BA-64

     Notes: This light Russian armored car was designed during World War 2, based on the chassis of the GAZ-64 light truck and, to a certain extent, on captured German Sd Kfz 221 armored cars.  The BA-64 has a surprising amount of armor protection for its light weight, and a good amount of mobility and maneuverability.  It was not meant to do any major fighting, but instead for reconnaissance, command, and convoy escort duties.  The “D” model brought a wider track (to combat the tendency for the vehicle to tip on rough terrain or in tight turns), and a larger turret with heavier armament and powered traverse.  By 2000, the BA-64 was used only by Yugoslavia, China, and North Korea, and in China, they were generally used only in small numbers by local police forces instead of the Army. 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The BA-64 was nicknamed the Bobbie by US, British, and Australian troops that encountered them in North Korean hands during the 1950-53 Korean War; this nickname came back during the Twilight War.

BRDM-1

     Notes: This vehicle replaced earlier vehicles like the BA-64 and a host of small and medium jeep-like vehicles in Russian service for scouting purposes, and was itself replaced in service by most countries by the later BRDM-2 and 4 series vehicles.  It is a basic armored car with a pintle-mounted weapon (or sometimes up to 3).  The BRDM-1 features a characteristic set of retractable belly wheels to increase mobility over rough ground.  It is a highly adaptable vehicle that has been modified into a number of variants.  Long out of the service of most former Pact countries, it is still used in 2000 by Afghanistan, Albania, Bulgaria, Cuba, Vietnam, and several African nations.

BRDM-2

     Notes: This replacement for the BRDM-1 was first seen in public in 1966.  It features a more powerful engine for better speed, a better suspension for improved off-road maneuverability, heavier armament in a fully enclosed turret, a more powerful waterjet for higher amphibious speeds, an NBC system, and improved night vision equipment.  Like the BRDM-1, the chassis is very adaptable and has spawned numerous variants.  The turret uses manual traverse and elevation and can be a bit slow in a tense situation.  The BRDM-2 is or was used in its history by 45 countries and is quite a common sight throughout the world. 

     The BRDM-2-RKhb is a BRDM-2 fitted out as an NBC reconnaissance vehicle.  In this role, there are two dispensers at the back of the vehicle for marking pennants.  The vehicle has an optical chemical sniffer, a Geiger counter, a computerized land navigation system, and extra radios.   

     The BRDM-2U is a command version of the BRDM-2, normally found in artillery units and in scout regiments.  The turret is removed, and on the roof is a 5kW generator to power the 4 radios and the battle control computers.

     In 2001, Ukraine announced the development of an updated version of the BRDM-2.  Chief among these updated is the replacement of the engine with a slightly more powerful diesel engine; while this may increase performance somewhat, the fuel savings are enormous.  The engine also has more torque and a one-third longer service life.  The new engine makes the vehicle longer, but armor protection is also slightly improved. 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The BRDM 2M does not exist in the Twilight 2000 timeline.

GAZ-39344

     Notes: This light armored car is in use by Russian police, paramilitary, and KGB units.  It is primarily used for internal security and riot control and is a replacement for the BRDM-2 in those roles.  On either side of the hull is a large door for crew access.  Two firing ports are on the right side of the hull, one on either side of the door, and one firing port is in the left side of the hull.  On the roof is the same turret as mounted on the BTR-80, with the addition of a searchlight.  The engine is at the rear of the vehicle.  All windows are bullet resistant.  The GAZ-39344 has air conditioning, heating, a land navigation system, and blue flashing lights.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: This vehicle was never produced.