BTR-90

2004 ARMORED PERSONNEL CARRIER MODERN

• 1 BTR-90 History
• 2 BTR-90 Specification
  • 2.1 Basic
  • 2.2 Roles
  • 2.3 Dimensions
  • 2.4 Performance
  • 2.5 Performance
  • 2.6 Armor
  • 2.7 Changes

BTR-90 History

One of the most important Soviet vehicles during the Cold War (1947-1991) became the BTR series 8x8 wheeled amphibious armored personnel carrier (APC). The line started with the BTR-40 armored truck in the 1950s and progressed to the tracked BTR-50 in 1954 (both are detailed elsewhere on this site). In 1959, the final 8x8 wheel form debuted as the BTR-60, followed by the improved BTR-70 (1972) and BTR-80 (1986) models.

In the 1990s, the line was further developed again to become the state-of-the-art BTR-90, which is still in service with the Russian Army Armed Forces (internal forces) to this day (2017).

Development of the BTR-90 began in the early 1990s (circa 1994) by the Arzamas Machine Works, also known as "AMZ" (part of GAZ). Pilot forms for testing and evaluation have been available since 1994.

The BTR-90 retains all the form and function of its predecessor, while adding some new elements: it is larger in size than the earlier BTR-80, provides more interior space for the crew and passengers, and improves the Survivability and Protection. Power comes from a 510 hp turbocharged multi-fuel diesel engine that sends power to all four axles. The driver manages his position at the front of the vehicle in a traditional manner, while the BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) turret is located directly at the rear of the vehicle for 360-degree swivel. The turret is flanked by electronically fired smoke grenades for self-defense effects and can be fitted with launchers for anti-tank missiles (ATGMs) (Spandrel series), searchlights and visual aids.

The two crew members are housed in a turret that also houses a 30mm Shipunov 2A42 automatic cannon (carrying 500 rounds) and a 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun (carrying 2,000 rounds). A 30mm remote-controlled automatic grenade launcher (AGL) is also provided for remote suppression of enemy soft targets.

Night vision is also standard, as are central tyre pressure control and power steering (front axle only). The driver controls tire pressure to better adapt the vehicle to the driving environment.

Crew promises to be three, plus seats for seven passengers.

Performance includes a range of up to 800 km and a road speed of up to 100 km/h. Like previous BTR designs, the BTR-90 is fully amphibious and can travel up to 9 km/h in water. Two water jets located at the rear of the hull are used to traverse the water source.

This maneuver requires some small preparation from the crew.

The side walls of the hull have an access door for the crew between the second and third axles, and various roof hatches. Weapon ports on the side of the vehicle allow passengers to use their personal weapons to engage enemies while remaining relatively protected inside the vehicle.

The modern Russian army has between 80 and 140 BTR-90 vehicles. Production of the series ran from 2004 to 2011, when it was stopped by the Russian Ministry of Defense in 2011. Meanwhile, about 1,300 BTR-80s and less than 100 BTR-70s remained in service.

In addition, there are 17 active BTR-60 machines and approximately 3,663 in reserve.

The series is not available for export to Russian allies.

BTR-90 Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

500 x 30mm projectile.

2,000 x 7.62mm ammo.

4 x Spandrel missiles.

400 x 30mm shells (if equipped).

6 x Smoke Grenade.

Changes