This first one is of a BMP-2 and the ex-commanders position.
Taken a few weeks ago during my visit to Puckapunyal in Victoria, Australia, the following show various elements of the BMP-1. This particular vehicle was donated to the museum by Germany after the reunification (A T-72 next to it was from the same source).
The mounting for a PK machinegun can be seen towards the front of the vehicle. Obviously the gunner would sit closest to the turret. A brass catcher can be seen on the right side of the mounting.
Two of the four firing ports can be seen here without the brass inserts designed for AK series weapons. The forward periscope is angled well forward in line with the left side machinegunners port. The two roof hatches on each side are large enough for two men to stand in.
The commander has three periscopes attached to his hatch. These and the IR spotlight all rotate with ease in 360 degrees - the hatch cover is hinged behind the periscopes and spotlight.
From this angle the external difference in the firing ports is clear (the machinegun port is the odd one out). One port is located within the left door and fitted with exactly the same insert as the other rifle ports.
The brass insert is easily removed and is obviously designed to make a tight seal around an AK series rifle. When removed, it falls into two connected pieces allowing the insertion of the rifle. It is evident that any rifle or machinegun could be used through the port if the insert is not used, however this would result in the vehicle not being NBC sealed.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:49, Tue 06 Apr 2010.