Russian Armored Cars

Armour: 10mm

Weight: 2.5 tons.

Armament: 7.62mm DT Mg.

Speed: 85kmh (53mph) on road and 28kmh (17mph) cross country.

Range: 350km (218miles) on road and 194km (121 miles) cross country.

Crew: 2, comander/gunner and driver.

The Ba-20 armored car was developed in 1936 for use by HQ staffs, reconnaissance and communications units. It was derived from the civilian GAZ-M1 car, which was itself a modified version of a Ford design. The superstructure, which was built onto the chassis, was constructed from welded sheet steel. A cylindrical turret, housing the 7.62mm DT machine gun, was fitted onto the superstructure. The turret could be rotated 360° and the gun could be elevated to +23° and depressed to -13°. Rotation of the turret was carried out by hand. The vehicles powerful engine and rear wheel drive gave it good traction properties. The vehicle was also fitted with unbreakable tires, filled with spongy rubber and strengthened rear axles. The original vehicle only accomodated a crew of two, which reduced its combat effectiveness with the commander also acting as the gunner. A specialised radio variant, the Ba-20V, was also introduced and was fitted with a frame antenna on the top of the body. A further variant, the Ba-20ZhD, was also introduced which could be converted to travel on rails with the fitting of steel disc wheels. The Ba-20ZhD was often used in the composition of armored trains, with a speed of up to 80kmh achievable.
In 1938 the vehicle was modernized and re-designated the Ba-20M. It was fitted with a more conical turret to accommodate a third crewmember, who filled the role of radio operator. This increased the vehicles weight to 2.6 tons, which affected its performance. The vehicles range was also increased to 450km with the addition of a larger fuel tank. Production ended in 1941, but the vehicle continued in service during the early stages of the campaign.

Armour: 12mm

Weight: 2.4 tons.

Armament: 7.62mm DT Mg.

Speed: 80kmh (50mph) on road and 26kmh (16mph) cross country.

Range: 350km (280miles) on road and 194km (121 miles) cross country.

Crew: 2, comander/gunner and driver.

The Ba-64 was introduced in mid 1942 and was built on the chassis of the GAZ-64 jeep. The superstructure, which was built onto the chassis, was constructed from welded sheet steel and was designed with sloped armour that had some similarities to the German SdKfz 222 design. It had an open roof, which was fitted with a pintle mounted 7.62mm DT machine gun. The vehicles construction was also influenced by experience gained during combat conditions. It was the first Russian armored car to feature all wheel drive and was also adapted so that low grade oils and gasolines could be used without affecting its perfomance. The engine was protected by an internal armored shield to reduce the risk of combat damage. The Ba-64 was nicknamed 'Bobik' (Bobby) by its crews and possessed good traction properties on a variety of terrains. However, one serious design flaw due to its narrow chassis, was that it was top heavy and could easily overturn on rough terrain. The crew compartment was extremely cramped and the vehicles combat effectiveness was reduced with the commander also acting as the gunner.A further variant, the Ba-64B, was also introduced, which could be converted to travel on rails with the fitting of steel disc wheels. These vehicles were often used in the composition of armored trains, with a speed of up to 80kmh achievable.
In 1943, an improved version, the Ba-64B was introduced, based on the GAZ-67B jeep. It was designed with a wider wheelbase to prevent the risk of overturning on rough terrain. This model also had a small machine gun turret added. Another variant was introduced, the Ba-64DShK, which was fitted with a 12.7mm DShK mg. In early 1943, a further variant, the Ba-64SKh was introduced. It was fitted with a small caterpillar track instead of rear wheels. Early vehicles of this type suffered from insufficient maneuverability and speed. The type was further modified and fitted with widened tracks and improved suspension.
The Ba-64 was produced until the end of the war, remaining in service throughout.

Armour: 15mm

Weight: 5.1 tons.

Armament: 37mm M1930 gun (34 rounds) and 2 x 7.62mm DT Mg's.

Speed: 53kmh (20mph) on road and 17kmh (11mph) cross country.

Range: 350km (218miles) on road and 180km (109 miles) cross country.

Crew: 4, commander, gunner, loader and driver.

The Ba-10 armored car was introduced in 1938. It was similar in design to its predecessors the Ba-6 and Ba-9, however it used the chassis of the GAZ-AAA truck. The superstructure, which was built onto the chassis, was constructed from welded sheet steel. The truncated cone turret housed the 37mm M1930 gun and a ball mounted DT machine gun. A second DT machine gun was located in the frontal hull plate, to the right of the driver. Another innovation in the Ba-10's construction, were the freely rotating spare wheels suspended at the sides of the hull. The spares prevented the car from bottoming out and assisted in the traversal of trenches and ditches.
An improved variant, the Ba-10M was introduced in 1939. It was fitted with the larger 45mm M1932 gun and carried 49 rounds of ammunition. A further variant, the Ba-10ZD, was also introduced, which could be converted to travel on rails with the fitting of steel disc wheels.
All vehicles in the series suffered from poor off road performance and this lead to their early phasing out. The BA-10 remained in use until 1942, when many were converted into armored personnel carriers. Large numbers of BA-10's were captured by the Germans and used for anti-partisan duties. The Germans designated these captured vehicles Panzerspahwagen BAF 203(r).