Country of origin Soviet Union Entered service ? Crew 12 men Dimensions and weight Weight 8 t Length 5.88 m Width 2.63 m Height (hull roof) 2 m Armament Main gun 2 x 23 mm Machine guns 2 x 7.62 mm Projectile weight 0.18 kg Maximum slant range 2 km Maximum firing range 2.5 km Rate of fire 2 000 rpm Elevation range + 90 degrees Traverse range 360 degrees Ammunition load Main gun ? Machine guns 2 000 rounds Mobility Engine 5D20 diesel Engine power 240 hp Maximum road speed 62 km/h Amphibious speed on water 10 km/h Range 500 km Maneuverability Gradient 60% Side slope 30% Vertical step 0.7 m Trench 2 m Fording Amphibious The BTR-ZD is an airborne armored personnel carrier which carryies two teams with man-portable air defense missiles. This vehicle is typically used in combination with a ZU-23-2 towed anti-aircraft gun, mounted on top of the roof. So once the ZU-23-2 is mounted this vehicle effectively becomes a Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun (SPAAG). This combination proved successful during Soviet-Afghanistan war. This air defense vehicle is in service with the Russian airborne troops and possibly with some other former Soviet republics. This vehicle was designed to protect airborne units against hostile helicopters. It is also effective against various ground targets and lightly armored vehicles. Furthermore the BTR-ZD can be used to suppress enemy fire. The ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft gun was adopted in 1960. It is a simple weapon, normally operated by a crew of 6 men. This gun is mounted on the roof of the BTR-D airborne armored personnel carrier and has a traverse range of 360 degrees. It fires HE-FRAG and AP-T rounds. This air defense gun has only simple sights. The ZU-23-2 can be removed from the vehicle and towed, or used as a stationary unit. Vehicle has racks for shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles. Usually three missiles are carried. The BTR-ZD SPAAG is also fitted with two forward-facing 7.62 mm machine guns. These are operated by the dismountes. There are some of firing ports and associated vision blocks provided for the troops to fire their individual weapons. Passengers enter and leave the vehicle through the roof hatches. This vehicle has aluminum armor hull, which protects against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. Armor protection is limited due to weight restriction for this vehicle class. Anti-aircraft gunners are not protected. The BTR-ZD air defense vehicle is powered by a 5D20 diesel engine, developing 240 hp. Vehicle is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by two waterjets. This armored personnel carrier can be paradropped from most medium transport aircraft. Can't find what you're looking for?