BRDM-1

History

The BRDM-1 series of amphibious reconnaissance vehicles first appeared in the late 1950s and served as the main armoured vehicle in the Red Army until eventually being replaced by the equally successful BRDM-2 series. The BRDM-1 went on to be several successful anti-aircraft variants with multiple missile systems and was fully amphibious with its built-in rear water jets.

The BRDM series reconnaissance vehicles were the authoritative reconnaissance vehicles of the Soviet Union throughout the Cold War and were exported in large numbers to several pro-Soviet countries.

The development of the Soviet BRDM-1 was rejected due to the need to replace its aging WWII-era BA-64 armored vehicle line. The BRDM-1 came in the form of a 4x4 vehicle with a front engine and a roof hatch (earlier models were convertible).

Interestingly, the BRDM-1 is equipped with an additional double set of wheels that the driver can lower. Additionally, the driver can control tire pressure through the onboard control system for customized off-road or cross-ditch performance.

The standard armament of the BRDM-1 was initially a single 7.62mm arrangement, although some models were equipped with additional heavy 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine guns. In this arrangement, the heavy machine gun was mounted in the front, while the 7.62mm caliber was located in the rear of the crew compartment.

Depending on the role and mission, the crew can accommodate the driver and up to four passengers. Power comes from a 6-cylinder gasoline engine with about 90 hp.

The BRDM-U became the command vehicle, and unlike the other BRDM-1s, it integrated four antennas instead of the usual ones. The BRDM-1RKhb is used as a radiological and biological reconnaissance vehicle in the event of a nuclear war and has two rectangular packs on the rear of the vehicle. The anti-tank launcher model includes AT-1, AT-2 and AT-3 launchers mounted on the roof and raised when ready to fire.

Each progressive design features increased attack range and missile count.

The BRDM-1 was later replaced by the similar BRDM-2 series of amphibious reconnaissance vehicles.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

unavailable

Changes