The BTR-4 Bucephalus is a modernized Ukrainian version of the Soviet BTR-80. In Russia, the result of such modifications was called the BTR-82A. These vehicles were put into service at about the same time: the BTR-4 – in 2011, the BTR-82A – in 2014. In the Russian Federation, 2 thousand armored personnel carriers of this type were produced, and in Ukraine – no more than 100.
Due to a serious change in the body, the mass of the Ukrainian vehicle reached 22 tons. For the Russian analogue, it is 15.5 tons.
The maximum speed of the BTR-82A remains the same: 80 km/h. For the Bucephalus, this speed reaches 110 km/h.
The overall body of the Bucephalus has changed much more than that of the BTR-80 than that of the BTR-82A. In the rear part of the hull of the BTR-4 there is a ramp for unloading and loading of troops, the workplaces of the commander and driver are equipped with hinged doors, and the front of the vehicle is equipped with armored windows. The RF analogue retains side hatches, like the Soviet version. Moreover, both vehicles are capable of withstanding only small-caliber screw guns.
The interior of the BTR-82A is covered with a Kevlar anti-fragmentation mudguard; the Ukrainian equivalent does not have this. However, the Ukrainian one has bars around the body of the car.
The main armament of both armored personnel carriers consists of a rapid-fire 30 mm cannon and a 7.62 mm machine gun. The Ukrainian vehicle is capable of hitting targets at ranges of up to 2 km, while the Russian equivalents allow operation at ranges of up to 3 km.
The combat module of the Ukrainian vehicle includes the Barrier anti-tank missile system. It is capable of hitting targets at ranges of up to 5 km. The BTR-82 cannot boast of such a thing. In addition, the Bucephalus is generally more versatile. In addition to missiles, there is also an AGS-17 grenade launcher. In terms of fire control systems, the vehicles are approximately equal.
The cost of the BTR-82A is currently 24 million rubles. If we convert the cost of the BTR-4 into rubles at the exchange rate before the start of the SVO, it will be 16.5 million rubles.
Source: Ferra
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