The BTR-82A is an advanced 8×8 wheeled armoured personnel carrier (APC) being manufactured by Military Industrial Company of Russia for use by the armies of Russia and Kazakhstan. In December 2008, Russia’s Military Industrial Company (MIC) was already testing the prototypes which were unveiled in December 2009. In April 2010, Russian defence industry has started to market the BTR-82 and BTR-82A as a modernization program for existing BTR-80 operators.
The BTR-82A APC was developed based on the design of BTR-80A. The vehicle offers improved protection capabilities than its predecessor. The vehicle is fitted with a reinforced multi-layer floor which provides protection against mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The BTR-82A is also equipped with new seats and a special suspension that have energy-absorbing properties which increase the protection for the personnel inside the vehicle against mine blast. The hull of the BTR-82A is made with new armored vehicle ballistic protection of laminated synthetic material such as Kevlar.
The BTR-82A APC can perform combat operations 24 hours a day. The firepower of the BTR-82A is increase by the use of a new unified fighting module with electric drive armed with one 2A72 30mm cannon coupled with a 7.62 mm machine gun. The gun can fire armour piercing-tracer (AP-T) projectiles, high-explosive fragmentation-incendiary (HEF-I) and high-explosive-tracer (HE-T) ammunition. The secondary armament of the vehicle includes a 7.62mm PKTM coaxial machine gun. The turret incorporates two-axis stabilisation, new sighting channels, and three forward-facing 81mm smoke grenade launchers on each side. The firing elevation ranges from -7° to +70°. The turret is fully stabilized on the two axes and fitted with new sights.
The gunner’s station is equipped with TKN-4GA day / night fire control system. The commander is provided with advanced communications and topographic maps. The TKN-AI surveillance camera with laser range finder ensures the commander to detect enemy targets within the range of 3km. BTR-82A is equipped with air-conditioning system, which also serves to optimize operations conditions of electronic devices of the vehicle. The BTR-82A is equipped with new radio station R-168-25-U2, topographic orientation system, “Trona-1” with an independent satellite channels and receiver navigation data. The Trona-1 positioning system is designed to enhance the accuracy and credibility of navigation data by integration of the vehicle’s navigation system with the receiver of the GLONAS and NAVSTAR satellite navigation systems. The BTR-82A is fully amphibious, and an overpressure NBC system, night vision equipment and a central tyre-pressure regulation system are fitted.
The BTR-82A wheeled armored infantry fighting vehicle features energy absorbing structures and a new powerful Diesel engine KAMAZ 740.14-300 developing 300 hp of power. The BTR-82A is also fitted with a new transmission components and suspension allowing an increased average speed in rough terrain. The BTR-82A can run at a maximum speed of 80 km/h on road with a maximum range of 600 km. The fully amphibious vehicle also integrates a central tyre-pressure monitoring system and is propelled by a water-jet when on the water.
