BRDM-2
amphibious armored reconnaissance vehicle family
The BRDM-2 (Russian: Боевая Разведывательная Дозорная Машина; Boyevaya Razvedyvatelnaya Dozornaya Mashina, literally "Combat Reconnaissance/Patrol Vehicle") is an amphibious armoured scout car designed and developed in the Soviet Union. It was also known under the designations BTR-40PB, BTR-40P-2, and GAZ 41-08. This vehicle, like many other Soviet designs, has been exported extensively and is in use in at least 38 countries. It was intended to replace the older BRDM-1, and has improved amphibious capabilities and better armament compared to its predecessor.
History
After a few years of use by the Soviet Army, the limitations and drawbacks of the BRDM-1 became obvious. The vehicle had no turret and to operate the armament the gunner had to open a hatch and expose himself to enemy fire. The vehicle was not fitted with an NBC protection system, and had no night vision equipment by default. The vehicle also lacked any kind of special sights, which undermined its function as a reconnaissance vehicle. These drawbacks encouraged the design team to create a new vehicle which would suit the modern battlefield.
Construction
The BRDM-2 has a crew of four: a driver, a co-driver, a commander, and a gunner.
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