Fact File: the BTR-70

[Matt Wiser]

The most common APC in Cat I units for the Soviets and their lackeys:


BTR-70 in World War III


The BTR-70 was the most common APC of the Soviet Army in Cat I Motor-rifle divisions before and during the Third World War, serving on both the Northern and Southern Fronts. While there were not as many specialist variants developed as per its predecessor, the BTR-60, the vehicle served the Soviet Army, the East German Army, and the Cuban Army during the war, and has served in a number of postwar conflicts since. Though out of production in the former USSR, the vehicle has been produced in Romania under license since before the war, and is still offered for export.


Variants:

BTR-70: Initial version first seen by the West in 1980. Two gas powered V-6 engines, turret with 14.5-mm KPVT machine gun (500 rounds) and coaxial PKT 7.62-mm machine gun (2,000 rounds).

BTR-70 1982 mod: Modified version with two gas powered V-8 engines.

BTR-70 1984 mod: Modified with additional periscope on turret roof.

BTR-70 1986 mod: 1986 verison with combat lessons from both Afghanistan and North America incorporated. Additional periscope fitted and firing ports added to roof.

BTR-70K: Command vehicle with additional radios, whip antennas, portable generator, and land navigation device.

BTR-70KshM: Command post version (battalion and regimental level).


SPW-70: East German designation for BTR-70 (procured from Romania, which had a production license).

SPW-70(S): Staff vehicle with additional radios, antennas, and telescopic mast.

SPW-70 (SL): Forward Air Control vehicle with additional radio and four whip antennas.

SPW-70 (Ch): NBC reconnissance vehicle. Prototype only.



Users:


Soviet Army: Standard APC in Cat I Motor-rifle divisions and independent Motor-rifle brigades.

East German Army: Standard APC in Cat I Motor-rifle divisions. Often replaced by BTR-60s due to attrition. Combat in 1989 NATO Campaign.

Cuban Army: Standard APC in Cat I Mechanized Infantry units. Some remained in Cuba during the war, and saw service during Anti-Castro Uprising in 2009-on both sides.


Captured Vehicles:

A number of BTR-70s saw service with American, British, and Canadian units during the war, often on a temporary basis, though a number served for some time with the famous 83rd Infantry Division “The Rag-Tag Circus”, which was famous in both WW II and WW III for using captured enemy equipment against its former owners. Some remain in service for OPFOR Training, while others are either in museums or private collections.