BTR-70

   The BTR-70 armored personnel carrier is a further development of the previous BTR-60PB. Vehicle entered service with Soviet army in 1972, but was first public revealed only in 1980.

   The BTR-70 is longer comparing with it's predecessor. Vehicle is fitted with two hatches from each side between second and third road wheels. This hatch is intended for troops to  enter and leave this vehicle. Alternatively troops enter and leave through the roof hatches.

   This APC is better protected than it's predecessor. It is fitted with an automatic fire suppression system, as well as an NBC protection system.

   The BTR-70 armored personnel carrier is fitted with a complete turret of the BTR-60PB. It is fitted with a 14.5-mm machine gun and coaxial 7.62-mm MG.

   Vehicle has a crew of three and can carry 7 fully equipped troops. Troops enter and leave through roof hatches and side access doors, located between the front and rear sets of wheels. The BTR-70 can be easily recognized by this triangular-shaped side entrance. A number of firing ports and associated vision blocks are provided for the troops..

   On of the improvements of the BTR-70 over the BTR-60PB are two slightly more powerful petrol engines. Vehicle is powered by GAZ-66 petrol engines, developing 120 horsepower each. Engines are mounted on a single frame and are located at the rear of the hull. When one engine is damaged, it can be remotely disconnected and vehicle keeps running on the remaining unit. The BTR-70 is fitted with a central tyre inflation system as standard. This APC is fully amphibious and is propelled on water by two waterjets.

   Despite all improvements the BTR-70 still had a number of shortcomings, including relatively light armor protection, poor means of entry and exit and a pair of petrol engines.

Variants

   Improved BTR-70, first observed in 1986. It features improved turret with higher angle of elevation and smoke dischargers;

   some BTR-70 in Afghanistan were fitted with a 30-mm AGS-17 grenade launcher;

   BTR-70 Kh chemical reconnaissance vehicle;

   BTR-70 MS communication vehicle;

   BTR-70 KShM command and control vehicle;

   BTR-70 MBP artillery command vehicle;

   BREM armored recovery vehicle;

   SPR-2 is a possible radar jamming vehicle;

   BTR-80 armored personnel carrier;

   some BTR-70 were fitted with a complete turret of the BTR-80.