The BMP-1 is a Sovietinfantry fighting vehicle which was first introduced in the early 1960s. In the 1980s a improved version called the BMP-2 was introduced. The BMP is amphibious.
The BMP-1 first appeared in November1967 and was the first Soviet infantry fighting vehicle. It was armed with the AT-3 Sagger ATGM giving it greater firepower compared with the western APCs (at its time). It replaced the BTR-50 in motorized infantry units. In the early 1980s an improved version called the BMP-2 was produced. It had a new two man turret with an 30 mm automatic gun and had the capability to use AT-4 Spigot or AT-5 Spandrel ATGMs.
Description
The BMP series of infantry fighting vehicles is designed to assist in rapid maneuvers during the assault. With an armament consisting of cannon and anti-tank guided missiles, the BMP series is a valuable component of mechanized infantry. Its 73mm cannon fires a round similar to that of the RPG series, and as such the main gun is unreliable in windy conditions. The original BMP series had the AT-3 Sagger ATGM mounted above the 73mm cannon. It was controlled via joystick by the gunner, and thus had its shortcomings. The AT-3 was known to fall off its mount, and thus the BMP often kept the Sagger missiles stowed for combat. After firing in NBC conditions, reloading the AT-3 would destroy whatever value the BMP's NBC protection suite had. In order to reload the Sagger, the gunner would need to open the gunner's hatch - breaking the NBC seal - and reload it by hand. The BMP's armor is notoriously insufficient to deal with RPGs. During the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, BMPs struck by RPGs would explode catastrophically. In addition to this, the rear doors of the BMP-1 and -2 series are filled with flammable fuel. Infantry anti-tank weapons, or precision fire with high caliber weapons could set the BMP afire, or worse, set off an explosion.
The BMP-2 armament consists of ATGMs and a 30mm autocannon. It is more suitable than the 76mm cannon for engaging enemy infantry, but is inaccurate over 800 meters. The 73mm cannon is better suited for destroying enemy installations and penetrates more armor with its high explosive warhead.
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