BA-20

BA-20
Pays	Union soviétique
Type	Voiture blindée
En service	1936-1945
Construit	2066

Lla BA-20 (en russe : Broneavtomobil 20) était une voiture blindée développée en Union soviétique en 1934. Il était destiné à remplacer le FAI et ses essais sur le terrain ont été achevés en 1935. Le BA-20 a ensuite été utilisé au début de la Seconde Guerre mondiale.

Source: BA-20 sur Wikipédia

Broneavtomobil BA-20M Walk Around
Photographe	Inconnu
Localisation	Inconnu
Photos	43

BA-20M Broneavtomobil 1

BA-20M Broneavtomobil 2

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BA-20M Broneavtomobil 5

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BA-20M Broneavtomobil 7

BA-20M Broneavtomobil 8

BA-20M Broneavtomobil 9

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The Lightweight Workhorse

Lla BA-20M was the modernized version of the BA-20 light armored car, which was developed to replace the earlier FAI. Built on the civilian GAZ-M1 chassis (a Soviet design influenced by Ford), the BA-20M featured a reinforced suspension and thickened armor to survive the rigors of frontline reconnaissance. While its larger cousin, the BA-10, carried a heavy 45mm gun, the BA-20M was designed for speed and communication, acting as the « eyes and ears » of Soviet motorized brigades across the vast Eurasian steppes.

Attribute	Technical Specification (BA-20M)
Rôle	Light Reconnaissance / Liaison
Crew	2 to 3 (Driver, Commander/Gunner, optional Radio Operator)
First Produced	1938 (Modernized Variant)
Armement principal	1 × 7.62 mm DT machine gun (Turret)
Armor Thickness	Up to 9 mm – 10 mm (Frontal)
Chassis	Reinforced GAZ-M1 4×2
Groupe motopropulseur	GAZ-M1 4-cylinder petrol (50 hp)
Max Road Speed	Approx. 70–80 km/h (43–50 mph)
Portée opérationnelle	350–450 km (Roads)

Modernization and Variants

The Conical Turret: Unlike the earlier BA-20 which often used a cylindrical turret, the BA-20M standard featured a wider, conical turret. This shape increased the internal space for the gunner and provided superior ballistic deflection against small-arms fire.
Sponge-Filled Tires: To prevent the vehicle from being immobilized by punctures, the tires were filled with « GK » spongy rubber. This allowed the car to continue driving even after taking multiple hits from bullets or shrapnel.
Command Variant (Whip Antenna): Command versions of the BA-20M were equipped with the 71-TK-1 radio station. While older command cars used a bulky « clothes-rail » antenna wrapping around the body, the BA-20M introduced a more practical whip antenna on the hull.
BA-20ZhD (Rail Variant): A specialized version was created with interchangeable wheels, allowing the vehicle to scout along railway tracks. It could reach speeds of up to 80 km/h on rails.

Combat History: From Mongolia to Berlin

Khalkhin Gol: The BA-20M’s reliability shone during the 1939 border conflict with Japan. Its high speed on the open Mongolian plains allowed it to outmaneuver Japanese patrols.
Winter War: Finnish forces captured several BA-20Ms, designating them « BAB B. » They were highly valued by the Finns for their mechanical simplicity and were used for liaison duties well into the 1940s.
Barbarossa and Beyond: During the 1941 invasion, the BA-20M’s armor proved inadequate against German 37mm anti-tank guns. However, it remained in production until late 1941, eventually being replaced by the 4×4 BA-64 (BA-64), which offered better off-road performance.
Beutepanzer: Captured BA-20Ms were repurposed by the Wehrmacht as the Panzerspähwagen BA 202(r), primarily for anti-partisan operations and rear-area security.