American M2A2 Bradley ODS SA outperforms BMP-3 – results of tests in Russia

For quite a long time there were disputes about which infantry fighting vehicle is better, the M2A2 Bradley ODS SA (USA) or the Soviet/Russian BMP-3. Now everything is clear. Specialists from the 38th Research Institute of BT of the Russian Ministry of Defense conducted and published the results of research (authors Mushin A.V. and Konyuchenko V.V.) tests of the American BMP M2A2 Bradley ODS SA.

According to the findings, the mentioned model of American armored vehicles seriously surpasses its “colleague” in its characteristics (parameters).



The M2A2 ODS SA is better than the BMP-3 in terms of anti-projectile, anti-bullet and anti-mine resistance. The advantage in anti-mine protection is achieved due to two sheets of aluminum and steel installed on the bottom, an anti-mine polymer mat mounted inside and the available shock-absorbing seats for the landing force.

The side projection of the M2A2 ODS SA provides protection against the 30 mm 3UBR6 round, but does not provide protection against the 3UBR8 shot. The frontal projection provides protection against the 3 mm 8UBR30 round, which is better than that of the BMP-3. At the same time, the side projection with dynamic protection (DZ) blocks provides cover against cumulative grenades of the PG-9VS type, but does not protect against grenades of the PG-7VL type. In turn, the frontal projection with DZ blocks provides protection against cumulative grenades of the PG-9VS and PG-7VL types.

In addition, the M2A2 Bradley ODS SA surpasses the BMP-3 in firepower. Thus, in terms of accuracy, the American single-barrel rapid-fire automatic gun of 25 mm caliber M242 Bushmaster is twice as good as the automatic guns 2A42 and 2A72 of 30 mm caliber, which increases the range. In terms of armor penetration, the BPOS shot of 25 mm caliber is twice as good as the BPSS shot of 3UBR8 of 30 mm caliber.

The American is also ahead in its operational and technical capabilities. Thus, it has much more convenient access to the fighting compartment from the landing compartment. Higher maintainability of the power unit, generator, fighting compartment and gun barrel. Shorter duration of maintenance of the main units and assemblies due to ease of access. Less duration and labor intensity of replacement of the main units and assemblies.

The BMP M2A2 ODS SA also surpasses the BMP-3 in terms of ergonomics. This is due to the larger volume of armored space, the presence of a ramp in the troop compartment, and the absence of structural elements between the commander's and gunner's workstations that would prevent the crew from freely moving from the fighting compartment to the troop compartment.

At the same time, the American is inferior to its “colleague” in terms of dynamism, power reserve, cross-country ability and the ability to overcome water obstacles afloat, as well as thanks to the presence of a 100 mm caliber gun and the ability to destroy enemy manpower from two PKT machine guns.



The specialists made recommendations on design solutions that are appropriate for implementation in Russian serial and prospective models of BTVT. Thus, in terms of protection, it was proposed to use protected screens, including in the frontal part, ATGM launchers, ready for direct use, as well as the use of a protective commander's cabin with armored glass during marching operations (conducting observation).

In terms of increasing the firepower of the BMP-3, it was proposed to develop a round with an armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) for 30 mm automatic cannons. Subsequent use in the ammunition load of the 3UBR8 round of 30 mm caliber with an armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot projectile. It was also recommended to develop a new 30 mm automatic cannon with improved characteristics in terms of firing accuracy and armor penetration, ensuring guaranteed destruction of armored vehicles of the M2A2 and M2A3 types, with the introduction of design elements implemented in foreign automatic cannons (barrel stiffeners and other know-how).