Ukraine Improved Variation Of BTR-80, The New BTR-94

Ukraine Improved Variation Of BTR-80, The New BTR-94

(NSI News Source Info) March 10, 2009: Ukraine is now offering another variation of the Cold War era BTR-80 wheeled armored personnel carriers that were built on its territory. The new model is the BTR-4, which is a slightly larger version of the earlier BTR-3. The BTR-4 is a 25 ton vehicle that is safe from RPG rockets. It is armed with a 30mm autocannon, a 7.62mm machine-gun, and a 30mm grenade launcher (or two anti-tank missiles).

The BTR-94 Armored Personnel Carrier (on the basis of BTR-80 armored carriers) is an amphibious multipurpose armored vehicle, which has effective missile-gun and machine gun armament and heavy-duty power unit. The BTR-94 is intended for accompishment of the delivery of mechanized infantery personnel to the battle field; provision of fire support with personnel small arms. It can destroy with turret weapons ground targets such as artillery batteries, armored vehicles, field fortifications, strong points and launchers. It can also combat enemy living force who disperse on large area of plain or highlands, and low-flying air targets. It can conduct radar and optronic reconnaissance of ground and air targets by its own instruments. The BTR-90 is for use as a combination armored personnel carrier and scout vehicle. In this role, the BTR-94's turret is somewhat larger and armed with a ZU-23-2 twin 23mm autocannon and a coaxial PKT machinegun. In addition, the turret has mounted on it a combination ground surveillance/air surveillance radar with a range of up to 20 km against ground targets and 30 km against aerial targets. The night vision suite has been improved, and a video camera system with a data link to higher headquarters has been added. The guns are equipped with a laser rangefinder that also doubles as a laser designator. The engine has been upgraded to a multifuel type. The multipurpose armament provides heavy destruction ability of personnel, armored and fortified land-based sites and low-flying air-borne targets. The heavy-duty power unit on the base of the multi-fuel diesel engine provides high speed and manoeuvrability of the combat vehicle. The internal hull and turret Kevlar liner provides the additional protection of crew, troops and internal equipment against bullets and fragments, ensures high temperature proof even being attacked by enemy with incendiary ammunition and mixtures. In 1997, Jordan purchased Ukrainian armored personnal carriers from Jordan. They consisted of an order of 50 BTR-94 armored vehicles. The contract to supply the weaponry was signed early 1999 with Ukrspetsexport mediation and completed in February 2000. Ukraine supplied 50 BTR-94 personnel carriers to Jordan in February of 2000, and has recently signed a contract to supply spare part for this equipment. In mid-2000 the state-run Bronetechnika Ukrayiny (Ukraine's Armor) concern was negotiating with Jordan to set up a joint company for the production, modernization and repair of military equipment in the countries of the Middle East. The proposed Ukrainian-Jordanian JVC may open the door for the Malyshev Plant's entry to Middle Eastern markets

It also has smoke grenade launchers. There is a three man crew, and space for seven troops or passengers in the back. There are firing ports and bullet-proof windows in the passenger compartment. The vehicle is air conditioned and amphibious. If you take away the anti-RPG armor, the vehicle only weighs 17.5 tons and can carry eight troops in the back. The heavier version costs about $1.7 million each. After the Cold War ended, Ukraine became independent and inherited the BTR factories on its territory. The updated BTR vehicles have proved to be popular export items. The BTR-3 has been sold to half a dozen countries. The BTR-3 is a 17 ton vehicle armed with a 30mm autocannon, a 7.62mm machine-gun, a 30mm grenade launcher and smoke grenade launchers. There is a three man crew, and space for six troops or passengers in the back. There are firing ports and bullet-proof windows in the passenger compartment. The BTR-3 sells for about $1.3 million each. The BTR-3 is air conditioned and amphibious. For both vehicles, max road speed is 110 kilometers an hour, and 10 in the water. Range, via road, on internal fuel, is about 600 kilometers.