Difference between revisions of "BTR-ZD"

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{{About
 +
| about = Soviet SPAA '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = the other Soviet SPAA
 +
| link = BTR-152A
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=ussr_btr_zd
 
|code=ussr_btr_zd
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png|ArtImage2_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet SPAA {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Danger Zone"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was a Soviet anti-aircraft vehicle designed with the intent of providing airborne troops with a mobile vehicle with the ability to transport MANPADS. It was developed in the late 1970s and entered service in 1984. As it was intended, it was originally only capable of carrying Strela and Igla MANPADS, but later on the airborne troops came up with the idea of attaching a ZU-23 twin-barrel autocannon on the modified BTR-D chassis. A little while later, the idea was approved by the manufacturers, and the 23mm autocannon began to be pre-installed on factory-built {{Specs|name}}s. These variants also had armored plating around the gun crew to protect them from shrapnel and rifle-caliber fire. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the {{Specs|name}} continued to be used by the Russian Airborne Forces (VDV).
 +
 
 +
The {{Specs|name}} was introduced in [[Update "Danger Zone"]]. Based on the BTR-D chassis derived from VDV's BMD-1, the {{Specs|name}} offers devastating twin 23 mm autocannons with good accuracy and rate of fire, as well as being mobile; while having the bare minimal survivability for the crew. It is best to wait until enemies get close before engaging them, as the {{Specs|name}}'s autocannons are most effective at short range.  
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
With the max thickness of the armour being 32mm on the front and two crew members completely exposed almost anything can take you out.  The speed of the vehicle acts as a substitute to the low armour.  İf the vehicle is shot from the side by an AP round it likely wont do much  damage and wont hit the ammo but an HE round will almost certainly take out at least 2 crew members. The spacing of the crew members is disadvantageous as they are all close together and 1 good shot might be able to take them all out.
+
The BTR-D APC chassis was derived from BMD-1, an airborne IFV of the VDV, designed to be paradropped by transporter aircraft; thus one of its requirements was being light, the extensive use of ABT-101 aluminium alloy ensured its structural integrity while providing a bare minimum of protection for the crew.
  
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
+
With the maximum thickness of the armour being 32 mm on the front and two crew members completely exposed, almost anything can take you out. The speed of the vehicle acts as a substitute to the low armour. If the vehicle is shot from the side by an AP round it likely won't do much damage and won't hit the ammo but an HE round will almost certainly take out at least 2 crew members. The spacing of the crew members is disadvantageous as they are all close together and 1 good shot might be able to take them all out.
<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)
+
 
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) -->
+
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
 +
* Alloy ABT-101
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' <br> ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Hull || 23 mm (63°) ''Top''<br>15 mm (73°) ''UFP''<br>32 mm (48°) ''LFP''
|-
+
| 23 mm ''Top'' <br>20 mm ''Bottom'' || 20 mm ''Bottom'' || 12 mm
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' <br> ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
 
|-
 
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
+
'''Notes:'''
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
+
 
 +
* Suspension wheels are 10 mm thick, tracks are 15 mm thick
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.''
+
Thanks to the light weight of the vehicle, its 5D-20 V6 engine can output up to 241 hp and pushes the BTR-ZD to 61 km/h, comparable to its Chinese counterpart [[ZSD63]]; it also has high power-weight ratio. While having sufficient forward speed, it can only go 6 km/h in reverse, so beware of being over-extended.
  
{{tankMobility}}
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp=341|rbMinHp=212}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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{{main|ZU-23 (23 mm)}}
 
{{main|ZU-23 (23 mm)}}
  
''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''
+
The ZU-23 is perhaps one of the most famous AA autocannon in service, due to the lack of anti-air capabilities of VDV troops in the early stages of being air-dropped. The BTR-ZD straps a ZU-23-2 mount onto the top of the chassis, which has high rate of fire and sufficient penetration to tear down most targets it might see on their sides. Note that it takes a relatively long time to reload its guns, so be sure to make every shot count.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 500 (50) || rowspan="2" | 800 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+90° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
+
| rowspan="2" | 500 (50) || rowspan="2" | 800 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+90° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 52.8 || 73.1 || 88.8 || 98.2 || 104.5 || rowspan="2" | 13.00 || rowspan="2" | 11.50 || rowspan="2" | 10.60 || rowspan="2" | 10.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 35.7 || 42.0 || 51.0 || 56.4 || 60.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
 
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}
 
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}
* '''HEI-T:''' {{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}
+
* '''HEFI-T:''' {{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}
* '''API-T:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
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* '''APIT:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
  
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:ZU-23 (23 mm)/Ammunition|HEF-I, API-T, HEFI-T}}
! colspan="7" | Penetration statistics
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
 
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
 
|-
 
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
|-
 
| Default || __ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __
 
|-
 
| HEI-T || __ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __
 
|-
 
| API-T || __ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __
 
|-
 
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
+
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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! 3rd<br>rack empty
 
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 
! 4th<br>rack empty
 
! 4th<br>rack empty
!5th<br>rack empty
+
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
| '''10''' || 8&nbsp;''(+2)'' || 6&nbsp;''(+4)'' || 4&nbsp;''(+6)'' || 2&nbsp;''(+8)''  
+
| '''10''' || 8&nbsp;''(+2)'' || 6&nbsp;''(+4)'' || 4&nbsp;''(+6)'' || 2&nbsp;''(+8)''
 
|0&nbsp;''(+10)''|| Yes
 
|0&nbsp;''(+10)''|| Yes
 
|-
 
|-
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{{main|PKT (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|PKT (7.62 mm)}}
  
''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''
+
An unusual feature of BTR-ZD is having a pair of hull machine guns (not modelled in X-ray view); although being practically useless any against armoured targets, they could still be used to gun down exposed crews in rare cases.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
+
| Hull || 500 (250) || 700 || ±2° || ±3°
 
|-
 
|-
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
+
| Hull || 500 (250) || 700 || ±2° || ±3°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
Due to being made out of Aluminium and the thickest area of the armour being 32mm at the front of the vehicle a head on engagement with a ground vehicle is not recommended. If used against ground targets its best to use its mobility to flank and have a higher chance of avoiding the hangar. HE rounds will decimate the vehicle, especially the exposed loader and gunner. When facing heavier targets (such as Churchills) either take out the tracks and drive away or just simply drive away as you wont be able to pierce their frontal armour. When encountering vehicles with strong frontal armour but weak side armour (such as the jagdpanzer 38t) try to flank and take them out by shooting at their sides.
+
Due to being made out of ABT-101 aluminium alloy and the thickest area of the armour being 32 mm at the front of the vehicle, a head on engagement with a ground vehicle is not recommended, especially against vehicles with high-calibre machine guns or autocannons. If used against ground targets, make good use of the BTR-ZD's high mobility and flank the enemies to avoid being immediately sent back to the hangar. Most HE rounds will decimate the vehicle right away, even if it somehow survives the hit, the exposed crew will not have a good day. When facing heavier targets (such as [[Churchill (Family)|Churchills]]), chances are the autocannons onboard with relatively low penetration will be practically useless against any WWII heavy tanks, so either disable their tracks or just avoid them at all costs. When encountering vehicles with strong frontal armour but weak side armour (such as the [[Jagdpanzer 38(t)|Hetzer]]) try to flank and take them out by shooting at their sides.
  
When engaging air targets try to take out the target before it shoots back, because if it does the gunner and loader are will almost certainly be unconscious and will leave you vulnerable to follow up attacks. A strategy can be used in maps with water and bridges (in maps like European Province) to peek out under the bridge to fire and go back under it to reload or use the water to surprise the enemy from unexpected angles. As any SPAA it is also suggested to stay close to cover to avoid strafing, bombs and rockets. Lastly it is advised to stay near trees so that you can quickly go behind them and make it harder to spot you while you are reloading or using your mobility to quickly change positions.  
+
When engaging air targets, try to take out the target before it shoots back, because if it does the gunner and loader will almost certainly be rendered unconscious and will leave you vulnerable to follow up attacks. Since the vehicle is amphibious, a strategy that can be used on maps with rivers and bridges (in maps like European Province) is to peek out under the bridge to fire, then hide in the bridge arches to reload, or make good use of the waterways to sneak up on the enemies and deliver a surprise attack. As with any SPAA, it is also suggested to stay close to cover to avoid gun strafing, bombs, and rockets. Lastly it is advised to stay near trees so that you can quickly go behind them and make it harder to spot you while you are reloading, or use your mobility to quickly change positions.
  
 
[[File:Btr-zd Belarus.jpg|thumb]]
 
[[File:Btr-zd Belarus.jpg|thumb]]
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->'''Pros:'''
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 +
 
 +
'''Pros:'''
  
* Very good fire rate
+
* Very high rate of fire, easy to intercept fast targets
* All ammo types have enough bullet penetration for most light and medium tanks
+
* All ammo types have enough penetration for most light and medium tanks, like [[M24 (Family)|M24]], [[Sd.Kfz.234 (Family)|Sd.Kfz.234]]
 
* Night vision capabilities
 
* Night vision capabilities
 
* Amphibious
 
* Amphibious
* Fast for a SPAA
+
* Fast for an SPAA
 
* Has 2 forward facing 7.62 mm machine guns
 
* Has 2 forward facing 7.62 mm machine guns
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* Exposed gunner and loader
+
* Low survivability: thin armour on the hull and exposed gunner and loader
* Big target for enemy planes to strafe at
+
* Can be pierced by 12.7 mm machine guns and larger-calibre weapons
* Can be pierced by 12.7 mm machine guns
 
 
* Guns overheat fast if not fired in bursts
 
* Guns overheat fast if not fired in bursts
 +
* Slow -6 km/h reverse speed
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
  
A variant of the BTR-D, the BTR-ZD (with ZD standing for ''zenitnaya ustanovka)'' is used as a SPAA while also being designed to be able to carry man-portable surface to air missiles. It was originally designed by the Soviet Union in late 1970's and entered production in 1984. It was used by the Soviet Union and the Russian Federation. It features the twin 23 mm ZU-23 cannons to be used on enemy planes and helicopters, but it also proved useful to be against soft ground targets. It was most well-known for it use in the Soviet-Afghanistan conflict.
+
The BTR-ZD (Бронетранспортёр- Зенитная Десанта; lit Anti-aircraft APC for airborne troops) was based on the BTR-D APC, which was again based on the BMD-1 IFV for the VDV (Soviet/Russian Airborne Troops). After the introduction of the BMD-1 in VDV service in 1969, the vehicle was deemed too small for practical transport capabilities; so the Volgograd Tractor Factory (BMD-1's manufacturer) built a new APC for the VDV based on BMD-1, with a longer hull while removing its original turret system. The new BTR-D entered the service in 1974.
 +
 
 +
This variant, dubbed "Скрежет" (a metal file) installed a ZU-23-2 autocannon onto its chassis and it was projected that the crew would also carry a squadron with MANPADS, serving as a field anti-aircraft position for the airborne troops.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_btr_zd Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 175: Line 173:
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
* http://www.military-today.com/artillery/btr_zd.htm
+
* [[wt:en/news/7729-development-btr-zd-gun-savvy-en|[Devblog] BTR-ZD: Gun Savvy]]
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BTR-D#cite_note-fas.org-2
+
* [http://www.military-today.com/artillery/btr_zd.htm <nowiki>[Military Today]</nowiki> BTR ZD]
* https://weaponsystems.net/system/64-BTR-ZD%20%22Skrezhet%22
+
* [https://weaponsystems.net/system/64-BTR-ZD%20%22Skrezhet%22 <nowiki>[Weapon Systems]</nowiki> BTR-ZD "Skrezhet"]
  
 
{{USSR anti-aircraft vehicles}}
 
{{USSR anti-aircraft vehicles}}

Latest revision as of 11:56, 5 August 2023

This page is about the Soviet SPAA BTR-ZD. For the other Soviet SPAA, see BTR-152A.
ussr_btr_zd.png
GarageImage BTR-ZD.jpg
ArtImage BTR-ZD.png
ArtImage2 BTR-ZD.png
BTR-ZD
AB RB SB
5.7 6.0 6.0
Class:
Research:46 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:155 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

The BTR-ZD was a Soviet anti-aircraft vehicle designed with the intent of providing airborne troops with a mobile vehicle with the ability to transport MANPADS. It was developed in the late 1970s and entered service in 1984. As it was intended, it was originally only capable of carrying Strela and Igla MANPADS, but later on the airborne troops came up with the idea of attaching a ZU-23 twin-barrel autocannon on the modified BTR-D chassis. A little while later, the idea was approved by the manufacturers, and the 23mm autocannon began to be pre-installed on factory-built BTR-ZDs. These variants also had armored plating around the gun crew to protect them from shrapnel and rifle-caliber fire. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the BTR-ZD continued to be used by the Russian Airborne Forces (VDV).

The BTR-ZD was introduced in Update "Danger Zone". Based on the BTR-D chassis derived from VDV's BMD-1, the BTR-ZD offers devastating twin 23 mm autocannons with good accuracy and rate of fire, as well as being mobile; while having the bare minimal survivability for the crew. It is best to wait until enemies get close before engaging them, as the BTR-ZD's autocannons are most effective at short range.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
ESS
Creation of a smoke screen in the direction of movement of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull32 / 23 / 20
Turret0 / 0 / 0
Crew6 people
Visibility71 %

The BTR-D APC chassis was derived from BMD-1, an airborne IFV of the VDV, designed to be paradropped by transporter aircraft; thus one of its requirements was being light, the extensive use of ABT-101 aluminium alloy ensured its structural integrity while providing a bare minimum of protection for the crew.

With the maximum thickness of the armour being 32 mm on the front and two crew members completely exposed, almost anything can take you out. The speed of the vehicle acts as a substitute to the low armour. If the vehicle is shot from the side by an AP round it likely won't do much damage and won't hit the ammo but an HE round will almost certainly take out at least 2 crew members. The spacing of the crew members is disadvantageous as they are all close together and 1 good shot might be able to take them all out.

Armour type:

  • Alloy ABT-101
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 23 mm (63°) Top
15 mm (73°) UFP
32 mm (48°) LFP
23 mm Top
20 mm Bottom
20 mm Bottom 12 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 10 mm thick, tracks are 15 mm thick

Mobility

Amphibious
The design allows you to swim and control movement in the water
Speedforward / back
AB67 / 7 km/h
RB and SB62 / 7 km/h
Number of gears4 forward
1 back
Weight9.0 t
Engine power
AB458 hp
RB and SB240 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB50.9 hp/t
RB and SB26.7 hp/t

Thanks to the light weight of the vehicle, its 5D-20 V6 engine can output up to 241 hp and pushes the BTR-ZD to 61 km/h, comparable to its Chinese counterpart ZSD63; it also has high power-weight ratio. While having sufficient forward speed, it can only go 6 km/h in reverse, so beware of being over-extended.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 67 7 9 341 458 37.89 50.89
Realistic 62 7 212 240 23.56 26.67

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 356 → 3 630 Sl icon.png
RB1 944 → 2 995 Sl icon.png
SB3 007 → 4 633 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications40 200 Rp icon.png
77 800 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 400 Ge icon.png
Crew training45 000 Sl icon.png
Experts155 000 Sl icon.png
Aces630 Ge icon.png
Research Aces440 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
110 / 140 / 200 % Sl icon.png
160 / 160 / 160 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 900 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
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Cost:
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Transmission
Research:
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Cost:
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Engine
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Cost:
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Improved Parts
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Improved FPE
Research:
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NVD
Research:
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Cost:
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Crew Replenishment
Research:
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Cost:
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Smoke grenade
Research:
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Cost:
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ESS
Research:
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Horizontal Drive
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23mm_ussr_HEIT_ammo_pack
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Adjustment of Fire
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23mm_ussr_APIT_ammo_pack
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Cost:
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Elevation Mechanism
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Cost:
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Artillery Support
Research:
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Cost:
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Armaments

Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.

Main armament

2 x 23 mm ZU-23 cannon
Ammunition500 rounds
Belt capacity50 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
13.0 → 10.0 s
Fire rate801 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 90°
Main article: ZU-23 (23 mm)

The ZU-23 is perhaps one of the most famous AA autocannon in service, due to the lack of anti-air capabilities of VDV troops in the early stages of being air-dropped. The BTR-ZD straps a ZU-23-2 mount onto the top of the chassis, which has high rate of fire and sufficient penetration to tear down most targets it might see on their sides. Note that it takes a relatively long time to reload its guns, so be sure to make every shot count.

23 mm ZU-23 (x2) Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 500 (50) 800 -10°/+90° ±180° N/A 52.8 73.1 88.8 98.2 104.5 13.00 11.50 10.60 10.00
Realistic 35.7 42.0 51.0 56.4 60.0

Ammunition

  • Default: API-T · HEF-I
  • HEFI-T: HEF-I · HEFI-T · HEF-I · API-T
  • APIT: API-T · API-T · API-T · HEFI-T

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
HEF-I 6 6 4 3 2 2
API-T 51 48 36 26 18 13
HEFI-T 6 6 4 3 2 2
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
HEF-I 980 0.18 0.1 0.1 28.49 79° 80° 81°
API-T 970 0.19 - - - 47° 60° 65°
HEFI-T 970 0.19 0.1 0.1 20.02 79° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the BTR-ZD
Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
5th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
10 (+2) (+4) (+6) (+8) (+10) Yes

Machine guns

Ammunition1 000 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate700 shots/min
Main article: PKT (7.62 mm)

An unusual feature of BTR-ZD is having a pair of hull machine guns (not modelled in X-ray view); although being practically useless any against armoured targets, they could still be used to gun down exposed crews in rare cases.

7.62 mm PKT
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Hull 500 (250) 700 ±2° ±3°
Hull 500 (250) 700 ±2° ±3°

Usage in battles

Due to being made out of ABT-101 aluminium alloy and the thickest area of the armour being 32 mm at the front of the vehicle, a head on engagement with a ground vehicle is not recommended, especially against vehicles with high-calibre machine guns or autocannons. If used against ground targets, make good use of the BTR-ZD's high mobility and flank the enemies to avoid being immediately sent back to the hangar. Most HE rounds will decimate the vehicle right away, even if it somehow survives the hit, the exposed crew will not have a good day. When facing heavier targets (such as Churchills), chances are the autocannons onboard with relatively low penetration will be practically useless against any WWII heavy tanks, so either disable their tracks or just avoid them at all costs. When encountering vehicles with strong frontal armour but weak side armour (such as the Hetzer) try to flank and take them out by shooting at their sides.

When engaging air targets, try to take out the target before it shoots back, because if it does the gunner and loader will almost certainly be rendered unconscious and will leave you vulnerable to follow up attacks. Since the vehicle is amphibious, a strategy that can be used on maps with rivers and bridges (in maps like European Province) is to peek out under the bridge to fire, then hide in the bridge arches to reload, or make good use of the waterways to sneak up on the enemies and deliver a surprise attack. As with any SPAA, it is also suggested to stay close to cover to avoid gun strafing, bombs, and rockets. Lastly it is advised to stay near trees so that you can quickly go behind them and make it harder to spot you while you are reloading, or use your mobility to quickly change positions.

Btr-zd Belarus.jpg

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very high rate of fire, easy to intercept fast targets
  • All ammo types have enough penetration for most light and medium tanks, like M24, Sd.Kfz.234
  • Night vision capabilities
  • Amphibious
  • Fast for an SPAA
  • Has 2 forward facing 7.62 mm machine guns

Cons:

  • Low survivability: thin armour on the hull and exposed gunner and loader
  • Can be pierced by 12.7 mm machine guns and larger-calibre weapons
  • Guns overheat fast if not fired in bursts
  • Slow -6 km/h reverse speed

History

The BTR-ZD (Бронетранспортёр- Зенитная Десанта; lit Anti-aircraft APC for airborne troops) was based on the BTR-D APC, which was again based on the BMD-1 IFV for the VDV (Soviet/Russian Airborne Troops). After the introduction of the BMD-1 in VDV service in 1969, the vehicle was deemed too small for practical transport capabilities; so the Volgograd Tractor Factory (BMD-1's manufacturer) built a new APC for the VDV based on BMD-1, with a longer hull while removing its original turret system. The new BTR-D entered the service in 1974.

This variant, dubbed "Скрежет" (a metal file) installed a ZU-23-2 autocannon onto its chassis and it was projected that the crew would also carry a squadron with MANPADS, serving as a field anti-aircraft position for the airborne troops.

Media

Skins

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the vehicles;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


USSR anti-aircraft vehicles
GAZ-AAA  GAZ-AAA (4M) · GAZ-AAA (DShK)
BTR-152  BTR-152A · BTR-152D
Wheeled/Half-tracked  GAZ-MM (72-K) · ZiS-12 (94-KM) · ZiS-43
Radar SPAAG  ZSU-23-4 · ZSU-37-2
SAM  ZSU-23-4M4 · Strela-10M2 · 2S6 · Pantsir-S1
Other  ZSU-23-4M2 · ZUT-37 · ZSU-37 · BTR-ZD · ZSU-57-2
Czechoslovakia  M53/59
North Vietnam  ▂Phòng không T-34