BTR-90

   The BTR-90 armored personnel carrier was developed in the early 1990s. First prototype was completed in 1994. It is a further development of the BTR-80 APC, with a more powerful armament, grater mobility, improved protection and increased internal volume. A small number of the BTR-90s is in service with Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. It is offered for export customers, however no orders were placed to date.

   Hull of this armored personnel carrier is thicker than it's predecessors. Forward windscreens were deleted and replaced with periscopes. This feature improved protection of the hull. It is claimed that a front arc provides protection against 14.5-mm rounds. Additional armored panels ore explosive reactive armor modules can be fitted. Vehicle can also be equipped with active protection systems. NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems are fitted as standard.

   The BTR-90 has a standard internal arrangement of the BTR family. It has engine compartment located in the hull rear. Driver is seated at the front of the hull, turret controls and troop compartment are located in the middle. Vehicle has increased external dimensions, as well as internal volume. It can carry loads up to 7 000 kg in place of the troops.

   The BTR-90 APC is armed with a 30-mm cannon and coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun. Turret is similar to that, fitted on the BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle. Additionally it is armed with 30-mm automatic grenade launcher and a single Konkurs (AT-5 Spandrel) anti-tank guided missile launcher. The Konkurs has a maximum range of 4 000 m. Missile launcher is detachable and can be used to launch missiles from the ground. Later an improved BTR-90, fitted with four Kornet-E (AT-14 Spriggan) missile launchers was observed. Both commander and gunner can fire all vehicle weapons.

   This armored personnel carrier provides seating for 7 fully equipped troops. Occupants enter and leave the vehicle via side entry doors and roof hatches. There are a some firing ports in the vehicle hull.

   The BTR-90 armored personnel carrier is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine, developing 520 hp. Vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox. This APC has 8x8 configuration and two front pairs of wheels are steering. Vehicle is fitted with a central tyre inflation system. The BTR-90 is highly mobile and maneuverable. It can move even when 4 wheels are totally destroyed.

   The BTR-90 is fully amphibious. Trim vane is erected and bilge pumps are switched on, before entering the water. On water it is propelled by two waterjets.

   A wide range of variants can be developed from the baseline model. A BTR-90M prototype was revealed in 2001. It is fitted with a modified BMP-3 turret, armed with a 100-mm gun and coaxial 30-mm cannon.