Image source: Photo: Bulletin of Mordovia
The third-generation infantry fighting vehicle BMP-3 was put into service in 1987. About two dozen different models of military and engineering equipment have been created on its basis.
For example, reconnaissance variants, self-propelled artillery guns, anti-tank missile launchers, mine clearance systems, armored personnel carriers, recovery vehicles, etc.
Image source: Photo: Bulletin of Mordovia
The BMP itself has been repeatedly upgraded, various protection systems have been installed on it: optoelectronic, active. The fire control system was getting better - a sight with a thermal imaging channel appeared.
Image source: Photo: Bulletin of Mordovia
The UTD-32F engine with a capacity of 660 hp made it possible to increase mass while maintaining good mobility.
A kind of crown of the development of the BMP-3 was its front-engined version, known as the Manul. This model is, in fact, a new infantry fighting vehicle, which uses the most common components and assemblies in mass production.
Image source: Photo: Bulletin of Mordovia
The Manul was demonstrated with a new remote-controlled combat module, which, in addition to a 30-mm cannon and a 7.62 mm machine gun, also used Kornet anti-tank guided missiles capable, as shown during a special military operation, of destroying Western M1A1 Abrams and Leopard-2 main battle tanks." . Modules have also been created with other weapons, including 57-mm guns.
Lev Romanov
