![]() This was 240 hp combined, compared to the 180 hp of the previous serie, which seemed underpowered in comparison. The supplementary weight of the vehicle was at first coped with a pair of 115 hp GAZ-69B 6-cylinder engines, and later compensated by a much better engine, a couple of ZMZ-49-05 gasoline engines which gave an output of 120 hp (88.2 kW) each, and a Power/weight of 20 hp/tonne. The main drawback of course was revealed in exercizes, unexperienced or unlucky infantrymen being pulled under a wheel and injured or killed. This provided an easier access inside the vehicle and secured at least in theory any exit while on the move, the soldiers keeping a lower profile, being less exposed to enemy fire. Instead of upper hull sides lateral doors, these were moved to the lower section of the hull (below the beltline), right between the two pairs of roadwheels which were much far apart than on the BTR-60 and justified the longer hull. This provided some cover from front against heavy machine guns, and small arms fire although the folded trim vane and possible addition of welded plates on the front beak could provide extra protection.īut the major change was the exit door configuration for the troops. Some effort was put on the protection which better armour plating although its thickness remained unchanged at 10 mm front, 7 mm sides and rear and 5 mm elsewhere. In this respect, the BTR-70 was like its predecessor, capable of swimming with minimal preparation (erection of the front trim vane and bilge pumps switched on). The all-welded hull was made of RHA, fully waterproof. It was much longer (7.86 instead of 7.56 m), narrower (3 cm) and taller (1 cm), the BTR-70 was also heavier (11.5 tons vs 10.3 tons on the BTR-70PB) although part of this weight was due to bigger engines. In reality most were delivered in the 1980s.Īlthough still very close to the original design, with the same internal configuration (driver at the front, crew compartment in the middle, engine at the rear), the BTR-70 had a sleeker profile, sowewhat less bulky. It was tested for two years before being accepted for production in 1970, and for service on August 21, 1972, hence the BTR (which stands for "Bronetransportyor") "70" before of the decade. The BTR-70 came out first as the industrial prototype GAZ-4905 and was closesly based on the BTR-60PB in 1967-68, most of the changes been applied to the hull. ![]()
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