BMD-2

   The BMD-2 airborne combat vehicle is a further development of the previous BMD-1. The main objective was to improve armament comparing with its predecessor. Development began in the early 1980s and in 1985 this vehicle entered service with the airborne units of the Soviet Army.

   The most significant difference of the BMD-2 is a 30 mm cannon similar to the BMP-2 in place of rather inaccurate 76 mm gun. The BMD-2 has a both-way armament stabilizers, so it can fire accurately on the move. This vehicle also received newer anti-tank guided weapons. It has a roof-mounted launcher for Fagot (Western reporting name AT-4 Spigot), or Konkurs (AT-5 Spandrel). There are a total of three 7.62 mm machine guns, two of them operated by the troops. Usually portable anti-aircraft missile launchers are also carried to fight against helicopters.

   The main difficulty for the designers was to fit a standard turret of the BMP-2 on a significantly smaller vehicle. That led to redevelopment, thus only gunner is located in the turret of the BMD-2. This new turret has an elevation range for up to +75°, as its predecessor proved ineffective during the war in Afghanistan, as it could not lift its barrel high enough to fire at enemies hiding high in the mountains.

   Hull of the BMD-2 will all the powerpack and chassis remained without any significant changes comparing with the BMD-1. There was an increase in weight however, but this airborne combat vehicle retains all the mobility features of its predecessor, as well as amphibious capabilities.

   The BMD-2 can carry up to five fully equipped troops. Vehicle is airlifted by most medium military transport aircraft and can be paradropped using parachute platforms.

   The BMD-2K is a command vehicle variant based on the baseline ACV.

   The BMD-2M is a recent upgrade. It has different interior layout. Vehicle is fitted with a powerful Kornet anti-tank missile launchers. Russian Army planed to upgrade 200 vehicles to the BMD-2M standard until 2017.

   Development of a new vehicle started soon after the BMD-2 was adopted. From 1990 onwards a BMD-3 appeared. However it was a new design, rather than further improved version of the BMD-1 and BMD-2.