BTR-3DA: BTR-3 Evolved

Yontzee · July 20, 2023, 3:04am

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BTR-3DA: BTR-3 Evolved

The BTR-3DA on display in Kyiv.

Basic Description:
- The BTR-3DA is an 8-wheeled armored personnel carrier developed in the mid-2010’s by the Kyiv Armored Plant. The BTR-3DA is the latest of the BTR-3 family, has been improved based on first-hand experience of Ukrainian Vehicle Crews operating the BTR-3E in Eastern Ukraine since 2015. After taking account of more than 700 issues and complaints of the BTR-3E, designers were quick to start making improvements in maneuverability and survivability of the BTR-3E. One of the immediate fixes was the addition of a new engine, the 360hp Deutz BF6M 1015CP Diesel Engine coupled to a new Allison 3200SP Fully-automatic Transmission to significantly increase maneuverability/acceleration, reliability, and hill traverse that the original BTR-3E was lacking. During state testing, the BTR-3DA overcame a hill climb of 30-degrees, a ditch 2 meters wide, and an obstacle 0.7m tall and continues to retain its amphibious capabilities. Other features were the inclusion of a Auxiliary Power Unit to be able to operate the combat module without the engine, ergonomic enhancements, and other system refinements to keep the BTR-3’s efficiency and survivability at an all-time high.
- The BTR-3DA is equipped with the BM-3M ‘Shturm’ Combat module that is equipped with 30mm ZTM-1 Autocannon which is fully stabilized using the SVU-504S digital stabilizer and can fire at 330rds/min. To compliment the main gun, the Barrier-212 missile complex with 2-ready to fire RK-2S or RK-2OF guided missiles are attached to the side. The ‘Shturm’ module also comes equipped with a 30mm KBA-117 Automatic Grenade Launcher and KT-7.62mm coaxial machine gun. To operate the module, the Gunner uses the Track-M Fire Control System which allows tracking and guiding of the main weapons through a 3rd-generation Electro-optical Thermal sight with integrated laser rangefinder. Also integrated is a Panorama-2P TV Camera, which is IR capable, on the top of the module that offers almost 360-degree rotation for the Commander to monitor the battlefield situation.
- In terms of ammunition, the ZTM-1 (2A72) and ZTM-2 (2A42) utilize the 30x165 cartridge which allows both cannons to use the same ammunition. The Precision Mechanic Plant in Western Ukraine launched serial-production of Soviet 30x165 ammunition including the 3UBR8 Armor Piercing Discarding Sabot round with Tracer (APDS-T) round, 3UBR6 Armor Piercing round with Tracer (AP-T) round, 3UOR6 High-Explosive Incendiary Fragmentation round with Tracer (F-T) and the 3UOF8 High Explosive Incendiary round (HEF-I).
- In 2019, the 95th Air Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Army tested the BTR-3DA with successful results. By 2022, more than 100 BTR-3DA’s are operated within the Ukrainian Army with many seeing active combat in Eastern Ukraine with some lost to ongoing fighting.
Specifications:
- Role: Assault Reconnaissance Vehicle
- Origin/Manufacturer:
  - Ukraine - KBTZ
- Armament:
  - Primary: ZTM-1 30mm Autocannon (350rds ready to fire)
    - Cartridge: 30x165
    - Ammunition:
      - 3UBR8 APDS-T (BP)
      - 3UBR6 AP-T (BT)
      - 3UOR6 HEF-I (OFZ)
      - 3UOF8 F-T (OT)
    - Feed: Twin Belt
  - Coaxial: KT-7.62mm Machine Gun (350rds ready to fire, 2,000rds stored)
  - Roof-Mounted: KBA-117 30mm Grenade Launcher (116rds, 29 ready to fire)
  - Tertiary: Dual Barrier ATGM Launcher (2x missiles ready to fire, two stored)
    - Missile:
      - RK-2S Missile
        
        Warhead: Tandem-HEAT
        
        Caliber: 130mm
        
        Range: out to 5km
        
        Penetration: at least 800mm of RHA behind ERA.
        
        Guidance: Semi-Active Laser
      - RK-2OF
        
        Warhead: HE-FRAG
        
        Caliber: 130mm
        
        Range: out to 5km
        
        Penetration: at least 60mm of RHA.
        
        Guidance: Semi-Active Laser
  - Turret Specifications:
    - Elevation/Depression: +45/-5
    - Traverse: 360-degrees
- Dimensions:
  - Length: 7.850m
  - Width: 2.900m
  - Height: 2.774m
  - Weight: 16.5t (up to 25t w/ Bar Armor)
- Mobility :
  - Engine: 360hp - Deutz BF6M 1015CP Diesel Engine
  - Max Speed: 104km/h (~8km/h in water)
  - Transmission: Allison 3200SP Fully-automatic Transmission (6-Forward, 1-Reverse)
  - Suspension: 8 x 8
Crew:
- Commander
- Gunner
- Driver
Features:
- Laser Rangefinder
- 6x 81mm Smoke Grenade Launchers
- ESS
- Amphibious
- Unmanned Turret
  - Commander and Gunner can both operate turret.
- Armor:
  - Kevlar Lined
  - 7.62mm all-around protection.
  - Up to 12.7mm frontally.
  - 360-degree Bar Armor
- Optics:
  - Gunner: Track-M Opto-electronic Sighting System (Thermal Imager)
  - Commander: Panorama-2P CITV (Night Vision Device)
  - Driver: TVNE-4BM (Night Vision Device)
In-game :
- The BTR-3DA is the ultimate BTR-3 built by Ukraine, featuring high mobility for flanking, strong anti-tank weapons, and a powerful 30mm autocannon that can make quick work of light vehicles, tank modules, and low flying helicopters. Be mindful as it has a high rate of fire for the main gun with only 350rds so ammunition is sparse. Not to mention, like most infantry fighting-like vehicles, it only has a total of 4-ATGM’s so placing accurate shots is crucial. Operators can use the 30mm Grenade Launcher and KT-7.62mm Machine Gun to clear obstacles and injure exposed crew members of target vehicles. In terms of sights, the BTR-3DA is equipped with a clear 3rd-generation thermal camera for the Gunner and a Night Vision Camera for the Commander that is able to rotate which can be useful especially in Simulator battles. The BTR-3DA features light armor so its imperative to take advantage of the unmanned turret to keep crew survivability at an all time high. However, addon Bar Armor can increase survivability against HEAT-shaped charges and prevent hull-breaking that is known to plague light vehicles. Lastly, with the amphibious capabilities will allow players on some maps to flank groups of enemies, taking advantage of a limited in-game capability.
- Estimated Battle Rating: 9.3 (Realistic).
Sources: