KMDB to develop BMP-U

Ukroboronprom’s Kharkiv Morozov Machine-Building Design Bureau (KMDB) is working on a new BMP-U infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) that will enter into service with the Ukrainian Army in 2020, the company announced on 25 May.

The new IFV will replace the existing BMP-1 and BMP-2 IFVs. KMDB has already developed design documentation; prototype manufacture and testing of vehicle will take place in 2019.

The BMP-U IFV will be used to provide transportation and fire support to ground forces. The vehicle will be capable of carrying three crew members and seven paratroopers. The level of protection of the BMP-U will be 10-12% higher than the BTR-4, with the vehicle’s engine transmission compartment to be located in the front to ensure a greater level of crew protection.

The vehicle will be equipped with a 735hp diesel engine and automatic transmission for high manoeuvrability and speed on the battlefield. The vehicle will weigh between 25t and 27t and have a power-to-weight ratio of 27-29 hp/t. It will be armed with the BM-8 combat module with improved characteristics, a 30mm automatic gun, automatic grenade launcher, machine gun, as well as the Barrier guided anti-tank missile.

Featuring a modular design, BMP-U will be used as the base for a whole family of tracked vehicles including command vehicle, command and staff vehicle, reconnaissance, medical, repair and evacuation variants.

KMDB is also developing a next-generation tank. Work has included a preliminary development of the engine transmission compartment and the calculation of the main engine parameters, as well as works on manufacturing transmission prototypes.

The new tank’s 1500hp engine will be capable of working on different types of fuels. It will have compact dimensions and a modular design.

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