The BMP-2 - Boyevaya Mashina Pekhoty (infantry combat vehicle) - is a second-generation, amphibious infantry fighting vehicle introduced in the 1980s, following the BMP-1 of the 1960s. The BMP-2 is broadly similar to the BMP-1. The most significant changes are: A new two-man turret armed with the 2A42 30 mm autocannon and the 9P135M ATGM launcher capable of firing SACLOS guided 9M111 Fagot" (AT-4 Spigot), 9M113 "Konkurs" (AT-5 Spandrel) and 9M113M "Konkurs-M" (AT-5B Spandrel B) anti-tank missiles. The commander now sits with the gunner in an enlarged turret. Seven troops are carried instead of eight. Two rear infantry roof hatches instead of four. Slightly improved armour. The BMP-1 and BMP-2 share the same chassis and have almost identical road performance. (The BMP-2 is heavier but also has a more powerful engine to compensate) |
