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BTR-80A/BTR-82/BTR-82A

Infantry Fighting Vehicle Series

BTR-80A

Specifications

Country of Origin/Used by:	Soviet Union/Russia (and others listed below)
First Produced/Service Dates:	BTR-80A= 1994 BTR-82= 2009 BTR-82A= 2013
Manufactured by:	Arzamas Machinery Contruction Plant
Crew:	3+7
Armament:	Main: (1) 14.5mm Heavy Machine Gun (KPVT) or (1) 30mm Cannon (2A72); Co-axial: 7.62mm MG (PKTM)
Engine:	8-Cylinder Turbo-Diesel (BTR-80A= Kamaz-7403/ BTR-82 & 82A= Kamaz-740.14-300)
Miscellaneous Info:	In this index, we have combined the BTR-80A, BTR-82 & BTR-82A vehicles due to their nearly identical appearance. BTR is the acronym for "Bronetransporter", translated from Russian as 'armored transporter'. The earliest vehicle in the group is the BTR-80A Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) (GAZ-59034). It is essentially an up-armed variant of the BTR-80 Armored Personnel Carrier (APC). It is fitted with a new turret (BPPU), which externally mounts the weapons. Most of this vehicles' other features and specifications are the same/similar as the BTR-80. There are two (2) sub-variants of this vehicle; the BTR-80S, which uses the BPPU turret, but reverts back to the smaller caliber 14.5mm KPTV heavy machine gun for its main weapon, and the BTR-80AK, which is a command variant. Users include Russia, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Sudan & Venezuela. The BTR-82 APC is a much-improved vehicle overall when compared to the BTR-80 and BTR-80A.  Significant improvements in the BTR-82 design as it relates to firepower include a new turret with electric drive, which is fully stabilized and fitted with new sights. However, the BTR-82 is fitted with the smaller 14.5mm gun as its main weapon.  Improvements related to mobility include a more powerful engine, a new transmission and an upgraded suspension. Protection improvements include laminated composite armor, a new floor more capable of protecting against ground blasts, spall liners and energy-absorbing seats. Also, better communications, navigation, optics and safety equipment have been added. At the time of writing (2025), Kazakhstan is the only country to purchase the BTR-82 APC. However, Russia has used the vehicle as the base for variants, including the BPDM 15TS56M Typhoon-M Counter-Sabotage Combat Vehicle used by their Strategic Rocket units and the Mars-2000 Reconnaissance Combat Vehicle. Finally, the most recent vehicle of the group, the BTR-82A IFV. Basically, it contains all the updates and improvements of the BTR-82 APC, but mounts the larger 30mm Cannon instead.  Variants/improved vehicles include the BTR-82AM (A BTR-80 updated to BTR-82A specifications), BTR-82AT (upgraded BTR-82A with better thermal imaging, bar-armor and the ability to carry the Kornet Anti-Tank Guided Missile System) and the BTR-82V (A BTR-80 updated to BTR-82 specifications, but still utilizing the same early turret and weapons). Users include Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan & Uzbekistan.
Data Sheet Available:	None Available

Photos

Reference	Source/Provider
BTR-80A IFV Photos (Hungary)	The David Haugh Collection
BTR-80A IFV Photos	Vitaly Kuzmin - Moscow, Russia
BTR-80A IFV Photos (Hungary)	Luis Pitarch - Spain
BTR-82AM IFV Photos	Vitaly Kuzmin
BTR-82AT IFV Photos	Vitaly Kuzmin
BTR-80A/BTR-82A IFV Comparison Photos	Vitaly Kuzmin

References Available

Online

Printed

Hobby Modeling

For a Full List of Model Kits and Accessories related to the BTR-80A/82/82A Series of Vehicles, you can check out Scalemates.

Model Photos