BTR-4MV1: Alexander the Great’s Fierce Steed

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BTR-4MV1: Alexander the Great’s Fierce Steed

The BTR-4MV1 on display in Kyiv, 2018.

• Basic Description:
  • The BTR-4MV1, or BTR-4MV1 ‘Bucephalus’, named after the legendary Warrior-King Alexander the Great’s horse, is the most recent modification to the BTR-4, or BTR-4V that was developed by the Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau, or KMDB, to bring the BTR-4 to NATO standards. Development began in the early-2010’s to improve overall performance of the BTR-4 in terms of armor protection and mobility. This included modifying the hull into a wedge-shape, including built in spaced/ceramic armor tiles and optional NERA inserts, which significantly enhances crew survivability. The modular ceramic armor can be swapped to increase armor protection up to STANAG 4569 Level 5. New seats for the crew and passengers with built in shock-absorbers were installed to assist in absorbing explosive energy from IED’s or anti-tank mines. The BTR-4MV1 is an 8x8 vehicle that utilizes the 450hp Deutz BF6M1015CP 4-stroke 6-cylinder Turbodiesel Engine which is coupled to an automatic Allison Transmission, allowing speeds excess of 100km/h as well as full amphibious operations through the two propulsors and the different pumps installed in the vehicle. The BTR-4MV1 retains the armament of the original BTR-4V, utilizing the BM-7 ‘Parus’ combat module which is equipped with a 30mm ZTM-1 autocannon capable of firing a variety of ammunition, the Barrier-212 complex, or known as a dual-ATGM system which allows for the firing of the RK-2 series anti-tank guided missiles, a KBA-117 30mm automatic grenade launcher, and a KT-7.62mm coaxial machine gun. This module uses the Track-M Fire Control System (FCS) which allows for quick response times and engagement of ground vehicles and low-flying helicopters. The Commander can use the Panorama-2P which allows them to locate targets separately from the Gunner. The Driver uses an independent camera system mounted on the front of the vehicle for observation purposes. Additional cameras are installed on the sides of the vehicle and are accessible to both the Driver and Commander. The BTR-4MV1 made its debut in 2017 after factory tests were completed, making several other appearances during arms exhibitions, with its latest one being at IDEX-2021.The BTR-4MV1 is expected to set the new standard for future Ukrainian infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) and armored personnel carriers (APC).
  • In 2017, an upgraded thermal imager dubbed the OEP-VN was developed by the Izyum Instrumentation Plant which enhanced the Track-M Fire Control System installed on the BM-7 ‘Parus’ combat module. This thermal imager allowed target detection out to 5km, greatly enhancing combat effectiveness at night.
  • 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).
  • The BTR-4MV1 is a prototype vehicle in limited service with the Ukrainian military, with at least one serving in combat operations. Not much is known on how many prototypes are available. The vehicle is available for export with Thailand expressing interest in the BTR-4MV1, however no sale has been finalized…
• Specifications:
  • Role: Infantry Fighting Vehicle
  • Origin/Manufacturer:
    • Ukraine - KMDB
  • 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 (Two 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: 7.878m
    • Width: 2.965m
    • Height: 3.050m
    • Weight: 24.5t
  • Mobility :
    • Engine: 450hp - Deutz BF6M1015CP 4-stroke 6-cylinder Turbodiesel Engine
    • Max Speed: 110km/h (~8km/h in water)
    • Transmission: Allison Automatic Transmission (5-Forward, 1-Reverse)
    • Suspension: 8 x 8
• Crew:
  • Commander
  • Gunner
  • Driver
  • 7x Additional Passengers
• Features:
  • Laser Rangefinder
  • 6x 81mm 902B ‘Tucha’ Smoke Grenade Launchers
  • Amphibious:
    • Splash Plate
    • 2x Propulsors
    • Bilge Pumps
    • Trim/Vane Pumps
  • Unmanned Turret
    • Commander and Gunner can both operate turret.
  • Armor:
    • Kevlar Lined
    • Optional: Turret Bar Armor
    • Modular Ceramic Plating w/ NERA:
      • STANAG 4569 Level 3
        • 7.62mm all-around protection.
        • Up to 12.7mm AP protected frontally.
      • STANAG 4569 Level 5
        • 12.7mm all-around protection.
        • Up to 25mm AP (APDS-TM-791/PMB 090 APFSDS-T) protected frontally.
  • Optics:
    • Gunner: OEP-VN Opto-electronic Electro-optical Sight (Thermal Imager)
    • Commander: Panorama-2P Imager (Night Vision Device)
    • Driver: TVNE-4BM (Night Vision Device)
• In-game :
  • Estimated Battle Rating: 9.7 (Realistic).
• Sources:
  • Welcome military-today.com - BlueHost.com
  • Укрспецекспорт - Armoured vehicles and armament
  • Ukroboronprom
  • The military uses unique BTR-4MV1 and BMP-1TS in battles - Militarnyi
  • https://www.army-technology.com/projects/btr-4-armoured-personnel-carrier/
  • SE SFTF "Ukroboronexport"
  • Україна демонструє БТР-4МВ1 на виставці в ОАЕ | Український мілітарний портал
  • БТР-4МВ1 за стандартами НАТО від "ХКБМ ім. Морозова" закінчив проходження заводських випробувань - відео - Укроборонпром
  • Новітній український БТР буде представлено на Interpipe TechFest — Національний Промисловий Портал
  • Найкращий вітчизняний БТР для української армії
  • https://www.ukrspecexport.com/uploads/files/Categories/pdf_5/be2e23.pdf
  • The military uses unique BTR-4MV1 and BMP-1TS in battles - Militarnyi
  • https://defence-blog.com/ukraine-debuts-new-btr-4mv1-armoured-personnel-carrier-with-increased-armour/
  • http://www.army-guide.com/eng/product4339.html
  • https://defence-blog.com/ukraine-promotes-its-advanced-wheeled-fighting-vehicle-for-middle-east/
  • https://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/first_trial_tests_of_ukrainian_btr-4mv1_8x8_armoured_fighting_vehicle.html
  • https://uk.wikipedia.org/wiki/Бар’єр_(ПТРК)
  • https://deftech-ltd.com/products/ground-vehicles-and-equipment/armoured-engineering-vehicles/39-bm-7-parus-weapon-station.html
  • Glavcom: Ukrainian combat module BM-7 Parus
  • World Defense Review: BM-7 Parus overhead weapon station
  • BM-7 Parus combat module
  • https://www.armorspecs.com/stanag-4569/
  • https://odin.tradoc.army.mil/mediawiki/index.php/RK-2_Barrier_(Bar’er-V)Ukranian_Anti-Tank_Guided_Missile(ATGM)
  • http://www.military-today.com/missiles/skif.htm
  • https://thesovietarmourblog.blogspot.com/p/30x165mm-cartridges.html#:~:text=3UOR6 is a high-explosive,670M nose fuze is used.

Imagery

Spoiler

Different images of the BTR-4MV1.

Imaging systems and Driver’s Station in the BTR-4MV1.

A list of vehicle Night Vision Devices used by the Ukrainian Army.

BM-7 ‘Parus’ Modules being built.

BM-7 ‘Parus’ combat module specifications.

View of the Parus Combat Module electronics.

The electronics used to guide the main weapons.

Panorama-2P sight system used by the Commander.

Specifications of the BTR-4MV1.

Stamp with the BTR-4MV1.

The BTR-4MV1 serving in the conflict.

https://youtu.be/K8kBFlPwPXA

Video covering the BTR-4MV1.

https://youtu.be/3Ej5Qiw2MmM

The BTR-4MV1 displayed at IDEX-2021.

[Yontzee]

• Relatively recent images of the sole (at least what’s known) BTR-4MV1 infantry fighting vehicle. The vehicle is the result of feedback taken from the original conflict start in 2014. The vehicle has been overhauled significantly, increasing armor protection (up to STANAG 4569 Level 5) due to addon ceramic armor with NERA/ERA inserts, improved layout with the Driver and Commander having there ballistic windows replaced by armor layering and periscopes, Panorama-2P thermal camera for the driver, multiple thermal cameras around the vehicle for crew situational awareness, new diesel engine and automatic transmission, retaining its amphibious, and retrofitted to completely meet NATO standards. The vehicle retains the legendary remote BM-7 Parus combat module with a 30mm ZTM-1 autocannon, 2x RK-2 missiles, a KBA-117 30mm grenade launcher, and a coaxial KT-7.62mm machine gun. The combat module has a second Panorama-2P 360-degree thermal camera for the Commander that acts as CITV, and a thermal imager for the Gunner (all three crew members have access to high-resolution thermal imagers). It is capable of Hunter-killer capabilities as well as the Commander being able to take over in the event the Gunner is incapacitated, thanks to the crews multi-function displays. The vehicle also features several quality of life (QoL) enhancements for the occupants.
  • The vehicle has seen active combat service near Kupiansk, Izium, and Kharkiv. It currently serves in the National Guard.
  • ХКБМ опрацьовує встановлення на БМП модуля «Парус»
• Disclaimer: This information is noted to show that the vehicle is combat proven. This has nothing to do with the ongoing conflict.

• The BTR-4MV1 in full configuration with its Bar armor around the combat module. Note the dual thermal cameras on the front-quarter panels and singular thermal camera above the rear access door of the vehicle for more situational awareness.

• Interior view of the BTR-4MV1 from the Commander’s position, with the Driver on the left.

• A view of the crew compartment and the Gunner’s station. Note the lack of turret bustle due to the combat module being remote, crucial for survivability by keeping the crew compartment separate from the ammunition.

A closeup of the BTR-4MV1’s BM-7 Parus combat module. Bar armor is wrapped around the module for protection against HEAT-shaped charges.

A brochure image of the capabilities of the BM-7 Parus.

• Another prototype vehicle that’s a one off that has seen extensive combat service is the Kevlar-E infantry fighting vehicle, a vehicle based off of the 2S1 self-propelled gun. See below the suggestion covering this other highly unique vehicle:
  • Kevlar-E BMP: The 2S1’s Renewed Purpose

Kevlar-E Media

The Kevlar-E seen on display as well as deployed in Kharkiv.