First production BMD-4Ms delivered to Russian Airborne Forces | World Defense

First production BMD-4Ms delivered to Russian Airborne Forces

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Nikolai Novichkov, Moscow - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
04 March 2015
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The first batch of serially produced BMD-4M IFVs (right) and BTR-MDM APCs (left) have been delivered to the Russian Airborne Forces. Source: Nikolai Novichkov
The Russian Airborne Forces (VDV) received its first batch of serially produced BMD-4M 'Sadovnitsa' infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) and BTR-MDM 'Rakushka' armoured personnel carriers (APCs) on 3 March.

In total, 12 of each vehicle type was delivered to the VDV by manufacturer JSC Kurganmashzavod.

Nariman Tamergazin, deputy VDV commander for readiness, stated that the vehicles would be sent to an airborne unit deployed in Russia's Western Military District. By the end of 2015 the VDV should have been supplied with 62 BMD-4M IFVs and 22 BTR-MDM APCs.

The tracked BMD-4M is based on BMD-4, but incorporates a variety of improvements including a new upper hull, engine, chassis, and other subsystems. The aim behind the creation of the BMD-4M has been to improve the capabilities of the VDV's armoured vehicles, while maintaining maximum commonality with BMP-3 IFV operated by the Russian Ground Forces.

To reduce the weight of the BMD-4M, the engine construction includes some parts made of magnesium alloys and induction manifolds built out of thin steel. The vehicle is equipped with a chassis command information system.

The BMD-4M is armed with the Bakhcha-U turret, including a new fire control system that allows the vehicle to engage all types of targets and deliver both direct and indirect fire. The Bakhcha-U is also installed on the BMP-3 and is armed with a 100 mm 2A70 main gun (capable of firing Arkan anti-tank guided missiles), a coaxial 30 mm 2A72 cannon and a coaxial 7.62 mm PKT machine gun.

Meanwhile the BTR-MDM is based on the existing BTR-MD APC. It has similarly been designed to have a high level of commonality with the BMP-3 and the MBD-4M. The new APC is intended for the transportation of airborne troops, marines, ammunition, spare parts, or fuel.

The vehicle's construction allows a variety of modular equipment sets to be installed. An entire family of variants of the vehicle are planned for the VDV, including: command, ambulance, communications, and service support.
First production BMD-4Ms delivered to Russian Airborne Forces - IHS Jane's 360
 
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