BRDM-2

The BRDM-2 is an amphibious armoured scout car designed in the Soviet Union, also known as the BTR-40PB, BTR-40P-2 and GAZ 41-08. It was meant to replace the BRDM-1, whose lack of a turret, NBC protection and night vision had become obvious drawbacks. It has a larger box-like hull, a chassis derived from the BTR-40 and based on the GAZ-63, and a GAZ-41 petrol V8 mounted at the rear, which protects it better and lets the crew compartment sit further forward. Two pairs of chain-driven belly wheels and a central tyre-pressure system help it cross trenches and rough ground, and a water jet drives it afloat. Production ran from 1962 to 1989, about 7,200 vehicles, mostly for export, and it has served in at least 38 countries.