Army-2024 – Russia unveils its BTR-22 amphibious armoured personnel carrier
At the Army-2024 exhibition the Russia Military-Industrial Company (MIC), specialized in the development and serial production of armoured combat vehicles, unveiled the BTR-22 amphibious armoured personnel carrier (APC), fitted with a set of protective screens and the LGSh-689 electronic warfare (EW) system
The new BTR-22 APC was designed taking into lessons learned in the Ukrainian theatre of operations to replace the BTR-82A, and is intended to transport personnel of motorized rifle troops to the battlefield, provide fire support, as well as to transport military cargo and tow trailers. The vehicle ensures movement over rough terrain and protection of the combat crew and equipment from small arms fire, mine and shell fragments, FPV-drones, and other external effectors. A family of combat, combat support, and combat service support vehicles for many branches and arms of the armed forces will be developed based on the BTR-22.
The BTR-22 has additional side armour while protective net-based screens are installed at the front and rear. The upper part of the armoured personnel carrier is protected by an anti-drone metal cage.
The new vehicle was presented at the MIC company static stand. It has an 8×8 wheel arrangement, a full combat weight of 20 tons, a set of protective screens, and an LGSh-689 electronic warfare system to counter FPV-drones. The armoured hull of the BTR-22 differs from the hull of the BTR-82A and has an exit for the crew at the rear. The vehicle armour should withstand the hit of 12.7-mm armour-piercing ammunition. The crew compartment is fitted with an improved anti-mine protection that can withstand the detonation of a 6 kg of TNT charge. The combat crew is 11 people, the troop compartment being fitted with eight anti-blast seats.
The BTR-22 is 7,580 mm long, 3,070 mm wide, and 3,100 mm high, ground clearance being 475 mm.
The armament includes a 30 mm cannon and a 7.62 mm PTKM machine gun. The main weapon has a 330 rounds per minute rate of fire, 300 rounds being available, maximum effective range being 1,000 metres. The BTR-22 is powered by a 360 hp diesel engine coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The maximum speed on road is 85 km/h.
The BTR-22 has overcome the entire range of factory and range tests and is ready for serial production.
Photo by N. Morris
