The hull of the BMP-3 resembles the BMD Airborne Infantry Fighting Vehicle, and has a well sloped glacis plate with the hull sides being vertical. The
new turret is in the center of the vehicle with the commander being seated on the right and the gunner on the left. There is an additional crew member
to the left and right of the driver's position, each of these being provided with a roof hatch that opens forwards and a single periscope in the hull
roof in front of the hatch cover. The personnel compartment is at the rear of the hull with entry via two doors in the hull rear that open left and right,
with the left door having a firing port. As these doors are opened steps automatically fold down. The armor of the BMP-3 is believed to be laminated
aluminum, and its manufacturers claim it affords protection against 30mm armor-piercing rounds over the 60 degree frontal arc.
Turrets with varying combinations of armament and optical equipment are fitted to suit the intended role.
The BMP-3 is powered by a 500 hp diesel engine coupled to a fully automatic hydro-mechanical transmission. The suspension either side consists of
six dual rubber-tired road wheels with the idler at the front, drive sprocket at the rear and three track-return rollers. The suspension is adjustable by the
driver to suit the type of terrain being crossed with minimum ground clearance being 190 mm and maximum ground clearance being 510 mm. The vehicle
is fully amphibious being propelled in the water by two water-jets mounted at the rear of the hull. It is also provided with an NBC system, internal
communications equipment, radios with a maximum range of 20 km and an IFF system.
