The Soviet military reconnaissance vehicle BRDM-1 is an amphibious-type armored car made according to the traditional scheme. The machine was intended to conduct reconnaissance and sabotage operations in the front line. Having anti-bullet reservation, high maneuverability and powerful small arms the BRDM-1 was a serious opponent on the battlefield. The main goals and objectives: front-line reconnaissance, communications and command-and-staff management.
Development, design features and serial release
The BRDM-1 armored car was created in the mid-50s by a team of the Gorky Automobile Plant under the direction of V.A. Dedkov. The new machine was supposed to replace the BTR-40 light armored car that was in service.
As innovations in the design were used chassis with lowered additional wheels of smaller diameter. The armored body of the car had a streamlined shape of the boat. A jet engine was used as a mover to overcome water obstacles at the BRDM. After the presentation of the prototype to the high army leadership, it was decided to recommend the adoption of a new armored car BRDM-1. Mass production began in 1957 and lasted until 1966. The main production base for technology was the Gorky Automobile Plant.
In addition to the main modification of the BRDM-1, the troops received vehicles equipped with anti-tank missile systems. In total, the Soviet industry produced about 10 thousand machines of various types.
Tactical and technical characteristics of the BRDM-1
- Crew - 2 people, landing - 3 people.
- Combat weight - 5.6 tons.
- Length - 5.7 m, width - 2.25 m, height - 2.29 m, ground clearance - 375 mm.
- Armament: 7.62 mm machine gun (ammunition - 1250 rounds).
- Armor thickness: 7-11 mm.
- Carburetor engine, power - 90 hp
- Maximum speed on the highway - 80 km / h, afloat - 9 km / h.
- Cruising on the highway - 500 km.
- Overcoming obstacles: wall - 0.4 m, ditch - 1.22 m.
The Soviet military reconnaissance vehicle BRDM-1 consisted of the armament of ground army units, was used in the airborne troops and in the marine corps of the armed forces of the Soviet Union. A large number of cars were delivered abroad. In the countries of the Middle East and in Africa, BRDM-1 was actively used in local armed conflicts.
Photo BRDM-1
