BRDM-2 / 9P148 (Spandrel / Konkurs)

History

The 9P148 "Konkurs" is a variant of the BRDM-2, an amphibious reconnaissance vehicle designed to replace the BRDM-1. It has been used by about 40 countries outside the Soviet Union and is known for its adaptability and battlefield capabilities. The Konkurs variant retains the basic design of the BRDM-2 but includes a mounted Konkurs (NATO: "Spandrel") anti-tank missile launcher.

The 9P148 is a highly mobile and all-terrain anti-tank support vehicle that excels in reconnaissance, reporting enemy positions, and countering enemy armor. Its exterior appearance resembles the original BRDM-2, with four-wheel 4x4 drive, a lower hull, sloping upper hull fairing, and four auxiliary wheels on the sides. The vehicle is fully amphibious, equipped with a propeller system for water mobility.

Internally, it accommodates two or three occupants who have multiple viewing windows for observation. The Konkurs missile launcher on the 9P148 can fire the 9M113 series of wire-guided anti-tank missiles. These missiles have proven effective against NATO armored forces and feature a tandem HEAT warhead and solid-fuel rocket booster. The operator can guide the missile until the data cable is severed, allowing for precise targeting. Later versions of the 9P148 were updated to also fire the 9M111 "Fagot" missiles and underwent modernization to enhance communication and sight capabilities.

Specification

Foundation

Year of Service: 1977

Origins: Soviet Union

Crew: 3

Production: 4,000

Manufacturer: Molotov GAZ Factory - USSR/Russia

Operators: Algeria; Czech Republic; Egypt; Hungary; India; Libya; Morocco; Nicaragua; Poland; Romania; Russia; Serbia and Montenegro; Slovakia; former Soviet Union; Syria

Roles

Anti-Tank/Anti-Tank

Base models or variants can be used to track, engage, and defeat armored enemy elements at long distances.

Armored vehicles

Designed, usually lightweight, to provide on-road/off-road capability for reconnaissance or general security roles.

Recon

Can perform reconnaissance/reconnaissance missions to assess threat levels, enemy strength, etc. - usually due to lightweight construction.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 18.9 feet (5.75m)

Width: 7.7 feet (2.35m)

Height: 6.6 feet (2.01 m)

Weight: 15,432 lbs (7,000 kg )

Tonnage: 7.7 tons

Power and Performance

Engine: 1 x GAZ-41 V-8 liquid-cooled gasoline engine driving conventional wheels at 3,400 rpm, producing 140 hp.

Speed: 62. 1 km/h (100.0km/h)

Area: 466.0 km (750.0 km)

Armament

5 rocket launcher rail system on top of fuselage.

AMMOTION

14 x 9M113 Konkurs (AT-5 Spandrel) missiles or 10 x 9M111 Fagot (AT-4 Spigot) missiles and 10 x 9M113 Konkurs (AT-5 Spandrel.

Changes

9P148 "Konkurs" - BRDM-2 reconnaissance vehicle converted to a 5-round missile launcher rail system carrying.

9M113 Konkurs wire-guided anti-tank missiles; later supported .

9M111 Fagot missiles; later mounted whip shaped antenna and improved sights.