Modernization

A new modernized version of the BMP-1 with a new remote weapon station was spotted in service with the Ukrainian military. This modification wasn’t seen on the frontlines before.

The video of the upgraded BMP-1 was published by the NMFTE Telegram channel.

In the video, a previously unseen modification of a Soviet-era combat vehicle with a new combat module was shown in use by the Ukrainian military.

According to Andrii Tarasenko, a well-known Ukrainian armored vehicle researcher, the new combat module was built by a Ukrainian manufacturer and began to be supplied after the Russian invasion began.

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A new modification includes a remote weapon station with a stabilized 2A72 30mm autocannon, a PKT 7.62mm machine gun, and a KBA-117 automatic grenade launcher.

In addition, it is also supposed to be equipped with a Barrier anti-tank missile system with two missiles, but they are not seen in the video. Missile launchers may be missing to simplify the design.

Design of the combat module manufactured by Promintex. Source: https://t.me/btvt2019

All parts of the weapon and ammunition are located inside the RWS above the hull of the combat vehicle, and the operator’s workstation can be located anywhere in the vehicle.

A balancing system and a special truss with swinging counterweights balance the module’s weapons. It is stated that due to the measures taken, the stabilization and accuracy of fire were improved by 25%.

Structurally, the turret is similar to an earlier development, the Volya module developed by Nova Technology, which was presented in January 2021. It is possible that they may be related, given that the development of such a design takes years.

Graphic module of the Volia RWS developed by Nova Technology

The Volia RWS` fire control system and digital stabilization system provide horizontal and vertical guidance, tracking, and effective engagement of ground, air and surface targets during the day and night, from a fixed position and on the move.

The module can be controlled by the operator or the commander due to the integration of redundant controls in the latter. This is a common solution and is used in most Ukrainian modules, such as the Shturm and BM-7 Parus.

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Currently, the Ukrainian servicemen are also using a certain number of combat vehicles in the BMP-1TS modification with the Spear-Synthesis RWS.