The Vikhr (Whirlwind) is an unmanned combat armored vehicle developed in the basis of the BMP-3 tracked medium weight tank. The 14.7-ton Vikhr robotic system has been designed for scout and attack missions engaging both airborne and ground targets protecting strategic facilities while decreasing human loses. The original turret of the BMP-3 was removed and replaced by a new smaller turret mounted in the center top hull of the Vikhr which is armed with one 30mm automatic cannon 2A72, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and six anti-tank guided missiles Kornet-M, three on each side of the turret. It has the same performances as the original BMP-3 IFV using the same powerpack and suspension components.
Following the BMP-3 specifications, the new robotic system can travel ranges of 600 kilometers at a top speed of 60 kilometers per hour on road and 10 kilometers per hour in water. The turret includes a 30mm 2A72 automatic cannon with 500 rounds, a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun with 2,000 rounds, and six Kornet-M guided missiles. The fire control system includes a high resolution camera, infrared sensor, laser rangefinder and a weather station to determine wind speed, humidity, pressure, temperature. Besides, the Vikhr also includes four quadrocopters, a mobile robotic platform, and a control system operated by two-man (commander and operator).
The Vikhr features enhanced cross country mobility and a water jet propulsion system (with two water jets) for amphibious operations. Its lightweight hull design enables BMP-3 to be airlifted easily by C-130 Hercules- or Antonov An-12-sized military tactical transport aircraft. The Vikhr powerplant is located in the rear compartment, gunner and commander are located in the turret, the driver is in the front compartment with 2 infantry troops and the remaining infantry troops are accommodated in the rear compartment separated from the engine compartment by a bulkhead. Doors and hatches are located to allow quick mounting and dismounting the vehicle. Its hull is made of armored aluminum plates with spaced steel-aluminum in the frontal sector.
The Vikhr can run at a maximum speed of 60 km/hr with a maximum cruising range of 600 km. It is fully amphibious, propelled in the water by two water-jets at the rear of the hull at a maximum speed of 10 km/h.
