The BTR-T is a Russian heavy infantry combat vehicle, designed by the Design Bureau of Transport Machine-Building (Omsk Transmash) state-run production association.
BTR-T 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.
BTR-T 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.
| BTR-T | |
|---|---|
| Type | Heavy infantry fighting vehicle |
| Place of origin |  Russia |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 38.5 tonnes |
| Length | 6.45 m |
| Width | 3.27 m |
| Height | 2.4 m |
| Crew | 3 (+5 passengers) |
| | |
| Armor | 600mm max with ERA |
| Main armament | 9M113 Konkurs ATGMs |
| Secondary armament | 2A42 30mm autocannon or AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher |
| Engine | diesel 520hp |
| Power/weight | 14hp/tonne |
| Suspension | torsion bar |
| Operational range | 500 km |
| Speed | 50 km/h off-road: 25 km/h |
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.
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.
- 12.7x107mm NSV heavy machine gun.
- 9M113 Konkurs ATGMs.
- 12.7x107mm NSV heavy machine gun.
- 30 mm AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher.
