View source for BVP M-80

{{Short description|Yugoslavian infantry fighting vehicle}}
{{Infobox weapon|is_vehicle=yes
|name=BVP M-80 ICV/IFV
| image= BVP М80А VS.jpg
| image_size = 300
|caption= Serbian M-80A in 2011
|type=[[Infantry fighting vehicle]]
|origin=Yugoslavia
|service= 1979–present
|wars= {{Tree list}}
*[[Yugoslav Wars]]
*[[Russo-Ukrainian War]]
**[[Russian invasion of Ukraine]]
{{Tree list/end}}
|designer= [[Military Technical Institute]]
|design_date= 1971, M-80 first version introduced in 1979
|length=6.42&nbsp;meters
|width=2.90&nbsp;meters
|height=2.20&nbsp;meters
|weight=13,850&nbsp;kg
|suspension=torsion bar
|speed=65&nbsp;km/h on land{{-}}8&nbsp;km/h in water
|vehicle_range= 500&nbsp;km
|primary_armament=20&nbsp;mm M-55 (HS 804) cannon {{-}} 400 rounds{{-}}9M14 Malyutka (AT-3 Sagger) ATGM {{-}} 2 Missiles or ATGM launcher
|secondary_armament=coaxial 7.62 machine-gun 2,000 rounds
|armour=Aluminum/Aluminum oxide{{Citation needed|date=January 2011}}/Titanium boride{{Citation needed|date=January 2011}}
|engine=Daimler Benz OM-403
|crew=3+7
|engine_power= 320&nbsp;hp
|pw_ratio= 22.6&nbsp;hp/tonne
}}
The '''BVP M-80''' ({{Langx|sh|Борбено возило пешадије М-80 [БВП М-80]}}), is a tracked Yugoslav-made [[infantry fighting vehicle]], produced from the 1980s until the country's collapse in the 1990s.

[[File:UA M-80 03.jpg|thumb|Ukrainian M-80 IFVs of the [[24th Mechanized Brigade (Ukraine)|24th Mechanized Brigade]], donated by Slovenia during the 2022 Russian invasion in Ukraine.]]

==Development==
Early research and development of the M-80 began in 1969, with testing of the first completed prototype in 1974. It was first presented publicly in 1975.{{sfn|Foss|2000|p=228}} First examples of the BVP M-80 rolled out in 1979 but full entry to service happened in 1982.{{cn|date=March 2019}}

The first production variant was the M-80 which was only made in small numbers. The vehicle used a French-built engine with an output of 260&nbsp;hp, the same engine as used in [[AMX-10P]].<ref name="Janes M80"/> After only a year, [[Yugoslavia]] started license production of [[Daimler-Benz]]'s 315&nbsp;hp engine in domestic FAMOS factories. This variant received a new designation as M-80A. Around 1000 vehicles were produced before the breakup of the country.<ref name="Janes M80A">{{cite encyclopedia|encyclopedia=Jane's Armour and Artillery 2002-2003|first=Christopher F.|last=Foss|date=27 November 2001|title=BVP M80A mechanised infantry combat vehicle}}</ref>

At the time it was produced, M-80A had similar characteristics with existing IFVs like Russian [[BMP-1]] or French AMX 10P. Although many foreign experts compare M-80A with Russian BMP-1, the Yugoslav IFV is a true original design. Unlike the BMP-1 which had 6 road wheels and was armed with 73&nbsp;mm gun, M-80A had 5 road wheels and had 20&nbsp;mm gun. M-80A incorporates numerous elements from the French [[AMX-10P]] giving it more power and better protection over its counterpart.<ref name="Janes M80"/> All M-80s are amphibious and are equipped with twin [[9K11 Malyutka|AT-3]] launchers.{{sfn|Foss|2000|p=226}}

It was used extensively during the [[Yugoslav Wars]].<ref name="tanknutdave1">{{cite web |url=http://www.tanknutdave.com/component/content/article/185 |title=The BVP M80 IFV |publisher=Tanknutdave.com |date=2010-04-14 |access-date=2010-09-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328060805/http://www.tanknutdave.com/component/content/article/185 |archive-date=2012-03-28 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Turret==
The standard versions (BVP M-80 and M-80A) mounted a [[Hispano-Suiza HS.804]] 20mm autocannon that has an effective range of about 1500 meters and, depending on ammunition type, is able to penetrate around 20mm of RHAe (Rolled Homogeneous Armour equivalency).<ref name="Janes M80"/>

In 1978 the technical-military council of [[Yugoslav People's Army]] decided that a larger caliber gun would be necessary to counter the increasingly heavy armor of possible enemy armored fighting vehicles and began development of a new turret to house the larger weapon. This requirement led to the development of the Zastava 30mm autocannon M86 in 1985<ref name="zastava"/> and a new turret "''Vidra''" – later designated: M91. In addition to the new gyro stabilized 30mm auto-cannon, the new turret was equipped with smoke grenade launchers,<ref name="Janes M80A"/> improved day/night sights,{{cn|date=March 2019}} and the ability to fire SACLOS [[9M14 Malyutka]] ATGMs.<ref name="Janes M80A"/> The turret is rotated by servo-hydraulics and the main gun is elevated and depressed by electric motor.

Incremental improvements were made to the design of the Vidra turret throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. These improvements would eventually be standardized and incorporated into a thoroughly updated turret and designated M91E.  Besides being able to mount the original M86 30mm [[autocannon]], the M91E-I and MM91E-II turrets able to accommodate the dual feed Zastava M89 30mm autocannon.{{cn|date=March 2019}}

Development is ongoing on a further modernized turret incorporating more effective ATGM armament. Besides BVP M-80 versions, the Vidra turret is offered for modernization or production with other vehicles such as [[BTR-50]].{{cn|date=March 2019}}

[[File:M-91E_turret.JPG|alt=|thumb|center|281x281px|M-91E turret]]

==Characteristics==
The M-80A is armed with one 20&nbsp;mm gun, co-axial machine gun 7.62&nbsp;mm and twin launcher for wire-guided anti-tank missiles. It is [[Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear|NBC]] protected, fire suppression system, inside heating and water ejecting system. It is fully amphibious and can perform crossing of any water barrier without previous preparations. Max. speed at water is 7&nbsp;km/h. Crew consist of three, driver, commander and gun operator and in the after compartment, there is space for six fully equipped infantrymen who can engage the enemy with personal armament through six gun slits on both vehicle sides and back doors and one squad leader who commands infantry upon exiting the vehicle. Infantry leaves IFV through two doors at the back of the vehicle.<ref>{{cite web|author=ARG |url=http://www.military-today.com/apc/m80a.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071209062737/http://www.military-today.com/apc/m80a.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-date=December 9, 2007 |title=M-80A at |publisher=Military-today.com |date=2006 |access-date=2010-09-07}}</ref>
[[File:M80 interior.jpg|thumb|Interior of the M-80 IFV]]
==Variants==
* '''M-80''' – First production model with 260&nbsp;hp engine, replaced after 1 year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vojska.net/eng/armed-forces/equipment/armored-personnel-carrier/m-80/|title=BVP M-80|website=vojska.net}}</ref>
* '''M-80A''' – Improved version with 320&nbsp;hp engine, full production.{{sfn|Foss|2000|p=226}}
* '''M-80A1''' or '''SPAT 30/2''' – Improved version with a dual 30mm gun system called "Foka".<ref name="zastava">{{cite web|title=1970-1992: From M70 to Sanctions|url=http://www.zastava-arms.rs/en/imagetext/1970-1992|website=zastava-arms.rs|date=2013|access-date=2018-01-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105011927/http://www.zastava-arms.rs/en/imagetext/1970-1992|archive-date=2018-01-05|url-status=dead}}</ref> Prototype only.{{sfn|Foss|2000|p=226}}
* '''M-80A/98''' – Further improvements of M-80A1 with new turret called "Vidra" first designated as M-96 later changed to M80A/98. Publicly presented in 2004;
* '''M-80A KC''' – Company commander's vehicle.{{sfn|Foss|2000|p=226}}
* '''M-80A KB''' – Battalion commander's vehicle.{{sfn|Foss|2000|p=227}}
* '''M-80A VK''' - Turretless commander's vehicle.<ref name="Janes M80A"/>
* '''M-80A Sn''' – Medical, no turret.{{sfn|Foss|2000|p=227}} Single oblong hatch in the roof and single rear door. Carries 4 stretcher patients or 8 seated patients.<ref name="Janes M80A"/>
* '''M-80A LT''' – [[Tank hunter]] version with six [[9M14 Malyutka|AT-3]] launchers.<ref name="Janes M80A"/>
* '''Sava M-90''' – [[9K35 Strela-10|SA-13]] SAM version, designated Strela-10MJ, prototype.<ref name="Janes M80A"/>
* '''MOS''' – Self-propelled mine layer.
* '''M-80AK/M-98A''' – New [[gun turret]] with 30&nbsp;mm M86 cannon<ref name="Janes M80A"/> or 30&nbsp;mm dual feed M89 cannon.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.srpskioklop.paluba.info/m98/opis.html|language=sr|title=Borbeno vozilo pesadije M-80/98A|website=srpskioklop.paluba.info}}</ref>
* '''M-80AB1''' – Latest upgraded variant including more advanced armour, turret gun control equipment, optronics package, smoke grenade launchers and the ability to mount and launch the most recent [[9M14 Malyutka]] missile variants.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Foss |first1=Christopher F. |title=Serbia showcases upgraded BVP M-80AB1 IFV |url=http://www.janes.com/article/72021/ |website=IHS Jane's 360 |access-date=5 July 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170705235945/http://www.janes.com/article/72021/serbia-showcases-upgraded-bvp-m-80ab1-ifv |archive-date=5 July 2017 |location=Belgrade, Serbia |date=5 July 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* '''SPAT 30/2''' – Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun.<ref name="Janes M80A"/> New turret model called "Foka" with two Zastava 30&nbsp;mm autocannons with elevation from -5 to +85 degrees. The aim-scan gear is J-171 or Motorola 6800. Included receiver of radar data gathered from external Air Force observations radar. Three crew members and 4 soldiers could be transported. Planned to be used as successor and replacement for [[M-53/59 Praga]] – 4 models produced.

<gallery widths="200px" heights="155px">
File:M-80 SPAAA.JPG|BVP M80 SPAT 30/2 with Foka turret
File:BVP M80A Vidra 2.jpg|BVP M80A1 with Vidra turret
File:Strela 10M2J Sava VS3.jpg|Sava M-90 with Strela 10 launcher
File:BVP M-80AB1 04.jpg|BVP M80AB1
File:M-80 HV 2021.jpg|Croatian BVP M-80A
</gallery>

==Operators==
[[File:M-80_operators_in_June_2022.png|thumb|400px|Map of M-80 operators in blue with former operators in red]]

===Current operators===
* {{HRV}} – 128; 104 IFV + 24 various support versions, to be replaced by [[M2 Bradley]] by 2025.
* {{SRB}} – 320; Serbian Army plans to upgrade 220 vehicles to BVP М-80АB1 standard.{{sfn|The Military Balance 2022|p=134}}{{cn|date=March 2019}}
* {{UKR}} – 38 M-80As donated by Slovenia during the [[Russo-Ukrainian War]]. 30 more will be given by Croatia in a swap deal with Germany.<ref>{{cite web|title=Old Slovenian tanks en route to Ukraine, report says|url=https://english.sta.si/3051898/old-slovenian-tanks-en-route-to-ukraine-report-says|date=21 June 2022|access-date=21 June 2022|website=STA.si}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Šarec: Zaveze Natu ostajajo, zmanjševanja sredstev za obrambo ne bo|url=https://www.rtvslo.si/slovenija/sarec-zaveze-natu-ostajajo-zmanjsevanja-sredstev-za-obrambo-ne-bo/631221|date=16 June 2022|access-date=21 June 2022|website=RTV Slovenia}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Mitzer |first1=Stijn |last2=Oliemans |first2=Joost |title=Answering The Call: Heavy Weaponry Supplied To Ukraine |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/04/answering-call-heavy-weaponry-supplied.html |website=Oryx Blog |access-date=26 June 2022}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Fretay |first=Halna du |title=Croatia and Germany Sign Letter of Intent for Acquisition of 50 Leopard 2A8 Tanks |url=https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/army-news-2024/croatia-and-germany-sign-letter-of-intent-for-acquisition-of-50-leopard-2a8-tanks |access-date=2024-10-28 |website=armyrecognition.com |language=en-gb}}</ref>

===Former operators===
* {{YUG}} – Passed on to successor states.{{sfn|Foss|2000|p=227}} 
:* {{BIH}}: 30+ in 1998<ref name="Janes M80">{{cite encyclopedia|encyclopedia=Jane's Armour and Artillery 1998-99|first=Christopher F.|last=Foss|date=15 June 1998|title=M-80 mechanised infantry combat vehicle}}</ref>
:* {{flag|North Macedonia}}: 2 in 1998<ref name="Janes M80"/>
:* {{SVN}}: 62 in 1998,<ref name="Janes M80"/> 52 in 2002,<ref name="Janes M80A"/> 35 vehicles were donated in 2022 as war aid to Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Slovenija je Ukrajini predala serijo bojnih vozil pehote M-80A {{!}} Spletni portal obramba.com Slovenija je Ukrajini predala serijo bojnih vozil pehote M-80A |url=https://www.obramba.com/novice/kopno/slovenija-je-ukrajini-predala-serijo-bojnih-vozil-pehote-m-80a/ |access-date=2022-06-22 |website=www.obramba.com}}</ref> 3 more sent in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BOV, veteran jugoslovanskih konfliktov v Ukrajini {{!}} 24ur.com |url=https://www.24ur.com/novice/slovenija/bov.html |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=www.24ur.com |language=sl}}</ref> It's possible that 14 are in reserve. 
:* {{Flag|Serbia and Montenegro}}: 568 in 1998.<ref name="Janes M80"/>

==References==
* {{cite book|title=Jane's Tanks and Combat Vehicles Recognition Guide|first= Christopher F. |last=Foss|publisher=[[Harper Collins Publishers]]|year=2000}}
* {{cite book|title=The Military Balance 2016|date=February 2016|volume=116|isbn=9781857438352 |publisher=Routlegde|ref={{harvid|The Military Balance 2016}}|author=International Institute for Strategic Studies|author-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies}}
* {{cite book |author=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2022 |date=14 February 2022 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-000-62003-0 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vOFeEAAAQBAJ |language=en |ref={{harvid|The Military Balance 2022}}}}
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{Commons category-inline|BVP M80}}

{{Military Technical Institute Belgrade}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bvp M-80}}
[[Category:Amphibious infantry fighting vehicles]]
[[Category:Infantry fighting vehicles of Serbia]]
[[Category:Infantry fighting vehicles of Yugoslavia]]
[[Category:Reconnaissance vehicles]]
[[Category:Tracked infantry fighting vehicles]]
[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1970s]]
[[Category:Infantry fighting vehicles of the Cold War]]