Soviet "Tank" Guns, the BMP
First introduced in 1967, the BMP is considered to be one of the most significant vehicles of the 20th Century. It is the first infantry combat vehicle to mount cannon, ATGM and a rifle squad.
It is misleading to compare the BMP with NATO APCs/IFVs. Not only does the BMP mount heavier armament, but the squad fights mounted more often than dismounted.
The BMPs baptism of fire came in the 1973 Arab-Israeli War and was a utter diaster. The Syrian usage of the BMP is blamed by both sides for the BMP losses.
Main Gun: 2A20 73mm smoothbore cannon
Caliber Lenght: 19cal
Rate of Fire: 4rpm
Effective Range: 800m
Ammunition Types:
HEAT
HE
Muzzle Velocity:
HEAT = 665m/sec
HE = 400m/sec
Ammuntion Load: 40 rounds, broken down as 18 HEAT, 22 HE
Hit Probability:
ammunition 500m 1000m 1300m
HEAT 64% 40% 28%
Armor Penetration: HEAT will penetrate 400mm at all ranges.
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