- Yes
- No
- Tech Tree
- Premium
- Event
- Battlepass
- Squadron
- I said no
- 7.3
- 7.7
- 8.0
- 8.3
- Other (comment)
- I said no
- USSR
- Future Balkan tech tree
- Other (comment)
- I said no
BMP-23: Bulgaria's Own IFV
History:
Following WWII, Bulgaria quickly found itself falling under Soviet influence, becoming one of Soviet Russia’s closest allies during the Cold War. As a result, Bulgaria was provided with a healthy amount of Soviet military equipment, allowing them to coast along easily without the need for much domestic development. Despite this, Bulgaria did have a thriving local arms industry, developing a number of small arms and manufacturing local copies of many Soviet weapons. Thanks to their highly capable machine industries, they also produced many local copies of Soviet vehicles, setting the stage for their first domestic AFV.
By the late 1970s it had become clear that the armament used on the BMP-1 was becoming inadequate. The 73mm low-pressure gun was decent enough against light armor, but the performance of the HE-Frag round was unacceptable. Not only that, but the vehicle itself was cramped and had numerous issues which became more and more apparent as time went on. The Soviets would take the opportunity to design the BMP-2, an IFV which remains one of the most popular internationally to this day. Bulgaria, however, would take a different tack. Instead of waiting for Russia to provide them with new equipment, they decided to design their own replacement. And so in the early 1980s, development began on what would eventually become the BMP-23. Produced by the TEREM Joint Stock Company and first seen publicly on parade in 1984, the BMP-23 would become the main IFV for the Bulgarian Armed Forces, with several variants and upgrades seeing service as well. Sources differ on how many were produced, with numbers varying between 50-115, but it is understood that production has finished and that they are no longer offered for export. Their only combat experience so far has been as part of Coalition forces in Iraq. It remains in service to this day, being far too old for its job. As of now, there are no plans to replace it.
Description:
The BMP-23 is based on the chassis of the 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer – itself based on a modified MT-LB. The armor plating was enhanced for better protection against small arms and shrapnel, with the maximum thickness now approximately 20-23mm at the front. The engine is the same YaMZ-238V V8 diesel, but its output has been increased to 315HP, giving a top speed of 62 km/h (38 mph) on land and 6 km/h (3.7 mph) in water.
The armament is what gives the vehicle its name: a single 23mm 2A14 autocannon as used on the ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft gun. Firing API-T and HEI-T rounds, it has a maximum penetration of 51mm at point-blank range. While having a lower penetration capability than the 30mm 2A42 used on the BMP-2, it was what Bulgaria had on hand, and against infantry and other light targets it would do just fine. Not only that, but the 23mm cannon is fully stabilized, ensuring accurate shooting even at high speeds. When the BMP-23 does encounter an enemy tank, it features a launching rail for the 9M14 Malyutka ATGM, a manually-guided missile which would eventually be replaced by the more capable and SACLOS-guided 9K111 Fagot later on as part of the BMP-23A upgrade (note: I have seen some sources refer to this as BMP-23D, but the most reliable sources use A, and so I will be using that as well). Lastly, a coaxial 7.62mm PKT is also present.
In terms of crew, there are 3 in total: driver, gunner, and commander. Day and night sights are present for both the gunner and commander. Lastly, it features the ability to create an engine smoke screen.
The aforementioned BMP-23A upgrade came along in the late 80s-early 90s, introducing a few useful additions. The primary upgrade was the swap from the 9M14 to the 9K111 ATGM, greatly increasing the anti-tank performance. Also added were six smoke grenade launchers, with three on either side of the turret. This would function in-game as a modification similar to the BMP-1P/ZBD86 Late/BMP-2D upgrades.
Specifications:
Spoiler
Main Armament: 23mm 2A14 autocannon, 9M14 Malyutka/9K111 Fagot ATGM
Secondary Armament: 7.62mm PKT machine gun
Armor: 23mm RHA frontally, 20mm RHA sides
Ammo Count: 600 23mm rounds, 2000 7.62mm rounds, 4 missiles
Engine: YaMZ-288V V8 Diesel, 315HP
Transmission: Manual, 5 forward/1 reverse
Top Speed: 62 km/h (38 mph) on land, 6 km/h (3.7 mph) in water
Gun Movement: +83° elevation, -4° depression
Sights: Gunner’s sight: 4.5x with 40° FOV. Commander’s sight: TKN-3B, 4x-4.75x
Crew: 3 (driver, gunner, commander)
Smoke: ESS; 6x smoke launchers with BMP-23A upgrade
NVDs: Passive IR for gunner and commander, IR spotlight
Gallery:
Spoiler
If there is anything I have missed or gotten incorrect, please let me know! I hope you enjoyed reading this, and I hope you will also check out my other suggestions! Thanks, and have a great day.
Sources:
Spoiler
The Bulgarian BMP-23 Infantry Fighting Vehicle
Bulgarian infantry fighting vehicles of the BMP-23 family
https://www.army-guide.com/eng/product981.html
Bulgarian BMP-23
BMP-23 - Wikipedia
BMP-23 infantry fighting vehicle (Bulgaria) - Jane's Armour and Artillery
https://www.forecastinternational.com/archive/disp_pdf.cfm?DACH_RECNO=1030