Kevlar-E BMP: The 2S1’s Renewed Purpose

Yontzee · July 20, 2023, 3:09am

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Kevlar-E BMP

The Kevlar-E BMP on display.

Basic Description:
- The Kevlar-E is a next-generation Infantry Fighting Vehicle developed by Ukrinnmash LLC to replace the series of Soviet-era BMP’s in service with the Ukrainian Army. The Kevlar-E BMP made its debut between 2017 and 2018, with Ukrinnmash LLC releasing promotional images shown of the vehicle being shown as well as different variants planned. Some versions include an anti-tank model, featuring 4x RK-2S missiles mounted to the Barrier-212 complex, an ARV variant, MLRS variant, and more. In 2020, the first prototype was released showing the unique infantry fighting vehicle built utilizing the 2S1 Gvozdika (or Carnation) self-propelled howitzer chassis, featuring 7-roadwheels mounted on a torsion bar suspension with the engine located in the front. The rear of the vehicle features a single hatch for the crew to enter or exit with 8 seats, 2 of which are for the Commander and Gunner. The vehicle can carry 6x personnel who have access to displays located in the rear which allows them to see battlefield conditions prior to exiting the vehicle. Located in the front next to the engine if the Driver, who can drive utilizing standard periscopes as well as two thermal cameras for night operations. The engine believed to be used in this vehicle is a diesel engine produced by Caterpillar which allows the vehicle to operate at a max speed of 60km/h on roads and 4-6km/h on water during amphibious operations. The vehicle is equipped with spaced armor as well as standard armor that is designed to meet STANAG 4569 Level 2 for small arms and anti-mine protection. For offensive capabilities, the Kevlar-E BMP is equipped with the unmanned BM-3M ‘Shturm’ Combat Module which comes with a fully stabilized ZTM-1 30mm autocannon capable of firing multiple different types of ammunition, a coaxial KT-7.62mm machine gun, a KBA-117 30mm grenade launcher, a dual Barrier-212 complex capable of firing 2x RK-2S Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM), and 6x 81mm Smoke Grenade Launchers. Inside the rear of the vehicle, the Gunner can operate the gun utilizing the Track-M Electro-Optical sight, a 3rd-generation thermal imager, and a television display allowing the gunner to spot and target vehicles regardless of the time of day or weather conditions. Next to the Gunner the Commander resides, capable of operating the turret as well as access to a Television display to direct the vehicle as needed and can control a remote 360-degree thermal imager, dubbed the Panorama-2B located on the top of the turret. These imagers are connected to the Track-M Fire Control System. The Kevlar-E BMP remains in a prototype status and it is unknown if development has continued since February, 2022 due to the ongoing conflict.
- 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).
- Only one Kevlar-E prototype was built. The Ukrainian Army adopted the singular vehicle due to the conflict in Ukraine. The prototype was last seen being used in combat operations around the city of Kharkiv.
Specifications:
- Role: Infantry Fighting Vehicle
- Origin/Manufacturer:
  - Ukraine - Ukrinnmash LLC
- 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: 7.300m
  - Width: 3.000m
  - Height: 2.700m
  - Weight: 16.7t
- Mobility :
  - Engine: Caterpillar Diesel Engine
  - Max Speed: 60km/h (~4-6km/h in water)
  - Transmission: Automatic Transmission
  - Suspension: Torsion Bar
Crew:
- Commander
- Gunner
- Driver
- 6x Additional Passengers
Features:
- Laser Rangefinder
- 6x 81mm Smoke Grenade Launchers
- Unmanned Turret
- ESS
- Amphibious
- Armor:
  - Spaced Armor
  - STANAG 4569 Level 2 (Ballistic/Anti-mine)
- 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 Kevlar-E is a unique IFV, different than most Ukrainian IFV’s with 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. It’s also worth mentioning the ZTM-1 30mm autocannon, as far as what is known, does not utilize APDS-T rounds, only AP-T rounds so it is especially important to make every round count, maybe by focusing on gun barrels of targeted vehicles. 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 Kevlar-E 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 Kevlar-E features light armor to keep mobility high and passive spaced armor around key components above the waterline. 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.
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