The last Soviet APC
The BTR-60 and 70 have been already the most prolific of their type (8 wheeled APCs) worldwide with over 30,000 built and hundreds of variants, carrying rapidly platoons of the Soviet motorized battalions in an NBC environment. With the BTR-70 the armament was somewhat upgraded by a 14.5 mm KPVT heavy machine gun turret for infantry support. However, there were still issues with the BTR-70 that needed to be addressed and improvements to be made. The range of modifications would end in the 1980s with a brand new model, denominated BTR-80 but first approved for service in 1986, which saw action in Afghanistan and is now the practical replacement of the older BTR-60 in the Russian Army today, with the addition of an IFV, the BTR-80A.![BTR-80](photos/BTR-80_blueprint-Russian.gif)
Development (GAZ-5903)
The new Bronetransporter manufactured by Arzamas (GAZ) at Nizhniy Novgorod had to keep the same features than the former BTR-70 and was based on the latter as much as possible to keep development costs down and facilitates its production. It was still amphibious, NBC-protected, had the same carrying capacity and overall performances and kept the same armament. In fact, similarities were such that many BTR-70 were later upgraded to the BTR-80 standard as the BTR-70M. But comparisons stop there. One of the major critiques were about the unsatisfactory twin diesel engine arrangement, which was removed of by adopting a single one, which was more powerful. Side access doors were modified, the turret was redesigned, offering a better elevation and fitted with six smoke grenade projectors, the firing ports also (and some angled differently), and the gunner's station was altered. Since 1986, the BTR-80 was produced right up to the dislocation of the Soviet empire. It was resumed after 1990 with the gradual introduction of the BTR-80M in 1993, the BTR-80A in 1994 and ultimately the BTR-82 in 2009. Manufacturing and upgrade process is still ongoing but the main production today established itself at around 5,000+ vehicles. The plant is now upgrading vehicles and producing for the export market. It still goes on in Ukraine with new upgraded variants intended for export. New 8x8 APCs took time indeed to materialized, either the BTR-90 IFV armed with the BMP-2 turret and improved armor, and the Bumerang, yet to be scaled-up for mass production.![](photos/BTR-80_2011_Moscow_Victory_Day_Parade.jpg)
Design
General configuration In the heart of action it would have been difficult to distinguish between the BTR-70 and 80 as they shared practically the same appearance, although the easiest point would be the rear engine compartment with raised exhausts, and up close the modified welded turret with faceted sides, then would came external details like the shape and position of the pistol ports and sights. Both vehicles shared the same "boat-like" hull with a sloped beak, armored shutters and sets of TNPO vision blocks for the commander and driver. They have in addition TNP-B and TKN-3 vision devices and an OU-3GA2M infra-red searchlight mounted on top of the cabin.![BTR-80 interior](photos/BTR-80_interior.jpg)
![Front view close BTR-80 1987](photos/BTR-80_Ft_view_close_1987.jpg)
![BTR-80 Moskow OMON driver sight](photos/BTR-80-Moscow_OMON_driver_sight.jpg)
![Russian BTR-80 swimming](photos/Russian_BTR-80_swimming.jpg)
Main Variants
The BTR-80M (1993)
This upgraded version was the first Russian one. It was basically a stopgap version equipped with the immediately available DMZ-238M2 engine of 240 hp, a slightly longer hull and new tires, waiting for the manufacturers of the former engine was ready to resume production again.The BTR-80A (1994)
The GAZ-59034 was basically a "semi-IFV" variant, because of the upgraded autocannon, but without the necessary armor upgrades to be considered as a true IFV. Nevertheless, it was a considerable step forward in terms of capabilities both against vehicles, but also helicopters and low-flying aircrafts. The 30 mm gun 2A72 fed by 300 rounds is a remote system based on the BPPU turret equipped with smoke dischargers, while the gunner below has 1PZ-9 (day) and TPN-3/TPN-3-42 "Kristall" (night) sights. It was also declined into the BTR-80S which get back the 14.5 mm KPVT for the internal security forces of the MVD and the BTR-80AK command version with two whip antennae, new radio equipment and all pistol ports welded shut but one. The recce sub-version BRDM-3 is given a day/night vision device in front of the commander's position.![BTR-82A](photos/BTR-82A.jpg)
The BTR-82 (2009)
Revealed for the first time in November 2009 (it entered service in 2011) the BTR-82 came as a stopgap vehicle since the BTR-90 development seemed to be in trouble. It is given an improved armor with interior spall liners, a more modern night vision device TKN-4GA, and the GLONASS navigation system. Last but not least it is equipped with a more powerful engine of 300 hp to cope with the weight of added armor and additional equipment. The original KPVT is retained but housed in the new remote controlled BPPU turret.![BTR-82](photos/BTR-80A_Russia_Arms_Expo_2013.jpg)
The BTR-82A (2013)
The latest variant of the BTR-80 was revealed in 2014, based on the BTR-82 it had, in addition, the new TKN-4GA-02 sight, and more importantly the 30mm gun 2A72 main gun. Adoption was announced by Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu in early 2013. In service since 2014, this is also a new standard of upgrade for former BTR-80s, like the BTR-82AM which is characterized by welded shut embrasures in the frontal part of the vehicle and is used by the navy.Specialized Variants
The 2S23 "Nona-SVK" (1990)
A derivative of the BTR-80 for infantry close fire support, armed with a 120 mm 2A60 rifled gun/mortar in a brand new turret. The mortar is derived from the 2S9 Nona light tracked SPG and the vehicle has a crew of only 4.![2S23 Nona](photos/2S23_Nona-SVK_visit_Vladimir_Putin_14_July_2000.jpg)
BREM-K
The ARV version (BREM stands for bronirovannaya remontno-evakuatsionnaya mashina). It is equipped with towbars, a winch, a light crane plus welding equipment.![RKHM-4](photos/RKHM-23.jpg)
RKhM-4
(For "razvedivatel’naya khimicheskaya mashina"). Specialized NBC reconnaissance vehicle. The hull is completely overhauled for that purpose, with the IMD-21BA and DP-5V detection systems, system GSA-12 automatic chemical alarm, chemical agents KPKhR-3 detection set, MK-3M meteo set, KPO-1 sampling device, ASP automatic detector and KZO-2 flag dispenser used to mark contaminated areas. It's pretty much the Russian equivalent of the western TPZ Fuchs. The RKhM-4 was declined into the improved RKhM-4-01, RKhM-4-02, RPM-2 Mobile radiological reconnaissance station (2000) and RKhM-6 "Povozka" (2013), an all-out upgraded variant with Satcom and inertial navigation.![R-166-05 radiostation 27th Independent Sevastopol Guards Motor Rifle Brigade](photos/R-166-05_radiostation_27th_Independent_Sevastopol_Guards_Motor_Rifle_Brigade.jpg)
Other variants
-
- BTR-80 PBKM command vehicle
- R-149BMRA/MA3 signals vehicle
- R-439-BK1 satcom vehicle
- "Tajfun-M" Strategic Rocket units (RVSN) tracking vehicle
- ZS-88/89 PsyOps vehicle with loudspeaker set
- K1Sh1 standard command post vehicle. The brand new, roomier hull is also used for the following vehicles:
- "Infauna" electronic countermeasures variant (for the airborne)
![Armenian BTR-80s](photos/Armenian_BTR-80s.jpg)
Exports
The BTR-80 was sold to the new Afghan Government, but also sold to Algeria, Angola, Armenia (160), Azerbaijan (70 BTR-80A 2007), Bangladesh (1030+ in service including variants delivered 1994-2012 and ongoing), Belarus (194 BTR-80A), Columbia (5, licence prod. abandoned), Djibouti (15), Estonia (20), Georgia, Hungary (513 BTR-80 and 178 BTR-80A), India, Indonesia (12+ Marines and Cavalry), Ivery Coast (6), Iraq (new army 98 BTR-80UP), Kazakhstan (190 BTR-80, 90 BTR-80A), Kenya (8 BRDM-3), Kyrgyzstan (8), Macedonia (12), Moldova (11), Mongolia (20), North Korea (32), Pakistan (? out of 120 BTR-70/80), Romania (70 declined into local TAB Zimbru), Sri Lanka (33 BTR-80/80A), Sudan (30), Syria, Tajikistan (26), Turkey (214), Turkmenistan (40), Ukraine (456), Uzbekistan (290), Venezuela (114).![RKHM-4-01 specialized variant](photos/RKHM-4-01.jpg)
![Promotion of the BTR-3 derived from the BTR-82A](photos/BTR-3_promo.jpg)
The BTR-80 in action
The BTR-80 would have forty years of service worldwide in 2016, seeing quite a number of engagements in the process: The Soviet War in Afghanistan, the Nagorno-Karabakh War, the Georgian Civil War, the Turkish-Kurdish conflict (Kurdish rebels were equipped with some BTR-80s), Transnistria War, Tajikistan Civil War, First Chechen War, War of Dagestan, Second Chechen War, 2008 South Ossetian War, Iraqi insurgency (2011 to present) and the War in Donbass. Their appearance in the Syrian civil war is possible since some (undisclosed number) were offered by the Russian government to the Bachar El Assad regime in exchange for retiring chemical weapons.![BTR-80 in Afghanistan](photos/BTR-80-afghanistan-apcs.jpg)
![BTR-80 with Slat Armor in 2002](photos/BTR-80_with_slat_armor_2002.jpg)
Links
The BTR-80 on wikipedia The BTR-80 in Army-recoignition.net
BTR-80 specifications |
|
Dimensions | 7.7 x2.9 x2.41m (25.3 x9.5 x7.9 ft) |
Total weight, battle ready | 13.6 tonnes |
Crew | 3+7 (driver, gunner, commander, 7 infantry) |
Propulsion | Diesel KamAZ-7403 260 hp (190 kW) P/w 19 hp/t |
Suspension | 8x8 coil springs |
Speed (road) | 90 km/h (56 mph) |
Range | 600 km (373 mi) |
Armament | 14.5 mm KPVT HMG/30mm 2A72 Autocannon (A) sec 7.62 mm PKT |
Armor | 6-20 mm frontal arc ( in) |
Total production | 5,000 from 1984 |
Gallery
![Ukrainian BTR-80 in a landing beach exercise](photos/US_Navy_110615-N-NW827-070_Ukrainian_armored_personnel_carriers_arrive_ashore_during_an_amphibious_beach_BTR-80_landing_demonstration_as_part_of_exercise.jpg)
![Russian Army Bosnia 1996](photos/Russian_Army_Bosnia_1996.jpg)
![Interpolitex 2013 - The second assault group from 604th Special Purpose Center of Internal troops was moving to the building under cover of BTR-80](photos/Georgian_BTR-80s_Independence_day.jpg)
![Interpolitex 2013](photos/Interpolitex_2013_BTR-80_Ops.jpg)
![BTR-80 in Serbia](photos/BTR-80_in_Serbia.jpg)
![](photos/BTR-80_and_Bradley.jpg)
![](photos/BTR-80_coming_ashore.jpg)
![Romanian Zimbru 2000](photos/Zimbru_2000.jpg)
![TAB B33 Zimbru](photos/Romanian_APC_TAB_B33_Zimbru_8x8.jpg)
![Ukrainian BTR-80 in Tendra](photos/Ukrainian_BTR-80_in_Tendra_2010.jpg)
![Ukrainian BTR-80 in Iraq](photos/Ukrainian_BTR-80_Iraq.jpg)
![BTR-70 KFOR in Kosovo](photos/Russian_KFOR_BTR-70_Kosovo.jpg)
![BTR-80 in Serbia](photos/BTR-80_in_Serbia.jpg)
![BTR-80A](photos/BTR-80A.jpg)
![](photos/BTR-80-Kazakstani_soldier_turret_rear.jpg)
![](photos/BTR-80_suspensions_Arzamas_Machinery_Plant.jpg)
![BTR-80 engine Arzamas](photos/BTR-80_engine_Arzamas_Machinery_Plant.jpg)
![BTR-80 at the 2011 Victory Day Parade](photos/BTR-80_2011_Moscow_Victory_Day_Parade2.jpg)
![1pz-7 1.2x gunsight](photos/1pz-7_1.2x_gunsight.jpg)
![1pz-7 4x optics view](photos/1pz-7_4x_optics_view.jpg)
![14.5 mm KPVT](photos/14-5mm_KPVrear.jpg)
![BTR-80 front](photos/BTR-80A_front.jpg)
![](photos/R-166-05_radiostation_27th_Independent_Sevastopol_Guards_Motor_Rifle_Brigade-2.jpg)
![BTR-80 Sri Lanka](photos/BTR-80_Sri_Lanka_Military.jpg)
![](photos/Reconnaissance_and_searching_vehicle_RPM-2.jpg)
![](photos/NBC-Reconnaissance_and_searching_vehicle_RPM-2-2.jpg)
![](photos/Land_radiological_reconnaissance_device_NKR.jpg)
![](photos/BTR-80_Spetsnaz_troopers_during_the_1992_Tajik_war.jpg)
![BTR-80](BTR-80/BTR-80.png)
BTR-80, early production, in the Moscow May 1987 parade.
![](BTR-80/BTR-80-late.png)
Russian BTR-80, early type
![BTR-80 in Afghanistan, 1988-1989](BTR-80/BTR-80-Afghan-1.png)
BTR-80 in Afghanistan, 1988-1989
![BTR-80 in Afghanistan](BTR-80/BTR-80-Afghan-2.png)
BTR-80 in Afghanistan
![Ukrainian BTR-80 in Novorussia, Crimean conflict 2014](BTR-80/BTR-80-Ukraine-Novorussia-2014.png)
Ukrainian BTR-80 in Novorussia, Crimean conflict 2014
![BTR-80, Naval Infantry](BTR-80/BTR-80-navalinf1.png)
BTR-80, Naval Infantry
![BTR-80, Naval Infantry](BTR-80/BTR-80-naval-2.png)
BTR-80, Naval Infantry
![Hungarian BTR-80 IFOR Balkans](BTR-80/BTR-80-IFOR-Balkans.png)
BTR-80, IFOR batallion, Balkans
![Russian Bataillon KFOR](BTR-80/BTR-80-Russian-KFOR-bat.png)
Russian Bataillon KFOR
![BTR-80 of the Ukrainian army in Iraq](BTR-80/BTR-80-Ukraine-Iraq.png)
BTR-80 of the Ukrainian army in Iraq, Al Kut to As Suwayrah patrol area, Operation IRAQI FREEDOM
![BTR-80 of the Ukrainian Marines](BTR-80/BTR-80-Ukrainian-Marines.png)
BTR-80 of the Ukrainian Marines
![BTR-80A](BTR-80/BTR-80A.png)
Russian BTR-80A
![BTR-80A, Russian KFOR Batallion, Bosnia](BTR-80/Hun-BTR-80A-KFOR.png)
BTR-80A, Hungarian KFOR Batallion, Bosnia
![Russian BTR-80A as of today](BTR-80/BTR-80A-Russia.png)
Russian BTR-80A as of today
![Russian BTR-82](BTR-80/BTR-82.png)
Russian BTR-82
![BREM-K armoured recovery vehicle](BTR-80/BREM-K.png)
BREM-K armoured recovery vehicle
![BMM-80](BTR-80/BMM-80_Simfoniya.png)
BMM-80 "Simfoniya" armoured ambulance
![BMM-80](BTR-80/RKHM-4-1.png)
RKhM-4-01 advanced NBC reconnaissance vehicle
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