BMP-2M
| This page is about the squadron Soviet light tank BMP-2M. For other uses, see BMP (Disambiguation). |
Contents
Description
The BMP-2M is a squadron rank VII Soviet light tank (infantry fighting vehicle) with a battle rating of 10.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced during Update "Starfighters".
General info
Survivability and armour
The vehicle's playstyle is relatively similar to the BMP-2's. The fast turret traverse speed, wide field of view, and thermals for the optics combined with a fast-firing 2A42 autocannon and four 9M133 ATGMs makes it an excellent close range combat IFV and good front line scout at open fields. Armour on this vehicle can only protect the crew from 7.62 mm fire at all angles and sometimes 12.7 mm or even 20 mm when being shot from the front. The BMP-2M is prone to hull-break, but sometimes AP rounds such as APFSDS can penetrate the vehicle without significant damage due to its large empty space inside. The hull-break mechanics will mean that even a poorly placed shot may immediately destroy the vehicle. Overall, survivability is poor, and the BMP-2M should use its manoeuvrability to flank opponents and strike before the enemy can locate you and return fire.
Armour type:
- High hardness rolled armour (hull and turret)
- Alloy ABT-101 (engine deck)
| Armour | Front (Slope angle) | Sides | Rear | Roof |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hull | 12 mm (81°) | 13 mm Top
15 mm Bottom |
16 mm Doors
13 mm Door frame |
5 mm
12 mm Engine deck |
| Turret | 20 mm Turret front
25 mm Gun mantlet |
12 - 16 mm | 10 mm | 6 mm |
Mobility
| Game Mode | Max Speed (km/h) | Weight (tons) | Engine power (horsepower) | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward | Reverse | Stock | Upgraded | Stock | Upgraded | ||
| Arcade | 73 | 12 | 14.5 | 558 | 763 | 38.48 | 52.62 |
| Realistic | 66 | 11 | 318 | 400 | 21.93 | 27.59 | |
With 60 extra horsepower, the BMP-2M has excellent mobility compared to the BMP-2. The acceleration of the BMP-2M in off road conditions is excellent, and it is able to keep up with top tier MBTs like the T-80U, M1A2 Abrams and Leopard 2A5. The reverse speed however is still 10 kilometers per hour and it still has no neutral steering. Its amphibious capabilities can be useful to cross deep water sections to reach places normally unreachable for other vehicles.
Modifications and economy
| Mobility | Protection | Firepower | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Armaments
Main armament
As this tank has a similar playstyle to its 8.3 counterpart, the BMP-2, the main armament of the Shipunov 2A42 30 mm autocannon is a very versatile weapon, considering its vertical guidance, traverse speed, and large selection of ammo belts.
It is not recommended to engage in long-term combat without ATGMs using only the autocannon with any tank heavier than a light tank or an Anti-Tank Missile Carrier unless using the APDS ammo selection. If not using APDS, for heavier tanks it is recommended to cripple it by shooting its tracks and the main armament.
| 30 mm 2A42 | 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 (340) | 550 | -4°/+74° | ±180° | Two-plane | 57.1 | 79.1 | 96.0 | __.__ | 112.0 | 1.3 | 1.15 | 1.1 | 1.0 |
| Realistic | 35.7 | 42.0 | 51.0 | __.__ | 60.0 | |||||||||
Ammunition
- Default: AP-T · HEF-I*
- 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 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belt | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm) | |||||
| 10 m | 100 m | 500 m | 1,000 m | 1,500 m | 2,000 m | |
| Default | 65 | 62 | 50 | 38 | 29 | 22 |
| 30 mm HE | 65 | 62 | 50 | 38 | 29 | 22 |
| 30 mm APT | 65 | 62 | 50 | 38 | 29 | 22 |
| 30 mm APDS | 82 | 81 | 79 | 75 | 72 | 69 |
Ammo racks
| Full ammo |
1st rack empty |
Visual discrepancy |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 0 (+2) | No |
Additional armament
Unlike the BMP-2 which only has one ATGM launcher and takes some time to reload, the ATGMs on the BMP-2M are arranged in 4 slots, 2 on either side of the tank. If all 4 are expended, an extra 4 will be able to reload if chosen in the battle start up.
|
It is strongly recommended to keybind "Fire from secondary guns" to something different to "Fire from the main calibre gun", or the ATGMs will fire each time you fire the 30 mm autocannon, therefore wasting your ATGMs. |
| 9M133 missile | Reloading rate (seconds) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity (Belt) | Vertical | Horizontal | Stabilizer | Stock | Full | Expert | Aced |
| 8 (4) | -5°/+10° | N/A | N/A | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
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 | ||
| 9M133 | ATGM (tandem) | 1,200 | 1,200 | 1,200 | 1,200 | 1,200 | 1,200 |
| 9M133FM-3 | ATGM-HE | 61 | 61 | 61 | 61 | 61 | 61 |
| Shell details | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ammunition | Type of warhead |
Velocity (m/s) |
Range (m) |
Projectile Mass (kg) |
Fuse delay (m) |
Fuse sensitivity (mm) |
Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g) |
Ricochet | ||
| 0% | 50% | 100% | ||||||||
| 9M133 | ATGM (tandem) | 300 | 5,500 | 26 | 0.2 | 0.01 | 6,160 | 80° | 82° | 90° |
| 9M133FM-3 | ATGM-HE | 300 | 8,000 | 26 | 0.2 | 0.01 | 9,240 | 79° | 80° | 81° |
Ammo racks
| Full ammo |
1st rack empty |
2nd rack empty |
Visual discrepancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 (+1) | 0 (+2) | No |
Additional armament
| 30 mm AG-30 | Reloading rate (seconds) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity (Belt) | Fire rate | Vertical | Horizontal | Stabilizer | Stock | Full | Expert | Aced |
| 300 (300) | 400 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 1.8 |
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 | ||
| VOG-30 | VOG* | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Shell details | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ammunition | Type of warhead |
Velocity (m/s) |
Projectile Mass (kg) |
Fuse delay (m) |
Fuse sensitivity (mm) |
Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g) |
Ricochet | ||
| 0% | 50% | 100% | |||||||
| VOG-30 | VOG* | 185 | 0.28 | 0 | 0.1 | 55.44 | 79° | 80° | 81° |
Ammo racks
| Full ammo |
1st rack empty |
Visual discrepancy |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 (+1) | No |
Machine guns
| 7.62 mm PKT | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount | Capacity (Belt) | Fire rate | Vertical | Horizontal |
| Coaxial | 2,000 (250) | 700 | N/A | N/A |
Usage in battles
Overview
The BMP-2M is a light, mobile yet lethal light tank unlock-able for 520.000 squadron points. Although its survivability and amour are not worth mentionable, its armament and utility are unmatched at its battle-rating. Given its placement in the VII rank, it can effectively research every vehicle found on the same rank.
Gameplay and tactics
It is highly recommended to avoid frontal confrontation with vehicles of any kind, due to the very thin armour and hull-break in combination with the high density of ammunition and crew. There is a variety of different approaches to the game-play, all of which the BMP-2M well exceeds at.
- Support and repair - This style of game-play is most useful in close quarters maps/engagements especially when the vehicle is in a stock layout, making use of the auto-cannon, seeking out flanks and assisting with fast repairs. Good communication about targets is possible through the scouting feature. Adding to the support role is the 9M133FM-3 missile equipped with a HE warhead and proximity most effective against helicopters in particular.
- Flanking - The main feature of this strategy is the 30mm APDS belt which easily punches through the sides of any vehicle facing around its BR. The main focus is taking out crew members and possibly modules, as the post penetration damage can be fairly lacklustre unless directly hitting the crew/module. Basic knowledge about crew positions is most useful to get the most out of the vehicles rather limited 160 shells found in the APDS belt.
- Long-range tank hunting - Unlike the tech-tree BMP-2, this improved variant carries a much more potent ATGM system. With a range of 5.5km, a speed of 300m/s and a lethal 1200mm tandem shaped warhead, this system can easily deal with any armour found on its battle-rating and even far above it. Furthermore, 4 out of the total 8 missiles can be simultaneously fired and controlled at any given time, allowing to engage multiple targets standing close by launching each missile in quick succession before the initial one impacted. This is only further reinforced through the ability to fire on the move at any speed, unlike almost all other ATGM carrying systems. Even in the case that only one missile is left, a 6 second reload will aid a quick re-engagement.
Research and unlocking
For module research, the following order is most useful from left to right for each rank respectively (viable optional modifications in brackets);
- Parts (Horizontal Drive, Airstrike or Tracks)
- FPE, NVD either 9M133FM-3 or Adjustment of Fire (9M133FM-3)
- APDS, Filters and either Laser rangefinder or Crew replenishment (Elevation Mechanism)
- Engine, Smoke grenade or Transmission (ESS or Artillery support)
Conclusion
Is this vehicle worth researching? Absolutely! Although 520.000 squadron points are a long term investment of roughly 78 days at high activity, the BMP-2M makes for a great investment compared to other squadron vehicles and make for a great addition to any 8.7 or higher lineup.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- 2A42 autocannon can punch through most vehicles at its battle rating from the back, side and sometimes front
- Fast turret traverse speed, 35, 42, and 60 degrees per second at stock and full modifications respectively
- High-resolution thermal optics, wide field of view and 2.5 to 12 times zoom for gun sight, suitable for combat at any range
- 1,200 mm penetration power for the standard 9M133 missile; can fire and guide all four missiles simultaneously while on the move
- Can equip 9M133FM-3 HE missile with proximity fuses, useful for SPAA purposes
- Amphibious ability can be useful for crossing the water to areas hard-to-reach for other vehicles
- Very cheap repair cost means easy Silver Lions profit from combat
- Roof-mounted grenade launcher can clear obstacles that typically machine guns can not
- Relatively easy stock grind
- Can be played as a light tank, long range tank, CQB support vehicle, or SPAA
Cons:
- Missiles mounted on the turret has a chance to explode from shrapnel if too close to any form of explosion
- Chassis can only protect the crew from 7.62 mm and with limited 12.7 mm or bigger calibre ammunition protection from the front
- No neutral steering, the slow reverse speed maxes out at 10 kilometres per hour
- While driving, thermal optics vision to the left of the chassis at 30 to 50 degrees are obscured from the engine exhaust gas
- Grenade launcher has only 6 mm of pen and generally can't destroy opponents, instead being used against obstacles and clearing ERA at close range, sometimes damaging tracks or exposed ammo racks (eg ATGMs) at very close range
- ATGMs require discipline to use, as the urge to fire all four of them on contact is near irresistible. While firing all four ATGM ensures that the target tank is absolutely annihilated, it is a waste of ammunition if operator does not re-direct remaining missiles away from already destroyed tank towards next target
History
In 2017, the Russian Ministry of Defense signed a contract with KBP Instrument Design (Konstruktorskoe Buro Priborostroeniya) for the modernization of BMP-2 and BMD-2 to the BMP-2M ICV "Berezhok" and "Bereg" (not to be confused with the BMP-2M made by Kurganmashzavod. The M is the general designator for modernized units). It is meant to be a cost-effective update which will augment a clear sophistication compared to the BMP-3 It equipped the B05Ya01 Berezhok turret keeping the same autocannon of the BMP-2, the 2A42 30 mm autocannon, a PKTM 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun (tank version of the PKM), an AGS-30 30 mm grenade launcher, 2 B05S011 guided weapon system which made the BMP-2M capable of firing 4 9M113M Kornet ATGM (2 launchers per turret side), new NVD from the BMD-4, 1PZ-13 commander's periscope, the BPK-3-42 gunner's primary sight (GPS), PL-1 laser illuminator, a 370-horsepower UDT-23 engine, new armament stabilizers, ballistics computer and a laser rangefinder. The "Berezhok" variant was preferred by Algeria while the Russian MoD decided for the BMP-2M made by Kurganmashzavod. Currently, the production of the BMP-2M is still kept with the first 18 units being delivered in 2020.
Devblog
In the early 2000's, aside from the development of the new BMP-3, the Russian military had been looking into modernization of the widespread BMP-2 combat vehicles to face the challenges of the time. Amongst other projects proposed to the Russian Ministry of Defense under this program, an idea was raised to install the Berezhok combat complex on the BMP-2 chassis. Berezhok was a combat module created on the basis of the BMP-2 turret, but significantly increasing the overall fire potential of the vehicle. The main changes that Berezhok brought were the modern fire control system, the new highly capable Kornet ATGM, and the 30mm automatic grenade launcher on the top of the turret. The BMP-2M with the Berezhok module was produced for export to the Algerian army, and also purchased by the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Media
- Skins
- Images
- BMP-2M Devblog Images
- Videos
See also
- BMP-2: Base variant for the BMP-2M.
External links
| 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 |
| Squadron ground vehicles | |
|---|---|
| USA | M901 · M1A1 AIM |
| Germany | Leopard 2 PL |
| USSR | BMP-2M · T-80UK |
| Britain | Bhishma TWMP |
| Japan | RCV (P) |
| China | Object 122MT "MC" |
| France | CV 9035NL |
| Sweden | T 80 U |
| Israel | Magach 6B Gal |
- Ground vehicles
- USSR ground vehicles
- Seventh rank ground vehicles
- Squadron ground vehicles
- Light tanks
- Ground vehicles with smoke grenades
- Ground vehicles with engine smoke generating system
- Amphibious ground vehicles
- Ground vehicles with night vision device
- Ground vehicles with thermal sight
- Multi-weapon ground vehicles
- Ground vehicles with gun stabilizer
