MT-LBR7: Old Dog, New Tricks

Yontzee · July 20, 2023, 3:12am

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MT-LBR7: Old Dog, New Tricks

Disclaimer: There is limited information on this vehicle. Multiple sources were used to build the MT-LBR7 in its actual form due to issues with sources combining the MT-LBMSh and MT-LBR7.

An MT-LBR7 Infantry Fighting Vehicle(IFV) prototype.

Basic Description:
- The MT-LBR7, also known erroneously as the MT-LBMSh, is an Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) developed by the Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau, or KMBD, that builds off of the original Soviet MT-LB Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC). Not much is known of the MT-LBR7 other than development began in the late-2000’s, early 2010’s to provide a new cost effective vehicle for export country’s that lack sufficient military funding. Using the MT-LB, which is one of the most common APC’s worldwide, the KMBD took the newly designed BM-3M ‘Shturm’ Combat Module and integrated it to the MT-LB chassis resulting in the MT-LBR7. 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. Due to the lack of power from the original engine, only producing 240hp, the original YaMZ-238 Diesel Engine was replaced with the YaMZ-238N-1 Diesel Engine to produce 300hp, powering the new combat module while maintaining enough power to effectively maneuver obstacles, climb hills, and retain amphibious capabilities. The hull of the MT-LBR7 retains the same armor protection as the original MT-LB, with the exception of Kevlar Lining to prevent spalling.
- 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).
- There is several other upgrades similar to the MT-LBR7 such as the MT-LBMSh mounting the KBA-105 ‘Shkval’ Combat Module, extra spaced armor, and new engine which is used by the Myanmar Army. Between 2007 and 2009, Myanmar purchased 26 of the MT-LBMSh, which were upgraded, second-hand MT-LB’s purchased from Ukraine. It is the only version of the MT-LB armed with a Combat Module by Ukraine to see service.
  - Note: I wanted to create a suggestion on the MT-LBMSh, however there isn’t enough sources/images to cover the vehicle. Only one picture was found and it is posted at the bottom of the ‘Imagery’ section. If anyone has additional information on this vehicle, please comment or PM me information/sources and I will build the MT-LBMSh suggestion.
- Only one prototype was believed to be produced. There are no users of the MT-LBR7 and it is no longer offered for export.
Specifications:
- Role: Infantry Fighting Vehicle
- Origin/Manufacturer:
  - Ukraine - KMBD
- 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: 6.454m
  - Width: 2.850m
  - Height: 2.480m
  - Weight: 11.7t
- Mobility :
  - Engine: 300hp - YaMZ-238N-1 Diesel Engine
  - Max Speed: 60km/h (~6-7km/h in water)
  - Transmission: Manual Transmission (6-Forward, 1-Reverse)
  - Suspension: Torsion Bar
Crew:
- Commander
- Gunner
- Driver
- 7x Additional Personnel
Features:
- Laser Rangefinder
- 6x 81mm 902B Tucha Smoke Grenade Launchers
- Amphibious
- Unmanned Turret
  - Commander and Gunner can both operate turret.
- Armor:
  - Kevlar Lined
  - 7.62mm all-around protection.
  - Up to 12.7mm frontally.
- Optics:
  - Gunner: Track-M Opto-electronic Sighting System (Thermal Imager)
  - Commander: Panorama-2P CITV (Night Vision Device)
  - Driver: TVN-2BM (Night Vision Device)
In-game :
- The MT-LBR7 is a unique addition, taking the MT-LB platform seen with the Shturm-SM tank destroyer in the USSR tree and replacing it with an IFV turret that comes with a 30mm autocannon, grenade launcher, ATGM’s and more. This vehicle packs a lot of firepower however, is very limited due to its armor. The armor is the same as the MT-LB with the exception of a Kevlar layer installed to protect against shrapnel. While this helps with artillery in the game, it will not do well against munitions above 12.7mm. This will require careful planning and long range tactics to avoid being knocked out by the smallest of caliber weapons. However, if the operator remains in a hull down position, they can take advantage of the low profile and unmanned turret to inflict some serious damage against targets. If implemented, this vehicle would make a solid premium due to remaining in prototype status.
- Estimated Battle Rating: 8.3 (Realistic).
Sources: