BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle

The BMP-2 [BMP = Boyevaya Mashina Pyekhota - Infantry Fighting Vehicle] infantry
combat vehicle, fielded in the early 1980's [initially designated BMP 1981], is an
improved version of the BMP-1 incorporating major armament changes. The new two-
man turret mounts a 30-mm automatic gun with a long thin tube and double-baffle
muzzle brake that can be used against aircraft and helicopters. The ATGM launcher on
top of the turret can employ either AT-4 SPIGOT or AT-5 SPANDREL missiles, though
the AT-5 Spandrel canister is normally mounted. Given the enlarged turret, there are two
roof hatches in the rear fighting compartment, rather than the four of the BMP-1, and the
the BMP-2 accommodates one less passenger. Each side of the troop compartment has
three firing ports with associated roof-mounted periscopes.

The BMP-2 is fully amphibious, and the upper part of the track has a sheet metal cover
deeper than that of the BMP-1 which is filled with a buoyancy aid. A French SNPE
explosive reactive armor (ERA) kit and others are available for use on the BMP-2.
However, during dismounted troop movement, ERA would be a hazard. Thus, passive
armor is more likely and ERA application is doubtful. For amphibious use, additional
armor application is unlikely. Other options are spall liners, air conditioning, and a more
powerful engine. Russian AG-17 30-mm automatic grenade launcher modification is
offered for BMP-2. Russian KBP offers a drop-in one-man turret, called Kliver, with a
stabilized 2A72 30-mm gun, a 4 Kornet ATGM launcher, thermal sights, a coaxial 7.62-
mm MG and improved fire control system. ATGM load consists of one ready on the
launcher and four stowed. They are readily accessible, but require hand loading from an
open hatch. The AT-5 and AT-5B are more likely than AT-4 and -4B. French-German
Flame-V adaptor kit permits the BMP-2 system to launch Milan, Milan-2, and Milan-3
ATGMs.

Thermal sights are available, and the Russian SANOET-1 thermal gunner's sight is
available. The Russian
Trakt/1PN65
thermal
imaging (TI)
ATGM night
sight is
optional.
Acquisition
range is
2,500 m
(NFI). For
the launcher
in dismount

configuration, the Slovenian TS-F ATGM night sight is available and has a detection
range of 4,500 m and recognition range of 2,000 m. The Russian Mulat/1PN86
lightweight TI ATGM thermal sight has 3,600 m detection range and 2,000 m
identification range.

VARIANTS

A number of product improvements were made to the BMP-2 in the late 1980’s.

• BMP-2D: Variant with add-on plate armor, but which cannot swim
• BMP-2E: Variant with 6-mm steel plates added and track skirts
• BMP-2K: Command variant with additional radio

Specifications
Alternative
Yozh (Russia), Sarath (India)
Designations
Date of Introduction 1980
Proliferation At least 20 countries
Description
Crew 3
Troop Capacity 7 passengers
Combat Weight (mt) 14.3
Chassis Length
6.72
Overall (m)
Height Overall (m) 2.45
Width Overall (m) 3.15
Ground Pressure
0.63
(kg/cm 2 )
Automotive
Performance
Engine Type 300-hp Diesel
Cruising Range (km) 600
Speed (km/h)
Max Road 65
Max Off-Road 45
Average Cross-
35
Country
Max Swim 7
Fording Depth (m) Amphibious
Radio R-123M transceiver or R-173
Protection
Armor, Turret Front
23-33
(mm)
Applique Armor
On BMP-2D
(mm)
Explosive Reactive
Available
Armor (mm)
Active Protective
N/A
System
Mineclearing
KMT-8 mine plow available
Equipment
Self-Entrenching N/A
Blade
NBC Protection
Collective
System
Smoke Equipment 6 smoke grenade launchers, VEESS
ARMAMENT
Main Armament
Caliber, Type, Name 30-mm automatic gun, 2A42
Rate of Fire (rd/min) 550 cyclic in bursts/ 200-300 practical
Loader Type Dual-belt feed
Ready/Stowed
500/0
Rounds
Elevation (°) -5 to +74
Fire on Move Yes
Auxiliary Weapon
Caliber, Type, Name 7.62-mm (7.62x 54R) machinegun, PKT
Mount Type Turret coax
Maximum Aimed
2,000
Range (m)
Max Effective Range
(m)
Day 1,000
Night INA
Fire on Move Yes
Rate of Fire (rd/min) 250 practical/650 cyclic, 2-10 round bursts
ATGM Launcher
Name 9P135M1/M3
Launch Method Tube-launched
Guidance SACLOS
Command Link Wire
Launcher
Yes
Dismountable
Firing Port 4 on left side, 3 on right side 1 in left rear door
FIRE CONTROL
FCS Name BPK-1-42 or BPK-2-42
Main Gun
2-plane
Stabilization
Rangefinder Laser
Infrared Searchlight Yes
Sights
w/Magnification
Gunner
Day BPK-1-42 or BPK-2-42
Field of View (°) 8
Acquisition Range
2,500-4,000 (est)
(m)
Night BPK-1-42 or BPK-2-42 II/IR
Field of View (°) INA
Acquisition Range
INA
(m)
Commander Fire
No
Main Gun
MAIN ARMAMENT
AMMUNITION
Caliber, Type, Name
30-mm AP-T
Maximum Aimed
2,500
Range (m)
Max Effective Range
(m)
Day 1,500
Night INA
Tactical AA Range 4,000
Armor Penetration
18 (RHA, 60°) at 1,500 m
(mm)
30-mm APDS
Maximum Aimed
2,500
Range (m)
Max Effective Range
(m)
Day 2,000
Night INA
Tactical AA Range 4,000
Armor Penetration
25 (RHA) at 1,500m
(mm)
30-mm APFSDS-T
M929
Maximum Aimed
2,500
Range (m)
Max Effective Range
(m)
Day 2,000+
Night INA
Tactical AA Range 4,000
Armor penetration
55 (RHA) at 1,000m/45 at 2,000m
(mm)
30-mm Frag-HE
Maximum Aimed
4,000/ 2,500 point target
Range (m)
Max Effective Range
(m)
Day 4,000
Night INA
Tactical AA Range 4,000
Armor Penetration
INA
(mm)
Other Ammunition
30-mm HEI-T
Types
Antitank Guided
Missiles
Name AT-5/SPANDREL
Warhead Type Shaped charge (HEAT)
Armor Penetration
650 (RHA)
(mm)
Range (m) 4,000
Name AT-5B/Konkurs-M
Warhead Type Tandem shaped charge (HEAT)
Armor Penetration
925 (RHA)
(mm)
Range (m) 4,000
Name AT-4/SPIGOT
Warhead Type Shaped charge (HEAT)
Armor Penetration
480 (RHA)
(mm)
Range (m) 2,000
Name AT-4B/Factoria
Warhead Type Tandem shaped charge (HEAT)
Armor Penetration
550 (RHA)
(mm)
Range (m) 2,500