Difference between revisions of "BMP-3"

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{{Specs-Card|code=ussr_bmp_3}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = Soviet light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other uses
 +
| link = BMP (Disambiguation)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=ussr_bmp_3
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}_Sodema.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (Object 688M) was a Soviet IFV designed with the intent of fulfilling a dual role of transporting infantry and providing heavy firepower support on the battlefield. Its development began in the 1970s, when engineers at Kurganmashzavod first came up with the idea, and it continued through the 1980s. It entered service with the Soviet Army in 1987, becoming an integral part of their armoured units. One of the most notable differences between the {{Specs|name}} and its predecessor, the [[BMP-2]], is the weaponry. While the BMP-2 was armed with a 30 mm 2A42 autocannon and the [[9M113 Konkurs]] ATGM, the {{Specs|name}} boasted much more potent armament. Its 100 mm 2A70 semi-automatic cannon, in combination with a 30 mm 2A72 autocannon, gave it an edge in both anti-armour capabilities and fire support. Throughout its relatively brief service in the Soviet Union, the {{Specs|name}} proved successful in its intended roles. It later served in the Russian military and was exported to a number of other nations.
{{break}}
+
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.93 "Shark Attack"]].
+
The {{Specs|name}} was introduced in [[Update 1.93 "Shark Attack"]] as a high-tier IFV. It uses its main cannon to fire ATGMs, in contrast to earlier BMP variants. However, there is the option to select HE shells for engaging lighter targets and the convenience of a quicker reload time compared to the ATGMs. Apart from that, the {{Specs|name}} still retains the capabilities of earlier variants, notably the BMP-2.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
+
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 +
 
 +
The BMP-3 is an Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), and has comparable armour to other IFVs. It uses special alloys in its construction, which are not equivalent to Rolled Homogeneous Armour (RHA, this is the type of armour that ammunition displays penetration against on stat cards). The front of the BMP-3 has about 50 mm of armour with an additional fuel tank behind this armour. This protects it against any machine gun and some small cannon rounds such as 20 mm, but it will be penetrated by any IFV autocannon that it might face. The front turret armour has similar levels of protection. The side armour is even worse, at only about 20 mm RHA effectiveness, it will be penetrated by .50 calibre ammunition.
 +
 
 +
The survivability of the BMP-3 is very low. It has only 3 crew members who are closely spaced together. This means that most penetrating rounds will destroy the BMP-3 in one shot. Additionally, the BMP-3 is subject to the overpressure mechanic, so it will often be destroyed instantly when a large-calibre HE round detonates next to it. There are some empty spaces in the BMP-3 like the fuel tank in the front or the area in the back above the engine (where infantry would sit), but these would only be hit when directly side on with an enemy.
 +
 
 +
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
 +
* Alloy ABT-102 - Main
 +
* High hardness rolled armour - Trim Vane and Turret Applique
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 60 mm (31°) + 12 mm + 10 mm ''Upper Glacis'' <br> 60 mm (51°) + 10 mm ''Lower Glacis'' || 60 mm ''Upper Front'' <br> 43 mm ''Upper Rear'' <br> 43 mm ''Lower'' || 43 mm || 15 - 20 mm
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 20 mm (47°) - 50 mm (42°) +16 mm ''Turret front'' <br> 70 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 50 mm + 16 mm ''Frontal side'' <br> 43 mm ''Rear side'' || 43 mm || 18 mm
 +
|-
 +
| Cupola || colspan="3" | 20 mm || 18 mm
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
 +
* Turret Ring - 43 mm
 +
* Fenders - 4 mm
 +
* Tracks and Suspension - 10 mm
 +
* There is a 100 mm thick log on the left side.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
  
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 775|rbMinHp= 442}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=775|rbMinHp=442}}
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Advise about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{main|2A70 (100 mm)}}
+
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 +
{{main|2A72 (30 mm)}}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="6" | [[2A70 (100 mm)|100 mm 2A70]]
+
! colspan="6" | [[2A72 (30 mm)|30 mm 2A72]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="3" | Capacity
+
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Vertical<br>guidance
+
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Horizontal<br>guidance
+
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stabilizer
 
 
|-
 
|-
| colspan="3" | 48 || -6°/+60° || ±180° || Two-plane
+
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 500 (250) || rowspan="2" | 330 || rowspan="2" | -6°/+60° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 33.3 || 46.1 || 56.0 || 61.9 || 65.9 || rowspan="2" | 1.30 || rowspan="2" | 1.15 || rowspan="2" | 1.06 || rowspan="2" | 1.00
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
+
! ''Realistic''
|-
+
| 20.8 || 24.5 || 29.8 || 32.9 || 35.0
! Mode
 
! Stock
 
! Upgraded
 
! Prior +<br>Full crew
 
! Prior +<br>Expert qualif.
 
! Prior +<br>Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
| ''Arcade'' || ??.?? || ??.?? || ??.?? || ??.?? || ??.??
 
|-
 
| ''Realistic'' || ??.?? || ??.?? || ??.?? || ??.?? || ??.??
 
|-
 
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Prior +<br>Full crew
 
! Prior +<br>Expert qualif.
 
! Prior +<br>Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
| ??.?? || ??.?? || ??.?? || ??.??
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
 
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
+
* '''30 mm HE:''' {{Annotation|HEF-I*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-T*|High-explosive fragmentation tracer (self-destroying)}}
|-
+
* '''30 mm APT:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-T*|High-explosive fragmentation tracer (self-destroying)}}
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
+
* '''30 mm APDS:''' {{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-T*|High-explosive fragmentation tracer (self-destroying)}}
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
+
 
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
+
{{:2A72 (30 mm)/Ammunition|HEF-T*, AP-T, HEF-I*, APDS}}
|-
 
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
|-
 
| 3OF32 || HE || 31 || 31 || 31 || 31 || 31 || 31
 
|-
 
| 3OF70 || HE || 36 || 36 || 36 || 36 || 36 || 36
 
|-
 
| 9M117 || ATGM || 600 || 600 || 600 || 600 || 600 || 600
 
|-
 
| 9M117M1 || ATGM || 750 || 750 || 750 || 750 || 750 || 750
 
|-
 
|}
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
! colspan="11" | Shell details
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
! rowspan="2" | Normalisation at 30°<br>from horizontal
 
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
|-
 
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
|-
 
| 3OF32 || HE || 250 || 15.6 || 0.1 || N/A || 2602.6 || +0.0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
|-
 
| 3OF70 || HE || 355 || 15.8 || 0.1 || N/A || 3542 || +0.0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
|-
 
| 9M117 || ATGM || 370 || 18.8 || N/A || 0.1 || 3000 || ?.?° || 80° || 82° || 90°
 
|-
 
| 9M117M1 || ATGM || 370 || 18.8 || 0.2 || 0.1 || 3000 || ?.?° || 80° || 82° || 90°
 
|-
 
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
 
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
 +
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 113: Line 100:
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
| '''48''' || ?? ''(+??)'' || ?? ''(+??)'' || ?? ''(+??)'' || ?? ''(+??)'' || ?? ''(+??)'' || ?? ''(+??)'' || ??
+
| '''2''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
|-
 
|}
 
 
 
==== [[Optics]] ====
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} Optics
 
|-
 
!
 
! Default magnification
 
! Maximum magnification
 
|-
 
! Main Gun optics
 
| X7.4 || X8.0
 
|-
 
! Comparable optics
 
| colspan="2" | ???
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Additional armament ===
 
=== Additional armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
<!-- ''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
{{main|2A72 (30 mm)}}
+
{{main|2A70 (100 mm)}}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
 
! colspan="6" | [[2A72 (30 mm)|30 mm 2A72]]
 
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="3" | Capacity
+
! colspan="4" | [[2A70 (100 mm)|100 mm 2A70]]
! Vertical<br>guidance
+
! Reloading rate rounds (seconds)
! Horizontal<br>guidance
+
! Reloading rate ATGM (seconds)
! Stabilizer
 
 
|-
 
|-
| colspan="3" | 500 || -6°/+60° || N/A || Vertical
+
! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 +
! Autoloader !! Autoloader
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
+
| 48 || N/A || N/A || Two-plane
|-
+
| 4.00 || 20.00
! Mode
 
! Stock
 
! Upgraded
 
! Prior +<br>Full crew
 
! Prior +<br>Expert qualif.
 
! Prior +<br>Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
| ''Arcade'' || ??.?? || ??.?? || ??.?? || ??.?? || ??.??
 
|-
 
| ''Realistic'' || ??.?? || ??.?? || ??.?? || ??.?? || ??.??
 
|-
 
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Prior +<br>Full crew
 
! Prior +<br>Expert qualif.
 
! Prior +<br>Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
| ??.?? || ??.?? || ??.?? || ??.??
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
The BMP-3 can only take 8 ATGMs in total.
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
 +
{{:2A70 (100 mm)/Ammunition|3OF32, 3OF70, 9M117, 9M117M1}}
  
* '''30 mm HE (Default):''' {{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}
+
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
* '''30 mm HE:''' {{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-T|High-explosive fragmentation tracer}}
+
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
* '''30 mm AP:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-T|High-explosive fragmentation tracer}}
+
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
* '''30 mm HVAP:''' {{Annotation|HVAP|High-velocity armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HVAP|High-velocity armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HVAP|High-velocity armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HVAP|High-velocity armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-T|High-explosive fragmentation tracer}}
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
! colspan="7" | Penetration statistics
 
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
+
! Full<br>ammo
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
+
! 1st<br>rack empty
|-
+
! 2nd<br>rack empty
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
+
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 +
! 4th<br>rack empty
 +
! 5th<br>rack empty
 +
! 6th<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
| 30 mm APT || 64 || 62 || 50 || 38 || 29 || 22
+
| '''48''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
|-
 
| 30 mm HE (Default)|| 64 || 62 || 50 || 38 || 29 || 22
 
|-
 
| 30 mm HE || 64 || 62 || 50 || 38 || 29 || 22
 
|-
 
| 30 mm HVAP || 100 || 95 || 80 || 72 || 62 || 50
 
|-
 
|}
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
! rowspan="2" | Normalisation at 30°<br>from horizontal
 
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
|-
 
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
|-
 
| AP-T || 970 || 0.4 || N/A || N/A || N/A || -1.0° || 47° || 60° || 65°
 
|-
 
| HEF-I || 960 || 0.389 || 0.2 || 0.1 || 49 || +0.0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
|-
 
| HVAP || 1,120 || 0.304 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 66° || 70° || 72°
 
|-
 
| HEF-T || 960 || 0.385 || 0.2 || 0.1 || 11.6 || +0.0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
 
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 
{{main|PKT (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|PKT (7.62 mm)}}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
 
! colspan="4" | [[PKT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm PKT]]
 
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="4" | ''Coaxial mount''
+
! colspan="5" | [[PKT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm PKT]]
 
|-
 
|-
! Capacity<br>(Belt capacity)
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
! Fire rate<br>(shots/minute)
 
! Vertical<br>guidance
 
! Horizontal<br>guidance
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 2,000 (250) || 700 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 2,000 (250) || 700 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
  
=== Modules ===
+
'''Stock:'''
{| class="wikitable"
+
 
! Tier
+
When stock the BMP-3 will face many challenges. Many of the strongest tools the BMP-3 has available are locked behind modifications, most importantly, the Thermal sight and APDS 30 mm ammunition belt. Stock BMP-3 commanders have two options available to them: Stay in the back line and use the ATGM or try and brawl up close with the 30 mm. Unfortunately, the 30 mm only has 65 mm of penetration when stock, so up-close brawling is not an ideal strategy. Additionally, the ATGM reload is rather slow. These will be a challenge to overcome when spading this vehicle.
! colspan="2" | Mobility
+
 
! Protection
+
'''Spaded:'''
! colspan="3" | Firepower
+
 
|-
+
When spaded the BMP-3 has access to a variety of powerful tools. The tandem warhead ATGM has excellent speed and penetration, although it still has a slow reload. The tandem warhead can easily penetrate even vehicles protected by ERA bricks. The APDS belts on the 30 mm can easily penetrate the sides of most western MBTs. The thermals can even see through the ESS that the BMP-3 can lay down, so this may be used against vehicles without thermals. Despite these advantages, BMP-3 commanders should play carefully, as the ATGM reload still means that engaging more than one target at once will likely end in a quick trip back to the hangar. This is not helped by the fact that the BMP-3 has little in terms of armour and survivability. The two strategies that will be most effective for the BMP-3 are to either try and flank enemies and take them on one by one up close, or use tandem warhead ATGMs to engage at longer ranges. However, long range engagements will not result in many kills, because enemies may have a chance to move to cover before the ATGM has reloaded. Sometimes it would be better to use your better HE shell (3OF70) and fire them at enemy's that are hull down or completely covered by objects like rocks. This works perfect in maps with opposing sniper spots or when see the radar of a SPAA in their safe zone. The low muzzle velocity combined with laser rangefinder allows to make shots that are impossible to do for other vehicles.
| I
+
The BMP-3 has few upsides to comparable tanks (BMP-2M) and many severe downsides and requires a very passive type playstyle to use effectively.
| Tracks
 
|
 
| Parts
 
| Horizontal Drive
 
| NVD
 
| Laser rangefinder
 
|-
 
| II
 
| Suspension
 
| Brake System
 
| FPE
 
| Adjustment of Fire
 
| Airstrike
 
| 9M117M1
 
|-
 
| III
 
| Filters
 
|
 
| Crew Replenishment
 
| Elevation Mechanism
 
| Smoke grenade
 
| 30 mm APT
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| Transmission
 
| Engine
 
| ESS
 
| Artillery Support
 
| Improved optics
 
| 30 mm HVAP
 
|-
 
|}
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
<!--Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
* High maneuverability
+
* High manoeuvrability
* Quick followup with 30mm armament
+
* Quick follow-up with 30 mm armament
 
* Amphibious
 
* Amphibious
 +
* Hydropneumatic suspension
 
* ATGM rounds with tandem warheads
 
* ATGM rounds with tandem warheads
* Currently the best (highest resolution) thermal sight in the game
+
* Generation 2 thermal sight for gunner
 
* High gun elevation (60°)
 
* High gun elevation (60°)
 
* 4 second autoloader when using HE
 
* 4 second autoloader when using HE
Line 299: Line 189:
  
 
* Large profile
 
* Large profile
* HE rounds have little penetration
+
* HE rounds have little penetration or damage
 
* HE rounds have low muzzle velocity
 
* HE rounds have low muzzle velocity
* Reload rate for ATGM is slower than HE rounds
+
* Reload rate for ATGM is slower than HE rounds (23s)
* Susceptible to Hull Break
+
* Lack of commander thermal sights causes tunnel vision
 +
* Poor Survivability
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
In the late 70s, the Kurganmashzavod factory started developing a new infantry fighting vehicle to replace the BMP-1. The vehicle got a new experimental light tank chassis. The first models were supposed to be equipped with a 30mm cannon as its primary weapon, as well as grenade launchers, machine guns, and ATGM launchers. The military considered the vehicle’s armament to be insufficient and said that it offered no real advantage over the BMP-1. In order to correct the situation, the Tula-based engineers suggested a new turret with the following armament: a rifled 100mm semi automatic cannon (also an ATGM launcher), a 30mm automatic cannon, and a PKT machine gun.
+
'''Development'''
 +
 
 +
The Object 685 light tank design was created in 1975. It was an amphibious light tank armed with a 100 mm cannon. The Object 685 never received any production orders, but the chassis and engine from the Object 685 would become the basis of the Object 688 infantry fighting vehicle. The Object 688 would become the BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle.
 +
 
 +
'''Design'''
 +
 
 +
The hull has a similar shape to the BMP-1 and BMP-2 but the internal layout is different. The engine was placed at the rear right side of the vehicle, the driver sat at the front center, two infantry behind him, then the two man turret, and then the crew compartment at the rear. To dismount the vehicle, the infantry had to climb over the engine and out the rear doors. The armour protection is against 30 mm autocannon rounds at the front and 12.7 mm machine gun rounds on the sides and rear, when add-on armour kits are added. There are ERA kits that can be equipped as well. Main armament consists of a 2A70 100 mm gun - which can fire ATGMs - and a co-axial 2A72 30 mm autocannon. Secondary armament consists of a co-axial 7.62 mm machine gun. The armament is housed in a round, centrally mounted, turret. Power is provided by a UTD-29 450 hp engine, while later in production it received a UTD-29M 500 hp engine. The BMP-3 is also amphibious, propelled by its spinning tracks.
 +
 
 +
'''Service and Production'''
 +
 
 +
Over 2,000 BMP-3's have been produced, seeing combat in several conflicts. The BMP-3 has seen significant export, and has many modifications and variants. It is intended to be replaced by the Kurganets-25 in service.
 +
 
 +
=== [[wt:en/news/6428-development-bmp-3-helping-hand-en|Devblog]] ===
 +
In the late 70s, the Kurganmashzavod factory started developing a new infantry fighting vehicle to replace the BMP-1. The vehicle got a new experimental light tank chassis. The first models were supposed to be equipped with a 30 mm cannon as its primary weapon, as well as grenade launchers, machine guns, and ATGM launchers. The military considered the vehicle's armament to be insufficient and said that it offered no real advantage over the BMP-1. In order to correct the situation, the Tula-based engineers suggested a new turret with the following armament: a rifled 100 mm semi-automatic cannon (also an ATGM launcher), a 30 mm automatic cannon, and a PKT machine gun.
  
 
The vehicle successfully underwent testing in this state, and in 1987, was accepted into the Soviet Army with the designation BMP-3. Since then, this combat vehicle has been used by the Russian Army and over ten other countries, with especially large quantities being purchased by the United Arab Emirates where the vehicle was chosen over the Bradley and Warrior. The BMP-3 is constantly being upgraded and is still considered one of the best combat vehicles of its class in the world.
 
The vehicle successfully underwent testing in this state, and in 1987, was accepted into the Soviet Army with the designation BMP-3. Since then, this combat vehicle has been used by the Russian Army and over ten other countries, with especially large quantities being purchased by the United Arab Emirates where the vehicle was chosen over the Bradley and Warrior. The BMP-3 is constantly being upgraded and is still considered one of the best combat vehicles of its class in the world.
  
''- From [[wt:en/news/6428-development-bmp-3-helping-hand-en|Devblog]]''
+
== Media ==
 +
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
  
== Media ==
+
;Skins
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_bmp_3 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|25_5geR39Zw|'''BMP Family''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 06:11 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|HyNN2mYm1y0|'''Top Tier Potato Launcher - BMP-3''' - ''JustinPlaysYT''|wbjuu5lOTPg|'''BMP-3 - BMP-2 IMO Is Better''' - ''Napalmratte''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 324: Line 233:
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
 
* [[wt:en/news/6428-development-bmp-3-helping-hand-en|[Development] BMP-3 - Helping hand]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/6428-development-bmp-3-helping-hand-en|[Development] BMP-3 - Helping hand]]
 +
 +
=== References ===
 +
 +
;Bibliography
 +
 +
* David B. (2017, June 18). BMP-3. Tank Encyclopedia. https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/soviet/bmp-3.php
 +
* BMP-3. (2020, April 19). In ''Wikipedia''. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=BMP-3&oldid=951891576
  
 
{{USSR light tanks}}
 
{{USSR light tanks}}
 
[[Category:ATGM vehicles]]
 
[[Category:ATGM vehicles]]

Latest revision as of 15:40, 4 May 2024

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the Soviet light tank BMP-3. For other uses, see BMP (Disambiguation).
ussr_bmp_3.png
GarageImage BMP-3.jpg
GarageImage BMP-3 Sodema.jpg
ArtImage BMP-3.png
BMP-3
AB RB SB
8.7 9.0 9.0
Class:
Research:190 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:520 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The BMP-3 (Object 688M) was a Soviet IFV designed with the intent of fulfilling a dual role of transporting infantry and providing heavy firepower support on the battlefield. Its development began in the 1970s, when engineers at Kurganmashzavod first came up with the idea, and it continued through the 1980s. It entered service with the Soviet Army in 1987, becoming an integral part of their armoured units. One of the most notable differences between the BMP-3 and its predecessor, the BMP-2, is the weaponry. While the BMP-2 was armed with a 30 mm 2A42 autocannon and the 9M113 Konkurs ATGM, the BMP-3 boasted much more potent armament. Its 100 mm 2A70 semi-automatic cannon, in combination with a 30 mm 2A72 autocannon, gave it an edge in both anti-armour capabilities and fire support. Throughout its relatively brief service in the Soviet Union, the BMP-3 proved successful in its intended roles. It later served in the Russian military and was exported to a number of other nations.

The BMP-3 was introduced in Update 1.93 "Shark Attack" as a high-tier IFV. It uses its main cannon to fire ATGMs, in contrast to earlier BMP variants. However, there is the option to select HE shells for engaging lighter targets and the convenience of a quicker reload time compared to the ATGMs. Apart from that, the BMP-3 still retains the capabilities of earlier variants, notably the BMP-2.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
ESS
Creation of a smoke screen in the direction of movement of the vehicle
Self-entrenching equipment
Creation of ramparts and trenches in soft ground
Armourfront / side / back
Hull60 / 43 / 13
Turret50 / 43 / 43
Crew3 people
Visibility79 %

The BMP-3 is an Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), and has comparable armour to other IFVs. It uses special alloys in its construction, which are not equivalent to Rolled Homogeneous Armour (RHA, this is the type of armour that ammunition displays penetration against on stat cards). The front of the BMP-3 has about 50 mm of armour with an additional fuel tank behind this armour. This protects it against any machine gun and some small cannon rounds such as 20 mm, but it will be penetrated by any IFV autocannon that it might face. The front turret armour has similar levels of protection. The side armour is even worse, at only about 20 mm RHA effectiveness, it will be penetrated by .50 calibre ammunition.

The survivability of the BMP-3 is very low. It has only 3 crew members who are closely spaced together. This means that most penetrating rounds will destroy the BMP-3 in one shot. Additionally, the BMP-3 is subject to the overpressure mechanic, so it will often be destroyed instantly when a large-calibre HE round detonates next to it. There are some empty spaces in the BMP-3 like the fuel tank in the front or the area in the back above the engine (where infantry would sit), but these would only be hit when directly side on with an enemy.

Armour type:

  • Alloy ABT-102 - Main
  • High hardness rolled armour - Trim Vane and Turret Applique
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 60 mm (31°) + 12 mm + 10 mm Upper Glacis
60 mm (51°) + 10 mm Lower Glacis
60 mm Upper Front
43 mm Upper Rear
43 mm Lower
43 mm 15 - 20 mm
Turret 20 mm (47°) - 50 mm (42°) +16 mm Turret front
70 mm Gun mantlet
50 mm + 16 mm Frontal side
43 mm Rear side
43 mm 18 mm
Cupola 20 mm 18 mm

Notes:

  • Turret Ring - 43 mm
  • Fenders - 4 mm
  • Tracks and Suspension - 10 mm
  • There is a 100 mm thick log on the left side.

Mobility

Amphibious
The design allows you to swim and control movement in the water
 
Controlled suspension
It is possible to adjust the ground clearance or more complex suspension positions
Speedforward / back
AB78 / 23 km/h
RB and SB71 / 21 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
4 back
Weight18.7 t
Engine power
AB954 hp
RB and SB500 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB51.0 hp/t
RB and SB26.7 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 78 23 18.7 775 954 41.44 51.02
Realistic 71 21 442 500 23.64 26.74

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 844 → 5 375 Sl icon.png
RB2 968 → 5 609 Sl icon.png
SB3 438 → 6 497 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications158 800 Rp icon.png
263 400 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 600 Ge icon.png
Crew training150 000 Sl icon.png
Experts520 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces950 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
130 / 160 / 210 % Sl icon.png
220 / 220 / 220 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
6 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods dozer blade.png
Dozer Blade
Research:
6 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
6 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 900 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
6 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 900 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
7 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
7 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
1 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 900 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
Thermal sight "Sodema"
Research:
6 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 900 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement ussr.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
ESS
Research:
7 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
7 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
6 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
6 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
6 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 900 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods airstrike.png
Airstrike
Research:
6 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 900 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
100mm_9m117m1_ammo_pack
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods scout streak.png
Scout UAV
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
7 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods scouting.png
Improved optics
Research:
7 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
30mm_2a42_APDS_ammo_pack
Research:
7 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Main armament

Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition500 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reload1.0 s
Fire rate330 shots/min
Vertical guidance-6° / 60°
Main article: 2A72 (30 mm)
30 mm 2A72 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 500 (250) 330 -6°/+60° ±180° Two-plane 33.3 46.1 56.0 61.9 65.9 1.30 1.15 1.06 1.00
Realistic 20.8 24.5 29.8 32.9 35.0

Ammunition

  • 30 mm HE: HEF-I* · AP-T · HEF-I* · HEF-T*
  • 30 mm APT: AP-T · AP-T · AP-T · HEF-T*
  • 30 mm APDS: APDS · APDS · APDS · APDS · HEF-T*

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
HEF-T* 9 8 7 5 4 3
AP-T 65 63 53 44 36 29
HEF-I* 8 7 6 5 4 3
APDS 82 81 79 75 72 69
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
HEF-T* 960 0.39 0.1 0.1 17.86 79° 80° 81°
AP-T 970 0.4 - - - 47° 60° 65°
HEF-I* 960 0.39 0.1 0.1 75.46 79° 80° 81°
APDS 1,120 0.3 - - - 75° 78° 80°

Ammo racks

Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
5th
rack empty
6th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
2 __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __

Additional armament

Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Autoloader
Automatically feeds projectiles into the breech. The speed does not depend on the skills of the loader
Ammunition48 rounds
First-order22 rounds
Reload4.0 s
Main article: 2A70 (100 mm)
100 mm 2A70 Reloading rate rounds (seconds) Reloading rate ATGM (seconds)
Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Autoloader Autoloader
48 N/A N/A Two-plane 4.00 20.00

The BMP-3 can only take 8 ATGMs in total.

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
3OF32 HE 31 31 31 31 31 31
3OF70 HE 36 36 36 36 36 36
9M117 ATGM 600 600 600 600 600 600
9M117M1 ATGM (tandem) 750 750 750 750 750 750
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
3OF32 HE 250 15.6 0.2 0.1 2.6 79° 80° 81°
3OF70 HE 355 13.41 0.2 0.1 3.54 79° 80° 81°
Missile details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
(m/s)
Range
(m)
Projectile
mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
9M117 ATGM 370 4,000 18.8 0.05 0.1 4.77 80° 82° 90°
9M117M1 ATGM (tandem) 370 5,500 18.8 0.4 0.01 4.77 80° 82° 90°

Ammo racks

Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
5th
rack empty
6th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
48 __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __

Machine guns

Ammunition2 000 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reload8.0 s
Fire rate700 shots/min
Main article: PKT (7.62 mm)
7.62 mm PKT
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 2,000 (250) 700 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

Stock:

When stock the BMP-3 will face many challenges. Many of the strongest tools the BMP-3 has available are locked behind modifications, most importantly, the Thermal sight and APDS 30 mm ammunition belt. Stock BMP-3 commanders have two options available to them: Stay in the back line and use the ATGM or try and brawl up close with the 30 mm. Unfortunately, the 30 mm only has 65 mm of penetration when stock, so up-close brawling is not an ideal strategy. Additionally, the ATGM reload is rather slow. These will be a challenge to overcome when spading this vehicle.

Spaded:

When spaded the BMP-3 has access to a variety of powerful tools. The tandem warhead ATGM has excellent speed and penetration, although it still has a slow reload. The tandem warhead can easily penetrate even vehicles protected by ERA bricks. The APDS belts on the 30 mm can easily penetrate the sides of most western MBTs. The thermals can even see through the ESS that the BMP-3 can lay down, so this may be used against vehicles without thermals. Despite these advantages, BMP-3 commanders should play carefully, as the ATGM reload still means that engaging more than one target at once will likely end in a quick trip back to the hangar. This is not helped by the fact that the BMP-3 has little in terms of armour and survivability. The two strategies that will be most effective for the BMP-3 are to either try and flank enemies and take them on one by one up close, or use tandem warhead ATGMs to engage at longer ranges. However, long range engagements will not result in many kills, because enemies may have a chance to move to cover before the ATGM has reloaded. Sometimes it would be better to use your better HE shell (3OF70) and fire them at enemy's that are hull down or completely covered by objects like rocks. This works perfect in maps with opposing sniper spots or when see the radar of a SPAA in their safe zone. The low muzzle velocity combined with laser rangefinder allows to make shots that are impossible to do for other vehicles. The BMP-3 has few upsides to comparable tanks (BMP-2M) and many severe downsides and requires a very passive type playstyle to use effectively.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • High manoeuvrability
  • Quick follow-up with 30 mm armament
  • Amphibious
  • Hydropneumatic suspension
  • ATGM rounds with tandem warheads
  • Generation 2 thermal sight for gunner
  • High gun elevation (60°)
  • 4 second autoloader when using HE

Cons:

  • Large profile
  • HE rounds have little penetration or damage
  • HE rounds have low muzzle velocity
  • Reload rate for ATGM is slower than HE rounds (23s)
  • Lack of commander thermal sights causes tunnel vision
  • Poor Survivability

History

Development

The Object 685 light tank design was created in 1975. It was an amphibious light tank armed with a 100 mm cannon. The Object 685 never received any production orders, but the chassis and engine from the Object 685 would become the basis of the Object 688 infantry fighting vehicle. The Object 688 would become the BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle.

Design

The hull has a similar shape to the BMP-1 and BMP-2 but the internal layout is different. The engine was placed at the rear right side of the vehicle, the driver sat at the front center, two infantry behind him, then the two man turret, and then the crew compartment at the rear. To dismount the vehicle, the infantry had to climb over the engine and out the rear doors. The armour protection is against 30 mm autocannon rounds at the front and 12.7 mm machine gun rounds on the sides and rear, when add-on armour kits are added. There are ERA kits that can be equipped as well. Main armament consists of a 2A70 100 mm gun - which can fire ATGMs - and a co-axial 2A72 30 mm autocannon. Secondary armament consists of a co-axial 7.62 mm machine gun. The armament is housed in a round, centrally mounted, turret. Power is provided by a UTD-29 450 hp engine, while later in production it received a UTD-29M 500 hp engine. The BMP-3 is also amphibious, propelled by its spinning tracks.

Service and Production

Over 2,000 BMP-3's have been produced, seeing combat in several conflicts. The BMP-3 has seen significant export, and has many modifications and variants. It is intended to be replaced by the Kurganets-25 in service.

Devblog

In the late 70s, the Kurganmashzavod factory started developing a new infantry fighting vehicle to replace the BMP-1. The vehicle got a new experimental light tank chassis. The first models were supposed to be equipped with a 30 mm cannon as its primary weapon, as well as grenade launchers, machine guns, and ATGM launchers. The military considered the vehicle's armament to be insufficient and said that it offered no real advantage over the BMP-1. In order to correct the situation, the Tula-based engineers suggested a new turret with the following armament: a rifled 100 mm semi-automatic cannon (also an ATGM launcher), a 30 mm automatic cannon, and a PKT machine gun.

The vehicle successfully underwent testing in this state, and in 1987, was accepted into the Soviet Army with the designation BMP-3. Since then, this combat vehicle has been used by the Russian Army and over ten other countries, with especially large quantities being purchased by the United Arab Emirates where the vehicle was chosen over the Bradley and Warrior. The BMP-3 is constantly being upgraded and is still considered one of the best combat vehicles of its class in the world.

Media

Skins
Videos

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the vehicles;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

References

Bibliography


USSR light tanks
T-26  T-26 · T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br.) · T-26-4 · T-26E
BT  BT-5 · RBT-5 · BT-7 · BT-7 TD · BT-7M · BT-7A (F-32)
T-50  T-126 · T-50
T-70  T-70 · T-80
PT-76  PT-76B · PT-76-57 · Object 906
BMP  BMP-1 · BMP-2 · BMP-2M · BMP-3
BMD  BMD-4
2S25  2S25 · 2S25M
Wheeled  BA-11 · BTR-80A
Other  T-60 · Object 685 · 2S38
China  ▂Type 62