Soviet BTRs Still Being Used in the Ukraine War

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In the Russo-Ukrainian War, thousands of BTRs have been deployed and destroyed. Having already been often sighted within conflicts even as far as Afghanistan, Cuba, Egypt, and Iran during the Cold War, here we describe their various technical designs, how they have been continuously tinkered with, and their intended purposes. Beginning with the BTR-60 not long after World War II, and exploring their unusual amphibious capabilities, we conclude with the latest formidable BTR-82A and their impacts on the battle-zones.

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Credit:
Created by Daniel Turner (B.A. (Hons) in History, University College London)

Narrator:

Chris Kane

[rifroll]

The quality of the images in the animations have been significantly improving here. Keep it up y’all

[anytimeanywhere]

Thinking of where the escape hatch was placed and imagining people trying to get out of it while in motion always amused me.

[JaelaOrdo]

As the old Soviet saying goes “If it ain’t broke shut up and use it comrade.”

[AnonEMus-cpmn]

Despite how well known the BTR and other Soviet weapons are, the BTR-60/70/80's main armament: the KPVT heavy machine gun (KPV in its standard configuration) seems to get ignored. HMGs like the M2, DshK, and KORD are venerated for their 50 BMG/12.7x108 firepower, but the KPV fires the 14.5x114mm cartridge (the same used in the WWII PTRD and PTRS-41 anti-tank rifles) at 600rpm with 40rd belts (KPVT has unique 50rd belts). For the BTR this is serious firepower that outclasses the defensive capabilities of its own frontal armor, and could theoretically make short work of similarly matched IFVs, concrete structures, and anything in its effective engagement range. The KPV is probably outdated compared to modern 20-30mm auto cannons, but must have been formidable in the mid 20th century.

Note: Edited to correct technical mistakes.

[mikkoheirila]

The BTR-60 was also used by the finnish defense forces, it is most known here because there was a nasty accident in 1991 were one btr sunk while doing an ambhibious assault training exercise, and 7 conscripts drowned.

[gadget]

@7:26 "BTR-82A" is stated, but model pictured is a BTR-3E1, a Ukrainian design loosely based off of the BTR-80 but with significant differences in construction such as a higher hull roof. Yes, both 30mm autocannon armed BTR-80 variants, but easily distinguished at a glance.

[luisemoralesfalcon]

I remember these vehicles from Call of Duty MW 2 on Xbox 360, man do these things pack a punch.
Edit: then in the first MW the BMP's were a terror.

[americanoutcast]

I've always liked the BTR, such a cool looking design. APCS are much more interesting than standard tanks to me

[andrey]

BTR-82A looks different, but here I saw the Ukrainian BTR-3 (Yes, they are similar in terms of having a base of a modified BTR-80 and a 30mm cannon instead of a machine gun, but still they look different)

[WolfPriest_Leon]

The animator confused russian and ukrainian markings on 5:58 (UAF soldier with blue stripes are supported by BTR that has Prorussian tactical markings V), 8:05 (RUAF infantry supported by BTR82 with ukrainian pixel camo), 8:06 (UAF soldiers supported by BTR with russian tactical marking V)
I am curious what references he was using that he mixed it up so badly :D

[lancedeboer]

Fun fact: ukraine also built a successor model to the btr its called the btr 4 but its not like the traditional btr its more alike western counterparts like the us stryker. Thanks for the video is so awesome to learn about the history of armored vehicles thanks!

[WolfspaineN]

You should have mentioned the BTR-4 which is actually domestically produced by Ukraine.

[f-man]

90% of all equipment used in the Ukrainian war is Soviet: from AKs to artillery by both Ukrainians and Russians.

[mrVandecko]

Also Ukraine has BTR-3(2001y) and BTR-4 "Bucephalus"(2011y)

[noctusfury]

Your animations just get better and better! I'm loving this so much. I've been a watcher of your channel for years. Thank you so much for your hard work! Both in animation and in historical info. Keep up the great work!

[Allriteyeah]

Hands down one of the most badas* and coolest armoured vehicle especially the BTR80 and 90 series man

[Xeonzs]

Great video as always, glad the channel exists and occasionally feeds us another enjoyable video, here's a small donation to display my gratitude.

[Just_Some_Guy_with_a_Mustache]

Clearly they've been itching to use those weapons since the Cold War and didn't want them to go to waste...

[randomexcessmemories]

Great video! Two things to mention though.
1. The BTR-50 was also a thing. The only BTR to use tracks, it was based on the PT-76 light tank and saw lots of use both with the USSR and export countries, some of which still use it in modified versions as IFVs or other roles.
2. Ukraine has developed several of their own Wheeled BTR vehicles, though in limited numbers. These include the BTR-7 (an upgrade package to the BTR-70), BTR-3 (all new and highly successful), BTR-4 (similar to BTR-3), BTR-94 (BTR-80 with a new weapon station, export only), and the Otaman (BTR-based, but massively upgraded and overhauled, 6x6 or 8x8).

[Soggy_Cake]

Animation quality improved so much, absolutely stunning