Russia receives new BMR-3MA heavy mine-clearing vehicle (MCV)

Russia receives first BMR-3MA heavy mine-clearing vehicles

Nikolai Novichkov - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

02 August 2017

The Uralvagonzavod (UVZ) research and manufacturing corporation, a subsidiary of Rostec, has delivered a batch of the new BMR-3MA heavy mine-clearing vehicle (MCV) to Russia`s Ministry of Defence (MoD), a company representative told Jane's.

"This is the first BMR-3MA delivery to Russia`s military under the Gosoboronzakaz (State Defence Order) programme. The vehicle is fitted with a new design roller, an enhanced climate control unit and a modern communication system with the crew compartment protected by composite materials," he said, referring to an armour package including explosive reactive armour. He did not specify the number of MCVs delivered to the MoD.

He added that the BMR-3MA is based on the T-90 main battle tank (MBT). "The BMR-3MA has passed all the qualification trials in accordance with the technical requirements. The entry of such a vehicle into service will considerably beef up the armed forces` counter-mine capabilities."

The company also offers an export version of the MCV, designated BMR-3MS, to potential foreign customers. According to UVZ, the BMR-3MS can eliminate all types of anti-tank mines, including those targeting the tracks or hull belly fitted with contact mechanical, remote magnetic and remote-controlled fuses. Wide-band and portable jammers integrated into the vehicle make it especially effective against remote-controlled improvised explosive devices. The BMR-3MS can transport up to three engineers but, unlike the BMR-3MA, cannot be operated remotely.

Source

BMR-3M mine clearing vehicle

The BMR-3M mine clearing vehicle was developed as a private venture. It is a proposed replacement for the current Russian Army BMR-2 mine clearing vehicle, based on the T-54 medium tank. Also it is a further development of the BMR-3, based on the T-72 main battle tank. The new mine clearing vehicle is mainly intended for road mine clearing, while escorting convoys. It seems that the BMR-3M mine clearing vehicle entered service with the Russian Army in 2000. Other sources report that it saw action during the second war in Chechnya. Some export customers expressed interest in obtaining this vehicle, however there were no export sales to date.

   The BMR-3M is based on the T-90 main battle tank chassis. The turret has been removed and new all-welded superstructure has been fitted. This mine clearing vehicle is fitted with Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) blocks. The superstructure provides protection against small arms fire, artillery shell splinters and mine fragment debris. Belly armor has been improved and is of composite construction. It withstands and anti-tank mine blast anywhere under the hull. This engineering vehicle is fitted with NBC protection system.

   The BMR-3M is fitted with KTM-7 mine rollers. Chains are fitted between the rollers to detonate tilt-mast fuzes. A single roller clears 0.8 m wide track, allowing the following vehicles to pass. T

KTM-7 mine rollers

scalefan.ru

he BMR-3M is also fitted with electromagnetic countermine system, that detonates magnetically fuzed mines. It is also fitted with a radio jammer, that prevents detonation of radio-controlled explosives. This vehicle clears mines fitted with pressure activated fuses, bottom mines fitted with rod-type fuses and mines with magnetic proximity fuses. It also ploughs-out mines planted in soil. Mine clearing speed is up to 12 km/h, depending on mine density and ground conditions.

   The BMR-3M is armed with a remotely-operated 12.7-mm machine gun for self-defense. This machine gun is also used to destruct visible mines laying on the surface of soil.

12.7 mm Kord tank mounted machine-gun

12.7 mm tank mounted machine-gun with an electric release can be installed on various moving and stationary objects for fighting low flying aerial threats, for destroying lightly armored and unarmored materiel, weapons and concentrated enemy personnel. 

Gun Source: zid.ru

   This mine clearing vehicle has a crew of two, including driver and commander. Both of them are seated in special blast-suppressing seats. The BMR-3M can also accommodate three persons from mine clearing party. Also there are two hand-held mine detection sets and one mine clearing set. It is claimed that this engineering vehicle is fitted with life-support system, that enables the crew to remain inside the vehicle for up to two days.

   The BMR-3M is powered by a V-84MS turbocharged diesel engine, developing 840 hp. The same engine is used on the T-90 main battle tank. At the hull rear there is a small cargo platform. Up to 5 t of equipment can be carried there, such as KTM-7 mine rollers. The rollers are fitted to the vehicle using a crane. There is an auxiliary 2.5 t capacity crane at the rear of the superstructure. This mine clearing vehicle also has a device for cleared lane marking. With preparation the BMR-3M can ford water obstacles up to 5 m deep. Source

V-84MS turbocharged diesel engine

"V" line of 4-cycle, V-type, 12-cylinder, liquid cooled, supercharged multifuel diesel engines is manufactured by Chelyabinsk tractor plant (ChTZ). This famous line of Soviet/Russian tank engines can be traced back to V-2 engine of the legendary T-34. The latest until recently, 840hp V-84MS drive-supercharged engine is installed on T-72B MBT and its later developments, T-72B(M) and T-90 MBTs.

This engine is very robust and unpretentious and operates reliably in adverse natural conditions including extremely cold and hot climes, dusty terrain and so on. Source: fofanov.armor.kiev.ua

Specification Data

Engine type	4-steps, V-form, 12-cylinder, burning several grades of fuel, liquid-cooled centrifugal turbocharged engine
Fuel-mixture formation system	direct fuel injection
Engine power without input and output resistance kWt (hp)	618 (840)
Rotation frequency S-1 (R.P.M.)	33,3 (2000)
Tarque margin, %	18
Specific fuel consumption h/kWt per hour (h/hp per hour)	247 (182)
Weight, kg	1020
Specific power, kWt/kg	0,6 (0,82)
Cylinder diameter, mm	150,0
Piston stroke in cylinder with master connecting rod, mm	180,0
Piston stroke in cylinder with artieulated connecting rod, mm	186,7
Operating displacement, l	38,88
Minimum temperature for reliable starting of enginew/o warming before, °С	- 20°C
Limited engine operation conditions:
- ambient temperature	from -40°С up to +50°С
- relative humidity	up to 98% by 20°С
- sea level	up to 3000 m
Explosion sequence	preportionate, every 60° crankshaft reversion
Balance level	full dynamic balance

Engine data: chtz-uraltrac.com

Tank Specification