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BTR-MD Rakushka

Airborne Armored Personnel Carrier

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BTR-MD Rakushka by www.Military-Today.com

The BTR-MD Rakushka (shell) is a new Russian armored personnel carrier, designed specially for airborne troops. It's development commenced in 2009. First batch of 10 vehicles is expected to be delivered in 2013, alongside with improved BMD-4M airborne combat vehicles. The BTR-MD is seen a replacement for the ageing BTR-D air assault transporter, however full replacement of the fleet is unlikely due to funding problems. Most likely only a limited number of new APCs will be built. The new vehicle is also being proposed for the Russian naval infantry.

The BTR-MD is based on the BMD-4 airborne combat vehicle chassis. The turret has been removed and hull has been enlarged. It is much larger than the previous BTR-D. The Rakushka has more internal space and can be tailored to suit many roles. The new APC is fully amphibious and can be airdropped.

Protection of this vehicle is very light due to weight limitations. Hull of the BTR-MD is welded from aluminum armor. It provides protection only from small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. Vehicle is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

This armored personnel carrier is armed with a remotely-controlled 7.62-mm machine gun for self-defense. The machine gun is operated by the vehicle commander. Some sources claim that vehicle is also fitted with a 30-mm automatic grenade launcher.

The BTR-MD was designed with intention to have a maximum possible internal volume. Vehicle has a payload capacity of 2 000 kg. This air assault transporter can carry 13 fully-equipped troops, plus the crew of two. Driver is seated in the middle. Occupants enter and leave the vehicle via rear door and roof hatches. There are some firing port provided for the troops to fire their weapons. This APC can also carry at least three stretchers, ammunition or fuel in stead of the troops.

BTR-MD Rakushka

Airborne armored personnel carrier

The Rakushka is powered by a 2V-60-2 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 450 hp. Engine is located at the rear. The BTR-MD is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by two waterjets. It can operate up to a Sea State 3. Vehicle has a hydropneumatic suspensions with variable height control. Such suspension allows the vehicle to be paradropped on platforms. The BTR-MD can be carried by and paradropped from most medium cargo aircraft with the crew of three inside. The Il-76 can carry two of these airborne APCs. A single vehicle can be carried underslung by the Mi-26 heavy cargo helicopter.

A whole host of BTR-MD variants is currently planned or under development. These include signals vehicle, anti-tank missile carrier, air defense radar carrier, unmanned aerial vehicle control vehicle, reconnaissance and fire control post vehicle. Other versions, such as Lastochka-2 special signals vehicle and BMM-D Travmatizm armored ambulance are currently being trialed by the Russian airborne forces.

Entered service expected in 2013 Crew 2 men

Personnel 13 men Dimensions and weight

Weight 13.2 t Length ~ 6.1 m Width ~ 3.1 m Height ~ 2.5 m

Armament Machine guns 1 x 7.62-mm

Mobility Engine 2V-60-2 diesel

Engine power 450 hp Maximum road speed 70 km/h

Amphibious speed on water 10 km/h Range 500 km

Maneuverability Gradient 60%

Side slope 30% Vertical step 0.8 m

Trench 1.8 m Fording Amphibious

More information: http://www.military-today.com/apc/btr_md_rakushka.htm