BRDM-2

   THe BRDM-2 scout car was developed as a replacement for the BRDM-1. It entered service with Soviet army in 1962 with production commencing in 1963. Currently it is in service with Russian army and over 50 countries worldwide.

   Armor of the BRDM-2 provides protection only against small arms bullets and small caliber fragments.

   Turret of the BRDM-2 is armed with a 14.5-mm heavy machine gun and coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun. The heavy machine gun penetrates 32 mm armor plate at 500 m range. A similar turret is also used on the Soviet BTR-60PB armored personnel carrier. It is fitted with a 14.5-mm machine gun and coaxial 7.62-mm MG.

   The BRDM-2 is powered by the GAZ-41 petrol engine, developing 140 horsepower. This scout car has an uncommon feature for vehicles of this class. Four powered belly wheels can be lowered to the ground between road wheels, thus making it a 8x8 vehicle when crossing rough terrain. Vehicle is also fitted with a central tyre inflation system for increased cross-country mobility. It is also fitted with a self-recovery winch. The BRDM-2 is fully amphibious and is propelled on water by a single waterjet, mounted at the hull rear.

Variants

   BRDM-2 Rhkb radiological and chemical reconnaissance vehicle;

   BRDM-2U command vehicle, which retains turret, but carries additional communication equipment;

   BRDM-2U command vehicle with a turret removed and replaced with a roof-mounted generator and two antennas;

   BRDM-2 with the AT-2 Sagger ATGWs, developed in late 1960s, has six-round Sagger ATGW launcher in place of the turret, further eight missiles are carried internally. The Sagger has a maximum range of 3 km. In 1977 Sager was converted from it's normal wire command guidance system to a semi-automatic infra-red system;

   BRDM-2 with the AT-3 Swatter ATGWs, first seen in 1973, has quadruple launcher for AT-2 Swatter missiles in place of the turret. Missiles are converted from original  radio-to-line-of-sight to semi-active infra-red command guidance;

   BRDM-2 with the AT-4 Spandrel ATGWs, first seen in 1977, has five AT-5 Spandrel missiles in ready-to-launch position on the roof and carrier further 10 missiles internally. The AT-5 has a range of 4 km;

   SA-9 Gaskin SAM system;

   BRDM-2M, a recent refurbished and upgraded variant. It is in service with the Russian Army.