BTR-4MV1 Armored Personnel Carrier (Ukraine)
Channel: Main Battle Tank
Date: 2023-01-14

The BTR-4MV1 is a Ukrainian Armored Personnel Carrier (APC). It is a further development of the previous BTR-4MV that never reached production and remained only as a prototype. The goal was to develop a more modern and better protected version of the BTR-4. The BTR-4MV1 was first publicly revealed in 2017. It is an improved and uparmored version of the BTR-4. It could be even seen as a next-generation version of the BTR-4. The BTR-4MV1 is being offered for export, but so far it received no export orders.

During 2014 Ukrainian military conflict with Russia the BTR-4 APCs were extensively used by the Ukrainian armed forces. More than 900 improvements were made to the basic design of the BTR-4 within half of the year. Some of these improvements were carried over to the BTR-4MV1.

Front end of the BTR-4MV was redesigned in order to increase armor protection. Vehicle has a bulkier wedge-shaped front part of the hull. Add-on spaced armor plates are bolted all around the hull over the base armor. All-round protection of the base armor is against NATO 7.62x51 mm armor-piercing rounds. Ballistic protection corresponds with STANAG 4569 Level 3. Front arc withstands hits from at least 12.7 mm rounds. Vehicle withstands mine blasts equivalent to 8 kg of TNT. The turret is fitted with a cage armor, which provides protection against anti-tank rockets and missiles. The BTR-4MV1 is equipped with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

This APC is fitted with a BM-7 Parus remotely-operated turret. It is armed with a 30 mm automatic cannon, 30 mm automatic grenade launcher and 7.62 mm machine gun. All ammunition is stored externally. There are 2 external launchers for Baryer anti-tank guided missiles. These laser-guided missiles have a maximum range of 5 km and can engage tanks, vehicles, buildings and field fortifications. A total of 4 missiles are carried. The turret is fitted with a thermal sight.

This armored vehicle is operated by a crew of 3. It accommodates 7 dismounts. Troops enter and leave the vehicle via rear power-operated hatch with integral doors. Vehicle is fitted with external cameras that provide 360? vision. These cameras also have night vision capability.

The prototype was fitted with a Deutz BF6M 1015 CP diesel engine, developing 450 hp. It is mated to Allison automatic transmission. Despite increased armor, the BTR-4MV1 retains amphibious capability. Only minimum of preparation is required before entering the water. This APC can cross lakes and rivers afloat. On water it is propelled by two waterjets.