What are the normal bone mineral density ranges for Turkish adults. How do BMD values differ between genders and age groups. What factors influence bone density measurements in the Turkish population. How do Turkish BMD values compare to other countries.

Bone Mineral Density: A Crucial Indicator of Skeletal Health

Bone mineral density (BMD) serves as a vital measure of skeletal health and strength. It plays a pivotal role in assessing an individual’s risk for osteoporosis and fractures. Understanding the normal BMD ranges for specific populations is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment of bone-related conditions.

A study conducted in Izmir, Turkey, aimed to establish reference values for BMD in the local population. This research provides valuable insights into the bone health of Turkish adults and how it compares to other regions.

Study Design and Methodology

The research team examined a total of 466 healthy individuals from Izmir, western Turkey. The breakdown of participants was as follows:

• 347 women
• 119 men
• Age range: 20-80 years

To ensure accuracy, the study excluded individuals with known risk factors that could affect bone mass. BMD measurements were performed using a Hologic QDR 4500 W Elite DXA instrument, focusing on two key areas:

1. Lumbar spine (L1-L4)
2. Non-dominant hip

Can DXA scans accurately measure bone density? Yes, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is considered the gold standard for BMD measurement due to its high precision and low radiation exposure.

Normal BMD Ranges for Turkish Women

The study revealed specific BMD values for Turkish women in different age groups:

Women Aged 20-39 Years

For the reference group of women between 20 and 39 years old, the mean BMD values were:

• Lumbar spine: 0.963 ± 0.121 g/cm²
• Total femoral region: 0.891 ± 0.119 g/cm²

BMD Loss in Women Over Time

The research also analyzed the rate of BMD loss in women between 30 and 80 years of age:

• Spinal level:
  • Annual loss: 0.74%
  • Total loss: 29%
• Femoral region:
  • Annual loss: 0.65%
  • Total loss: 26%

Is bone loss inevitable as women age? While some degree of bone loss is natural with aging, the rate and extent can vary based on factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and hormonal changes.

Normal BMD Ranges for Turkish Men

The study also provided valuable data on BMD values for Turkish men:

Men Aged 20-39 Years

For the reference group of men between 20 and 39 years old, the average BMD values were:

• Lumbar spine: 0.996 ± 0.111 g/cm²
• Femoral region: 1.025 ± 0.110 g/cm²

BMD Loss in Men Over Time

The study analyzed the rate of BMD loss in men between 30 and 80 years of age:

• Spinal level:
  • Annual loss: 0.33%
  • Total loss: 13%
• Femoral region:
  • Annual loss: 0.50%
  • Total loss: 20%

Do men experience less bone loss than women? Generally, men tend to experience slower rates of bone loss compared to women, primarily due to differences in hormonal changes and peak bone mass achieved during youth.

Comparing Turkish BMD Values to International Standards

An intriguing aspect of this study is how the BMD values of Turkish adults compare to those from other regions:

• Turkish BMD values were found to be lower than those reported in most European countries.
• The values were also lower compared to US standards and preinstalled Hologic reference values.
• Interestingly, the findings were consistent with BMD values reported from the mid-Anatolian region of Turkey.

Why might Turkish BMD values be lower than those in other countries? Several factors could contribute to these differences, including genetics, lifestyle, nutrition, and environmental factors specific to the Turkish population.

Implications for Osteoporosis Diagnosis and Treatment

The establishment of population-specific BMD reference values has significant implications for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in Turkey:

• More accurate assessment of fracture risk in Turkish adults
• Better identification of individuals who may benefit from early intervention
• Improved tailoring of treatment strategies to the Turkish population
• Enhanced ability to monitor the effectiveness of osteoporosis treatments over time

How does having population-specific BMD references improve patient care? By using reference values that are specific to the Turkish population, healthcare providers can make more accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions, leading to better outcomes for patients at risk of osteoporosis and related fractures.

Factors Influencing BMD Measurements

While this study provides valuable reference data, it’s important to consider various factors that can influence BMD measurements:

• Age and gender
• Ethnicity and genetics
• Body composition and weight
• Hormonal status (especially in women)
• Dietary factors, particularly calcium and vitamin D intake
• Physical activity levels
• Smoking and alcohol consumption
• Certain medical conditions and medications

Can lifestyle changes improve bone density? Yes, adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular weight-bearing exercise, adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can help maintain and even improve bone density.

Future Research Directions

While this study provides crucial data on BMD reference values for the Turkish population in Izmir, there are several areas where further research could be beneficial:

• Expanding the study to include larger sample sizes and more diverse regions of Turkey
• Investigating the genetic and environmental factors contributing to lower BMD values in Turkish populations
• Exploring the relationship between BMD values and actual fracture risk in Turkish adults
• Developing Turkey-specific fracture risk assessment tools
• Studying the effectiveness of various osteoporosis treatments in the Turkish population

How can further research improve osteoporosis management in Turkey? Additional studies can help refine diagnostic criteria, improve risk assessment, and optimize treatment strategies specifically for the Turkish population, leading to better overall bone health outcomes.

Importance of Regular BMD Screening

The findings of this study underscore the importance of regular BMD screening, especially for individuals at higher risk of osteoporosis. Current recommendations for BMD screening include:

• Women aged 65 and older
• Men aged 70 and older
• Younger adults with risk factors for low bone mass or fracture
• Anyone who has experienced a fracture after age 50

When should individuals start considering BMD screenings? While general guidelines suggest screening at age 65 for women and 70 for men, those with risk factors such as family history, low body weight, or certain medical conditions may benefit from earlier screening.

Regular BMD screenings can help detect bone loss early, allowing for timely interventions to prevent fractures and maintain overall bone health. Healthcare providers in Turkey can use the reference values established in this study to more accurately interpret BMD results and make informed decisions about patient care.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

This study provides valuable insights into the bone mineral density reference values for the Turkish population in Izmir. Key findings include:

• Establishment of specific BMD reference values for Turkish women and men across different age groups
• Identification of lower BMD values in Turkish adults compared to many European and US populations
• Quantification of annual and total BMD loss rates for both genders
• Recognition of the importance of population-specific reference values for accurate osteoporosis diagnosis and management

By utilizing these reference values, healthcare providers in Turkey can better assess bone health, identify individuals at risk for osteoporosis, and implement appropriate preventive measures and treatments. This research contributes significantly to the understanding of bone health in the Turkish population and paves the way for improved osteoporosis management in the region.

Bone mineral density reference values in the normal female and male population of Izmir, Turkey

. 2003 Jan;13(1):157-62.

doi: 10.1007/s00330-002-1371-9.

Epub 2002 Jun 15.

Metin Manisali 
¹
, Dinç Ozaksoy, Erkan Yilmaz, Ozlem Senocak, Hasan Tatari, Onder Baran, Hasan Havitçioğlu

Affiliations

Affiliation

• ¹ Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, 35340 Izmir, Turkey. [email protected]

• PMID:

  12541124

• DOI:

  10.1007/s00330-002-1371-9

Metin Manisali et al.

Eur Radiol.

2003 Jan.

. 2003 Jan;13(1):157-62.

doi: 10.1007/s00330-002-1371-9.

Epub 2002 Jun 15.

Authors

Metin Manisali 
¹
, Dinç Ozaksoy, Erkan Yilmaz, Ozlem Senocak, Hasan Tatari, Onder Baran, Hasan Havitçioğlu

Affiliation

• ¹ Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, 35340 Izmir, Turkey. [email protected]

• PMID:

  12541124

• DOI:

  10.1007/s00330-002-1371-9

Abstract

In this study we aimed to establish the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone mineral density (BMD) reference values of healthy Turkish women and men residing in Izmir, western Turkey. We examined 347 women and 119 men (age range 20-80 years) who did not have any known risk factor that might affect bone mass. The BMD measurements were performed by Hologic QDR 4500 W Elite DXA instrument from the lumbar spine (L1-L4) and non-dominant hip. In women the mean BMD (g/cm(2))+/-standard deviation (SD) of the normal reference group between 20 and 39 years of age was 0.963+/-0.121 g/cm(2) in the lumbar spine and 0.891+/-0.119 g/cm(2) in total femoral region. The percentages of annual and total BMD losses in women between 30 and 80 years of age were 0.74 and 29% at spinal level and 0.65 and 26% in femoral region, respectively. The average BMD of the normal men’s group between 20 and 39 years of age was 0.996+/-0.111 g/cm(2) in the lumbar spine and 1.025+/-0.110 g/cm(2) in femoral region. The percentages of annual and total BMD losses were 0.33 and 13% at spinal level and 0.50 and 20% in femoral region, respectively. In conclusion, like the values reported from mid-Anatolian region of Turkey, the BMD values of Turkish women and men residing in Izmir, western Anatolia, are also lower than in most European countries with regard to US and preinstalled Hologic values.

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MeSH terms

Bone mineral density test

Medical Tests 

Definition

A bone mineral density (BMD) test measures how much calcium and other types of minerals are in an area of your bone.

adam.com”>This test helps your health care provider detect osteoporosis and predict your risk for bone fractures.

Alternative Names

BMD test; Bone density test; Bone densitometry; DEXA scan; DXA; Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry; p-DEXA; Osteoporosis – BMD

How the Test is Performed

Bone density testing can be done in several ways.

The most common and accurate way uses a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. DEXA uses low-dose x-rays. (You receive more radiation from a chest x-ray.)

There are two types of DEXA scans:

• Central DEXA — You lie on a soft table. The scanner passes over your lower spine and hip. In most cases, you do not need to undress. This scan is the best test to predict your risk for fractures, especially of the hip.
• Peripheral DEXA (p-DEXA) — These smaller machines measure the bone density in your wrist, fingers, leg, or heel. These machines are in health care offices, pharmacies, shopping centers, and at health fairs.

How to Prepare for the Test

If you are or could be pregnant, tell your provider before this test is done.

DO NOT take calcium supplements for 24 hours before the test.

You’ll be told to remove all metal items from your body, such as jewelry and buckles.

How the Test will Feel

The scan is painless. You need to remain still during the test.

Why the Test is Performed

Bone mineral density (BMD) tests are used to:

• Diagnose bone loss and osteoporosis
• See how well osteoporosis medicine is working
• Predict your risk for future bone fractures

Bone density testing is recommended for all women age 65 and older.

adam.com”>There is not full agreement on whether men should undergo this type of testing. Some groups recommend testing of men at age 70, while others state that the evidence is not clear enough to say whether men at this age benefit from screening.

Younger women, as well as men of any age, may also need bone density testing if they have risk factors for osteoporosis. These risk factors include:

• Fracturing a bone after age 50
• Strong family history of osteoporosis
• History of treatment for prostate cancer or breast cancer
• History of medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, thyroid imbalances, or anorexia nervosa
• Early menopause (either from natural causes or hysterectomy)
• Long-term use of medicines such as corticosteroids, thyroid hormone, or aromatase inhibitors
• Low body weight (less than 127 pounds) or low body mass index (less than 21)
• Significant loss of height
• Long-term tobacco or excessive alcohol use

Normal Results

adam.com”>The results of your test are usually reported as a T-score and Z-score:

• T-score compares your bone density with that of a healthy young woman.
• Z-score compares your bone density with that of other people of your age, gender, and race.

With either score, a negative number means you have thinner bones than average. The more negative the number, the higher your risk for a bone fracture.

A T-score is within the normal range if it is -1.0 or above.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Bone mineral density testing does not diagnose fractures. Along with other risk factors you may have, it helps predict your risk for having a bone fracture in the future. Your provider will help you understand the results.

If your T-score is:

• Between -1 and -2.5, you may have early bone loss (osteopenia)
• Below -2. 5, you likely have osteoporosis

Treatment recommendation depends on your total fracture risk. This risk can be calculated using the FRAX score. Your provider can tell you more about this. You can also find information about FRAX online.

Risks

Bone mineral density uses a slight amount of radiation. Most experts feel that the risk is very low compared with the benefits of finding osteoporosis before you break a bone.

References

Compston JE, McClung MR, Leslie WD. Osteoporosis. Lancet. 2019;393(10169):364-376. PMID: 30696576 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30696576.

Chapurlat RD, Genant HK. Osteoporosis. In: Jameson JL, De Groot LJ, de Kretser DM, et al, eds. Endocrinology: Adult and Pediatric. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 69.

Cosman F, de Beur SJ, LeBoff MS, et al; National Osteoporosis Foundation. Clinician’s guide to prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Osteoporos Int. 2014;25(10):2359-2381. PMID: 25182228 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25182228.

De Paula FJA, Black DM, Rosen CJ. Osteoporosis and bone biology. In: Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, Kronenberg HM, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 29.

Kendler D, Almohaya M, Almehthel M. Dual x-ray absorptiometry and measurement of bone. In: Hochberg MC, Gravallese EM, Silman AJ, Smolen JS, Weinblatt ME, Weisman MH, eds. Rheumatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 51.

US Preventive Services Task Force; Curry SJ, Krist AH, Owens DK, et al. Screening for osteoporosis to prevent fractures: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA. 2018;319(24):2521-2531. PMID: 29946735 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29946735.

Review Date: 01/14/2018

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Information developed by A.D.A.M., Inc. regarding tests and test results may not directly correspond with information provided by UCSF Health. Please discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.

The newest weapon of the Russian landing | 01/18/2022, InoSMI

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The latest weapon of the Russian landing

The latest weapon of the Russian landing

The latest weapon of the Russian landing

New combat vehicle of the Russian landing “Bakhcha-U” capable of hitting a target in three minutes. Tests of the automatic fire control system took place at the range… | 06/21/2010, InoSMI

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Fourth-generation BMD hits armored targets in three minutes

The new Bakhcha-U combat vehicle of the Russian landing force is capable of hitting a target in three minutes. Tests of the automatic fire control system took place at the Krasnye Strugi range near Pskov.

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Paratrooper cadets tested the BMD-4 “Bakhcha-U” automatic fire control system in practice. Tactical exercises were held on the basis of the 76th Guards Air Assault Division at the training ground near Pskov. Before starting shooting in the field, cadets of the Ryazan Higher Airborne Command School. V.F. Margelov studied a combat vehicle for two years.

The new landing vehicle is equipped with modern means of communication and navigation, night vision devices. The main difference from previous models is a more powerful weapon system.

“The BMD-4 has a new weapon – a 100-millimeter launcher, which is capable of hitting not only lightly armored, but also armored targets,” said Captain Ruslan Volkov, commander of the 9th Air Assault Company, Guards.

Now the combat vehicle is undergoing a complex of military tests. The cadets note that the BMD-4 is easy to operate. It takes no more than three minutes to fire the first shot from any weapon. This is almost twice as fast as from the guns of the D-9 tank.0. Thanks to the automatic fire control system, the gunner and operator do not need to make calculations. It is enough to visually detect the enemy, aim and press the button.

“The control system can detect people with the help of thermal imagers, measure the distance. All the parameters that previously had to be calculated and corrected for the weather, wind, movement, are now made by a machine,” Volkov said.

BMD-4 was adopted by the Russian Airborne Forces in 2005. According to experts, the new combat vehicle has no foreign analogues. Its equipment and firepower are an order of magnitude higher than those of the BMD-3. This allows airborne units to do without additional support from tanks and artillery, both on the offensive and in defense. BMD-4 took part in the parades on Red Square in 2008 and 2009of the year.

why does the Russian army need BMP-light? – magazine Behind the wheel

Is there also military equipment in the “cargo” section? Yes! The January issue told about the BTR-82A, and now I was the first among journalists to get acquainted with the newest airborne combat vehicle BMD-4M. The whole day at the army training ground, I compared the novelty with the well-deserved BMD-2s, drove these vehicles, participated in the shooting … And, paraphrasing the motto of the paratroopers “no one but us”, I can say about the “beamdashki”: no one can do this except them!

A command sounds over the radio, and fire flies out of the barrels, and shell casings fall with a clang onto the concrete area. “Ta-ta-ta-ta” – the 30-mm BMD-2 cannon hits like a machine gun. It is echoed, but not so often, by a similar cannon of the newest BMD-4M, and then the powerful 100-mm gun of this machine also fires, throwing a thick piglet case behind the turret.

A short break, and the “BemDashes” go into the field: shooting on the move, overcoming obstacles. When three caterpillar vehicles, shrouded in a whirlwind of snow, synchronously skip the bridge, almost rearing up, this, brothers, is strong!

Fire from a 30 mm automatic cannon is carried out by the BMD-2 crew; behind it – BMD-4M

Autoreview readers are accustomed to comparative tests of cars. But comparative tests of tracked armored vehicles? Having received an invitation from the military, I did not expect this. I thought that a lone car with a crew was waiting for me at the training ground, but I ended up in the thick of things. Combat vehicles are full. People too. Motors roar, paratroopers run quickly, here -.

This is “controlled military exploitation”, which our army owes to the current Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. If earlier years passed from the appearance of new military equipment to its adoption into service (and the results often turned out to be unsatisfactory), now new items are immediately sent to the troops, where they are driven “in the tail and mane”, revealing weaknesses and shortcomings. “And the factory workers are surprised: everything worked fine for them,” the military laugh.

BMD-4M, which will be discussed, have been in such operation since the end of last summer, but before visiting the paratroopers, I really did not know what kind of vehicles they were. No wonder: the first ten copies are tested.

Two extremes

As usual, there are no analogues of our BMD-4M. Why? Let’s just take as a basis only the main indicators of the machine. Its weight is 14 tons, length is 6.1 meters, height is 2.2 meters, the power of the UTD-29 diesel engine is 500 hp. For comparison, the BMP-3M, unified with it in a number of units, manufactured by the same Kurganmashzavod, has the following indicators: 22.7 tons with dynamic protection, 7.1 and 2.3 meters, 500 hp. with UTD-29 dieselor 660 hp with UTD-32. For landing purposes, it is heavy.

Rare vehicle BMD-4 – the predecessor of the BMD-4M.

Rare vehicle BMD-4, predecessor of the BMD-4M.

Abroad, tracked analogues of BMD and BMP are developing in a slightly different direction. Some countries are building up protection and thereby prohibitively disperse the mass. Here are examples. The American M2 Bradley gained from 23 (early modifications) to 30 tons (M2A3 version), while maintaining its buoyancy. Machine dimensions: 6.5 and almost 3 meters. Armament: 25 mm cannon and 7.62 machine gun. German Marder: 33 tons, 6.8 and 3 meters, 20 mm cannon, 7.62 machine gun. Can’t swim. And, finally, the latest German BMP Puma: 43 tons, 7.3 and 3.1 meters, 30 mm cannon, machine gun 5. 56. Excuse me, but this is the mass of a heavy KV-1 tank from the time of the war. Exactly! And also the height of the promising BMP is greater than that of the Leopard 2A6 tank. Such are they, infantry fighting vehicles of a number of NATO countries. Too tall, too heavy, armed only with small-caliber guns. What are the needs of the landing and parachute drop? The same Puma can even be transported by air only by the A400M transport aircraft, and only despite the fact that it will be a very lightweight infantry fighting vehicle with a significantly weakened level of protection! It turns out that when transporting by air, we lose what we built the garden for.

It’s easy to tell a 4 from a 4M. She has an exhaust system at the stern, and the novelty has a starboard rear.

Distinguishing the “four” from the 4M is easy. She has an exhaust system at the stern, and the novelty has a starboard rear.

Sit down and gasp

BMD-4M also belongs to the category of lightly armored combat vehicles, although it is heavier than its predecessors. Its body is made of aluminum armor with a bulletproof level of protection. It cannot be otherwise – the airborne equipment has severe restrictions on dimensions and weight. Unlike the BMP, it cannot be hung with a lot of protection and cannot be turned into an “almost a tank”. Nothing can be done, BMDs have to be designed with an eye on the size of the compartments and the carrying capacity of transport aircraft, the characteristics of parachute systems. To date, two BMP-4Ms can be landed from the Il-76 transporter. But work is underway to improve aircraft and strapdown parachute systems in order to parachute three units of military equipment, that is, a platoon, from one side. Therefore, the technique of the Airborne Forces should not be criticized for weak armor. In this case, thin armor is better than no armor at all. There is, of course, a reserve for enhancing protection within reason. The machine can be equipped with additional steel sheets in front and on the sides and modules with ceramic armor. Photos of such BMD-4M come across on the Internet.

The BMD-4M is equipped with the most modern fire control system and is capable of hitting ground and air targets around the clock.

BMD-4M is equipped with the most modern fire control system and is capable of hitting ground and air targets around the clock.

As for running capabilities, in this respect the BMD-4M is a typical representative of the national design school. Agile, fast, agile. The power plant is a powerful naturally aspirated diesel engine and a semi-automatic gearbox. Among the talents of the machine are light steering, a solid power reserve, the ability to swim with the help of jet engines (10 km / h with waves up to 3-4 points). Another definite plus is the ability to disguise. BMD-4M is already low in comparison with foreign tracked vehicles. Moreover, it is equipped with a hydropneumatic suspension with variable ground clearance. The working ground clearance of the BMD-4M is about 450 mm, but it can be increased to 530 or reduced to 130 mm. The military appreciates this ability to “squat” – there are tales that military vehicles can crawl through a field of wheat unnoticed.

But the main advantage of our lightly armored BMD-4M is its powerful armament. This is where we are ahead of foreign BMPs and BMDs. And both light and most heavy. The armament unit consists of an automatic 100-mm gun-launcher 2A70, a rapid-fire (up to 330 rounds per minute) 2A72 cannon with a caliber of 30 mm and a 7.62 PKTM machine gun.

BMD-4M armament stabilized. You can fire on the move.

BMD-4M armament stabilized. You can fire on the move.

A single main battery loader contains 34 ZUOF19 high-explosive fragmentation projectiles of increased power and firing range and 4 Arkan anti-tank guided missiles with a tandem HEAT warhead. The rate of fire of the gun is 10 rounds per minute, the firing range of shells is up to 7 kilometers. Armor penetration of missiles – 750 mm (equivalent to homogeneous armor with dynamic protection), range – 5500 meters. That is, the BMD-4M can hit any tank.

Small-caliber rapid-fire 2A72 with a moving barrel – gun with reduced recoil. Designed for installation in weapon modules with thin armor. The maximum firing range against ground targets is 4 kilometers. The ammunition can be used high-explosive-incendiary fragmentation, fragmentation tracer, armor-piercing tracer and armor-piercing sub-caliber projectiles with improved penetration (ZUBR8 “Kerner”). The gun is equipped with a double-sided belt feed with automated and manual feed switching.

It should be noted that the BMD-4M is equipped with a modern and efficient fire control system. It allows you to hit ground and, importantly, air targets around the clock. From the spot and on the move. The complex includes a weapons stabilizer and a ballistic computer, laser rangefinders, a thermal imaging sight with a target tracking machine and a commander’s panoramic thermal imaging sight. By the way, the fire control system provides for complete duplication of shooting by the commander with all types of weapons, in case the gunner-operator cannot do this.

The conclusion suggests itself – a pair of two guns is much better than just a small caliber. And the gun-launcher is a gift at all – working with external (mounted on the tower) ATGMs often requires you to leave the car, and here all the operations will be done by the automatic loader.

Afloat combat vehicle moves at a speed of 10 km/h due to water jets.

Afloat combat vehicle moves at a speed of 10 km/h due to water jets.

I will list the advantages of the BMP-4M. Mobile and maneuverable combat vehicle of the Airborne Forces with powerful weapons and good maneuverability. Floating, airborne.

Among the shortcomings, and how could it be without them – a complex undercarriage, problematic when repairing in the field, difficult landing due to layout features, a small number of paratroopers on board. But the last drawback, it can be considered, has been eliminated – tracked armored personnel carriers armored personnel carriers MDM Rakushka with a capacity of 13 people, not counting two crew members, are being sent to the Airborne Forces units. These machines are widely unified with the BMD-4M in terms of chassis and must operate together. The strong point of one is firepower, the other is the number of places for paratroopers.

Airborne combat vehicle: why does the Russian army need BMP-light?

What BMDs are

Seeing the new BMD, I decided to show that I already know something about it from the Internet.

Is that the Gardener? I say.

It would be better to remain silent, honestly. It turned out that the name “Gardener”, which was given on the Internet to new combat vehicles, has nothing to do with them, as well as “Bakhcha-U”. All this is the designation of towers with weapons, but neither one nor the other is on the new machine. Therefore – just BMD-4M. “Fourth generation, modernized.” And to be precise – completely redesigned.

1986 BMD-1 in Afghanistan: the short 73 mm gun is clearly visible

The BMD-1, put into service in 1969, made a real revolution: the paratroopers received a hitherto unseen machine – light, compact, floating . .. And most importantly – descended by parachute.

I well remember our long-standing reportage about the first experience of parachute landing of KAMAZ: after a hard landing, the front end was crumpled. And the “beamdash” should land not just unscathed, but with the crew inside – and immediately join the battle!

BMD-4M ammunition (from left to right): 30 mm rounds, 7.62 mm machine gun rounds and rounds for 100 mm guns

Therefore, the suspension was made hydropneumatic, the body was welded from strong but light aluminum armor (they say, for the first time in Soviet history), and since 1971 the driver-mechanic and the commander parachuted together with the car – in additional seats, like cosmonauts.

Over ten years, more than two thousand BMD-1s were produced – during this time the model has undergone a number of upgrades and managed to fight in Afghanistan. There it turned out that the 73-mm gun “Thunder” was ineffective. She did not have a stabilizer, she did not allow shooting at the tops of the mountains, and the shells did not penetrate the Afghan adobe walls well.

After shooting in the BMD-2 turret – natural smoke!

Therefore, the gun of the BMD-2, put into service in 1985, was replaced with another – automatic, caliber 30 mm (it is called “helicopter”, because it is also put on combat helicopters). And the car turned out to be so successful that it is not only still in service, but also remains the main “armor” of the Russian landing force.

But the BMD-3, which appeared at the turn of the nineties, on the contrary, turned out to be unsuccessful: it received a new armored hull, became larger and much heavier … But the armament has not changed! And since the production fell on the era of the collapse of the economy, in eight years the Volgograd Tractor Plant assembled only 137 copies.

I took this picture from the BMD-2 turret: flames on the sides – from the previous shot

Finally, at the beginning of the 2000s, the BMD-4 appeared – in fact, the same three-ruble note, only with a BMP-3 turret. But this car almost suffered the fate of its predecessor: the plant in Volgograd went bankrupt, introduction into the troops was incredibly delayed …

And the military did not just ask – they demanded new equipment. Here is a quote from an interview with the Commander-in-Chief of the Airborne Forces Vladimir Shamanov to Rossiyskaya Gazeta in 2012: “A car is needed like air. Even in the fight against gangs in the North Caucasus, we lacked firepower. And if the enemy is more serious? With one 30-mm cannon and one anti-tank missile that fires every other time on the tower, you won’t get much today!

Hood covers being removed: BMD-2 in the foreground, BMD-4M in the back 2 are outdated both morally and physically. The age of the machines is 20-25 years, and sometimes more. The wear of the main components and assemblies does not allow the use of combat capabilities. For this reason, during the march to the training ground (we are talking about a sudden check of the combat readiness of the troops – F.