The BMPT Terminator is a tank support combat vehicle, which was developed from the hull of the T-72 tank. Although, technically, it has all the characteristics of an infantry fighting vehicle, it was conceived to provide fire support to tanks in urban battles. Its design and development arose out of the combat experience in the Chechen Wars, during which many Russian tanks were destroyed in the narrow streets of Grozny, the capital of Chechnya. It has been manufactured by Uralvagonzavod in two variants: the Terminator 1, and the Terminator 2.
Being in service with the Russian Ground Forces since 2011, the Terminator is a fast and adaptable military vehicle as it is also used in the reconnaissance role, always being at the spearhead of an offensive. Its deployment in the war in Ukraine has shown that it is very useful when there is a need to eliminate machine gun nests and RPG rocket and snipers outposts as it is equipped with high-tech sensors and has an excellent armor protection. It supplied a lot of fire power in the streets of Mariupol.
Weapons
The main armament of the BMPT is one 2A42 30mm auto-cannon, which is mounted in a weapon station. The Terminator 2 version has two 30mm guns instead of one. It is also equipped with four 130mm ATAKA-T GWS anti-tank missiles, plus AG-7 30mm grenade launchers, a 7.62mm machine gun.
Specifications
Weight: 48 tons
Length: 7.2 m
Width: 3.37 m
Height: 3.40 m
Armor: steel, composite, and explosive reactive armor.
Power plant: one V-92-S2 diesel engine that generates 1,000 HP.
Maximum speed: 65 km/h
Below, the BMPT 2 in the 2020 military parade. Front view
Below, the BMPT second and modern variant: the Terminator 2, showing its two 30mm autocannons. It is even better protected than the T-80 and T-90 tanks
BMPT-72 Terminator 2 in action in Ukraine.