A BPM-97 reconnaissance armoured vehicle, one of the newest Russian products, is alleged to have been taken by the Ukrainian military forces.
The international media has released an image of the Russian BPM-97 reconnaissance armoured vehicle, which is currently being repainted before being used on the battlefield. The above information is noteworthy because this is a very unique combat vehicle. The BPM-97 reconnaissance armoured vehicle (industrial production code KamAZ-43269 Vystrel) was created in 1997 and has been formally used by Russian Federation border guards since 1999.
The KamAZ company turned a multipurpose transport vehicle’s chassis and armoured body—originally known as the KamAZ-43269—that was designed to take the place of the GAZ-66 truck into the BPM-97. This light armoured vehicle is economically priced and ideal for patrol or escort work. The BPM-97 is also a part of the arsenals of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan’s armies in addition to Russia.
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 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; range of 1,000 km. Vehicle can climb 60% slope; walking on the talus roof with an inclination of 30%; overcome obstacles 0.6 m high; crossing a trench 1.2 m wide; wading 0.8 m deep when unprepared or 1.75 m when prepared.
On the Ukrainian battlefield, Russia also launched the BPM-97 variant integrated with the BM-30D “Spitsa” combat module, this light turret began production in early May 2022 at the facility of TsNII Burevestnyk JSC – a member of the Uralvagonzavod. The BM-30D “Spitsa” combat module is equipped with a 30mm 2A42 automatic cannon, a 7.62mm PKTM (6P7K) machine gun and an AG-30 automatic grenade launcher. In addition, it also integrates a digital camera, a thermal imager and a laser rangefinder.
The above weapon configuration is similar to the Typhoon-VDV airborne armored vehicle for Russian paratroopers, which was also discovered in the Ukrainian battlefield a short time ago.
