Wikipedia

BTR-4

The BTR-4 "Bucephalus" (Ukrainian: БТР-4 «Буцефал», romanized: Butsefal, abbreviation of Бронетранспортер, Bronetransporter, 'armoured transporter') is an amphibious 8×8 wheeled infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) designed in Ukraine by the Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau (SOE KMDB).

BTR-4
BTR-4E
TypeInfantry fighting vehicle
Place of originUkraine
Service history
In service2014–present
Used bySee Operators
Wars
Production history
DesignerKharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau
ManufacturerKharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau
Specifications
Mass
  • 17.5+3 t (with anti-bullet protection)
  • 25+3 t (with additional protection)
Length7.76 m (25.5 ft)
Width2.93 m (9.6 ft)
Height3.02 m (9.9 ft)
Crew
  • 3 crew
  • 8 passengers
ArmorWelded steel
Main
armament
2A72 30 mm (1.2 in) autocannon
Secondary
armament
  • 7.62 mm (0.300 in) coaxial machine gun
  • x4 anti-tank missiles OR
  • x2 anti-tank missiles and 30 mm (1.2 in) automatic grenade launcher
Engine3TD diesel engine or DEUTZ EURO III
489 hp or 598
Power/weight
  • 28.6 hp/t (with anti-bullet protection)
  • 20 hp/t (with additional protection)
Suspensionwheeled 8×8
Operational
range
at least 690 km (430 mi)
Maximum speed
  • 110 km/h (68 mph) (road)
  • 10 km/h (6.2 mph) (in water)

They have seen action in the War against the Islamic State during the capture of Jurf al-Nasr from ISIL and in the Russo-Ukrainian War.

History edit

The prototype, which was designed as a private venture, was unveiled at the Aviasvit 2006 exhibition held in Kyiv in June 2006.[2][3] A serial production started in late 2008. The first series of ten BTRs entered service with the army of Ukraine in 2009.[4] In 2009, the BTR-4 was presented as a candidate for replacing the Pegaso BMR as the next infantry combat vehicle of the Spanish Army.[5]

In 2012, the Iraqi Ministry of Defence ordered 420 Ukrainian BTR-4E IFVs.[6] However, only 88 vehicles were delivered from the order, as the Iraqi Ministry of Defense cancelled the contract due to quality issues.[7] The Ukrainian army thus took over 52 BTR-4E IFVs originally intended for Iraq.[6]

In April 2014, units of the National Guard of Ukraine received their first BTR-4E IFVs, and during late May and early June they were already involved in the siege of Sloviansk, which was liberated on 5 July 2014, with the separatists and Russians withdrawing to Donetsk.[8] During the fighting at Sloviansk, soldiers praised the new BTR-4E, especially for its armour, mobility, and optics.[8] Vehicles withstood enemy machine gun fire and RPGs, and the slat-armor and Kevlar layer also protected the crews from shrapnel.[7] On October 4, 2014, separatists posted a photo of a captured Ukrainian BTR-4K, a commander's version of the BTR-4.[7] The vehicle had a slat-armor and was repainted.[7] It served with the Vostok Battalion, which was composed mainly of Russian GRU officers.[8]

Description edit

 
A BTR-4MV1

The layout of the BTR-4 represents a change from the older BTR-60/70/80s designed in the Soviet Union. The vehicle has a conventional layout similar to Western designs like the German TPz Fuchs with the driver's and commander's compartment at the front of the hull, the engine and transmission compartment in the middle, and the troop compartment at the rear. The troops enter and leave the vehicle either through the rear doors or the roof hatches, and the driver and the commander are provided with doors located on the sides of the hull.[9]

The BTR-4 is a more flexible design than the older BTR-60/70/80s, as the altered layout makes it easier to adapt the vehicle to specialized roles. The vehicle can be armed according to customer requirements. The prototype is armed with the locally designed New Armament Module, which consists of one 30mm 2A72 automatic cannon, a 7.62mm coaxial machine-gun, up to four 9P135M Konkurs or Baryer anti-tank missiles (two on each side of the turret), and one 30mm automatic grenade launcher (fitted in place of the AT missiles on one left-hand side of the turret). It can be fitted with different turret weapons modules including the GROM module, SHKVAL module, and the BAU 23x2 module.

The BTR-4 has a maximum speed of 110 km/h. It can cross water obstacles at a speed of 10 km/h. The vehicle is powered by a 3TD diesel engine with 500 hp. There are reports of vehicles being hit by several RPG rounds and multiple small-arms fire with no consequences.[citation needed] Slat armor can be fitted for maximum protection against RPG attacks.

Ukrainian state defense manufacturer UkrOboronProm has unveiled a prototype wheeled armored fighting vehicle that is presently known as the BTR-4MV1. The new BTR-4MV1 is the latest generation of 8×8 IFV. The BTR-4MV1 is designed in accordance with NATO standards. The vehicle is based on the BTR-4 but with many new improvements.

It differs from the previous versions mostly in a modified configuration of the vehicle's hull, which makes it possible to install additional types of protection (including the ceramic plates and explosive reactive armor) to reach the fourth and fifth protection levels in accordance with NATO standards. The hull rear is fitted with a ramp that not only enables troopers to enter and leave the vehicle much quicker, but also enables the armored personnel carrier to transport various large-size cargoes, including additional ammunition, spare parts, etc.[citation needed]

Service history edit

Up to 750 vehicles have been produced for all operators.[citation needed]

 
A BTR-4 assigned to 1st Battalion, 92nd Mechanized Brigade, Ukrainian Armed Forces

Indonesia edit

During early trials and evaluation by the Indonesian Marine Corps, the BTR-4 has successfully passed the trials in Indonesia.[10][11] In April 2017, it was reported that the Indonesian Marine Corps had prepared a formal letter to withdraw from any further acquisitions of the BTR-4,[12] though according to Ukroboronprom the news are part of informational warfare and black PR.[13]

Iraq edit

Iraq has ordered 450 BTR-4s. 40 vehicles of the third batch delivered arrived with rust and damaged hulls and were not accepted by Iraq.[14][15][16]

The Iraqi army used BTR-4s in an operation to recapture Jurf Al Sakhar from ISIL forces on 24 October 2014, successfully repelling two road-side ambushes.[17]

 
A Ukrainian BTR-4 lost during the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Nigeria edit

50 BTR-4s was delivered to the Nigerian Army in 2014.[citation needed]

Ukraine edit

Some BTR-4s that are being used by Ukrainian armed forces in the ATO operations come from the rejected batch for the Iraqi army.[14][15][16]

In June 2014, company officials revealed that the BTR-4E was being used in military operations in the Sloviansk area. Its armor had withstood hits from large-caliber machine guns, counter-HEAT side screens protected the crew from anti-tank grenade launchers, and armored glass sustained direct hits from sniper rifles.[18] Their original desert camo as seen on Iraqi BTR-4s can be viewed in pictures and videos from ATO operations.[19] The BTR-4 continues to see use during the ongoing 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

 
BTR-4 of the Azov Regiment

Versions edit

BTR-4 is available in multiple different configurations:

 
A BTR-4 with a Grom module
 
Retrieving And Medical Vehicle BSEM-4K
 
Repair and Recovery Vehicle BREM-4K
  • BRM-4K reconnaissance vehicle
  • BTR-4K command vehicle
  • BTR-4KSh command and staff vehicle
  • BTR-4E1[20]
  • BTR-4MV1 upgraded to NATO standard with increased protection
  • MOP-4K fire support vehicle
  • BREM-4K repair and recovery vehicle
  • BSEM-4K recovery and medical vehicle
  • BMM-4A - Apparently similar in role to the BMM-1 (BTR-80 family) [first-aid and battlefield evacuation vehicle]
  • BMM-4B - Apparently similar in role to the BMM-2 (BTR-80 family) [battalion level initial medical treatment vehicle]
  • BMM-4C - Apparently similar in role to the BMM-3 (BTR-80 family) [field hospital]

Weapons modules edit

Standard module:

  • Passengers:
    • 3× crew (driver, commander, gunner)
    • 8× soldiers (7× soldiers in up-armored version)
  • Armament:
    • 1× 30 mm 2A72 automatic cannon
    • 1× 7.62 mm coaxial machinegun
    • 4× 9P135M Konkurs or Baryer AT missiles (optional 1× 30 mm automatic grenade launcher with reduction to 2× AT missiles)

GROM module:

  • Passengers:
    • 3× crew (driver, commander, gunner)
    • 8× soldiers
  • Armament:
    • 1× 30 mm automatic cannon
    • 1× 30 mm automatic grenade launcher
    • 1× 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun
    • 4× 9P135M Konkurs or Baryer AT missiles

SHKVAL module:

  • Passengers:
    • 3× crew (driver, commander, gunner)
    • 8× soldiers
  • Armament:
    • 1× 30 mm automatic cannon
    • 1× 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun
    • 4× 9P135M Konkurs or Baryer AT missiles (optional 1× 30 mm automatic grenade launcher with reduction to 2× AT missiles)

BAU 23×2 module:

  • Passengers:
    • 3× crew (driver, commander, gunner)
    • 8× soldiers
  • Armament:
    • 2× 23×152 mm automatic cannons
    • 1× 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun

BTR-4KSh command and staff vehicle:

  • Passengers:
    • 2× crew (driver, vehicle commander)
    • 5× staff (commander, four officers)
  • Armament:
    • 1× TKB-01-1 12.7 mm machine gun

MOP-4K fire support vehicle:

  • Passengers:
    • 4× crew (driver, commander, gunner, loader)
  • Armament:
    • 1× 120 mm cannon
    • 1× 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun (turret ring mount)

Operators edit

 
A map of BTR-4 operators in 2023

Current operators edit

  •   Indonesia — The Indonesian Marine Corps ordered 5 BTR-4M with two vehicles with the BM-7 "Parus" turret with a 30-mm ZTM-1 automatic gun and 3 with 7.62 mm RCWS and began operating them in May 2017.[21] Subsequent orders for 55 vehicles were cancelled due to unsatisfactory performance.[22] In April 2019, an order was made for 21 BT-3F and 22 BMP-3F vehicles instead.[23]
  •   Iraq — The Iraqi Ministry of Defence ordered 420 vehicles in 2012.[24] Only 88 out of an order for 420 were delivered by late 2013 and the contract has been canceled due to numerous quality violations. According to Ukraine the contract was resumed and as of September 2018 Iraq operates 270 vehicles.
  •   Nigeria — 5 BTR-4 for the Nigerian Police.[25]
  •   Ukraine
  •   Myanmar — In March 2019, a Ukrainian company and the Myanmar military signed a joint-venture agreement to build a plant capable of manufacturing armored personnel carriers (APCs) and self-propelled howitzers. The types of APCs that will be made in the plant are said to be eight-wheeled BTR-4E.[29]
  •   Russia — At least 22 were captured by Russian forces during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.[30]

Potential operators edit

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "The BTR-4 in action with the Iraqi Army near Fallujah. - Today news from war on ISIS in English from Somalia, Egypt, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria - Deir ez-Zur operation - isis.liveuamap.com". Archived from the original on 11 March 2018. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  2. ^ "BTR-4 wheeled armoured personnel carrier vehicle Ukrainian Army Ukraine description pictures technic | Ukraine Ukrainian army wheeled armoured vehicle | Ukrainian Ukraine army military equipment UK". Archived from the original on 9 October 2018.
  3. ^ "BTR-4 Wheeled Armored Personnel Carrier - Ukraine". Archived from the original on 9 October 2018.
  4. ^ Informacje in: "Raport - Wojsko Technika Obronność" Nr. 12/2008, p. 69 (pl icon)
  5. ^ Infodefensa.com (4 October 2009). "Ucrania oferta el BTR-4 como candidato al VBR 8x8 español - Noticias Infodefensa España". Infodefensa.com (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 21 September 2017. Retrieved 15 September 2018.
  6. ^ a b Administrator. "BTR-4E 8x8 armoured vehicle APC personnel carrier IFV technical data | Ukraine Ukrainian army wheeled armoured vehicle | Ukrainian Ukraine army military equipment UK". www.armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
  7. ^ a b c d "Ukrainian military recaptured BTR-4E from the Russians in Kharkiv region". Militarnyi. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
  8. ^ a b c "BTR-4 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC)". Army Technology. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
  9. ^ "BTR-4MV1". ukroboronprom. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  10. ^ "Ukrainian BTR-4M Successfully Passed Trials In Indonesia". www.defense-aerospace.com. Retrieved 27 January 2020.
  11. ^ "Indonesian Marines has started using Ukrainian BTR-4M". Asian Military Review. 26 May 2017. Retrieved 27 January 2020.
  12. ^ Indonesian Marine Corps prepares to pull plug on further BTR-4 acquisitions Archived 27 September 2017 at the Wayback Machine - Janes.com, 7 April 2017
  13. ^ "Відмова Індонезії від українських БТР-4 – черговий фейк інформаційної війни". Ukroboronprom. 11 April 2017. Retrieved 27 January 2020.
  14. ^ a b "Good Bad News: 100 APCs for Ukraine". Defense Industry Daily. 6 April 2014. Archived from the original on 28 October 2014. Retrieved 15 November 2014.
  15. ^ a b "BTR-4 - militarytechcooperations". Archived from the original on 18 December 2014. Retrieved 15 November 2014.
  16. ^ a b "Iraqi BTR-4 shipment heads back to Ukraine". Archived from the original on 28 October 2014. Retrieved 15 November 2014.
  17. ^ Al Salami, Jassem (26 November 2014). "Led by an Armored Bulldozer, Shia Militia Fought to Restore Their Credibility". War is Boring. Medium.com. Archived from the original on 19 December 2014. Retrieved 26 November 2014.
  18. ^ Ukrainian BTR-4 8x8 armoured personnel carrier used during anti-terrorist operation in Sloviansk Archived 14 January 2015 at the Wayback Machine - Armyrecognition.com, 5 June 2014
  19. ^ "Ukraine National Guard to receive BTR-4s". Archived from the original on 28 October 2014. Retrieved 15 November 2014.
  20. ^ Kharkiv Machine Design Bureau designed new version of BTR-4 with additional protection Archived 13 March 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Military panorama. 12 March 2014
  21. ^ SpetsTechnoExport of Ukraine awarded contract to supply 5 BTR-4 8x8 armoured to Indonesia Archived 13 May 2016 at the Wayback Machine - Armyrecognition.com, 24 January 2014.
  22. ^ Ziyadi, A. (8 April 2017). "TNI AL Batalkan Pembelian Tank BTR-4". MiliterMeter.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 14 February 2022.
  23. ^ "Indonesia buys BT-3F and BMP-3F armored vehicles from Russia". Archived from the original on 25 April 2019. Retrieved 28 April 2019.
  24. ^ "Ukraine, Iraq in $2.5 Bn Weapons Deal". Defenseindustrydaily.com. 10 October 2012. Archived from the original on 7 July 2014. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  25. ^ Guy Martin. "Recent Nigerian military acquisitions". Archived from the original on 7 April 2015. Retrieved 30 March 2015.
  26. ^ "Лента новостей : ALL.BIZ: Украина". Ua.all-biz.info. Archived from the original on 8 January 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  27. ^ Ukrainian Army gets first BTR-4 APCs made of new Ukrainian armored steel (Photo) Archived 30 October 2018 at the Wayback Machine, UNIAN (30 October 2018)
  28. ^ "Ранее государство закупило для нужд Нацгвардии 40 новейших БТР-4 в Харькове"
    Нацгвардия получила пять новых БТР-3Е Киевского бронетанкового завода - СМИ Archived 11 October 2014 at the Wayback Machine // "УНИАН" от 25 июня 2014
  29. ^ "Joint venture to supply Ukrainian APCs to Myanmar army". www.armyrecognition.com.
  30. ^ "Attack On Europe: Documenting Ukrainian Equipment Losses During The 2022 Russian Invasion Of Ukraine". Oryx Blog. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  31. ^ "Kyiv Post. Independence. Community. Trust - Ukraine - Macedonia 'interested' in Ukraine's advanced light armored vehicles". 5 August 2011. Archived from the original on 5 August 2011. Retrieved 15 September 2018.
  32. ^ Grevatt, Jon (12 October 2018). "Thailand interested in new BTR-4 variant, says Ukrainian agency". IHS Jane's 360. Bangkok. Archived from the original on 12 October 2018. Retrieved 12 October 2018.

External links edit

 
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