Russian Airborne Forces units received the first three production models of RKhM-5 radiation, chemical and biological reconnaissance vehicles. As reported in a press release of the Airborne Forces received by the editors of Lenta.ru, RKhM-5 successfully passed control tests at the training ground of the 106th Guards Airborne Division near Tula.

Two RKhM-5 vehicles will be transferred to the 76th Guards Air Assault Division (Pskov) and in the spring of 2012 they will take part in field exercises of radiation, chemical and biological defense units (RKhBZ). The third vehicle will remain part of the regular RCBZ unit of the Tula Airborne Forces.

As noted in the press service of the Airborne Forces, RHM-5 provides high protection for the crew from the consequences of the enemy’s use of weapons of mass destruction. The modification for the Airborne Forces is adapted for landing from aircraft using jet and multi-dome parachute systems. Landing can be carried out with crew members inside the vehicle.

RKhM-5 is produced by Tula Plant OJSC on the basis of the tracked BMD-3 (airborne combat vehicle), which was put into service in 1990. The vehicle is equipped with modern NBC reconnaissance equipment, including IMD devices and gas detectors, as well as the GLONASS satellite navigation system.

According to Arms of Russia, the RKhM-5 is armed with a remote-controlled 7.62 mm machine gun mounted on the roof of the cabin. To create smoke screens, the vehicle is equipped with six “Tucha” smoke grenade launchers.

Earlier it was reported about the supply of RKhM-6 reconnaissance vehicles, built on the basis of the BTR-80 wheeled armored personnel carrier, to the RKhBZ troops.

The Russian Airborne Forces received RKhM-5 reconnaissance vehicles