BTR-T

The BTR-T (Russian: Бронетранспортёр-Тяжелый (Bronetransporter-Tyazhelyy), ‘Armoured Transporter–Heavy’) is a Russian heavy infantry combat vehicle, designed by the Design Bureau of Transport Machine-Building (Omsk Transmash) state-run production association.

Description
It is based on the hull of the T-55 tank and answers the need for a heavy, well protected and well armed vehicle adapted to urban combat. The need for a heavy IFV appeared after the First Chechen War during which APCs such as the BTR-80 and BMP-2 suffered heavy losses in urban areas at the hands of Chechen rebels using RPG shoulder-launched anti-tank weapons. As a result, the design incorporates thicker armour, with built-in reactive armour. It also has heavier armament with sufficient elevation to engage targets in multi-story buildings.

Design
The choice of the T-55 hull rather than that of a more modern tank was decided as a cost-cutting measure and also probably in order to validate a conversion solution for the many T-55s in use around the world. However, no export contracts have been signed so far.

Armament
The turret can accommodate several weapon configurations:


 * 2A42 30 mm autocannon.
 * 9M113 Konkurs ATGMs.
 * 2A42 30 mm autocannon.
 * 30mm AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher.
 * Twin 2A38 30 mm autocannons.
 * 12.7×108 mm NSV heavy machine gun.
 * 9M113 Konkurs ATGMs.
 * 12.7×108 mm NSV heavy machine gun.
 * 30 mm AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher.