Trumpeter 1:35 BMP-3 MICV Early Version

The BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle was developed in the 1980s and entered service with the Soviet Army in 1987. Serial production started in the same year and is continued until now (2017) at the Kurganska Fabryka Maszyn. It is estimated that over 2,000 BMP-3s were manufactured. The vehicle is powered by a single 500hp UTD-29-M diesel engine and can take up to 7 troops. The basic armament of the BMP-3 is highly unusual. They are created by: 100mm 2A70 2A70 gun and 30mm 2A72 automatic cannon. Secondary armament is 1 PKT machine gun cal .: 7.62 mm and 1 ATGM launcher (anti-tank guided missile) 9M117. It is not easy to clearly evaluate the BMP-3. On the one hand, the great advantage of the car is its considerable firepower, outclassing its rivals from Western armies, as well as relatively high maneuverability and the ability to swim. The disadvantages of the BMP-3, especially the early versions, include the very high failure rate of the vehicle - especially the drive system and transmission, as well as the fatal placement of troops inside the vehicle. Despite these shortcomings, the BMP-3 achieved considerable export success, as Russia managed to sell it to Kuwait, the UAE and Greece (which is a NATO country!). The BMP-3 also found its way to the armed forces of Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.