Research of the Trophy Sample of the Russian BMD-4M “Sadovnitsa”
Abstract
Purpose. To analyse the design, technical solutions, and protection system of a captured specimen of the Russian BMD-4M “Sadovnichka”; to examine the capabilities of the Russian defence-industrial complex and identify the key cooperating enterprises involved in the production of the BMD-4M “Sadovnichka”; and to identify foreign components incorporated into the BMD-4M “Sadovnichka” for the purpose of including them in sanctions lists and imposing export restrictions to the Russian Federation by partner countries.
Method: Theoretical-analytical, formalised and comparative analysis (of qualitative characteristics).
Findings. The findings make it possible to assess the potential and level of technological development of the Russian defence-industrial complex in the field of modern armoured combat vehicle design.
Theoretical implications: The article systematises knowledge on the design, layout principles, and the technological level of the BMD-4M “Sadovnichka”. Using specific examples of penetration entry and exit holes, shortcomings of the physico-mechanical properties of aluminium armour that affect its spall resistance are demonstrated. This criterion is important when determining the level of ballistic protection and underscores the necessity of applying internal anti-spall protection, which is a topic for further research and for development of technical solutions to improve such protection in domestic combat vehicle models.
Practical implications: The results allow identification of the advantages (weapons suite) and shortcomings (protection level) of the Russian BMD-4M that domestic armoured vehicle manufacturers should take into account. In addition, they enable determination of effective neutralisation methods, identification of foreign components for sanctions policy, and identification of cooperating enterprises for intelligence activities, as targets for Ukrainian DeepStrike.
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References
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Copyright (c) 2025 Leonid Davydovskyi, Andrii Baranovskyi, Serhii Bisyk, Vasyl Sakovets, Victor Golub, Svyatoslav Sedov
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