page_title: BMP-1
section_title: Amphibious capability
hierarchical_section_title: BMP-1 / Description / Maneuverability / Amphibious capability
caption_attribution_description: Two Marines lower the trim vane on the front of an Iraqi BMP-1 IFV captured during Operation Desert Storm.
context_page_description: The BMP-1 is a Soviet amphibious tracked infantry fighting vehicle. BMP stands for Boyevaya Mashina Pekhoty 1, meaning "infantry fighting vehicle". The BMP-1 was the first mass-produced infantry fighting vehicle of the Soviet Union. It was called the M-1967, BMP and BMP-76PB by NATO before its correct designation was known.
  The Soviet military leadership saw any future wars as being conducted with nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and a new design, like the BMP, combining the properties of an armored personnel carrier and a light tank would allow infantry to operate from the relative safety of its armoured, radiation-shielded interior in contaminated areas and to fight alongside it in uncontaminated areas. It would increase infantry squad mobility, provide fire support to them, and also be able to fight alongside main battle tanks.
  The BMP-1 was first tested in combat in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, where it was used by Egyptian and Syrian forces. Based on lessons learned from this conflict, and early experiences in the Soviet–Afghan War, a version with improved fighting qualities was developed, called the BMP-2. It was accepted into service in August 1980.
context_section_description: The BMP-1 is amphibious, propelling itself in the water using its tracks, assisted by hydrodynamic fairings on the track upper side covers. Top swimming speed is 8 kilometres per hour (5.0 mph). The shape of the hull and some features (hollow road wheels and road wheel arms with air chambers) aid flotation. The BMP-1 can overcome water barriers with a current of up to 1.2 metres (1.3 yd) per second and waves up to 0.25 metres (0.82 ft) high. More challenging conditions require engineer support.
  Before entering the water, the trim vane at the front of the hull should be erected to prevent water from flooding over the bow. While in its traveling position, it serves as additional frontal armor. The rear doors of the troop compartment must be closed tightly before entering the water. Also, before entering the water, either full crew of eight troopers or an equivalent ballast must be present in the rear of the vehicle, otherwise vehicle balance is upset and it could sink, as it's naturally front heavy.
  The BMP-1 can cross water obstacles such as rivers and lakes but it is not intended for sea landing operations.
caption: Two US Marines lower the trim vane on the front of an Iraqi BMP-1 captured during Operation Desert Storm, 17 March 1991
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