via RiaNovosti
MOSCOW, June 10 (RIA Novosti) – The Russian Airborne Forces (VDV) have started testing eight advanced multi-purpose Rakushka armored personnel carriers in field conditions, military spokesman Yevgeny Meshkov said Tuesday.A couple of things.
The Russian Airborne Forces received two Rakushka armored vehicles last year and are expected to get another eight by mid-2014. After the tests, the vehicles are to be put into service.
“A controlled tactical exploitation of eight Rakushka airborne multi-purpose [BTR-MD] armored vehicles has started at the testing areas of an Airborne Forces unit,” Lieutenant Colonel Meshkov said.
The BTR-MD Rakushka is a Russian multi-purpose armored vehicle designed for airborne troops, produced by the Volgograd Tractor Factory. The vehicle has a weight of 13.2 tons and is equipped with two machine guns. The carrier requires two operators, while a total of 13 people are to be involved in the airborne landing test.
If these reports are to be believed then the Russian military is emphasizing its Airborne Forces ... at least when it comes to procurement. Expeditionary forces seem to be making a comeback when it comes to the Russian Bear.
Second, how can a nation that is so innovative when it comes to armored vehicles get the basics so wrong? The entry and exits from these vehicles is absolutely atrocious! When seconds count and you need to unass one of these vehicles, it must seem like it takes an eternity. The Russians are better than this. I wonder why they haven't fixed it.
