BTR-D [SEP] service entry
BTR-D
The BTR-D is a Soviet airborne multi-purpose tracked armoured personnel carrier which was introduced in 1974 and first seen by the West in 1979 during the Soviet–Afghan War. BTR-D stands for "Bronetransportyor Desanta" (БТР, Бронетранспортер Десанта, literally "armoured transporter of the Airborne"). It is based on the BMD-1 airborne IFV. NATO gave it the designation BMD M1979.
Development history.
In 1969, the BMD-1 airborne IFV entered service with the Soviet Army.
gun in exactly the same turret as that carried by the BTR-60 series; this was accepted as a generic replacement for the BTR-60PB in motorized rifle regiments. In Soviet service, the new BTRs received the designation "BTR-70".
Compared to the earlier BTR-60PB, relatively small numbers of BTR-70s were produced. The design was still regarded as suffering from some of the same disadvantages, such as the two flammable petrol engines and the poor means of entry and exit. These flaws became especially evident when the vehicle was tested in combat