The BPM-97 reconnaissance armored vehicle has followed in the footsteps of the Typhoon-VDV amphibious combat vehicle in the war in Ukraine.
The BPM-97 reconnaissance armored vehicle, or K-43269 Vystrel, was discovered on its way to the front, which is a necessary addition to the Russian Army when the war situation is tenser.
It is noteworthy that this BPM-97s are integrated with the BM-30D “Spitsa” combat module, this light turret starts production around early May 2022 at the facility of TsNII Burevestnyk JSC – part of the TsNII Burevestnyk JSC. Uralvagonzavod corporation.
The BM-30D “Spitsa” combat module is equipped with a 30 mm 2A42 automatic cannon, a 7.62 mm PKTM (6P7K) machine gun, and an AG-30 automatic grenade launcher. In addition, it also has a built-in digital camera, thermal imager, and laser rangefinder.
The above weapon configuration is similar to the Typhoon-VDV airborne armored vehicle for Russian paratroopers, which was also discovered on the Ukrainian battlefield a few days ago.
The BPM-97 reconnaissance armored vehicle (industrial production code KamAZ-43269 Vystrel) was designed in 1997 and officially first equipped for the border guards of the Russian Federation in 1999.
The KamAZ plant created the BPM-97 by combining the chassis of a multi-purpose transport vehicle with an armored body, originally the KamAZ-43269 was intended to replace the role of the GAZ-66 truck.
This is a reasonably priced light armored vehicle, well suited for patrol or escort duty. In addition to Russia, the BPM-97 is also in the equipment of the Azerbaijani Army as well as Kazakhstan.
BPM-97 is piloted by a crew of 2, the troop compartment can accommodate 10 soldiers. Soldiers enter and exit the vehicle through the side door or the tailgate, on the roof and sides of the wall there are hatches and hatches to facilitate the firing of infantry guns.
Armor provides safe protection against 7.62 mm bullets; The front arc is resistant to 12.7 mm bullets. The V-shaped body is to disperse the destructive power in the event of hitting a mine. Tires have a central pressure air conditioning system.
This armor can optionally have a 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun for mounting on the roof. In addition, it also has a variant that can carry a single-man turret, equipped with a 30mm automatic cannon similar to the BTR-80A.
In addition, the BPM-97 is fully capable of carrying special weapons such as the Strela-10 anti-aircraft missile launcher or the Kornet anti-tank missile.
Basic specifications of the BPM-97 (KamAZ-43269) include: weight 10.1 tons; length 5.3 m; width 1.9 m; height 1.83 – 2.3 m (depending on version).
The heart of the car is a turbocharged diesel engine KamAZ-740.11-240 with a capacity of 240 horsepower, allowing it to run at a maximum speed of 90 km / h; a range of 1,000 km.
The vehicle can climb a 60% slope; walk on the talus roof with an incline of 30%; overcome obstacles 0.6 m high; cross a trench 1.2 m wide; wading 0.8 m deep when unprepared or 1.75 m when prepared.
In addition, the BPM-97 has a light version (without an automatic cannon or grenade launcher), making its appearance reminiscent of the BTR-40 that was born 80 years ago.
The role of BPM-97s equipped with the BM-30D “Spitsa” combat module in the composition of the Russian Army is unknown, perhaps it will also take on the role of fire support.
