BRDM-1 4x4 Amphibious Scout Car (1957)
The successful BRDM-1 amphibious scout car led to the equally successful BRDM-2 model appearing in the mid-1960s.
Development of the Soviet BRDM-1 was spurned along by the need to replace their aging World War 2-era BA-64 series of armored cars. The BRDM-1 appeared as a 4x4 vehicle with a front mounted engine and roof-mounted hatches (earlier models were open-topped). Interestingly, the BRDM-1 featured an extra twin set of road wheels which could be lowered by the driver. Additionally, the driver could control tire pressure through an integrated regulation system for customized off-road or ditch crossing performance.
Standard armament for the BRDM-1 was initially a single 7.62mm arrangement though some models were fitted with an additional 12.7mm anti-aircraft heavy machine gun. In that arrangement, the heavy machine gun was mounted forward whilst the 7.62mm caliber type was to the rear of the crew compartment. Crew accommodations amounted to the driver and up to four passengers depending on the role and mission. Power was derived from a 6-cylinder gasoline engine generating some 90hp.
The BRDM-U became a Command Vehicle and was distinguished from other BRDM-1s by the integration of four antenna instead of the usual one. The BRDM-1RKhb served as a radiological and biological reconnaissance vehicle in the event of a nuclear war and was distinguished by two rectangle-shaped packs held at rear of the vehicle. Anti-tank launcher models consisted of AT-1, AT-2 and AT-3 launchers fitted on the roof and raised when ready to fire. Each progressive design featured an increased engagement range and an increase missile count.
The BRDM-1 was later replaced by the similar BRDM-2 series of amphibious scout cars. Text ©2003-2013 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • No Reproduction Permitted
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Specifications for the
BRDM-1
4x4 Amphibious Scout Car
Country of Origin: Soviet Union
Manufacturer: Molotov GAZ Plant - USSR
Initial Year of Service: 1957
Production: 10,000
Focus Model: BRDM-1
Crew: 5
Overall Length: 18.70ft (5.70m)
Width: 7.38ft (2.25m)
Height: 6.23ft (1.90m)
Weight: 6.2 US Short Tons (5,600kg; 12,346lbs)
Powerplant: 1 x 6-cylinder gasoline engine producing 90hp.
Maximum Speed: 50mph (80 km/h)
Maximum Range: 311 miles (500 km)
NBC Protection: None
Nightvision: Yes - Driver
Armament:
1 x 12.7mm DShKM MG anti-aircraft machine gun mounted at front
1 x 7.62mm SGMB MG at rear mounting
Ammunition:
Not Available
Variants:
BRDM-1 - Base Series Designation
BRDM-1 Model 1957 (BTR-40P) - Open-Topped Crew Compartment.
BRDM-1 Model 1958 (BTR-40P) - Closed-Top Crew Compartment; fitted with roof hatches.
BRDM-1 Model 1959 (BTR-40P) - 1 x 7.62mm machine gun at front roof
BRDM-1 Model 1960 (BTR-40P) - 3 x 7.62mm machine guns at front roof and sides of superstructure.
BRDM-1U (BTR-40PU / BRDM-U) - Command Vehicle; fitted with specialized communications equipment; distinguished by four antennas.
BRDM-1RKh (BTR-40P Rkh) - Radiological / Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle; distinguished by two rectangle-shaped components at rear.
2P27 - Tank Destroyer; fitting 2K16 launcher for 3 x 3M^ "Shmel" (AT-1 "Snapper") anti-tank guided missiles.
2P32 - Tank Destroyer; fitting 2K8 launcher for 4 x 9M11 "Falanga" (AT-2 "Swatter") anti-tank guided missiles.
9P110 - Tank Destroyer; fitting 9K14M launcher for 6 x 9M14 "Malyutka" (AT-3 "Sagger") anti-tank guided missiles.
SPW-40P - East German Designation for unarmed BRDM-1
SPW-40PA - East German Designation for armed BRDM-1
9P111 - East German Designation for 9P110 Tank Destroyer
FUG - Hungarian Designation
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