The Russian protection company, Rostec, just lately unveiled a video showcasing the energetic testing of their newest armored personnel service, the BT-3F mannequin. Apparently, the automobile is present process preparation for operation within the harshest situations.
This may clarify why the demonstrations of the BT-3F have been located in Russia’s bitter winter landscapes. The video reveals the tracked service skillfully navigating bumps, small hills and tough terrains, displaying its spectacular capabilities.
Rostec disclosed in the course of the earlier yr that the design and manufacture of the BT-3F armoured service had been efficiently completed by the Russian protection trade. The distinctive promoting level of this armoured service, in response to Rostec, is its tailor-made design particularly for Marine items and joint forces.
About BT-3F
Initiated in 2010, the BT-3F represents a fashionable, tracked armored personnel service from Russia. Designed on the framework of an upgraded BMP-3F infantry combating automobile, the BT-3F boasts superior amphibious capabilities. In contrast to the BMP-3F, it doesn’t have a turret, as an alternative that includes a raised superstructure just like the 1V172-2 artillery management automobile.
As soon as formally commissioned, the BT-3F may function a potential substitute for the BTR-80 sequence 8×8 armored personnel carriers at present in use by Russian naval infantry items. The BT-3F demonstrator made its public debut in 2016. Nonetheless, it’s but to be confirmed whether or not the Russian Navy will formally incorporate this armored automobile into its fleet.
There’s additionally a appreciable curiosity from the worldwide market within the BT-3F. In 2019, Indonesia positioned an order for 21 such armored autos to reinforce its naval infantry fleet. The supply timeline was set between 2021 and 2022. In truth, the Indonesian Ministry of Protection authorized the procurement of an extra 79 BT-3F autos in 2020, bringing their complete stock to a exceptional complete of 100.
Designed for the Marines
In deployment from amphibious assault vessels, the BT-3F performs a essential position in oceanic battle operations, ferrying marines from ships onto shorelines, all whereas protected by strengthened armor. Past that, it’s designed to guide the preliminary seashore cost and preserve secured perimeters to make sure protected passage for incoming troops.
Upon reaching land, the BT-3F extends its duties to incorporate land patrol, manning checkpoints, and facilitating the transportation of each troops and provides additional inland. This mirrors the philosophy behind the older Soviet BTR-50P mannequin or the US’s AAV7 amphibious armored personnel carriers, however the BT-3F has a compact design, leading to a smaller capability for passengers.
When evaluating the BT-3F with the at present energetic BTR-80 sequence armored personnel carriers in service with the Russian marines, the BT-3F clearly takes the lead. It boasts superior protecting attributes, can maintain double the variety of troops and affords enhanced off-road maneuverability, because of its specialised tracked configuration.
Safety
The BT-3F’s hull is constructed from welded aluminium alloy armor, offering 360-degree safety in opposition to 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds. It’s extremely possible that the armored automobile’s entrance phase options composite armor, able to withstanding direct hits from 30 mm armor-piercing rounds.
There’s additionally an choice to additional improve the BT-3F’s protect with an add-on explosive reactive armor equipment. Moreover, the automobile is supplied with an NBC safety system and an computerized fireplace suppression system. Nonetheless, it’s value noting that its tracked configuration may probably go away it weak to mine blasts and improvised explosive gadgets.
Geared up with smoke grenade dischargers, the BT-3F can create smoke screens by injecting gasoline into the exhaust – a powerful characteristic for battlefield eventualities. This strong automobile homes a three-person crew consisting of a commander, driver, and gunner, and might comfortably accommodate an extra 14 dismounts.
BT-3F Armament
The troops enter and exit the automobile via a set of rear doorways. Nonetheless, it’s value noting that getting out and in of the automobile may very well be a problem because of the placement of the engine on the rear. Contained in the confined quarters, consolation is just not prioritized because of the restricted inner area. This lack of concern for crew and passenger consolation is kind of typical of Russian armored automobile designers. Nonetheless, there are roof hatches designed for emergency exits.
The main target of this armored personnel service demonstrator is a remotely-controlled weapon station, armed with a 7.62 mm machine gun. Nonetheless, there’s room for bigger weapons too. These embrace heavier weapons like 12.7- or 14.5 mm heavy machine weapons, or 30- or 40 mm computerized grenade launchers.
Moreover, the BT-3F can home two forward-firing, bow-mounted 7.62 mm machine weapons. Operated by dismounts seated on both facet of the driving force’s quarters, these weapons convey some critical firepower. As for the driving force, they’re centrally positioned inside the hull.
BT-3F Energy Plant
The BT-3F continues to impress, sustaining the identical engine and transmission because the BMP-3. Positioned on the rear of the hull, it boasts a strong UTD-29 diesel engine that delivers a powerful 500 hp. Designed for flexibility, it employs a hydropneumatic suspension which might be adjusted to swimsuit the terrain it’s traversing.
The BT-3F isn’t simply sturdy, it additionally has a self-entrenching blade which lets it create defensive spots by itself. Plus, it might journey each on land and in water because of a twin water jet propulsion system. With the identical measurement and weight because the BMP-3, the BT-3F might be simply carried by the identical navy plane. Whether or not you want it for transport or for another particular use, this armored automobile is as versatile as it’s strong.
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