View source for BTR-90

{{Short description|Russian armored personnel carrier}}
{{Infobox weapon
|name= BTR-90
| image= TB2015ExhibitionP1-21.jpg
| image_size = 300
|caption=BTR-90 on static display
|origin=[[Russia]]
|wars=[[Russo-Ukrainian War]]
|type=[[Armored personnel carrier]]
|is_vehicle=yes
|design_date=1993–1994
|production_date=2004–2011
|service=2008-present<ref name="armyreco16oct23">[https://www.armyrecognition.com/ukraine_-_russia_conflict_war_2022/russia_transfers_experimental_btr-90_rostok_ifv_from_museum_to_ukraine.html Russia transfers experimental BTR-90 'Rostok' IFV from museum to Ukraine]. ''Army Recognition''. 16 October 2023.</ref>
|number=12<ref name="armyreco16oct23"/>-139<ref>[https://www.forecastinternational.com/archive/disp_pdf.cfm?DACH_RECNO=1002 Military Vehicles Forecast] forecastinternational.com</ref>
|crew=3 (+7 infantry)
|length= {{convert|7.64|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|width= {{convert|3.20|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|height= {{convert|2.98|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|weight= {{convert|20.9|t|ST LT|lk=on}}
|armour= Welded steel with optional ERA modules
|primary_armament= 30 mm Shipunov [[Shipunov 2A42|2A42 cannon]] (500 rounds)
|secondary_armament= 7.62 mm [[PK machine gun|PKT machine gun]] (2000 rounds), [[9M113 Konkurs]] ATGM, one AGS-17D 30 mm automatic grenade launcher (400 rounds).
|engine= turbocharged diesel
|engine_power= {{convert|510|hp|abbr=on}}
|suspension= wheeled 8×8
|speed= {{convert|100|kph|mph|abbr=on}}<br>{{convert|9|kph|mph|abbr=on}} swimming
|pw_ratio= {{convert|24|hp/tonne|abbr=on}}
|vehicle_range= {{convert|800|km|mi|abbr=on}}
}}

'''BTR-90''' ('''GAZ-5923''') ({{langx|ru|бронетранспортёр|translit=[[BTR (vehicle)|Bronetransportyor]]|lit=Armoured Transporter}}) is an 8×8 wheeled [[armored personnel carrier]] developed in [[Russia]], designed in 1993 and first shown publicly in 1994. It is a larger version of the [[BTR-80]] vehicle, fitted with a [[BMP-2]] turret. 

Armour protection is improved compared with the BTR-80, giving protection from [[14.5 mm caliber|14.5 mm projectiles]] over the frontal arc. It is armed with a [[30 mm automatic cannon 2A42|2A42 30 mm auto cannon]], a coaxial 7.62&nbsp;mm [[PKT machine gun|PKT]] machine gun, an [[9M113 Konkurs]] ATGM, as well as an [[AGS-17|AGS-17D]] 30&nbsp;mm automatic grenade launcher.{{Citation needed|date=April 2024}} 

Limited numbers have been produced and are in service with the [[National Guard of Russia]].

==Development==
The development of the BTR-90 was carried out at the [[Arzamas Machine Building Plant]] (AMZ), a subsidiary of the [[Military Industrial Company]]. Development commenced in the early 1990s, with the first prototype completed and displayed to the public in 1994. The vehicle was intended to be used by [[Mechanized force|mechanized units]] of the [[Russian Ground Forces|Russian army]], as well as marine units of the [[Russian Navy]], as a vehicle for providing fire support, transportation of personnel, surveillance, reconnaissance, and patrolling tasks. A wide range of vehicles suiting various requirements can be developed on the BTR-90 chassis.<ref name="aeronautics" />

The vehicle is designed to be highly mobile and maneuverable in all terrain, while providing a high level of protection for its crew and passengers. The BTR-90 is fitted with a [[gun turret]] identical to the one used on the [[BMP-2]].{{cn|date=March 2023}}

==Description==
The BTR-90 has a pointed nose, somewhat similar to that of the [[LAV-25]].{{cn|date=March 2023}} The hull is made of welded steel armour plate, and is slightly larger and higher than the [[BTR-80]], from which it is developed.

A turbo charged, liquid cooled, multi-fuel [[diesel engine]] is used, which can develop 510&nbsp;bhp. The vehicle has eight-wheel drive and has an automatic reversible hydro mechanical transmission, which is capable of providing different speeds to each side of the vehicle. It has duplicated electrical and compressed air engine start systems. The wheels use an independent [[Torsion beam suspension|torsion-bar]] suspension and the traverse arms have high capacity telescopic hydraulic [[shock absorber]]s.<ref name="warfare" />

Communication equipment installed in the BTR-90 include an R-163-50U radio set for external communications, an R-163UP receiver, and an R-174 intercom device for communication between the crew members.

===Layout===
The commander and gunner are accommodated in a fighting compartment in the turret. This compartment houses a BPK-3-42 gunner's day/night sight and a 1P-13 commander's [[Telescopic sight|optical sight]].<ref name= "russian power">{{cite web |url=http://xn----7sbb5ahj4aiadq2m.xn--p1ai/guide/army/ta/btr90.shtml |title=BTR-90 |access-date=2016-12-04 |publisher=russian.power.rf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220061338/http://xn----7sbb5ahj4aiadq2m.xn--p1ai/guide/army/ta/btr90.shtml |archive-date=2016-12-20 |url-status=live }}</ref> Optionally, a BPK-M [[thermographic camera|thermal imaging sight]]  can be fitted in this compartment as the gunner's sight.<ref name="aeronautics">{{cite web|url=http://www.aeronautics.ru/archive/armored_vehicles/btr-90.htm |title=BTR-90 |publisher=aeronautics.ru |access-date=2001-07-24 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010724085457/http://www.aeronautics.ru/archive/armored_vehicles/btr-90.htm |archive-date=2001-07-24 }}</ref>

The driver is located somewhat to the middle of the hull, just in front of the turret. The troop compartment is located behind the driver's position and the turret. The engine compartment is at the rear of the hull.

Hatches are provided on the top of the turret and hull, and side doors are available on the middle of the vehicle. These are designed to allow quick dismounting and boarding of troops even while the vehicle is on the move.

The eight wheels are located as two sets, with two pairs at the front of the hull and two pairs at the rear. Split-side doors are located between these two sets of wheels. The two forward pairs of wheels use [[power steering]].<ref name="milfac">{{cite web |url=http://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=51 |title=BTR-90 |access-date=2008-09-28 |publisher=militaryfactory.com | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080924132343/http://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=51| archive-date= 24 September 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref>

===Capabilities and features===
The BTR-90 is capable of achieving a maximum speed of 100&nbsp;km/h, and has cross-country driving ability comparable to that of [[tracked vehicle]]s, with an average speed of 50&nbsp;km/h.

The vehicle is fully amphibious and can negotiate water obstacles without any preparation. Two water jet propellers power the vehicle in water.<ref name="fas">{{cite web |url=http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/row/btr-90.htm |title=BTR-90 |access-date=2008-09-28 |publisher=fas.org |date=September 3, 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081231120716/http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/row/btr-90.htm |archive-date=December 31, 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref> In water it can achieve a maximum speed of 9&nbsp;km/h. It can enter and be deployed from [[amphibious assault ship]]s from the water. The BTR-90 can be deployed by truck, rail and by water and air transportation means.

Its hydro mechanical transmission helps to increase its maneuverability by providing different speeds to each side of the vehicle. This allows the BTR-90 to have a low turning radius of 6 m. When turning with only the front four wheels, it has a turning radius of 14 m. It can cross up to 2.1 m wide trenches and can negotiate 60% gradients, 30% side slopes and 0.8 m vertical steps.<ref name="onwar" />

The vehicle has an inner capacity of 12 cubic meters, and can carry a load of 7,000&nbsp;kg. An [[air conditioning]] system can be added optionally. The commander has the ability to carry out all-round surveillance and can take full control of the weapons from the gunner. An onboard information control system (OICS) enables automatic control over the transmission, engine and other important parts of the BTR-90, and it is the first [[armoured personnel carrier]] to have such a system. A centralized tire pressure control system is available, and allows the vehicle to move even if four of its wheels are destroyed.<ref name="aeronautics" />

===Armour and protection===
The armour of the BTR-90 comprises welded steel [[Vehicle armour|armour plates]]. The armour can withstand hits from [[14.5 mm]] rounds over the frontal arc. The side armour can provide protection against large caliber [[machine gun]] fire and shrapnel.

Additional armoured plates can be installed on the vehicle to increase protection. Active protection methods can be used, such as [[Reactive armour|explosive reactive armour]]. These can be added over the existing armour of the vehicle. To increase protection, periscopes are installed instead of windscreens and vision blocks.

Collective [[Weapon of mass destruction|NBC]] (Nuclear, Biological and Chemical) protection is available which can protect the occupants from shock waves and penetrating radiation from nuclear attacks, [[Nuclear fallout|radioactive dust]], and bacteriological and [[Chemical weapon|chemical weapons]].{{cn|date=March 2023}}

Its combat tires are capable of enduring [[anti-personnel mine]] explosions and [[small arms]] fire. If the vehicle is damaged while afloat, a drainage system is capable of removing incoming water. The BTR-90 features an automatic fire fighting system, and a system for the remote laying of smoke screens. The smoke discharge system includes six smoke grenade launchers, three on each side of the vehicle.

===Armament===
The main gun of the BTR-90 is a [[30 mm]] [[Shipunov 2A42]] auto cannon. The vehicle carries an ammunition load of 500 rounds for this weapon.

A [[7.62 mm]] [[PKT machine gun|PKT]] coaxial machine gun with 2,000 rounds and a 30&nbsp;mm [[AGS-17]] [[automatic grenade launcher]] are the secondary armaments of the BTR-90.

A [[guided missile]] system is available for engaging armoured targets. This consists of four [[9M113 Konkurs]] missiles mounted on the turret. The launching unit is detachable, and can be used to launch missiles from the ground.<ref name="warfare">{{cite web |url=http://warfare.be/db/linkid/1789/catid/245/ |title=BTR-90 |access-date=2008-09-28 |publisher=warfare.be |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223012433/http://warfare.be/db/linkid/1789/catid/245/ |archive-date=2014-02-23 |url-status=live }}</ref>

All the weapons are mounted on the turret and are assisted by a [[Fire-control system|fire control system]].<ref name="deagel">{{cite web |url=http://www.deagel.com/Wheeled-Armored-Fighting-Vehicles/BTR-90_a000347001.aspx |title=BTR-90 |access-date=2008-09-28 |publisher=deagel.com | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080919105755/http://www.deagel.com/Wheeled-Armored-Fighting-Vehicles/BTR-90_a000347001.aspx| archive-date=19 September 2008 | url-status=live}}</ref> The fire control system allows the weapons to be used while the vehicle is moving, and in all weather conditions. The turret can be traversed 360 degrees with an elevation range of −5 to +75 degrees.<ref name="onwar">{{cite web |url=http://www.onwar.com/weapons/afv/data/rusapcbtr90.htm |title=BTR-90 |access-date=2008-09-28 |publisher=onwar.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080706185414/http://www.onwar.com/weapons/afv/data/rusapcbtr90.htm |archive-date=2008-07-06 |url-status=live }}</ref> The vehicle's weaponry allows it to engage targets at ranges up to 4&nbsp;km. Helicopters and fortifications can be engaged at ranges up to 2.5&nbsp;km.

In addition to the vehicle's weapons, its occupants have the ability to fire their weapons through available firing ports and hatches, increasing its firepower.

==Variants==
A prototype designated '''BTR-90M''' was built with a larger turret derived from the [[BMP-3]], mounting a coaxial low-velocity [[2A70]] 100mm rifled gun/missile launcher system (which can fire conventional shells or [[laser]] [[beam-riding]] 9M117 [[anti-tank missile]]s ([[ATGM]]), such as [[AT-10 Stabber]]), a 30mm Shipunov [[2A72 cannon]], and a 7.62mm [[PK machine gun#PKT|PKT]] [[machine gun]]. The BTR-90M was first displayed publicly in 2001, and is not currently in service.

Another variant of the BTR-90 was produced with the low pressure 120&nbsp;mm [[2S9 Nona]] weapon, as with the BTR-80 ''Nona-SVK''.

==Service history==
Limited numbers have been produced and are in service with the [[National Guard of Russia]].{{cn|date=October 2023}}

In October 2011, the Ministry of Defence refused to buy the BTR-90 and did not include them in the list of the state program of armament until 2020, and waived exports for the BTR-90.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.interfax.ru/politics/news.asp?id=214065 |title=Минобороны РФ отказалось закупать бронетранспортеры БТР-90 - Интерфакс |publisher=Interfax.ru |date=2011-10-27 |access-date=2013-11-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303130551/http://interfax.ru/politics/news.asp?id=214065 |archive-date=2012-03-03 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Subsequently, the Russian army chose to assemble a large number of [[BTR-80#Russia|BTR-82A]]. The combat effectiveness has already increased significantly, and it is derived from the BTR-80. The development cost for BTR-82A is omitted and the production cost is cheaper, making the less advanced BTR-90 even less likely to change its fate. The 2015 Moscow Victory Parade exposed the next-generation [[VPK-7829 Bumerang]] wheeled armored vehicle, and officially announced that the BTR-90 program could no longer be resurrected.{{cn|date=October 2023}}

On October 13, 2023, a video was posted on X (formerly Twitter) showing a BTR-90 operating in what is believed to be near [[Avdiivka]], [[Donetsk Oblast]] area in Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/praisethesteph/status/1712874425119367238/photo/1 |title=A very rare Russian BTR-90 wheeled IFV first spotted on the battlefield, allegedly near Avdiivka, Donetsk oblast. |publisher=twitter.com |date=2023-10-13 |access-date=2023-10-15 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a45585663/btr-90-vehicle-seen-in-combat-in-ukraine/ |title=Rare Prototype BTR-90 Vehicle Seen in Combat in Ukraine |publisher=Popular Mechanics |date=October 19, 2023 |last=Roblin |first=Sébastien |access-date=2023-11-03 }}</ref> On December 11, 2023, a video was posted on X showing the first visually confirmed Russian loss of a BTR-90, abandoned by the Russians in the Avdiivka sector.<ref>{{Cite tweet|user=NOELreports|number=1733944677286457492 |title=An abandoned and lost Russian BTR-90 Rostock in the Avdiivka direction}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://ukr.warspotting.net/view/22137/114887/|publisher=[[WarSpotting]]|access-date=2024-04-26|date=2023-12-10|title=BTR-90 'Rostok'}}</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery mode="packed">
File:TB2015ExhibitionP1-20.jpg|BTR-90 front
File:BTR-90 (1).jpg|BTR-90 right front
File:BTR-90 (9).jpg|BTR-90 top forward from turret
File:TB2015ExhibitionP1-24.jpg|BTR-90 right rear
</gallery>

==See also==
===Comparable vehicles===
{{Div col|colwidth=25em}}
* {{lwc|Stryker}}
* {{lwc|General Motors LAV}}
** {{lwc|LAV III}}
** {{lwc|LAV-25}}
** {{lwc|ASLAV}}
* {{lwc|Amphibious combat vehicle}}
* {{lwc|Type 08|ZBL-08}}
* {{lwc|K808 armored personnel carrier}}
* {{lwc|Boxer (armoured fighting vehicle)|Boxer}}
* {{lwc|Freccia IFV}}
* {{lwc|CM-32}}
* {{lwc|VPK-7829 Bumerang}}
* {{lwc|Type 96 armored personnel carrier}}
** {{lwc|Type 16 maneuver combat vehicle}}
* {{lwc|Patria AMV}}
* {{lwc|BTR-4}}
* {{lwc|Saur 1|Saur 2}}
* {{lwc|Véhicule blindé de combat d'infanterie|VBCI}}
* {{lwc|KTO Rosomak}}
* {{lwc|FNSS Pars}}
* {{lwc|MOWAG Piranha}}
* {{lwc|Otokar Arma}}

{{Div col end}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140225011035/http://www.amz.ru/ manufacturer site]
* [http://www.armyrecognition.com/Russe/vehicules_a_roues/BTR-90/BTR_90_russie_description.htm BTR-90 Description and pictures to Army Recognition site]
* [http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/row/btr-90.htm FAS page]

{{Modern IFV and APC}}
{{PostWWIISovietAFVS|APC}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Btr-90}}
[[Category:Armoured personnel carriers of Russia]]
[[Category:GAZ Group military vehicles]]
[[Category:Amphibious armoured personnel carriers]]
[[Category:Armoured personnel carriers of the post–Cold War period]]
[[Category:Wheeled amphibious armoured fighting vehicles]]
[[Category:Eight-wheeled vehicles]]
[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 2000s]]