Boragh

[admin]

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/images/wz501_50th-bbzc1.jpg


The Chinese version of the BMP-1 is called the WZ 501. The WZ501 family is a derivative of the the Soviet BMP-1, with a slight reduction in weight and maximum road speed. It features a similar low pressure 73mm gun and the Sagger ATGM, along with six roadwheels per side. The Type 86 IFV is fully amphibious and is fitted with an NBC system and infra-red night vision equipments for commander, driver, and gunner.



China maintains roughly 1,000 Type-86 IFV's in operation. Variants

WZ501 (BMP-1) IFV 73mm gun, Red Arrow 73 (ATGM)
WZ503 (WZ501) No turret, taller hull Type
WZ504 (WZ501) ATGM Red Arrow 73
WZ505 (WZ501) Armored Ambulance - Raised rear compartment
WZ506 (WZ503) Armored Command Post (4 radios) Boragh - Iranian-made modification of the Chinese Type WZ 501/503 armored infantry fighting vehicle. It was reported in early May 2002, that three additional variations of the Boragh had been unveiled by the Iranian Defence Industries Organisation (DIO) of Iran's Vehicle and Equipments Group (VEIG). These consisted of a 120mm self-propelled mortar variant, of an ammunition resupply vehicle and of an APC fitted with improved armaments.
Specifications

Combat Weight 13,300 kg
Max Road Speed 65 km/h
Power to Weight Ratio 22 hp/ton
Height 2.16 m
Crew 3 + 8

[Alex]

BORAQ SUSPENSION SYSTEM

The vehicle is full-tracked and relatively light wich with high movement and travel ability can be used in various combat operations. This vehicle is equipped with suspension system, which is very suitable for all regions especially for sandy roads. Track rubbers prevent damages on the asphalt roads. Also, sprocket rubbers cause elimination of track noises.

BORAQ ENGINE

According to Boraq users one of the most important features of this vehicle is high mobility and power of the engine. Due to installation of the engine with high movement power in comparison with other full-tracked vehicles, it enjoys very suitable acceleration and speed. The engine is air-cooled with 330 h/p.
It can produce power-to weight ratio up to 25.38 hp/ton. The quick assembly and dismantling in fighting operations take less than 60 minutes.

HULL OF BORAQ

Hull of Boraq with low height and suitable angles can be protected against different armaments. Hull design provides complete safety conditions and enough space for the comfort of troop.

ARMAMENT

This vehicle is convenient for movement of troop & capable to shoot either from back portions or the vehicle side firing ports, therefore 12.7mm Dushka machine gun with 360 azimuth angle is equipped.

BORAQ FAMILY

Different types of Boraq vehicle family includes: Commander, Ambulance, Engineering, Ammunition, Tow Missile Launchers, Mortar, Gunned and different naval families.

TRAINING & OPERATION

One of the advantages of this vehicle is its easy training and operating. Also simplicity and considering ergonomics parameters in the vehicle design allows it to be repaired and maintained conveniently and with low cost.

[Ayyash]

Armor: Predominantly the same as the original BMP-1, however the vulnerability to autocannon fire, or even as proven in Chechnya, small arms, was addressed through appliqué armor that provides protection against a 30 mm cannon. (1).

Weapons:The 73 mm gun was done away with in all versions in favor of a variety of other armaments.
- 30 mm Gun: This seems to be taken straight from the BMP-2. This addressed the armor shortcomings in the BMP-1 by providing a stronger cupola for the gunner and commander(2)

-DShK: A turretless version with only a light 12.7 AA machine gun. I presume this to be the 'commander' version of the Boragh because absent this role, it would largely serve no purpose except as a transport because of its light arms. This then serves to reduce its weight by a full ton.

-Mortar: Have yet to see a picture so i'm skeptical, but it would probably be turretless, again to reduce weight, and be fired via the troop hatches in the rear, or perhaps through the hole where the turret was. All sources point toward a 120 mm mortar, and is the diameter used by other nations AIFV mortar conversions. (3)

-AAA: Armed with the ZU-23 gun in place of the turret, in the pictures i have seen, the wheels have not even been removed, so either it was a slapdash job with it just being welded on, or its bolted on and its able to be removed at the frontline and the vehicle is able to be used as transportation where the gun is situated for point defense. (4)

-Medic and Transport: Probably more or less the same vehicle but with payloads for each. Other then that, this is the most modified of the different varieties, with a 'raised' front that makes it more like a truck then an IFV, and the back first appears to be completely removed to make way for a canvas covering, but with a second look, the sole picture of this variant indicates that for whatever reason the canvas is merely covering the contours of the armor. Regardless, the troop transport section also appears to be expanded with a higher roof. (5)

-ATGM: Carries a toophan ATGM, unclear if it is a turret design with the missile instead of the original 73 mm or 30 mm cannon, or rather, if the turret is removed, and the launcher is installed in the manner of the DShK mentioned above.

Other(6)
A few other things are worthy of mention.
-Lower Weight: Due to the removal of turret in most versions, it lowers the weight to 13 tons, improving the power to weight ratio, and extends the range by an additional 50 km to 550 km

-Change in the Power Pack: the original 4-stroke 300 hp diesel engine with a 330 hp v-8.

-Night Vision: Infra-red sensors, available to both gunner(if applicable), driver and commander

-Road Wheels - the changes are two fold, first is that rubber pads have been added to allow constant travel on roads and pavement. The second is that they appear to be derived from the M113 rather then the BMP-1, request input on the implications though.

-Increased Passenger Capacity - wiki lists it as a feature, but doesn't warrant it, so i'm skeptical

Cites
1)Page 52 Iran's Military Forces and Warfighting Capabilities
2) BMP-2 Wiki
3)http://www.military-today.com/apc/boragh.htm
4)Military Photos Forum, Thread: Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces - Official thread Pages:4 & 5
5)http://cyberyana.free.fr/army2000/iran/iran.html
6) Boragh wiki