Power is derived from a 2V-06-2 diesel-fueled turbocharged engine of 450 horsepower driving a traditional track-and-wheel arrangement set at the hull sides. The drive sprocket is at rear with the track idler at front and four track return rollers featured to each hull side. Road speeds can reach 70 kmh with ranges out to 500 kilometers. Gradients of 60% can be tackled and progress in water reaches 10 kmh. The suspension system is fully adjustable "on-the-fly" allowing the driver to pre-select chassis height when attempting to cross varying terrain types.
The hull is completed in welded aluminum armor to maintain a useful gross weight yet still protect the occupants to an extent. Additional survival measures include an automated Fire Suppression System (FSS) to keep onboard fires from spreading as well as an NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) suite to cover more dastardly battlefield dangers.
The base operating crew numbers two (driver and commander) with passenger occupancy reaching thirteen combat-equipped infantry forces (or equivalent in cargo up to 2,000 kilograms). The crew is given entry / exit access through a rear-mounted door as well as roof-mounted hatches. Rear access is protected some by the elevated hull side structures present but passengers must navigate over the engine compartment when entering / exiting. The driver sits at front-center in the hull with the commander's post to his immediate left (at the machine gun mounting). Internally, all-digital displays and modern controls greet the crew.
Armament, largely defensive in nature, is 1 x 7.62mm medium machine gun. The weapon is remotely-controlled by the vehicle commander. A 30mm Automatic Grenade Launcher (AGL) can also be fitted for improved enemy troop suppression at range. Smoke grenade dischargers are fitted in two banks of two at the vehicle's glacis plate edges for a self-screening capability.
The vehicle weighs 13.2 tons and sports a length of 6.1 meters with a width of 3 meters and height of 2.5 meters.
The BTR-MD is only in light circulation as of this writing (2016) but may very well see its value grow and its battlefield role expanded in the resurgent Russian Army. It was one of the many new-generation vehicles displayed by the Russian Army in the 2015 Moscow Victory Day Parade.
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