Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1497523
Photo: MilitaryLeak BMP-1 KBP design Bureau, was designated 2K23. The 2K23 turret features a 100 mm 2A70 gun/launcher, firing HE rounds, or 9M117 ATGMs. The 2A70 gun/launcher is using an autoloader unit that can hold up to 22 rounds with HE projectiles. There is also an option of installing a second ATGM autoloader on the turret, that can hold 3 ATGMs ready. Another five are stored within the hull, along with another 18 HE rounds for the gun. 30 mm 2A72 automatic cannon is coupled with the 100 mm gun. 500 30 mm rounds are available, where one ammunition con- tainer houses a 300-round HE-I belt, whereas the other one houses a 200 AP rounds belt. Apart from these, a 7.62 mm PKT machine gun is mounted coaxially, with the gun/launcher. 2,000 rounds of ammunition are available. In the front, on the left, and right of the driver, two stations for the troops have been arranged, and these soldiers also have PKT machine guns at their disposal, 2,000 rounds of ammunition are available for each of those guns. WHEN IT COMES TO THE FIRE CONTROL SYSTEM, the gunner uses the 1K13-2 daytime/night sight, for which the daytime tract offers 8x magnifica- tion, while the night tract offers 5.5x magnification. Furthermore, tan- k-sized targets can be identified in the passive mode at a distance of up to 500 meters. In the active mode, when the OU-5-1 illuminator is used, that distance goes up to 1,100 meters. 1V539 ballistic compu- ter, and 1D16-3 laser rangefinder, installed above the main gun mount, both work with the 1K-13-2 sight. Ever since 1998, the BMP-3 features the new PPN-D SOZh main sight that integrates daytime channel, night channel, and laser rangefinder, along with the ATGM guidance system, within a single block of hardware. The magnification range for the day- time tract has been enhanced - 5x and 14x. The night sight magnifi- cation remains unchanged. The SOZh targeting device can also work with the PL-1 laser designator replacing the IR illuminator. The passive detection and identification range is 500 meters, and 1,100 meters is the distance for the active mode. Back in 1990, the BMP-3 received the new Vesna-K targeting system. It is an integrated device featuring a thermal imaging device, laser range- finder, and AST-B auto tracker. Interestingly, Vesna-K does not replace the SOZh sight, and one should note that Vesna-K serves only as a sight. It is not a fire control system. Only a handful of BMP-3 platforms were modernized like that. PPB-2 sight is yet another sight/observation instrument - it is a dual- -use system that can be used against land targets, or as a spare sight. Its main purpose is to act as an anti-aircraft sight. The sight offers an elevation range of +81° - -10°, and 2.6x magnification. Interestingly, the PPB-2 is often used as the primary sight during training, as it is a simple optical instrument and this allows for reducing the wear of the more complicated optoelectronic systems. BMP-3 is powered by the UTD-29M diesel engine with a power output of 500 HP, making it possible for the vehicle to reach top speeds of up to 72 kph on the hardened surface. The vehicle has a range of ca. 600 kilometers. ANALYSIS