More firepower offered for BMP-2 IFV
Russia's Kurganmashzavod Joint Stock Company has developed two firepower upgrades for the widely deployed BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV).
The first version includes the installation of a B07K2 gunner's sight that features double-plane head mirror stabilisation, a thermal imaging camera, and a laser rangefinder. The imagery from these devices is displayed on a monitor at the gunner's position in the turret.
Furthermore, in place of the commander's roof-mounted TKN-3MB vision device, the TKN-AI unit, which features laser active pulse illumination, has been installed.
Armament improvements come in the form of a twin launcher for the Kolomna KBM 9K120 Ataka missile system. This offers improvements in lethality and range over the 9K113 Konkurs anti-tank guided missile that is installed on the standard BMP-2 IFV.
The Ataka has a semi-automatic command-to-line-of-sight guidance system, requiring the gunner only to maintain his sight on the target until missile impact. The supersonic missile has a maximum range of 5,800 m (the Konkurs is effective out to a range of 4,000 m), and at least three types of missile are currently being marketed. The first of these, the 9M120, is the option for the BMP-2 upgrade.
The 9M120-1 features a tandem high-explosive anti-tank warhead that is claimed to be able to penetrate 800 mm of conventional steel armour protected by explosive reactive armour (ERA). The 9M120F1 has a thermobaric (or fuel air explosive-type) warhead that is optimised for use against bunkers, and the 9A220 has a continuous-rod high-explosive warhead with impact and proximity laser fuzing, which is normally used for airborne applications.
No upgrades have been made to the BMP-2's 30 mm 2A42 dual-feed cannon and 7.62 mm PKT co-axially mounted machine gun.
The more limited second firepower upgrade package includes the installation of a remote-controlled 30 mm AG-17 automatic grenade launcher and a BPK-3-42 gunner's sight.
Survivability enhancements come in the form of appliqué passive armour to the hull and turret, spall liners inside of the crew compartment, and special plates under the hull floor for improved protection against mines. Bar/slat-type armour has been fitted to the hull and turret to help counter rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). ERA could be fitted as an alternative to the bar/slat armour, but this would increase the gross vehicle weight.
Other survivability improvements include the installation of fire- and explosion-proof diesel fuel tanks and suspended seats for the crew.
For improved crew comfort during operations in high ambient temperatures, a KBM 2 air-conditioning system can be fitted, and tracks with rubber pads will reduce damage to roads and noise.
Finally, the existing engine can be replaced by a more powerful UTD-23T turbocharged diesel unit that develops 360 hp and upgraded suspension, including stronger torsion bars and new road wheels.
More firepower offered for BMP-2 IFV - IHS Jane's 360
