BTP-1 Skunk

Been meaning to revisit this old design ( [link] ) for awhile now. Took major cues from the BTRs, obviously. It's more or less a short BTR with an autocannon. Read on for a canon description for Epiverse:

The BTP-1 Skunk is an ASU Armored Personnel Carrier created in the '90s. Introduced as a shorter and more heavily armed alternative to the ASU's BTR-80, it served to bridge the gap between tracked BMP infantry fighting vehicles and the wheeled BTR transport.

It got the nickname "Skunk" for its poor exhaust system; it produced rancid plumes of diesel exhaust. The Skunk still used less fuel than other transports of it's class, but was technically inefficient for engine standards of the day. Analysts would later blame the oil boom of 1992 causing soviet engineers to become more careless about fuel efficiency.

With a smaller, somewhat lower profile, and a much lighter frame sporting only 3 sets of wheels, the Skunk was noticably faster than the BTR. Its small turret fit snugly around its shortened 30mm autocannon, which was coupled with a 7.62mm coaxial machinegun. The gunner sat under the turret in the more well protected hull. Steering with all four front wheels gave it unfamiliar, but maneuverable handling. Standard crew consisted of driver, gunner, and radio operator, with seating for 8 passengers in the rear. Cargo space was lacking, and often had to be compensated for in larger formations by additional support vehicles.

Smoke cannister launchers were integrated into several ports across the hull; this kept them more or less protected from combat damage, but the internal wiring in the Skunk was of lower quality as these vehicles were produced cheaply en masse. This lead to the Skunk becoming somewhat infamous for its electrical problems.

Overall, it did prove cost effective for the ASU, and they became well known throughout the Third War, especially towards the end when a great number of them drove soviet troops onto American soil during the US invasion.