Ukrainian BTR-4 Bucefal wreaks havoc on Russian forces near Kreminna
The crew of a Ukrainian BTR-4 Bucefal armored personnel carrier, supported by an aerial drone, carried out a devastating attack against Russian forces near Kreminna. Video footage shows the Bucefal's powerful 30 mm automatic cannon in action.
The video reveals the distinctive red streaks of tracer rounds fired from the Bucefal's cannon. Tracers are specialized projectiles that leave a visible trail, allowing the gunner to observe and adjust their aim. While tracers provide valuable feedback, their use also reveals the origin of the fire to the enemy.
Typically, tracers are intermixed with standard rounds, with only one in every five rounds being a tracer. However, in this case, the Ukrainian crew is employing tracers for every round fired. This unconventional approach may indicate a shortage of standard ammunition or a deliberate tactic to maximize the visual effect and intimidation factor.
The Bucefal, a Ukrainian-designed armored personnel carrier, is armed with a potent 30 mm automatic cannon capable of unleashing a high volume of fire. The specific ammunition used in the attack appears to be fragmentation or high-explosive incendiary rounds, as evidenced by the explosive impacts visible in the video.
The drone's presence in the engagement suggests a coordinated effort between the ground forces and aerial reconnaissance. The drone likely provided valuable intelligence on enemy positions, allowing the Bucefal crew to target the Russian forces accurately.
The performance of the Ukrainian BTR-4 Bucefal in this encounter highlights the capabilities of the country's domestic military hardware. The sustained, accurate fire from the 30 mm cannon, combined with the supporting drone, demonstrates the lethality and tactical integration of the Ukrainian forces operating in the Kreminna region.
This engagement serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Ukrainian military, as they continue to employ their equipment and tactics effectively against the invading Russian forces. The video provides a glimpse into the ongoing struggle, where Ukrainian ingenuity and determination are being put to the test on the battlefield.
BTR-4 Bucefal - Ukrainian departure from Soviet legacy
The BTR-4 Bucefal is a modern eight-wheeled armored personnel carrier designed and produced in Ukraine. Despite the similar name, the BTR-4 has no direct connection to the BTR-80 family of armored vehicles.
The first models of the BTR-4 Bucefal entered service with the Ukrainian armed forces in 2009, but deliveries significantly increased after 2014. The weight of the BTR-4 Bucefal ranges from 37,480 to 55,120 pounds, with the upper end of this range being more common on the front.
The BTR-4 Bucefal's armor is made of armored steel, which is further reinforced on the inside with a spall liner to protect against shrapnel. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with a cage armor system that protects the widely used RPG-7 grenade launchers and other similar non-tandem warhead weapons.
The floor of the BTR-4 Bucefal is also designed to withstand the effects of anti-tank mine explosions, ensuring the safety of the crew in such situations.
The Ukrainian armed forces primarily employ the BTR-4 Bucefal variant equipped with the Parus combat module. This module includes a 30 mm automatic cannon that can fire at 300 rounds per minute and has a dual-feed capability. The turret also houses a reserve of 300 rounds, separated from the crew, increasing their chances of survival in the event of a direct hit.
The Parus combat module also features a dual launcher for four Barrier missiles, which have a range of up to 3 miles and can penetrate up to 31 inches of armored steel. With this armament, the BTR-4 Bucefal can effectively engage various targets, including infantry, armored fighting vehicles, tanks, and even helicopters at distances of up to 1.2 miles.
In addition to Ukraine, the BTR-4 Bucefal is also used by the armed forces of Indonesia, Iraq, and Nigeria.
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