Pegaso BMR

History

The Pegaso BMR ("Blindado Medio de Ruedas" - "Armored, Medium, Wheeled") series of wheeled vehicles is a multi-purpose 6x6 system developed by Spain's Enasa and has been used in many countries around the world including Spain, Egypt, Peu used by the military, Saudi Arabia and Morocco. The Austrian Armed Forces developed their "Pandur I" series of vehicles from the Spanish BMR family.

The key features of this wheeled system are off-road mobility and modularity, which the BMR can adapt to meet mission requirements if required, while being used in a variety of roles. More than 1,200 cars have been produced since 1979.

With the support of the Spanish Army, Pegaso embarked on the development of a new multi-wheel design and introduced the first prototype in 1975. After a stage of evaluation, the system officially entered series production in 1979 (company name comes from "BMR 3560.50"). The BMR range includes a full amphibious mass, the vehicle is propelled in the water by two hydro-jets in the stern of the hull. The vehicle uses well-sloping forward sloping panels and armor protection to prevent small arms and artillery jets. The roof of the vehicle has enough space to carry special equipment, while various weapon mounts can be configured for use in the form of turrets.

The BMR is designed for air transport on certain aircraft, the standard powertrain includes six large run-flat suspension wheels, power steering, automatic transmission and a 306 hp Pegaso 9157/8 diesel engine (since upgraded to Scania) . DS9 61A 24S series engine, 310 hp). Provides passive armor protection (as standard in newer versions). Inside, the driver steers from the left forward fuselage position.

The engine was installed in a compartment on the right side of the front part of the fuselage. The fighting compartment is located at the rear with a large square electric door. The firing ports on the sides of the fuselage are optional.

"BMR 600" (BMR-PP) is the basic name given to the BMR infantry fighting vehicle by the Spanish army. The standard model is equipped with a variety of small arms, including a 7.62mm general purpose machine gun, a 12.7mm light armoured and low-flying machine gun, and a 40mm automatic grenade launcher. This arsenal enables BMR aircrews to respond to multiple battlefield threats from a distance while maintaining good off-road capability, and enables the BMR to function as an infantry fighting vehicleoffloading troops while providing suppressive fire or fire support. The weapons are mounted on a power station that can also be operated inside the vehicle. The "BMR M1" is a modernized variant of the basic APC, including standard passive armor protection, air conditioning and an upgraded engine from the Scania DS9 series.

Upgraded under the program name "BMR 2".

Like other such multi-wheel utility vehicles, the BMR is the basis for several dedicated battlefield systems. BMR 3560.51 (Spanish Army "BMR-PC") is a command post vehicle equipped with additional communication equipment and antennas.

The BMR 3560.53E ("BMR-PM-81") (PM = "Porta Mortero") is a mobile fire support vehicle armed with an 81 mm mortar. Likewise, BMR 3560. 59E ("BMR-PM-120") received 120mm heavy mortars. The BMR 3560.54 ("BMR AMB") is a combat ambulance that provides space for medical waste and personnel. The BMR 3560.

55 ("BMR-Recup") is equipped with a powered crane and winch for field rescue. Likewise, the BMR VCZ ("Vehiculo de Combate Zapadores") is intended to be used as a battlefield engineering vehicle and is equipped with a dozer blade and powered winch. BMR 3560.56 is used as a signal car. The BMR EDX ("Equipo de Desactivacion de Explosivos") is the EOD version with a higher roof and dedicated bomb disposal equipment. The BMR VRAC-NBQ ("Vehiculo de Reconocimiento de Areas Contaminadas") is a nuclear, biological, chemical (NBC) protected vehicle.

The BMR GEL ("Guerra Electronica") is a special mount equipped with electronic warfare equipment.

Some brands convert base BMR models into tank destroyer weapon platforms, so they are equipped with anti-tank missiles (ATGM). These include "BMR C/C MILAN" and "BMR C/C TOW", which carry launchers for ATGM missiles MILAN and TOW, respectively.

The BMR 3560.57 is a prototype equipped with a HOT ATGM (under the designation "BMR C/C HOT").

VMA ("Vehiculo Mecanizado Anfibio") is a prototype form that proposes amphibious improvements.

To date, the BMR family of vehicles has seen extensive service in several high-profile operations, including the UN intervention during the Yugoslav war in the 1990s and in Afghanistan following the US invasion in 2003. The Spanish Army also has their BMR vehicles in Iraq (after the US invasion of 2001) and deployed in security services throughout Lebanon.

The Pegaso VEC-M1 is an evolution of the BMR series, armed with a turret-mounted 25mm chain gun and a two-man turret currently in service with the Spanish Army. Both vehicles have common components.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

Depends on weapon configuration.

Changes