The BMD-1 airborne combat vehicle (the first airborne combat vehicle) is a universal armored combat vehicle designed to enhance the firepower of airborne units. The main task that faces the crew of a combat vehicle, landed from the air, is to ensure the combat stability of the amphibious units.
Development of an airborne assault vehicle and mass production
The initiative to create a landing vehicle belongs to the commander of the airborne troops (1954-1959) V.F. Margelov. In accordance with the new requirements for amphibious operations, the airborne troops needed a powerful combat vehicle capable of significantly increasing the firepower of the airborne unit. New military equipment was created in close cooperation of various design bureaus and enterprises and institutes of the Ministry of Defense Industry and Minaviaprom.
The result of the fruitful work of many years of Soviet constructions was the first prototype machine, which received the designation of BMD - the airborne combat vehicle. After successful field trials, including the landing of equipment from aboard the An-12 and Il-76 military transport aircraft, the new vehicle was put into service under the name BMD-1 airborne combat vehicle in 1969.
Serial production was mainly carried out by the Volgograd Tractor Plant. In just 21 years, from 1968 to 1989, 1,639 machines of various modifications rolled off the VTZ conveyor.
Technical characteristics of BMD-1 of the first years of release
- Crew - 2 people, landing - 5 people.
- Combat weight - 7.2 tons.
- Length - 5.4 m, width - 2.63 m, height - 1.97 m, ground clearance - 100-450 mm.
- Armament: 73-mm smooth-bore gun, ammunition - 40 shells. Three 7.62-mm machine gun, ammunition - 4000 rounds. ATVM "Baby" - 3 pcs.
- Armor thickness: 10-13 mm.
- Diesel engine, power - 240 hp
- Maximum speed on the highway - 60 km / h, afloat - 10 km / h.
- Cruising on the highway - 500 km.
- Overcoming obstacles: a wall - 0.7 m, a ditch - 2.5 m.
The Soviet airborne assault vehicle (BMD-1) has long been in service with the USSR Airborne Forces. A small number of vehicles of various modifications continues to be in service with the Airborne Forces of the Russian Federation and CIS countries. The experience of the combat use of the BMD-1 - the combat operations of the Soviet airborne units as part of the limited SA contingent in the Republic of Afghanistan (1979-1989). The car was delivered in limited quantities abroad. A number of BMD-1 took part in various armed conflicts of the 20th century.
Photo BMD-1
