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CBAF-100 (BTR-60-100 or BTR-100)
Introduction
The BTR-100 is a Cuban-developed armored fighting vehicle created by combining the chassis of the Soviet BTR-60 armored personnel carrier with the turret and main armament of the T-54/T-55 family of tanks. Developed by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba, the result is a heavily armed wheeled combat vehicle capable of delivering T-55 levels of firepower while retaining the mobility characteristics of the original BTR-60 platform.
History and Development
Spoiler
During the years following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Cuba faced increasing difficulties in acquiring replacement armored vehicles and spare parts. Although large quantities of Soviet equipment remained in service, economic limitations made large-scale modernization programs impractical. As a result, Cuban military workshops began exploring ways to improve existing vehicles using available resources.
During Cuba’s efforts to increase the mobility of its Soviet-made air defense systems, a number of T-54 and T-55 hulls were used for such projects. This process left Cuba with a stock of surplus tank turrets that could still provide considerable combat value. Rather than allowing these assets to go unused, Cuban engineers sought ways to integrate them onto existing armored vehicles. Another possibility is that some of the donor tanks were no longer operational due to mechanical wear, particularly affecting their engines or transmissions, making turret reuse a practical alternative to complete refurbishment. Regardless of the exact origin of the turrets, the concept itself was logical. By the 1990s, the T-55’s armor protection had become increasingly obsolete, while its firepower remained relevant against many potential threats. Mounting the same weapon system on a lighter and significantly faster wheeled platform allowed Cuba to retain the gun’s combat effectiveness while reducing operating costs and improving strategic mobility. The result of this approach was the CBAF-100, one of the most unusual armored vehicle conversions developed by the Cuban armed forces.
The conversion required extensive modification of the original BTR-60 hull. The standard troop compartment was reconfigured to accommodate a much larger turret and ammunition storage for the 100 mm gun. Most of the cannon ammunition, except for a few first-feed shots, is located in the BTR-100 hull, and the developed aft niche of the turret is used exclusively to accommodate spare parts. Structural reinforcement was necessary to support the additional weight of the turret and absorb the recoil generated by the tank weapon. A muzzle brake was fitted to the gun in order to reduce recoil forces generated during firing. In order to reduce the weight imposed by mounting a tank turret on a wheeled chassis, Cuban engineers appear to have extensively modified the original T-55 turret. Large sections of the original armor were (highly likely) removed and replaced with thinner welded plates, significantly lowering the turret’s mass. Despite the modifications made to reduce the turret’s weight, the vehicle still appears to be noticeably rear-heavy compared to a standard BTR-60. As a result, the turret’s protection was likely reduced to levels broadly comparable to that of the BTR-60 hull itself. The only section that appears to have retained its original thickness is the gun mantlet, which remained largely unchanged and consequently represents the most heavily protected area of the vehicle. In addition, new armor panels were added to the lower part of the sides, covering the gaps between the wheels.
Capabilities
Spoiler
Compared to conventional tanks, the BTR-100 benefits from superior road mobility and lower operating costs. The wheeled chassis enables rapid movement over long distances and requires less maintenance than a tracked vehicle. These characteristics make the vehicle particularly suitable for rapid reaction missions, reconnaissance support, and mobile fire-support operations. Another interesting characteristic likely inherited from the BTR-60 is its unusual twin-engine arrangement. Unlike most armored vehicles, the BTR-60 is powered by two separate gasoline engines, with each engine driving one side of the vehicle’s drivetrain. In practice, this means that if one engine is disabled due to mechanical failure or combat damage, the vehicle can still retain limited mobility using the remaining engine. Although performance is significantly reduced, the vehicle is still capable of moving and potentially withdrawing from danger. From a War Thunder perspective, this would be a particularly unique feature. However, some speculate that a Western-made diesel engine, likely from a commercial truck, has been installed.
At the same time, the vehicle retains the limitations of its parent chassis. Armor protection remains relatively light and is insufficient against modern anti-tank weapons or automatic cannons. The addition of a large tank turret also places greater strain on the suspension and raises the vehicle’s center of gravity. This likely reduces stability when operating on steep slopes, uneven terrain, or during aggressive maneuvering. As a result, the vehicle would probably have been most effective when employed from relatively flat ground. The center of gravity shift and the weight of the gun (around 10 tons) assure that the performance of the vehicle will be abysmal and reliability very low. While the vehicle is clearly capable of firing its main armament, it is likely that the crews avoid firing at extreme angles to the side, where recoil forces or just lack of balance, could tip the vehicle over. Much of the original tank equipment appears to have been retained, including the gunner’s optics and sighting systems. However, the original stabilization system might have been removed. If this assessment is correct, the CBAF-100 would have been limited to firing effectively from short halts or stationary positions rather than engaging targets accurately while on the move. It is unlikely that the vehicle retained its ability to swim.
BTR-100 (CBAF-100) Specifications
Spoiler
General
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Country | Cuba |
| Designation | BTR-100 / CBAF-100 |
| Type | Wheeled fire-support vehicle |
| Manufacturer | Cuban military workshops |
| Chassis | BTR-60PB |
| Turret | Modified T-54/T-55 turret |
| Crew | Estimated 4 (Commander, Gunner, Driver, Loader) |
| Production | Unknown, multiple vehicles observed |
| Service Status | In service with Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces |
Dimensions
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | ~7.5 m |
| Width | 2.83 m |
| Height | ~2.5–2.7 m |
| Wheel Configuration | 8×8 |
| Ground Clearance | 475 mm |
Length and width are largely unchanged from the BTR-60.
Armament
Main Armament
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Gun | 100 mm D-10T |
| Ammunition Types | APHE, HEAT, HE |
| Muzzle Brake | Yes |
| Stabilizer | Probably absent |
| Ammunition Capacity | Unknown |
Secondary Armament
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Coaxial MG | 7.62 mm SGMT or PKT |
| Roof MG | 12.7 mm DShK |
Gun Performance
Assuming standard D-10T ammunition:
| Shell | Penetration |
|---|---|
| BR-412 APHE | ~180–200 mm |
| BR-412D APHEBC | ~220 mm |
| BK-5M HEAT | ~380 mm |
These values depend entirely on the ammunition available to Cuba.
Protection
Hull
| Location | Armor |
|---|---|
| Front | 7–11 mm (200 mm) |
| Side | 7–9 mm |
| Rear | 7 mm |
| Roof | 5–7 mm (30 mm) |
(BTR-60PB armor values)
Mobility
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2 × GAZ-49B gasoline |
| Power per Engine | 90 hp |
| Total Power | 180 hp |
| Transmission | Dual transmission |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | Unknown |
| Maximum Road Speed | 80 km/h |
| Operational Range | 500 km |
(BTR-60PB values)