
Max Swim
7
Fording Depth (m)
Amphibious
Radio
R-123M transceiver or R-173
Protection Armor, Turret Front (mm)
23-33
Applique Armor (mm)
On BMP-2D
Explosive Reactive Armor (mm)
Available
Active Protective System
N/A
Mineclearing Equipment
KMT-8 mine plow available
Self-Entrenching
N/A
Blade NBC Protection System
Collective
Smoke Equipment
6 smoke grenade launchers, VEESS
ARMAMENT Main Armament Caliber, Type, Name
30-mm automatic gun, 2A42
Rate of Fire (rd/min) 550 cyclic in bursts/ 200-300 practical Loader Type
Dual-belt feed
Ready/Stowed Rounds
500/0
Elevation (°)
-5 to +74
Fire on Move
Yes
Auxiliary Weapon Caliber, Type, Name
7.62-mm (7.62x 54R) machinegun, PKT
Mount Type
Turret coax
Maximum Aimed Range (m)
2,000
Max Effective Range (m) Day
1,000
Night
INA
Fire on Move
Yes
Rate of Fire (rd/min) 250 practical/650 cyclic, 2-10 round bursts ATGM Launcher Name
9P135M1/M3
Launch Method
Tube-launched
Guidance
SACLOS
Command Link
Wire
Launcher Dismountable
Yes
Firing Port
4 on left side, 3 on right side 1 in left rear door
FIRE CONTROL FCS Name
BPK-1-42 or BPK-2-42
Main Gun Stabilization
2-plane
Rangefinder
Laser
Infrared Searchlight
Yes
Sights w/Magnification Gunner Day
BPK-1-42 or BPK-2-42
Field of View (°)
8
Acquisition Range (m)
2,500-4,000 (est)
Night
BPK-1-42 or BPK-2-42 II/IR
Field of View (°)
INA
Acquisition Range (m)
INA
Commander Fire Main Gun
No
MAIN ARMAMENT AMMUNITION Caliber, Type, Name 30-mm AP-T Maximum Aimed Range (m)
2,500
Max Effective Range (m) Day
1,500
Night
INA
Tactical AA Range
4,000
Armor Penetration (mm)
18 (RHA, 60°) at 1,500 m
30-mm APDS Maximum Aimed Range (m)
2,500
Max Effective Range (m) Day
2,000
Night
INA
Tactical AA Range
4,000
Armor Penetration (mm)
25 (RHA) at 1,500m
30-mm APFSDS-T M929 Maximum Aimed Range (m)
2,500
Max Effective Range (m) Day
2,000+
Night
INA
Tactical AA Range
4,000
Armor penetration (mm)
55 (RHA) at 1,000m/45 at 2,000m
30-mm Frag-HE Maximum Aimed Range (m)
4,000/ 2,500 point target
Max Effective Range (m) Day
4,000
Night
INA
Tactical AA Range
4,000
Armor Penetration (mm)
INA
Other Ammunition Types
30-mm HEI-T
Antitank Guided Missiles Name
AT-5/SPANDREL
Warhead Type
Shaped charge (HEAT)
Armor Penetration (mm)
650 (RHA)
Range (m)
4,000
Name
AT-5B/Konkurs-M
Warhead Type
Tandem shaped charge (HEAT)
Armor Penetration (mm)
925 (RHA)
Range (m)
4,000
Name
AT-4/SPIGOT
Warhead Type
Shaped charge (HEAT)
Armor Penetration (mm)
480 (RHA)
Range (m)
2,000
Name
AT-4B/Factoria
Warhead Type
Tandem shaped charge (HEAT)
Armor Penetration (mm)
550 (RHA)
Range (m)
2,500
