BTR-3DA 8×8 APC

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BTR-3DA is an 8×8 armoured personnel carrier (APC) developed by Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau, a subsidiary of UkrOboronProm.

An upgraded variant of BTR-3 APC, the vehicle was primarily developed for use by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, National Guard, and other government agencies. It can transport troops to the battlefield and provide fire support during the combat.

The APC originally entered service with the Ukraine Army in November 2015. It was displayed to the general public at the Arms and Security defence exhibition in October 2017.

The BTR-3DA APC was tested by the 95th Air Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces during tactical exercises in July 2019. It was also part of a military parade that was held on the 30th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence in August 2021.

BTR-3DA orders and deliveries

Kyiv Armored Plant delivered a total of 50 BTR-3DA vehicles to the Ukraine Army and National Guard in December 2017.

The armoured plant produced more than 100 vehicles for the army and the National Guard in 2017. The plant is equipped with advanced assembly equipment, production tools, and welding devices.

A batch of the APC units was delivered to the National Guard of Ukraine in June 2017, while the Ukraine Army received five BTR-3DA vehicles from the plant in August 2017.

BTR-3DA design and features

The BTR-3DA APC is designed based on the BTR-80 8×8 armoured personnel carrier.

The hull is made of all-welded steel armour, which offers superior strength to protect troops from shell splinters and small arms fire.

The vehicle’s forward hull has the capacity to accommodate three crew members, including a commander, a gunner and a driver, while the rear of the hull can carry up to six troops.

Crew and troops can enter and exit the vehicle through a single door on either side of the hull. In addition, two hatch covers located in front of the turret can be used for emergency escape.

The vehicle is also equipped with storage facilities to hold an auxiliary power unit and support equipment.

Armament

The BTR-3DA APC is armed with a highly sophisticated BM-3M ‘Shturm-M’ weapon system. The weapon system’s combat module includes a ZTM-1 30mm cannon and a weapon pointing system.

Its weapon pointing system is also supported by a digital complex, gun stabiliser, and a laser rangefinder to strike targets with a high degree of precision.

The ZTM-1 cannon can fire 330 rounds a minute, which is equivalent to firing five cartridges a second.

The Shturm-M module further includes a 7.62mm-calibre machine gun, a fully-automated grenade launcher, and smoke grenade dischargers.

The BTR-3DA is equipped with two launchers of the Barrier anti-tank guided missile. The missile launcher is capable of engaging enemy targets within the range of 5,000m. Targets at longer ranges can be detected using the identification system featured in the vehicle.

Engine and mobility details

The BTR-3DA APC is powered by a Deutz BF6M 1015CP four-stroke water cooled V-type diesel engine with six cylinders, which is coupled to a 3200SP Allison transmission.

The vehicle is fitted with a central tire-pressure regulation system for improved mobility across different types of terrain. It has a maximum speed of 104km/h and a cruising range of 600km.

Additionally, the vehicle possesses amphibious capabilities and is propelled in water with the help of a single water jet system.