I just don't get why they keep developing more and more wheeled APCs (that they won't produce) if they already have the Bumerang (which they also don't produce). Is there an issue with the design of the VPK-7829?
They needed something cheap. BTR-22 uses the same components as the BTR-82A except that it has the rear entrance door whereas the BTR-82A has two doors on the side, which is it's main point of criticism. This results in Russia having two currently mass produced mainline infantry carrier vehicles with less than desirable exit door layout. The other being the BMP-3 which has its exit door on the upper rear, which you have to jump from. This is in contrast to both the Soviet era BMP-1, the BMP-2 and the MT-LB which have the proper rear exits.
Bumerang of course has the proper rear exits.
However the Bumerang also costs like $4 fo $5 million which might be double of the BMP-3 and the BTR-82A is even cheaper than the BMP-3. If you have a $4 million dollar APC vs. a $2 million dollar APC, the $2 million balance can buy you a lot of drones. So while the extra $2 million can buy you valuable protection over the cheaper vehicle, that is still a lot of drones. The extra protection isn't going to last you long enough given how tanks also fall under these drones. It's better to use the extra drones to sanitize the zone to make it safe, for an assault.
The lack of proper rear exits has been a good reason to run programs refitting and modernizing BMP-1 as the 1AM, the -2 as the -2M, and the MT-LB.
The BMP-3 also has its version with the proper lower rear door with front engine, the BMP-3M. Again, production isn't on the table as they needed a non stop flow of BMP-3 to cover losses and damage.
BTR-82A vs. BMP-3. Reasons why the BTR-82A is the better battle taxi.
- Cheaper.
- Lighter helps with the mud.
- Welded steel construction. Steel doesn't burn like aluminum can. BMP-3, Bradley, and M-113, use mixed aluminum and steel. BMP-1 and -2 uses all welded steel. Latest Chinese IFV and APC also went with all steel.
- Wheels don't make the same noise tracks make. The extra stealth factor can make the difference between landing your troops and getting spotted.
- The increased ride height of the BTR-82A gives an edge in mine survival. Compared to it's BTR-80 predecessor, the BTR-82A has a reinforced floor for minefield protection, Kevlar and spall linings all over.
- The 100mm shell storage inside the BMP-3 can cause a catastrophic cook off if the vehicle is penetrated. These vehicles should not carry 100mm shell ammo if carrying troops, and only carry shells if they are in mission solely for engaging enemy positions.
- The extra height does means the BTR-82A is more likely to turn over compared to the BMP-3.
Latest version of BTR-82A added thermals and ATGM, same combat module is also on BMP-1 modernization.
Given the front eats up vehicles like there's no tomorrow, you need a constant high volume uninterrupted stream of vehicle to feed the front's needs. Uninterrupted is the key word here.
