BTM-3 Russian Trenching Machine
BTM-3
Tracked Comprehensive Mine-Clearing Vehicle (TCMCV),
Other
Basic Information
Name
BTM-3 Russian Trenching Machine
Designation
BTM-3
Alternate Designation
BTM-3
Equipment Type
Tracked Comprehensive Mine-Clearing Vehicle (TCMCV),
Manufacturer
—
Date of Introduction
1957
Description
The fast trench-digging vehicle BTM-3 is designed to dig defensive and communication trenches in soils of up to IV type. The BTM consists of the basis vehicle and digging equipment. A heavy artillery prime-mover was used as the vehicle basis. When the vehicle is moving in transport mode, the gear box provides five gears for forward movement and one for backward. As soon as the vehicle starts digging trenches speed is decreased. The BTM can dig trenches in curves with a minimum radius of 25 m. The vehicle can switch from transport mode to operating (digging) mode in 10 minutes. When digging at 3rd gear, the BTM can approximately dig an 800 meter long man-sized trench in one hour.
Ground Specifications
Crew
2
Mobility Type
Tracked
Engine
Diesel (305 hp)
NBC Protection
Yes
Max Speed
36.0 km/h
Range
450.0 km
Variants
BTM-4M
BTM-4M is an overall improvement over the existing BTM-3, with a performance of 1000 m/h in normal soil and 250 m/h in frozen soil. All variants were equipped with a sliding shield. However, it was not mass produced and remained a prototype.
System
Alternative Designation
BTM-3
Type
Trenching machine
Family
BTM
Crew
2 ea
Troop Compartment Capacity
INA
Chassis
Russian T-54 medium tank, however their ends were swapped in order to make an engine compartment at the front. So the AT-T and BTM-3 are essentially driving backwards comparing with the T-54 tank.
Bulldozer Blade
Available
Crane
No
Ground Penetrating Radar
No
Mine Clearing
No
Proofing Roller
No
Bucket Loader
No
Back-hoe Excavator
No
Scatterable Mine Dispenser
No
Ditch Trencher
Yes
Note
The BTM-3 could dig straight, zigzag, or curved trenches. The rotor unloads the soil next to the trench, creating front and rear parapet of the trench which is around 0.5 m tall and provides additional protection.
Dimensions
Length
7.0 m
Width
3.17 m
Height
4.32 m
Weight, Combat
27.5 - 27.7 tons
Trenching System
System
Type
"High-Speed Trenching Machine"
Dig Depth
up to 1.5 m
Earth working capacity (trench depth 0.4 - 0.5 m)
1 200 - 1 400 m/h
Earth working capacity (trench depth 1.1 m)
270 - 810 m/h
Earth working capacity (trench depth 1.5 m)
270 - 560 m/h
Emplacement
5-7 min
Displacement
INA
Basic Trench
1.1 m deep and 0.9 m wide
Full-Size Trench
0.5 m deep and 1.1 m wide
Note #1
This machine was used by motorized and mechanized infantry units. Each Soviet motorized or mechanized division (10 000~13 000 soldiers) had 3 of these trenching machines.
Note #2
This trench-digging machine has a large rotor with buckets at the rear. There are a total of 8 buckets, with 160 l capacity each. The rotor is lowered behind the vehicle and digs trenches.
Automotive
Engine Name
A-401
Engine Type
Diesel
Engine Power
305 hp
Maximum Range
450-500 km
Speed, Maximum Road
36 km/h
Speed, Average Cross
INA
Speed Maximum Swim
Not Amphibious
Fording Depth
1.1 m
Trench
up to 1.8 m
Communications
Tactical Radio
R-113 standard tank radio.
Protection
Hull Armor
Protection from small arms fire and projectile Splinters.
Applique Armor
Available
Mine Clearing
Yes
Self-Entrenching Blade
Yes
NBC Protection
Yes
Smoke Equipment
INA
Details
Country of Origin
Russia
Category
Land
Land
Filter Label
B
Classification
Domain
Ground
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
7 m
Width
3.17 m
Height
4.32 m
Weight
27500 kg
Operators (3)
Russia
Cambodia
CFE Treaty
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