Boragh Armored Fighting Vehicle
***Updated: Friday, March 18th, 2011***
The Boragh family of armored fighting vehicles, based on refurbished BMP-1 chassis, includes an APC, an IFV, a supply carrier, SAR, mortar carrier, and an anti-tank variant. It is in service with both the IRIA and the IRGCGF throughout the country. The total number of Boraghs is at least 190, though the number is likely higher by now. Sudan has imported and now operates an unknown number of Boraghs.
The original BMP-1 engine has been replaced; one possible candidate is the German 320 hp BF8L diesel engine which Iran ordered 190 of in 1996 (hence the minimum number of Boraghs). The Raad-1(which uses the same hull as the Boragh) is described as having an “8-cylinder air-cooled engine” by MODLEX which matches the BF8L.However there is a discrepancy between the power-to-weight ratio of the Boragh(25.3 hp/t) and the capabilities of the BF8L, though one possible explanation to this is that Iran found some way to modify the engine. However, the fact that this discrepancy exists suggests some other unknown, possibly indigenous, engine could be used.
Iran also manufactures appliqué armor for the Boragh that takes the form of bolt on panels that provide protection from up to 30 mm AP ammunition.
Overall, the Boragh has, for the short-term, the potential to fulfill Iran's light-armor needs, providing a common, modular program that allows for a streamlined logistical system in an army that is filled with a hodge-podge of different systems. Ultimately it depends how far the program will go and whether older carriers are phased out in favor of this new universal system instead of buying or developing something new. Basing it on the BMP-1 means there will always be inherent limitations in the system however.
APC
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| (Diomil promotional poster.) |
The first variety is the most common. The 73 mm cannon on the BMP-1 is removed and replaced with a 12.7 mm machine-gun with protective cupola. This frees up the originally cramped interior to carry 10 infantrymen. The majority of firing ports have been removed, with only the most forward remaining on either side. The original configuration of the BMP-1 with the infantryman facing outwards has been replaced with benches lining the outer wall facing inward, reminiscent of the M113. This begs the question on how the designers intend for the infantryman to use the firing ports comfortably.
Specifications:
Crew: 2+10
Weight: 13 tonne
Length: 6.65 m
Width: 2.94 m
Height: 1.88 m
Engine: See text
Max Speed: 65 km/h
Max Range: 500 km
Armament: 12.7 mm DShk
IFV
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| Diomil promotional poster |
The infantry fighting vehicle version amounts to an upgrade to BMP-2 level, replacing the original turret with the turret of the BMP-2 with ATGM launcher and 30 mm cannon. None have been observed in service although it is easy to confuse them with regular BMP-2s.
Specifications:
Crew: 3+ ~7
Length: 6.65 m
Width: 2.94 m
Height: 2.28 m
Engine: See text
Max Speed: 65 km/h
Armament: 30 mm 2A42, 7.62 mm Coax, AT-5
Air Defense
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| (Fars News) |
In this version, a Zu-23-2 is mounted on the APC body. The gun can either be mounted to a rotating platform where the 73 mm gun used to be, or the entire Zu-23-2 system, as it would normally be set up is simply placed on top on the hull. Notably, only the former variety has been observed in service. Some versions of it have been rigged for automatic control, though details are unknown about this specific aspect.
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| (Unknown) |
Also of note is the "Cobra" AFV which is largely the same, a Zu-23-2 on BMP-1 chassis, except it had a much lower clearance and was not directly a member of the Boragh family. It is likely that the project was scrapped in favor of the newer, design of the Boragh.
Specifications:
Weight: 14 tonne
Length: 6.65 m
Width: 2.94 m
Height: 1.88 m
Engine: See text
Max Speed: 65 km/h
Armament: Zu-23-2
Mortar Carrier
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| (IRNA) |
The mortar carrier version features a redesigned hull compared to the basic APC version and serves as the basis for variants such as the AT and supply carrier models as well as the Raad-1 SPG. The passenger section of the hull has been replaced with what is, essentially, a large box that is slightly bigger then the equivalent APC compartment. It holds a 120 mm mortar tube on a rotating base. Two large swinging doors open on top allowing the mortar to be fired. The rear doors have also been replaced with a small access door as well as a larger, downward folding ramp. The carrier has an internal capacity for ~36 120 mm rounds. The commanders’ position has been given a 12.7 mm machine gun. This version has seen widespread deployment with IRGC units.
Anti-Tank
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| (IRIB) |
The anti-tank version builds off the mortar carrier, but instead of a mortar, it carries a Toophan/TOW missile launcher mounted just rear of where the 73 mm cannon would be mounted. It has not been seen deployed, or even on parade.
Specifications:
Length: 6.50 m
Width: 2.94 m
Height: 2.02 m
Max Speed: 65 km/h
Armament: Toophan/TOW ATGM
Ammunition Carrier
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| (Diomil promotional poster) |
A radical redesign of the BMP-1 chassis, featuring an enlarged drivers cab with a machine-gun mount and a soft-shell cargo area. It retains amphibious capability and can carry 4 tonnes of ammunition.
Specifications:
Crew: 2
Weight: 11 tonne
Length: 6.43 m
Width: 3.2 m
Height: 2.26 m
Max Speed: 75 km/h
Range: 430 km
Armament: 12.7 mm DShK
Command
Though not officially identified, the similarity to other APC command variants betrays the likely identity of this model. It features a large superstructure at the rear of the hull.
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| (Various) |
SAR
Most likely operated by the IRIP or other non-military forces. It has a large truck like cab placed above the engine compartment and has an enlarged cargo area covered by a soft shell, much like that on a transport truck.
