New BMP-2 IFV Upgrade Rolls Out

Russian New BMP-2 IFV Upgrade Rolls Out (NSI News Source Info) December 18, 2008: Russia's Kurganmashzavod has completed development of the latest upgrade for its Russian BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV). The upgrade covers all three main areas of armour, mobility and firepower, and is designed to enable end users, in most cases, to tailor vehicles by selecting elements to their requirements.

Older BMP-2 IFVs can either be returned to Kurganmashzavod or upgraded with kits at the operator's own facility, with the appropriate training. The Russian BMP-2 IFV was developed by Kurganmashzavod, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), in the late 1970s as a follow-on to the earlier BMP-1 IFV. About 30 countries still use the BMP-2 IFV and over the years Kurganmashzavod has developed a number of upgrades to enhance its capabilities. In this latest upgrade, the chassis has been fitted with an appliqu? armour package claimed to provide protection against attack from 12.7 mm armour-piercing projectiles fired through a full 360 degrees at a range of 150 m. Additional protection against mines has been provided for the driver's station at the front left and the powerpack at the front right. The additional armour and increased firepower has increased the combat weight of the upgraded BMP-2 from 14.3 to 16 tonnes and the UTD-20 diesel developing 300 hp of the original version has been replaced by the more recent UTD-23 diesel developing 350 hp. The upgrade features a new suspension system that has improved cross-country mobility and is slightly lighter, featuring rubber pads to reduce noise when travelling on roads.