The BRDM-2 became one of the Cold War’s most recognizable armored scout cars, combining amphibious mobility, trench-crossing belly wheels, and a turreted heavy machine gun.
BRDM-2. Primary reference image for this archive profile. Source date: 2010-07-21 13:03:53.AlfvanBeem; CC0Image source
RoleAmphibious armored reconnaissance
Drive4×4 plus retractable belly wheels
Main armament14.5 mm KPVT machine gun
Crew4
MediaPrimary image integrated
Origins and design
The BRDM-2 replaced the earlier BRDM-1 with a more powerful engine, revised internal arrangement, improved amphibious performance, and a small turret similar to that used on the BTR-60PB. Central tire-pressure control and belly wheels supported off-road reconnaissance. 1
Operational use
Extensive Soviet export made the BRDM-2 a common reconnaissance, command, and specialist chassis across dozens of armed forces. Many users later modernized the design with new engines, access doors, sensors, or weapons. 1
Reconnaissance role and lineage
Within the archive it is both a reconnaissance vehicle and a parent chassis for specialist missile, command, and CBRN variants that may belong in other mission categories. 1
Sources and further reading
Representative source set used for this profile. Primary image source and reuse terms are listed with the image.
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