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Basic features of the various IFVs of the Russian Ground Forces

BMP-1

BMP-2

BMP-3

73mm gun

Small turret,�in the middle

4 roof-hatches behind turret

Both BMP–1 and 2 has a two-door system and are identical from behind.

30mm autocannon

Larger “frying pan” turret, more behind

100mm gun and 30mm autocannon

Larger and more flat turret, in the middle

Concave wheels

Commonly �mistakable

Often mistaken with BMD–4M

3 hatches in front of turret

2 roof-hatches behind turret

2 large rectangular doors also with a hatch

The BMP-3’s rear doors accompany the roof doors, the rear of the vehicle is more cubic

BMP’s have a 6 wheel system�(BMD’s have 5)

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Standard Model

BMP-1(P)

Photo: Mark Voorendt

Photo: Lutz Bruno

Later models called BMP-1P receive the 9K111 “Fagot” or 9K113 “Konkurs” ATGM on the roof (not essential) and 6x Smoke Discharge Tubes behind the turret.

Photo: Vitaly Kuzmin

Three main embrasure for the infantry on board (both sides) and an additional square embrasure.

Photo: Harvey Black

Dismount door has a lever handle - some shared by the BMP-2 (however there are variations to the BMP-2 door, see page)

Photo: Lutz Bruno

Photo: aviakurs

The hatches for the driver and commander is circular and semicircular respectively, with the commander hatch with an IR-lamp.��Additionally, the commander hatch has 3 periscopes (on the BMP-2 it is two).

Photo: RecoMonkey

Gunner’s station in the turret with a 1PN22M1 sight with four periscopes around the hatch. Also an IR-lamp aside and the hatch for the Malyutka.�(Hatch may be welded in later models)

Photo: Alexander Miller

2A28 “Grom” 73mm Gun and 9M14 Malyutka ATGM (The Malyutka rail is not essential)

Photo: dokaspez

Driver

Commander

Konkurs ATGM

Malyutka ATGM

73mm Grom

Malyutka hatch

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Sub-Variant

BMP-1D

Sub-Variant

BMP-1(P)K

The BMP-1D is a unique survival-kit made for the BMP-1 which provide a reinforcement of armored plates around the hull. (It is almost non-existent, replaced by newer kits)

The BMP-1K or 1PK is a command vehicle for company or battalion sized elements, and internally house different radios. Externally, it is identical to the BMP-1(P) except the removal of the firing ports on the sides.

Photo: Yury Popov

BMP-1PK�Photo: aviakurs

Right-side have all ports removed

Left-side have only two firing holes

Mounting points for the two antennae for the radio.��The antenna on the left rear (1) is universal in BMP-1 vehicles, while the second antenna (2) is shared among the commanding vehicles with specific radios.

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Sub-Variant

BMP-1AM

Foreign Variant

BMP-1U

The BMP-1AM is a modernisation of the existing BMP-1, by replacing the Grom-turret with a remotely operated BPPU-1 turret akin to the turret of the BTR-82A with a 30mm 2A72 autocannon.

Known as “Shkval”, the BMP-1U is a Ukrainian modernisation of the BMP-1 by replacing the turret with a remote KBA-105 weapons station with a 30mm 2A72, 7.62mm PKT coaxial gun, an automatic grenade launcher and a firing module for two 9M113 Konkurs ATGM.

Photo: Vitaly Kuzmin

TKN-4GA combined day-night sight, universally used in all BPPU-1 turrets in various modernisation variants.

The ATGM module can also host Ukrainian domestic “Barrier” ATGM as well as an Igla MANPADS

The optics present on the module is the OTP-20 optical-television sight, shared in other turret modules.

Despite Ukrainian, the BMP-1U is in hands of the Russian Armed Forces as they were captured from the Georgian Army (~15) during the Russo-Georgian War. With high marks after testing in Russia, these have been spotted and destroyed in Ukraine

Photo: Vitaly Kuzmin

Photo: Zinnsoldat

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Official minor modifications on BMP-1 chassis

BMP-1PG - a minor modernisation product, the BMP-1P with an AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher.

Some versions of the turret only has the grenade launcher, while others include a secondary observation device for the armament on the left of the turret.

BMP-1-30 or BMP-1 w/ B-30 - is an one-off modification of the BMP-1 utilising the B-30 turret on the BMD-2 (see BMD-2)

Officially, the name BMP-1-30 is very specific, and this vehicle has never entered service. However, due to the state of conflicts crude field-modifications do exist (see above) and it is more appropriate to label them BMP-1 w/ B-30 turret

BMP w/ 675-sb3KDZ - is an armor kit of slat “bar-armor” and polymer armor panels to provide protection against large calibre projectiles and against RPG warheads.

BMP-2 with 675-sb3KDZ kit

The armor kit originally was intended for the BMP-2 (and another kit for the BMP-3), however it is cross compatible on chassis and can be seen in use for the BMP-1 (see above) as well as BMP-1AM.��There is no official designation for the variant, so it is best to denote by kit.

BMP-1P with 675-sb3KDZ kit

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Standard Model

BMP-2

2A42 30mm autocannon is employed on a newer and wider turret to accompany two crew. Alongside, a pair of three 902V “Tucha” smoke launching tubes are on both sides of the turret.

Photo: Russian MoD

2A42 30mm

902V�“Tucha”

Launch rail and sight for the 9M113 Konkurs ATGM on the turret.

Photos: Recomonkey

Right side

Left side

Two main embrasures for the infantry on board (both sides) and an additional square firing-hole (two on the left side)

Photo: RecoMonkey

The rear dismount doors have two forms, one is shared with the BMP-1 (left) with the lever type, while on the modernised BMP-2’s (right) with the shielded-lever type.

Photo: RecoMonkey

The hatches for the driver and commander is circular and rectangular respectively.

�The driver has four periscopes Additionally, the commander hatch has 3 periscopes (on the BMP-2 it is two).

Driver

Commander

Part 1

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Standard Model

BMP-2

Part 2

Photo: RecoMonkey

On the commanders hatch and on the right-side of the barrel there is the OU3-GA2 IR lamp for the TKN-3B sight

TKN-3B

OU3-GA2�IR Lamp

In modernised variations (non-specific name) the BMP-2 replaces the old IR lamps with the PL-1-01 IR laser illuminator��Often this accompanies the TKN-AI commander sight. The other illuminator in front of the turret is for the gunner’s SOZh sight. (see right page)��In some cases, the commander has the newer sight, but keeps the older lamp. (see right)

PL-1-01

IR Illuminator

PL-1-01

opened

Photo: RecoMonkey

TKN-AI

OU3-GA2�IR Lamp

Photo: Egor Kalmykov

BPK-1(2)-42

The gunners hatch has three fixed periscopes (1 not visible in photo), one rear facing periscope as well as the BPK-1-42 or BPK-2-42 (BMP-2 obr 1986) sight which is not visually distinguishable. More recent modifications receive the SOZh.

Rear periscope

SOZh

Photo: RecoMonkey

The antennae for the radio on the BMP-2’s turret is located in the rear (highlighted in blue). On older production models the antennae is on the right (top) while later models post-obr 1986 have two antennae (bottom).

On later production models (post-obr 1986) internal lining and external cladding for NBC protection can be seen around the turret. (highlighted blue)

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Sub-Variant

BMP-2D

Photo: Zvezda

Photo: Ivan Ponomarenko

The BMP-2D alike to the BMP-1D is an Afghan-war byproduct with reinforced armor plates around the hull and behind the turret is increase survivability. There are distinct features to allow identification even without the plating.

Armor plate (6 mm) reinforcing the rear of the turret in an arc shape.

Photo: Ivan Ponomarenko

Armor plate (6 mm) reinforcing the side of the hull as well as the sideskirts with a gap, as well as openings for the embrasures.

Photo: Yuri Pasholok

Photo: Танки АМ

Very slightly on the sides of the hull, there is a very thin sheet of metal welded onto the wall. (Highlighted blue) On both sides of the vehicle this is present, and is one of the minor ways to identify the BMP-2D without the armor kit (see right).

Thin streak from the welds can be noticed on the vehicle.

On the underside, rarely seen is a layer of protection under the vehicle for mine protection.

Photo: Танки АМ

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Sub-Variant

BMP-2K

Foreign Variant

BMP-2(M)

w/ 675sb3KDZ

The BMP-2K is a command vehicle for company or battalion sized elements, and internally house different radios. The vehicle has unique antenna posts and closed embrasures.

The 675sb3KDZ is an armor kit of slat “bar-armor” and polymer armor panels to provide protection against large calibre projectiles and against RPG warheads.

�Different to the BMP-1, the kit for the BMP-2 also comes with slat armor around the turret. (Not for the BMP-2M!)

Photo: RecoMonkey

Two radio antennas located on the rear of the vehicle (not the turret).��One centerline behind the turret, and another on the rear-right side of the vehicle.

Photos: RecoMonkey

Hull - Right side

Hull - Left side

The embrasures on the side of the vehicle are all closed except of one on both sides of the vehicle.

BMP-2M with 675-sb3KDZ kit

BMP-2 with 675-sb3KDZ kit (Slat armor only on turret)

In cases, the slat armor is not always present on the vehicle, and only the armor kit may be present (see above).

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Sub-Variant

BMP-2M

“Berezhok”

Photo: RecoMonkey

The BMP-2M has varying names due to the ambiguity of its development and forms, however the service model is called “Berezhok” for its turret module Berezhok (B05YA01). ��The vehicle also can receive the add-on armor kit 675-sb3KDZ, however unlike on the BMP-2, the slat armor around the turret is removed due to the ATGM launchers.

902V Tucha smoke canisters are moved to the front of the turret.

Dual 9M133 Kornet launchers on both sides of the turret,

Photo: RecoMonkey

BMP-2M with 675-sb3KDZ armor kit

AGS–17 automatic grenade launcher situated on the rear of the turret.

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Standard Model

BMP-3

Photo: MoD Russia

The BMP-3’s distinct features on its hull is the large rectangular exhaust which distinguishes itself to the other BMP’s.��However it is the same exhaust as on the BMD-4 (see page). To identify, the BMP-3 has a 6-wheel system, while the BMD-4 has a 5-wheel system.

Photo: Mike1979

Unlike the BMP-1/2 the hatches for the BMP–3 are different.

Three separate hatches in front of the turret for the driver, and two infantry.

Driver

Infantry

Photo: RecoMonkey

The BMP-3 has an extendable wave-breaker and dozer blade that is folded into the front of the hull. ��Both extended can be seen (below).

Part 1

A set of three 902V “Tucha” smoke dispensers are paired on each side of the turret.��Easily mistakable to the BMD-4.

Photo: Sergei Bobylev

Specific details on the commander/gunner section is in Part 2

Photo: Dmytro Teslenko

Photo: RecoMonkey

The main armament is the 100mm 2A70 gun and a 30mm 2A72 autocannon fixed to each other.

(Exact same to BMD-4 and easily mistakable)

30mm 2A72

autocannon

100mm 2A70

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Photo: RecoMonkey

The commanders hatch has a six periscopes in a hexagonal arrangement. (left image) The main one being the TKN-3MB day-night sight requiring the OU5-1 IR lamp.

Alike to the BMP–2, the commander also has a multi-purpose combat sight 1PZ-10.

Part 2

Standard Model

BMP-3

Photo: RecoMonkey

OU5-1�IR Lamp

TKN-3MB

1PZ-10

PL-1-01

IR Illuminator

On newer BMP-3 models, the commander receives a newer TKN-AI sight which also receives are PL–1-01 laser illuminator instead.

TKN-AI

1D16–3 LRF

The gunner sight is a 1K13-2 day-night sight and housed on its right is a PPB-2 combat sight (similar to the commander)��The gunner sight comes along with the 1D16-3 LRF and a OU5-1 IR lamp.��These features are in older BMP-3 models.

1D16–3 LRF

OU5-1�IR Lamp

1K13-2

PPB-2

The 1D16-3 laser rangefinder is posted on top of the main gun.

On most modern BMP-3s, the standard gunner sight is the SOZh which is accompanied by the PL-1-01 laser illuminator. (left)

The housing is exactly the same, so the only identifier is the lamp or illuminator.

PL-1-01

IR Illuminator

SOZh

Photo: RecoMonkey

Photo: Vitaly Kuzmin

The newest models, often considered “obr.2017” comes with the newer Sodema (B03S03) thermal sight which has a two-door housing, with no lamp.

Photo: RecoMonkey

Sodema

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Sub-Variant

BMP-3F

Sub-Variant

BMP-3

w/ 688A-sb6-2KP

A variant developed for the naval forces/marines, the BMP-3F is a seaworthy variant of the BMP-3 provided with an extendable ventilation tube, wave-deflecting visor on the turret and the plow removed.

The 688A-sb6-2KP is an armor kit of slat “bar-armor” a thin sheet metal panel to provide protection against large calibre projectiles and against RPG warheads.

Extendable�Ventilation Tube

Wave-deflecting visor

902V “Tucha”�Smoke dispenser

Photo: Rosoboronexport

Extendable ventilation tube is visible (comparison to normal BMP-3 on the right), also in variations, the smoke dispensers on the turret are moved to the rear of the turret.

Photo: Alexey Kudenko

Photo: RecoMonkey

Wave-deflecting visors in the front of the turret is visible.

Photo: RecoMonkey

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Sub-Variant

BMP-3

obr. 2020

Sub-Variant

BMP-3

w/ 4S24 ERA Kit

A production derivative, the obr. 2020 is a standard modern BMP-3 with attachment points for ERA protection kit (see right page) on the turret.

An idea similar to the applique armor kit, this armor kit has varying designations and appearances however its primary objective was a more capable protection by utilising ERA blocks.

Photo: Vitaly Kuzmin

Similar to some BMP-3F, the smoke dispensers are moved to the rear right of the turret (near the commanders hatch).

902V “Tucha”�Smoke dispenser

Photo: Kurganmashzavod

Kit comes with “block” like ERA cases around the side and front of the hull. Slat-armor situated in the rear of vehicle and behind the turret. Additionally, ERA-wedges around the turret with rubber flaps.

(Left) Appearance of the vehicle with the kit removed.

(Right) The vehicle is service particularly differ from the original with the rubber flaps switched to a more solid sheet metal.

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Basic appearance of the various IFVs of the Russian Airborne Forces (1)

BMP-1 like

turret

73mm gun

BMD’s have a 5 wheel system�(BMP’s have 6)

30mm autocannon

“taller” BMP-1 like turret

BMD-1

BMD-2

Unlike the BMP’s, the BMD’s have a concave rear for the dismounts and the BMD-1 and share almost identical chassis

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Basic appearance of the various IFVs of the Russian Airborne Forces (2)

BMP-2 turret

30mm autocannon

“More polygonal”�BMP-3 turret

100mm gun and 30mm autocannon

BMD-3

BMD-4

In comparison to the predecessor BMD-1 and 2, the BMD-3 and 4 take on a more cubic and rigid shape (similar to the BMP-3) however keeping the traditional dismount features and doors.

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Standard Model

BMD-1(P)

Photos: RecoMonkey

Same with the BMP-1, the vehicle has a 73mm “Grom” gun and a 9M14 Malyutka ATGM mounted onto the gun. ��(image above Malyutka is removed)

Photo: RecoMonkey

73mm “Grom”

9M14 Malyutka

(image above Malyutka with Malyutka)

The BMD-1P alike to the BMP-1P has six 902V “Tucha” smoke dispensers behind the turret and the Malyutka is replaced by a turret bound 9M111/9M113 ATGMs (below)

Mounting point for ATGM launchers

6x 902V Tucha

On later production BMD-1’s specifically the BMD-1P’s, a bullet-deflecting grille is installed on the hull. (Also present on BMD–2)

Antenna for the BMD-1 is situated on the left rear of the vehicle (same as BMD-2)

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Standard Model

BMD-2

Photos: RecoMonkey

The BMD-2 has a modified BMD-1 turret (B-30 turret) and receives a 2A42 30mm autocannon and 9M111/9M113 ATGM on the roof.

9M113�ATGM

Photo: Танки АМ

2A42 30mm

The gunners sight is a BPK–2-42-01 day/night sight accompanied with a PZU-8 anti-aircraft sight emerging from the side. In newer models, the BPK is replaced by the SOZh sight.

BPK-2-42-01

PZU-8

Photos: RecoMonkey

Photos: RIA Novosti

Photos: RT

OU3-GA2�IR Lamp

PL-1-01�illuminator

Photo: mib55

SOZh

On the right of the gun, hosts the mount for the lamps.

- OU3-GA2 IR lamp for the BPK-2-42-01 sight (old)�- PL-1-01 illuminator for the SOZh sight (new)

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Sub-Variant

BMD-1K/2K

The BMD-1K/2K is a command vehicle for company or battalion sized elements, and internally house different radios. The vehicle has an additional antenna.

Two radio antennas located on the rear of the vehicle (not the turret). The left antenna is standard to the vehicle, the right antenna is the additional antenna for the radio.

Sub-Variant

BMD-2M

Photos: Mike1979

Photos: RecoMonkey

Mistakable as the “Berezhok” module, the BMP-2M is a modernisation with the Bereg turret which is provided with a dual 9M133M Kornet-M ATGM launcher and a new Sodema thermal sight.

Sodema

2x Kornet-M�launchers

In recent improvements, the BMD-2M receives a slat-armor plate kit on the hull and turret (similar to the BMP-2/3).

Additionally, the housing for the gunner sight is larger and an improved antenna is mounted in the rear.

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The BMD-3 despite listed as a standard production, has only received a limited procurement and almost none exist in service in the Russian Army with few exceptions. An entire new chassis is developed while using the turret of the BMP-2.

Standard Model

BMD-4

Photos: RecoMonkey

The BMD-4, earlier referred as BMD-3M utilise the same new chassis however changes to the hull is made as well as receiving a new turret with modernised electronics and new armament.

Standard Model

BMD-3

The turret of the BMD-3 is exact same as the BMP-2’s (see page) and all features are identical as well as the optical devices.

A key identifying feature of the BMD-3 (on the chassis) compared to the BMD-4, is hatch on the left of the driver.��In the BMD-3 this seat has a rotatable periscope, whilst on the BMD-4 it is a standard static periscope. (see page)��Additionally it receives a bow gun. (lower image)

Photos: RecoMonkey

An entirely new turret named Bakhcha-U turret module to fit the 2A70 100mm gun and 2A72 30mm autocannon. This is also accompanied with a B8K2 panoramic sight for the commander, and the Sodema thermals for the gunner.

2A70 100mm

2A72 30mm

Sodema thermal sight

B8K2 Panoramic sight

The BMD-4 has only one auxiliary gun port, while the other is welded shut compared to the BMD-3. (above)

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Standard Model

BMD-4M�(1)

Photos: RecoMonkey

The BMD-4M utilise the same Bakhcha–U turret as the predecessor, however the features are different on the turret. In opposite to the predecessor, the BMD-4M has the wind sensor on the right of the GLONASS sensor. (left)

Photo: RecoMonkey

BMD–4M

BMD–4

Wind Sensor

GLONASS Sensor

Wind Sensor

GLONASS Sensor

BMD–4M

BMP-3

The BMD-4M is also easily mistakable with the BMP-3 due to its exhaust. If all other features (i.e wheels/turret) aren’t present to distinguish, a minor feature like the bolt attachments are different between the two. (above)

Photo: Vitaly Kuzmin

Photo: RecoMonkey

BMD-4M

BMD-4

A significant feature to distinguish the BMD-4 and 4M are the wheels. In between the two there are subtle differences, primarily the road wheels are concave on the BMD-4M (same to BMP-3, often mistakable)

BMD-4M

BMD-4

The BMD-4M also receives few changes to the chassis noticeable from the front. Primarily, both firing ports are opened (A) and the road lamps (B) have been moved from the side to top.��Additionally a bulge (C) is seen due to extending the width of the vehicle.

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Standard Model

BMD-4M (2)

BMD–4M

BMD–4

From the rear, the BMD-4M differs to the BMD-4 due to changes into the chassis as well as the newer engine.��The exhaust originally facing behind is moved to the side of the vehicle (same as BMP-3) and the covers for the jet propulsion are newer.

Behind the turret on the left, the 4M receives a secondary-dismount hatch for the infantry inside. This is not present on the predecessor models. (Opened hatch shown right photo)

A small feature besides the exhaust is the exhaust for the ventilation system, on the BMD-4 this is not present.

Photo: RecoMonkey

Photo: RosTec

Photo: TASS

Besides its standard configuration, the BMD-4M has two possible armor-kit (the latter now common) seen above.