16 BTR-60 PB, Former Soviet Union

BTR-70 APC

First displayed publicly in 1978, the BTR-70 APC may be regarded as an undated and improved version of the BTR-60P series (previous entry). For a while it was known in the West as the Ml978 APC. A revised internal layout resulted in a reduction in the number of troops carried to nine while the two petrol engines were of a new and more powerful model. If either engine is damaged for any reason the vehicle can still proceed under the power of the other, although performance will be reduced. Extra armour was added, especially to the front of the hull to better protect the front wheels.

Former Soviet Union

The turret and MG armament from the BTR-60PB were carried over complete, without modification, although some late production examples may be encountered with the revised turret of the BTR-80 series (see following entry). Numerous detail changes were introduced, including a better NBC protection system than that introduced to the BTR-60P series. Compared to the earlier BTR-60P series there have (as yet) been relatively few BTR-70 variants. These have included the inevitable command vehicles (in more than one form), the BTR-70Kh NBC reconnaissance vehicle fitted with numerous NBC warfare agent sensors and warning systems, and the BREM. The latter is a turretless vehicle with a small crane over the front hull for the repair of stranded vehicles in the front line.

There is also a BTR-70MS with the interior revised to carry various suites of communication equipment; a radar jamming vehicle is known to exist.

In Afghanistan some BTR-70s carried a 30 mm automatic grenade launcher on the roof behind the main turret. A licenceproduced version has been produced in Romania where it is known as the TAB-77. Several variants of this model have been developed, including an artillery command post and observation vehicle,

BTR-70 APC

Specification

Crew: 2 Seating: 9 Weight: (combat) approx 11,500 kg Length: 7.535m Width: 2.8m Height: 2.235m Ground clearance: 0.475 m Track: 2.38 m Max speed: (road) 80 km/h Fuel capacity: approx 350 litres Range: up to 600 km Fording: amphibious Vertical obstacle: 0.5m Engine: 2 x ZMZ-4905 petrol Power output: 2 x 120 hp Suspension: torsion bar Armament: 1 x 14.5 mm MG; l x 7 . 6 2 m m MG Variants: BTR-70kh, BREM, BTR-70MS, TAB-77 The widely used BTR-70 wheeled APCin parade trim.