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BRDM-1

The vehicle was designed in 1954-1956 by the GAZ Design Bureau as the GAZ-40P (the letter P stood for "floating") to replace the BTR-40 light armoured personnel carrier as the standard light reconnaissance, staff and liaison vehicle of the Soviet Army of the Armed Forces of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Compared to its predecessor, the BRDM had increased cross-country capability due to the use of a chassis with two additional pairs of lowered wheels and amphibious capability, as well as a greater range. The serial production of the BRDM was carried out from 1957 to 1966, the last years the vehicle was produced in parallel with the improved BRDM-2, and the BRDM-1 (GAZ-40PB) created on its basis. In addition to the basic version, the BRDM served as a base for the development of a number of specialised combat vehicles, primarily self-propelled ATGMs (tank fighters); about 10,000 vehicles of all types were produced. The BRDM was used by the Soviet land forces, airborne troops and marines until the late 1970s. The BRDM was also actively exported, with some 1,500 units delivered to at least 21 countries around the world, and although, as of 2010, most of these countries have withdrawn them from service, some states continue to use this type of vehicle.