The
BTR-MD Rakushka (shell) is a new
Russian armored personnel carrier, designed specially for airborne troops. Its development commenced in 2009.
First two armored vehicles were delivered to Russian
Airborne Forces in
2013. Another 8 vehicles were planned to be delivered for testing in 2014. It was expected that these 10 vehicles are to be put into service after the tests, alongside with improved BMD-4M airborne combat vehicles. The BTR-MD is seen a replacement for the ageing
BTR-D air assault transporter, however full replacement of the fleet is unlikely due to funding problems. Most likely only a limited number of new
APCs will be built.
The new vehicle is also being proposed for the Russian naval infantry.
The BTR-MD is based on the
BMD-4 airborne combat vehicle chassis. The turret has been removed and hull has been enlarged. It is much larger than the previous BTR-D. The Rakushka has more internal space and can be tailored to suit many roles. It can be used to carry troops, cargo, ammunition, fuel and other frontline supplies. The new
APC is fully amphibious and can be airdropped.
Protection of this vehicle is very light due to weight limitations.
Hull of the BTR-MD is welded from aluminum armor. It provides protection only from small arms fire and artillery shell splinters.
Vehicle is fitted with
NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.
This armored personnel carrier is armed with a remotely-controlled 7.62-mm machine gun for self-defense. The machine gun is operated by the vehicle commander. Some sources claim that vehicle is also fitted with a 30-mm automatic grenade launcher.
The BTR-MD was designed with intention to have a maximum possible internal volume. Vehicle has a payload capacity of 2
000 kg. This air assault transporter can carry 13 fully-equipped troops, plus the crew of two.
Driver is seated in the middle. Occupants enter and leave the vehicle via rear door and roof hatches. There are some firing port provided for the troops to fire their weapons. This APC can also carry at least three stretchers, ammunition or fuel in stead of the troops.
The Rakushka is powered by a 2V-06-2 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 450 hp.
Engine is located at the rear. Vehicle is also fitted with auxiliary power unit. The BTR-MD is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by two waterjets. It can operate up to a Sea
State 3. Vehicle has a hydropneumatic suspensions with variable height control. Such suspension allows the vehicle to be paradropped on platforms. The BTR-MD can be carried by and paradropped from most medium cargo aircraft with the crew of three inside. The
Il-76 can carry two of these airborne APCs. A single vehicle can be carried underslung by the Mi-26 heavy cargo helicopter.
A whole host of BTR-MD variants is currently planned or under development. These include signals vehicle, anti-tank missile carrier with
Kornet missiles, MRU-D air defense radar carrier, Poliot-K unmanned aerial vehicle control vehicle, Poliot-K
UAV command post vehicle , Obzhimka reconnaissance and fire control post. Other versions, such as Lastochka-2 special signals vehicle and BMM-D Travmatizm armored ambulance were trialed by the
Russian airborne forces.
In 2013 an improved
BTR-MDM was revealed, even though the first production vehicles were not yet delivered to the Russian airborne troops. The new vehicle uses a number of components of the BMD-4M and BMP-3M. Engine, transmission, waterjets and a number of other components are from the BMP-3M infantry fighting vehicle. It was reported that the BTR-MDM is more reliable than the original BTR-MD.
In 2009 an existence of a similar
Chinese airportable vehicle has been revealed. Externally it is similar to the BTR-MD.
- published: 31 May 2016
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