BMP1 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle

BMP1 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle. . Boyevaya Mashina Pekhoty (BMP) is translated to "Combat Vehicle, Infantry." Ahead of its time, the BMP1 was the world's first truly mechanized infantry combat vehicle. For the first time, dedicated infantry units could fight from inside their transport (unlike the western armored personnel carriers which required troops to dismount from their "battle taxi" when they got close to the front lines). Weapon firing ports, individual troop periscopes, built-in chemical warfare protection, infrared night vision devices, a smoke generator, a short range medium cannon, a long range anti-tank guided missile, and full amphibious capability shocked western forces. For its day, the BMP1 was a well-thought out vehicle; indeed it has still seen use to this day. This specimen was constructed in Russia and ultimately found its way into the Iraqi Army. Notice the bullet hole and damage in the ballistic ribbing on the front slope. The 24th Infantry Division (Ft. Stewart, GA) captured this BMP1 in 1991 during the Gulf War., Vehicle Specifications , Armament: 1 x 73 mm 2A28 LP-SR smoothbore gun with 40 rounds, 1 x 7.62 mm PKT with 2,000 rounds, 1 x AT-3 Sagger anti-tank guided missile with 5 rounds , Fire control range finder type: Stadiametric , Crew: 2+9 (commander, driver, and 9 troops) , Weight: 27,562 lbs , Speed: 40 mph (water 3.7 mph) , Maximum effective weapons range: 3,000 m , Maximum armor thickness: 33 mm (angle equivalent) , Production: Unknown (produced for 20 years and used by 25 (+) nations) , Year entering service: 1967