New Sovietskiy BMP-5 Infantry Fighting Vehicle:

When Communism took control of Russia after about four decades of evil capitalism, one of the most important goals of the new leaders was to strengthen the military. Instead of replacing the old tanks and fighting vehicles, generally the old vehicles were simply fitted with additional armor and refitted. This made for poor quality equipment in many cases. Other nations, such as the United States, were building using older designs as a basis but still building all new vehicles. Many Soviet Field Marshals, playing the political game, agree with their leaders on simply refitting old designs. To deal with this weakness, generals came up with several solutions. These were to create modifications on old designs to appease their political leaders and stating that they were designed as supplements not replacements for the existing designs. Examples include the TU-212UM1 and the BMP-5 designs. The BMP-5 was promoted as a redesign of the BMP-3 fighting vehicle and just designed to supplement the older design. In reality, the design replaced many of the older fighting vehicles. There were never enough of the new vehicles to completely replace the BMP-3 but most first line units were outfitted with at least some of the new design. They were vastly preferred by crews to the old vehicles. When the BMP-8 was introduced, these vehicles were slowly sent to second line units while the BMP-3 designs were put into third line units. In addition, some of these vehicles were sold to Soviet allies and these combat vehicles were operated by many nations around the world. When the Rifts came, it is likely that most of these vehicles were destroyed but still many are known to have survived. Some are still operated by the New Sovietskiy and others have found their way into the hands of Warlords. Mercenaries, both in Russian and around the world, operate these combat vehicles as well. A few secret caches of the infantry fighting vehicles have been found in various areas of Russia as well.

While the design is very similar to the BMP-3, one of the most important changes is that it is fully constructed from high strength alloys and composites. As a result, the BMP-5 can withstand far more abuse and maintenance is greatly reduced. For this reason, the fighting vehicle was far preferred by her crews compared to the previous design. The BMP-5 uses a diesel engine like the BMP-3. It did not have the range of fuel cell system that the American improved Bradleys used and produced far more heat. In later years, the engine became even more disliked due to the fact that the nuclear designs had virtually unlimited range compared to it and did not need a logistic train for fuel. Maximum road speed is about the same as the BMP-3 and is 70 kilometers per hour on the road and 45 kilometers per hour off road. The vehicle can also operate on the water at about 10 kilometers per hour using two water-jets mounted at the rear of the hull. In many vehicles being operated after the coming of the Rifts, the engines have been replaced by some even being replaced by fusion reactor systems. The troop compartment is slightly smaller than that of the BMP-3 and only has space for six troops instead of seven. Electronics are generally similar to those carried on the refitted older infantry fighting vehicles.

The main gun of the BMP-5 is the same as is carried on the BMP-3 and the weapon was carried on early versions of the BMP-8 as well. The 100-mm rifled cannon is useful against light armored designs as well as for short range artillery. An additional useful factor is that short range missiles can be fired from the cannon as well. The BMP-5 also carries a 30-mm automatic cannon mounted coaxially with the 100-mm cannon which is mainly used against light armored vehicles and heavily armored troops. There was a large amount of debate on a tertiary co-axial weapon. It was obvious that the 7.62 machine-gun was simply not powerful enough to be effective. For the light co-axial mount, two weapons were considered. One was a heavy grenade launcher while the other was a 14.5 mm heavy machine-gun. Eventually, it was decided that models carrying both weapons would be built. Crews far preferred the grenade launcher even though it did have a shorter range. The armored vehicle also carried a 14.5 mm machine-gun in the front which was controlled by the driver. The vehicles were refitted in later service with the machine-guns replaced by heavy rail guns. Crews were supposed to replace the grenade launchers as well but many crews retained the weapon, preferring it to the rail gun.

Model Type: BMP-5
Vehicle Type: Infantry Fighting Vehicle
Crew: Three (Driver, Gunner, and Commander).
Troop Carrying Capacity: Six soldiers in full gear (Four human sized Cyborgs)

M.D.C. by Location:

	[1] Tractor Treads (2):	50 each
	Weapons Turret:	100
	100-mm Rifled Gun 2A70K (Turret):	60
	Co-axial 30-mm 2A72 Automatic Cannon (Turret):	50
	[2] 14.5 mm Co-axial heavy machine-gun (Turret, Early Models):	30
	[2] 10 mm Co-axial Heavy Rail-Gun (Turret, Later Models):	50
	[2] Coaxial Automatic Grenade Launcher (Turret, Early Models):	40
	[2] 14.5 mm Bow Mounted heavy machine-gun (Early Models):	30
	[2] 10 mm Bow Mounted Heavy Rail-Gun (Later Models):	50
	Multi-Option Jammers (2):	25
	[2] Headlights (2):	10 each
	Reinforced Crew Compartment:	80
	Reinforced Personnel Bay:	80
	Rear Troop / Cargo Doors (2)	80 each
	Top Hatches (2):	80 each
	[3] Main Body:	300

Notes:
[1] Depleting the M.D.C. of a tread will immobilize the tank until it is replaced. Replacing a tread will take 1D6x10 minutes by a trained crew (2 replacements are carried on board) or three times as long by the inexperienced. Changing the tread is only advisable when the vehicle is not under attack.
[2] These are small and difficult targets to strike, requiring the attacker to make a “called shot,” but even then the attacker is -4 to strike.
[3] If all the M.D.C. of the main body is depleted, the vehicle is completely shut down and is unsalvageable.

Speed:
Ground: Maximum speed on land is 43.5 mph (70 kph) on roads and 28.0 mph (45 kph) off road maximum. The vehicle is designed to traverse virtually all terrain and can climb at up to a 60% grade although at a much slower speed (About 10% of maximum road speed). It can also climb barriers and ford trenches. The vehicle can also handle side slopes of up to 30%.
Water Capabilities: Uses tracks to propel tank over the surface of the water but is not designed for deep water use. Using the tracks, the BMP-5 can travel on the surface of water at 6.2 mph (10 kph/5.4 knots).
Maximum Range: 497.1 miles (800 km)

Statistical Data:
Height: 8.04 feet (2.45 meters)
Width: 10.33 feet (3.25 meters)
Length: 22.15 feet (6.75 meters) not including gun barrel and 23.43 feet (7.14 meters) with barrel forward
Weight: 20.83 tons (18.9 metric tons).
Power Source: Conventional, Diesel
Cargo Capacity: Minimal storage space in pilots compartment; about three feet (0.9 m) in side dimensions for extra clothing, weapons, and personal items. Three carbines and one hand-held missile launcher with four loads each are stored in a compartment in the crew compartment. Without troops, can carry up to 1.6 tons in troop compartment.
Black Market Cost: 3.2 million credits was the production price originally; Remaining Armored Vehicle sells for double that (6.4 million credits). Many of these tanks remain in service with the New Sovietski and a few are in the hands of Russian Warlords.

Weapon Systems:

100-mm Rifled Gun 2A70K (1): Very similar to the cannon originally designed for the T-55 Tank. Since the cannon is built into a turret, it can rotate 360-degrees and can aim upwards 60 degrees - allowing it to engage low-flying aircraft and creatures. Weapon is designed to use against heavily armored targets. It can fire a variety of loads, including high-explosive (HE), high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT), armor-piercing explosive (AP),and armor piercing sabot-discarding solids (APSD). Short Missiles can also be fired from the barrel. The cannon is controlled by a gunner inside the turret compartment. The vehicle has a special fire control computer that helps to aim the cannon. Gives +2 to strike with the cannon and vehicle does not have minuses to fire when it moving.
Maximum Effective Range: 6,562 feet (2,000 meters) for direct fire and 16404.1 feet (5000 meters)for indirect fire. Range for short range missiles varies by missile type (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)
Mega-Damage: High Explosive (HE): 1D4x10+10 with a blast radius of 15 feet (4.6 feet), High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT): 2D4x10+10 with a blast radius of 8 feet (2.4 meters), Armor Piercing (AP): 6D6 with no blast radius, and Armor Piercing Sabot-Discarding (APSD): 1D6x10+10 with no blast radius. Mega-Damage for missiles is as per short missile type; almost always Armor Piercing (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)
Rate of Fire: Twice per melee.
Payload: 22 standard rounds and 3 short range missiles (Can carry 18 standard rounds and 5 short range missiles instead)
One Co-axial 30-mm 2A72 Automatic Cannon: Mounted co-axial with the infantry fighting vehicles 100-mm main cannon and fires wherever the main cannon fires. The standard ammunition has been replaced by high density ramjet ammunition which inflicts heavy damage and enables the BMP-5 to hold its own against other armored vehicle's weapons.
Maximum Effective Range: 6,560 feet (2,000 meters / 2 kilometers).
Mega Damage: 1D6x10 for a short burst of 10 round burst and 2D6x10 for a long burst of 20 round burst, 3D6 for each round.
Rate of Fire: Equal to the combined hand to hand attacks of the gunner (usually 4 or 5).
Payload: 500 rounds (50 short bursts or 25 long bursts)
Coaxial Secondary Mount (1): Weapon is Co-axially mounted with the 100-mm and 30-mm main guns. Originally, a 14.5-mm heavy machine-gun or an automatic grenade launcher were mounted but the machine-gun was replaced in most models by a heavy rail gun. The grenade launcher was also suppose to be replaced by the heavy rail gun but many crews ignored the order.
1. 14.5 millimeter KPVT Heavy Machine-gun: While the Soviet military was able to replace the armor of the tank with stronger materials, initially there were no suitable heavy secondary weapons developed for the tank. As solution, the heavy 14.5 machine-gun, which is virtually a cannon, was adopted with new ammunition. Still, heavy rail guns were found to be more effective when it became available and the heavy machine-gun was replaced by a 10-mm heavy rail gun.
  Maximum Effective Range: 4,500 feet (1371.6 meters)
  Mega-Damage: Single shot does 1D6 and 40 round burst does 1D4x10.
  Rate of Fire: Equal to combined hand to hand attacks of gunner (commander).
  Payload: 1,600 rounds (40 bursts).
2. ATR-50 Automatic Grenade Launcher: Weapon is very similar to the WI-GL21 Automatic Grenade Launcher produced by Wellington Industries and the American Automatic Grenade Launcher operated around the same time but uses a larger grenade and is heavier in design. Weapon was used in vehicles as well as being used in tripod mounts and used by power armors. Weapon can fire single shot or bursts of ten rounds and can inflict heavy damage when burst fired. Unlike the American design, the Soviet automatic grenade launcher only used belts. The fighting vehcile normally mounted four belts together to increase number of rounds to 800 rounds. It is believed that the Soviets tank crews saw the effectiveness of the M1A5 equipped with this weapon so they decide to replace their heavy machine-gun with this weapon. This mount was never officially mounted on the tank but was very common none-the-less. This weapon remained very popular with tank crews and was not replaced in many of the tanks which carried it. Officially, all mounts were suppose to be replaced by the 10 mm Railgun.
  Maximum Effective Range: 3,000 feet (914 meters)
  Mega-Damage: 3D6 for Fragmentation with a blast area of 12 ft and 5D6 for Armor Piercing with a blast area of 3 ft, burst of 10 rounds does 2D4x10 for Fragmentation with a blast area of 40 ft and 2D6x10 for Armor Piercing with a blast area of 8 ft. Other special rounds are available.
  Rate of Fire: Equal to combined hand to hand attacks of gunner (commander) - Single Shot or Ten round bursts.
  Payload: 800 Rounds in a four length belt.
3. 10 millimeter GSR-10 Heavy Railgun: The Soviet military was unable to make an effective liquid propellant weapon and instead developed, some say stole, a rail gun design for their existing vehicles.
  Maximum Effective Range: 4,920 feet (1,500 meters)
  Mega Damage: Single shot does 2D4 and 20 round burst does 1D6x10+10
  Rate of Fire: Equal to combined hand to hand attacks of gunner
  Payload: 2,400 rounds (120 bursts).
Bow Secondary Mount: Instead of having two mounts like the BMP-3, the BMP-5 only haas one bow mount although a heavier weapon is mounted. Initially, a 14.5-mm heavy machine-gun was mounted but it was replaced on most models with a 10-mm heavy rail gun. Payload of ammunition is less than the co-axial mount. Weapon mount is generally controlled by the driver.
1. 14.5 millimeter KPVT Heavy Machine-gun: While the Soviet military was able to replace the armor of the tank with stronger materials, initially there were no suitable heavy secondary weapons developed for the tank. As solution, the heavy 14.5 machine-gun, which is virtually a cannon, was adopted with new ammunition. Still, heavy rail guns were found to be more effective when it became available and the heavy machine-gun was replaced by a 10-mm heavy rail gun.
  Maximum Effective Range: 4,500 feet (1371.6 meters)
  Mega-Damage: Single shot does 1D6 and 40 round burst does 1D4x10.
  Rate of Fire: Equal to combined hand to hand attacks of gunner (commander).
  Payload: 800 rounds (20 bursts).
2. 10 millimeter GSR-10 Heavy Railgun: The Soviet military was unable to make an effective liquid propellant weapon and instead developed, some say stole, a rail gun design for their existing vehicles.
  Maximum Effective Range: 4,920 feet (1,500 meters)
  Mega Damage: Single shot does 2D4 and 20 round burst does 1D6x10+10
  Rate of Fire: Equal to combined hand to hand attacks of gunner
  Payload: 1,200 rounds (60 bursts).
Multi-Option “Shtora-8” Jammers (2): These are multi-purpose jamming devices designed to stop incoming missiles and confuse an enemy targeting the BMP-5.
Effect: Each firing launches two Chaff rockets, two Flare rockets, and the tank begins emitting a large cloud of smoke, both standard and Anti-Laser Prismatic aerosol ; The Chaff rockets detonate and spread Chaff over the area, the flare rockets floating down by parachute; Effects last for one minute (4 Melee rounds.) The Chaff rockets have a 20% chance of interfering with the course of enemy missiles each (40%, total) that are radar guided so that they miss the tank. The flares have the same percentages, except with IR-guided missiles. The Anti-Laser prismatic aerosol reduces damage by half for any laser beam striking the tank (With the exception of X-ray lasers but not variable frequency lasers; X-Ray lasers suffer no damage modifiers, and variable frequency lasers simply cannot compensate for the variables involved), and adds a +4 difficulty to targeting the tank with a laser guidance system or visually.
Rate of Fire: Usually once every four melee rounds; Effects are not cumulative.
Maximum Effective Range: Around tank only; Rough distance of 80 ft (24 m) around tank.
Payload: Sufficient for ten firings; One of each type of jamming option from each side of the vehicle.

Sensors:

Anti-Aircraft Radar: Range of 10 miles (16 km); Capable of tracking up to 10 targets simultaneously, this radar serves to guide the top weapon mount in engaging aircraft (+2 to targeting aircraft and missiles with the top weapon mount), and providing early warning of incoming aircraft and missile attacks; The radar can be programmed to shut off immediately if it detects an aircraft firing a missile, incase the missile is a radar-homing HARM type. The radar is highly ineffective against ground targets (-60% to sensor rolls.)
Quadrant sight for long-range targeting of Sabot rounds: +4 to firing the long-range Sabot rounds only, when the vehicle is not moving.
Data-interlink transmitters: For using targeting data from scout vehicles for firing the Anti-Tank missiles or Sabot rounds. Bonus varies on the quality of the data being provided, but all data would allow the tank to fire over obstacles if the scout vehicle is in the right position. The normal effective battlefield range is 5 miles (8 km).
Full Infrared viewing mode: range of 2 miles (3.2 km), with IR searchlight (+3 to detecting targets with IR when in use, however, +3 to detecting the BMP-5 with IR equipment when in use, as well.).
Two Periscopes: Has up to x100 magnification for commander and driver to view out of while maneuvering the vehicle. Visual targeting sight with same magnification possible for gunner.
Laser targeting system for main gun: range of 2,000 meters.

Special Notes:

The armored vehicle is fully NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) protected, and all equipment is hardened against EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse).

[ Altarain TM, Bandito Arms TM, Brodkil TM, Chipwell Armaments TM, Coalition States TM, Cyber-Knight TM, Federation of Magic TM, Free Quebec TM, Golden Age Weaponsmiths TM, Horune TM, Iron Heart Armaments TM, Kankoran TM, Kittani TM, Kydian TM, Larsen’s Brigade TM, M.D.C. TM, Mechanoids TM, Mega-Damage TM, Megaversal Legion TM, Millennium Tree TM, Mutants in Orbit TM, Naruni Enterprises TM, Naut’Yll, New Navy TM, New Sovietskiy TM, NGR TM, Nog Heng TM, Northern Gun TM, Phase World TM, Psyscape TM, Rifter TM, SAMAS TM, S.D.C. TM, Shemarrian TM, Splugorth TM, Stormspire TM, Sunaj TM, Tolkeen TM, Triax TM, Wellington Industries TM, Wilk’s Laser Technologies TM, Xiticix TM, and Zaayr TM are trademarks owned by Kevin Siembieda and Palladium Books Inc. ]

[ Beyond the Supernatural®, Heroes Unlimited®, Nightbane®, Ninjas & Superspies®, Palladium Fantasy®, and Rifts® are registered trademarks owned by Kevin Siembieda and Palladium Books Inc. ]

Initial Concepts by Marina O'Leary (LusankyaN@aol.com ).

Writeup by Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune).

Return