Development

The BTR-70APC and vehicles based on its chassis

The BTR-70M wheeled amphibious armored personnel carriers are designated to transport infantry units providing them with direct fire support and fire-from-the-vehicle capability.

The upgrade package is essentially repowering of the vehicles with up-to-date diesel engines (replacing the outdated carburetor petrol ones) and corresponding adaptation of transmission elements and auxiliary systems with virtually no modifications of the hull — the vehicle most essential, expensive and laborous component.

Improvements over the basic versions include:

enhanced cross-country capability, especially over sand terrains, due to increased engine maximum torque
10% endurance increase retaining same fuel volume due to dramatic reduction of fuel consumption
increased maximum road speed
introduction of electronic control enabling high synchronism of the engine crankshaft rotation
improved fire safety of the vehicles due to transition from petrol to diesel fuel
reduced operating costs
improved repairability

Weapon configuration includes standard 14.5mm KPVT / 7.62mm PKT machine-gun turret or CM30 one-man turret armed with 2A42 30mm automatic cannon with a coax 7.62mm PKT machine gun.

A 10 kW split-type air-conditioning system can be installed as an option.

Based on the BTR-70M chassis are the MTP-70 recovery vehicle intended to provide technical support for the units operating upgraded wheeled APCs, and the КМ-70 command-and-control vehicle.

The KM-70 Command Vehicle

The chassis of the KM-70 command vehicle is a mobile armored unit which serves to accommodate command staff of the units operating wheeled APCs and is designed to arrange control over the unit on march and in combat both in day and night conditions.

The main parts of the command vehicle chassis are armored hull, observation devices, power plant, transmission, steering, braking systems, running gear, electric equipment, communications and special equipment.

Number of seats is six including the driver.

The KM-70 is based on 8x8 chassis and features high mobility, cross-country capability and smooth ride. It can follow MBTs and negotiate trenches and water obstacles without preparation.

The hull is closed, leakproof and has a smooth bottom. It is made of armor plates and is fitted with a filter ventilating unit to create overpressure and ensure air cleaning inside the manned compartment. The hull serves as a base to which all vehicle units and assemblies are fixed. An under race-ring collar located midhull on the roof accommodates the rotating part with the required equipment or weapons.

Two diesel engines 95 kW each are mounted at the rear of the hull.

Communications include an R-130M HF radio, an R-123M VHF radio and a 3-party tank intercom system.

For technical observation of the battlefield the vehicle is fitted with day/night vision devices.

The chassis hull has three compartments – the engine compartment, the commanders’ compartment and the driver’s compartment.

The MTP-70 Repair/Recovery Vehicle

The MTP-70 repair/recovery vehicle is a mobile unit providing technical support to the combat units which operate wheeled APCs and is designed for the following:

day and night vehicle observation on the battlefield
towing of damaged vehicles to a shelter
recovery of stuck vehicles
technical assistance for the drivers in checking technical condition, troubleshooting and maintenance of the vehicles
electric welding during restoration of damaged vehicles.

The MTP-70 vehicle turret is armed with a 7.62 mm PKT machine gun to provide cover in a combat.

The main parts of the vehicle are armored hull, armed turret, observation devices, power plant, transmission, steering, braking systems, running gear, electric equipment, communications and special equipment.

Number of seats is four including the driver.

The MTP-70 is based on 8x8 chassis and features high mobility, cross-country capability and smooth ride. It can follow MBTs and negotiate trenches and water obstacles without preparation.

The vehicle is fitted with two independent braking systems – a service brake for the eight wheels and a parking brake for the transmission.

The water jet mounted at the rear of the hull propels the vehicle on water. Turning on water is performed by a rudder mated to the steering system.

Communications include a VHF radio station and a 3-party tank intercom system.

For technical observation of the battlefield the vehicle is fitted with day/night vision devices.