BRDM-2 "Szakal"

You can make one of two vehicles: a prototype in Afghanistan or a version in Iraq.

Historical information

The BRDM-2 (literally "Combat Reconnaissance/Patrol Vehicle") is an amphibious armoured patrol car used by Russia and the former Soviet Union. It was also known under the designations BTR-40PB, BTR-40P-2 and GAZ 41-08.

BRDM-2M-96ik "Szakal" — ("Jackal"). Designed in 2003 by WZMech for the Polish troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. It has the Iveco Aifo 8040SRC 6-cylinder diesel engine, an air conditioning unit mounted on the left side of the hull, new accumulators, Fonet internal communication system, RRC-9500 radio, R-3501 portable radio and .50cal WKM-B heavy machine gun instead of the 14.5 mm KPVT heavy machine gun. The gunner has the new CDN-1 day/night sight.

BRDM-2M-96ik "Szakal" fitted with improvised armour skirts.

BRDM-2M-96ik "Szakal Plus" — ("Jackal"). Because of the high risk of Polish vehicles in Iraq and Afghanistan getting hit and destroyed or damaged by RPG launchers, in 2004 the WZMech design team fitted it with an RPG fence all around vehicle, anti-cumulation screens, additional armour and internal anti-splinter mats.

BRDM-2M-96ik "Szakal Plus" can resist hits 7.62 mm armour piercing rounds, anti-infantry mines and old RPG types like the RPG-7. As a result of all that additional protection, however, the weight of the vehicle went up to 8.5 tonnes. Prototype.