IRM_IPR – Sprehod Okoli

IPR
Državi	Sovjetski
Vrsta	Combat engineer vehicles
Opis	Album 44 photos walk-around of a «IPR»

Photo gallery of a IRM IPR, IPR is a variant of the IRM “Zhuk” used for the reconnaissance of water barriers. It is equipped with a snorkel, a ballast tank in the nose section, two large and two small ballast tanks, and an air-locked tank for diving equipment which make it possible to perform underwater reconnaissance at a maximum operational depth of 8 m and at an all-up depth of 15 m. It was produced in small numbers by the “Muromteplovoz” Locomotive Works

The **IRM** (*Inzhenernaya Razvedyvatelnaya Mashina*, or “Engineer Reconnaissance Vehicle”), often nicknamed **”Zhuk”** (Beetle), is a specialized Soviet-designed amphibious armored vehicle. The **IPR** (*Inzhenernyy Podvodnyy Razvedchik*, or “Engineering Underwater Reconnaissance”) is a highly specialized variant of the IRM.

Both vehicles are built upon the chassis and running gear of the widely produced **BMP-1** Infantry Fighting Vehicle, providing them with high mobility, off-road capability, and light armor protection.

Primary Mission and Function

The main role of the IRM is to perform detailed reconnaissance for combat engineer units, specifically focusing on:

• **Route Reconnaissance:** Assessing and clearing pathways for advancing forces.
• **Mine Detection:** Equipped with deployable devices to identify and mark minefields.
• **Water Obstacle Assessment:** Critically important for assessing river crossings, including:
  • Water depth and flow velocity.
  • Bottom profile and soil density (for determining trafficability).
  • Locating underwater obstacles or hazards.
• **Terrain Evaluation:** Overall mapping and determining the ability of the ground to support heavy military vehicles.

Key Design Features

• **Chassis Base:** Derived from the reliable BMP-1 chassis.
• **Mobility:** Fully tracked for high off-road performance and fully **amphibious**.
• **Water Propulsion:** Propelled in the water by **two shrouded propellers** located at the rear of the hull.
• **Self-Recovery:** Features a unique **rocket-powered self-recovery system** on the rear deck to quickly extract the vehicle when it becomes stuck in mud or soft ground.
• **Armament:** Typically features only light armament for self-defense, such as a machine gun mounted on the roof.

The IPR Submarine Variant

The **IPR** is a more complex variant of the IRM, specifically enhanced for deep-water reconnaissance, often used to check the structural integrity of bridge piers or deep river bottoms.

• **Enhanced Submergence:** Equipped with special **ballast tanks** (including in the nose section) and an advanced snorkel system to allow for full submersion.
• **Operational Depth:** Designed to operate at significantly greater depths than the standard IRM (reportedly up to 15 meters).
• **Diving Equipment:** Includes an air-locked compartment for specialized diving equipment and personnel.