BTR-70

The BTR-70 is an eight-wheeled armored personnel carrier (APC) developed in the late 1970s by the Soviet Union. It was designed as a replacement for the earlier BTR-60 series. The BTR-70 saw widespread service in the Soviet Army and Warsaw Pact forces, and has also been exported to a number of other countries.

Key features of the BTR-70 include its amphibious capabilities, allowing it to cross water obstacles without special preparation. It is typically armed with a 14.5 mm KPVT heavy machine gun and a 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun, mounted in a turret. The BTR-70 can carry up to eight infantry soldiers in addition to its crew of two or three (driver, commander, and sometimes a gunner).

The vehicle's armor provides protection against small arms fire and shell splinters. The BTR-70 is powered by two gasoline engines, a significant difference from later BTR variants which utilized diesel engines. This feature contributed to concerns about fuel efficiency and fire hazards.

The BTR-70 has seen combat in numerous conflicts around the world. It has been criticized for its awkward troop dismount system (requiring soldiers to exit through small hatches on the sides of the vehicle) and the vulnerability of its gasoline engines. Despite these drawbacks, the BTR-70 remains in service with many armed forces, often undergoing modernization programs to improve its capabilities.