Armament on the BTR-40 was considered largely optional and dependent upon the operator's mission requirements. Typically, a 7.62mm machine gun was affixed to the roof of the vehicle with over 1,000 rounds of ammunition on hand. An additional pair of machine guns could be fitted as required, essentially tripling the defensive capabilities of the vehicle and crew.
In practice, the BTR-40 revealed several deficiencies in her design, primarily in cross-country travel and its ability to traverse water sources - two key design ingredients sought by Soviet authorities. This led the Red Army in two directions that ultimately ended with the development of the successful "BRDM" 4x4 amphibious armored car and the 6x6 "BTR-152" non-amphibious armored personnel carrier. During its time as a frontline vehicle with the Red Army, the BTR-40 proved adequate for basic reconnaissance sorties, light troop-ferrying and service as a command vehicle outfitted with additional communications. The BTR-40 was utilized concurrently with the newer BTR-152 and BRDM series cars during its time with the Soviet military (the BTR-152 was its direct replacement). As the basic BTR-40 design lacked any protection against chemical attacks, the "BTR-40Kh" was developed with inherent Nuclear, Biological, Chemical (NBC) protection. The "BTR-40V" of 1956 introduced an integrated tire regulation system. The "BTR-40B" of 1957 was an improved BTR-40A complete with NBC protection and four roof access hatches for six passengers.
While not a total success with the Red Army, the BTR-40 went on to see extensive service in the hands of overseas parties - mainly Soviet-allied nations and satellite states. China even took to local production of the type as the "Type 55". The BTR-40 was recognized as the SPW-40 in East German Army service and 300 units were received. Thousands were ordered overseas including 670 for Yemen, 350 for Egypt, 200 for Mongolia, 200 for Albania and 100 for North Korea. Poland operated 400 of the type whilst Hungary managed some 200. Many have since been withdrawn by more modern military powers.
The BTR-40 was first used in combat during the Korean War (1950-1953) and later in the Vietnam War (1955-1975). It made many appearances in other contained regional conflicts about the globe and, amazingly, continues in service with more than a dozen operators today (2013).
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