Russian army unveils BPM-97 Vystrel 4×4 APC fitted with Epoch BM-30D RCWS 30mm cannon

During a military parade that was held in Nizhny Novgorod, May 9, 2021, the Russian army has unveiled a new version of its Vystrel KAMAZ-43269 4×4 Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) vehicle also called BPM-97 fitted an Epoch BM-30D RCWS (Remote Controlled Weapon Station).

The Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) BM-30D is also mounted on the Typhoon-VDV K-4386 Mine-Protected Armored Vehicle which is in service the Russian airborne troops.

The Epoch BM-30D RCWS was developed by the Russian Central Research Institute BUREVESTNIK and is armed with one 2A42 30mm automatic cannon and one 7.62mm PKTM coaxial machine gun. The optoelectronic suite installed above the main gun includes day/night vision, infrared cameras, and a laser rangefinder.

The BPM-97, Russian designation KAMAZ-43269 Vystrel is a 4×4 wheeled Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle designed and manufactured by the Russian truck manufacturer KAMAZ. The vehicle is based on the KAMAZ-4326 truck chassis fitted with a welded aluminum body. The upper part of the hull is able to provide ballistic protection against the firing of small arms 12.7mm at a distance of 300 m, while the lower part is able to withstand hit of 7.62 mm caliber weapons at a distance of 30 m.

The BPM-97 Vystrel was designed to be used as APC (Armored Personnel Carrier Vehicle) with a conventional design. The engine is at the front, crew cab in the center and troops compartment at the rear. The vehicle can accommodate 12 personnel including the driver and commander.

In APC configuration, the BPM-97 Vystel is fitted with a manual ring-mount weapon station which is armed with a 14.5mm KPVT heavy machine gun, but the ring-mount can be also armed with one 12.7mm machine gun, a 30mm grenade launcher or anti-tank missile launcher system.

The goal of the Vystrel fitted with Epoch BM-30D RCWS is to offer more firepower while maintaining high mobility in all-terrain conditions. With the RCWS, the crew has a new weapon station equipped with optics for day/night combat capabilities and a fire control system. This type of turret allows the gunner to aim and control all the firing operations from inside the hull and under armor protection.