Fact File: the BTR-152 at war

[Matt Wiser]

The oldest BTR model to see service in the war:


The BTR-152 in World War III


Though some BTR-40 APCs did serve in North America during World War III, mainly in Soviet Rear-Area Protection Divisions, its successor, the BTR-152 saw much more service, and not just in Soviet, but Cuban, Mexican, Nicaraguan, and East German service. Though dated, it was reliable and used in a variety of roles during the war.


Variants:


BTR-152: Basic APC based on the ZIS-151 truck. Six wheels, open top, no night vision or NBC system. Armament either one 7.62-mm SGMB or 12.7-mm (.51 caliber) DshK machine gun. Crew of two and up to 18 passengers. Many converted to command vehicles, artillery fire-direction vehicles, artillery tractors, or armored ambulances.

BTR-152A: SPAAG version with either ZPU-2 or ZPU-4 AA guns mounted. Some converted to use ZU-23 23-mm guns.

BTR-152B: Artillery command version.

BTR-152C: Communications version with several radios for Battalion or Regimental command use.

BTR-152D: Version based on ZIL-157 truck with front-mounted winch and night vision for driver.

BTR-152V: AA version of D.

BTR-152I: Artillery command version of D.

BTR-152S: Battalion and Regimental command version with additional radios. Some modified with enclosed roof.

BTR-152V1: Improved version of D with night vision for driver, winch, and improved tire pressure regulation system.

BTR-152K: Improved APC version with enclosed roof, top hatches. Crew reduced to 2 plus 13 passengers. Some converted to armored ambulances.

BTR-152E: AA version of V1. Many converted to take ZU-23 AA gun.

BTR-152U: Command vehicle at Battalion level and higher. Some with armored roof.

BTR-152V2: Version of V1 without winch.

BTR-152B1: Artillery command vehicle with winch, night vision for driver.


East Germany built the vehicles as the SPW-152, but none were deployed to North America by the East German Army. Stasi Field Security Units did use the vehicle.


Users:

Soviet Army: Main APC used in Rear-Area Protection Divisions and in some Mobilization-only Motor-Rifle Divisions. Some issued to units with BTR-60s and -70s to replace war losses.

Cuba: None sent to North America initially, but some Cuban vehicles sent to replace war losses. Many destroyed during the fall of the Castro Regime.

East Germany: Stasi Field Security.

Mexico: Used alongside BTR-60 in mechanized infantry units, often issued from Soviet or East German stocks to replace war losses. Some encountered and destroyed in 2010 Baja War. Still in Mexican Government service.

Nicaragua: Main APC used by Third-line Nicaraguan Army units, often provided from Soviet or East German stocks. Out of service after 1995 Coup that ousted the Sandinista Regime.


Captured Vehicles:

The BTR-152 family was well known to American and British intelligence from its service in previous conflicts. Some American and Canadian units did press captured vehicles into temporary service as “hack” vehicles. Most captured specimens were melted down for scrap or sent to museums. A few also survive in private collections.

[Wolfman]

What a piece of crap…