BRDM-1

J5RDM-1 Amphibious Scout Car (Russia)

KEY RECOGNITION

FEATURES

• Pointed nose containing engine slopes upwards towards crew compartment that extends almost to rear of vehicle. Only means of entry and exit via roof hatches

• Hull sides and rear vertical, but front, sides and rear of crew compartment slope inwards with two armoured covers on front and two firing ports in sides

• On each side of hull between roadwheels are two belly wheels that are raised when travelling on roads. Trim vane under nose when not in use

284

SPECIFICATIONS

Crew: Configuration: Armament: Ammunition: Length: Width: Height: Ground clearance: Wheelbase: Weight, combat: Power-to-weight ratio: Engine:

Maximum road speed: Maximum water speed: Road range: Fuel capacity: Fording^__ Vertical obstacle: Trench: Gradient: Side slope: Armour: Armour type: NBC system: Night vision equipment:

5 4x4 1 x 7.62mm MG 1,250 x 7.62mm 5.7m 2.25m 1.9m (without MG) 0.315m 2.8m 5,600kg 16.7hp/tonne GAZ-40P 6-cylinder water-cooled in-line petrol developing 90hp at 3,400rpm 80km/hr 9km/hr 500km 150 lit Amphibious 0.4m 1.22m 60% 30% 10mm (maximum) Steel None Yes (infra-red for driver only)

DEVELOPMENT

BRDM-1 (4x4) was developed in the mid-1950s and entered service with the Russian Army in 1957, but it has been replaced in all front-line Russian units by the later BRDM-2 (4x4) amphibious reconnaissance vehicle.

BRDM-1 is fully amphibious, propelled by a single waterjet mounted at hull rear. Before entering a trim vane is erected at hull front and bilge pumps switched on. On each side of hull, between road wheels, is a set of powered belly wheels that are lowered to the ground to improve cross-country mobility. Tyre pressure regulation system is fitted as standard.

Typical armament comprises 12.7mm DShKM MG at front and 7.62mm SGMB MG at rear of crew compartment.

VARIANTS

BRDM-1 Model 1957 had open roof, but only a few were built. BRDM-1 Model 1958 is the most common, with enclosed roof and hatches. BRDM-U is command model with four radio antennas compared with one in standard vehicle. BRDM-RKhb radiological-chemical reconnaissance vehicle has two rectangular packs at rear for dispensing poles with pennants. BRDM-1 with three Snapper ATGWs which are raised from inside for launching; rarely seen today. BRDM-1 with four Swatter ATGWs which are raised from inside for launching; rarely seen today. BRDM-1 with six Sagger ATGWs which are raised from inside, complete with overhead armour protection; rarely seen today.

STATUS

Production complete. In service with Afghanistan, Albania, Bulgaria, Congo, Cuba, Guinea, Kazakhstan, Mozambique, Sudan, Vietnam and Zambia. In most of these countries the vehicle is now found in reserve units.

MANUFACTURER

Molotov GAZ plant, Gorkiy, former USSR.

Right: BRDM-I (4x4)

Below: BRDM-1 (4x4) amphibious scout car with 7.62mm MGs installed