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When the OPFOR, (Opposition
Forces), and the CMF, (Coalition of Military Forces), war broke out, the
OPFOR had a small military force. Within a year the CMF was very hard pressed
to keep units at full combat capacity, due to the OPFORs’ ability to produce
armored vehicles at near superhuman rates.
The OPFOR BT-3 (Boyeveya
Ti, or Infantry Carrier), 6x6 APC was the only form of armored transportation
available. The first BZT-1,( Boyeveya Zua Ti or Infantry Attack Carrier),
was very slow and only had a heavy machine gun as it’s main weapon. The
BZT-4 was the result of several different upgrades, to include a new fire
control system, AT missile launcher, and a 20mm auto-cannon. Armor
was improved with the addition of add-on panels to the sides and front
glacis. It was, however not the most reliable vehicle. It suffered frequent
breakdowns and auto-cannon jams. The BZT-5 was a totally new design. The
biggest improvement was a 30mm auto-cannon, and laser range finder package.
The ammo feed mechanism was much more advanced, as a result, there was
a considerable reduction in jams. The BZT-5 mounted a new, larger turret
with add-on armor to the front portion. The addition of a KS-3, (Kuai Se,
or Fast Snake), anti-tank missile launcher mounted on the turret roof and
controlled by the gunner, gave the BZT-5 an extra punch. The troop compartment,
still cramped, held an 8 man squad. The rear sides mounted firing ports,
in which the troops could use their personal weapons, under armor, to lay
down suppressive fire in built-up areas. In addition to the 30mm auto-cannon,
there was a 7.85mm coax mounted to the right of the main gun. Trembelov
Industries provided the gunners’ sights and the Commanders’ slave sights.
A 600 watt infra-red search light is provided for the Commander on the
cupola. A Xin Xin 650hp HMT, provided power.
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