On January 23, 1976, near Pskov, the Reaktavr system for landing military equipment was successfully tested for the first time with a crew of Major Alexander Margelov and Lieutenant Colonel Leonid Shcherbakov. After 20 years, both were awarded the title of Heroes of Russia for their courage in carrying out a risky task. The name of the Margelovs was forever associated with the history of the Airborne Forces.

Gaining time in combat

The system for landing the crew inside the airborne combat vehicle (BMD-1) on jet-parachute traction got its name from the words "jet Centaur". "Centaur" was the name of the BMD-1 reduction system by means of a parachute landing platform. The experiment was carried out at the parachute track of the Tula Training Center of the 106th Guards Airborne Division.

No one has ever thrown military equipment from an aircraft along with the personnel inside. The idea belonged to the Commander-in-Chief of the Airborne Forces, Hero of the Soviet Union, General of the Army Vasily Margelov.

At that time, the equipment of the Airborne Forces in the form of self-propelled artillery installations, airborne combat vehicles, vehicles and engineering equipment was delivered to the ground in two ways: through parachute platforms and parachute-rocket systems. The latter, upon landing, in a fraction of a second extinguished the rate of descent of heavy loads and automatically released them from the suspension lines. The personnel descended by parachute separately.

But in order to take their places in combat vehicles, in a real battle, the crews sometimes need minutes, which the enemy may not provide. How to buy time? Margelov came to a paradoxical conclusion: the personnel must be parachuted in the technique itself!

Who will donate?

Risk? Yes, huge. Many in the military leadership of the country did not approve of this idea. Some of the multi-star generals even twisted their fingers at their temples: they say that the chief paratrooper of the USSR fantasized to the impossible. Others approved the idea in principle, but believed that it was not yet technically feasible.

Finally, daredevils were required - after all, no one could guarantee that they would not break upon landing. It is impossible to order in such a case. This is not a war - just an experiment, albeit a very dangerous one. When asked by the Minister of Defense, Marshal Andrey Grechko, who would be inside the descent BMD-1, Vasily Margelov firmly answered that he himself. Otherwise, he could not answer. He had to do everything for the airborne troops to reach a qualitatively new level of combat training.

One of the best

During the Great Patriotic War, the paratroopers proved to be one of the most persistent fighters of the Red Army. With battles, they retreated deep into the country at the beginning of the war, fought valiantly in the ranks of the defenders of Moscow and Stalingrad, participated in the Battle of Kursk, took part in the capture of Vienna and the battles for Berlin.

But despite the fact that Soviet paratroopers repeatedly conducted airborne operations during the war, in most battles they fought as infantry, albeit very trained. Therefore, after the war, with the advent of the atomic era, the Airborne Forces faced new tasks: to become what is now called the rapid reaction troops.

Until 1954, the airborne troops of the country were in turn led by 7 generals, among whom one can note the first commander of the Airborne Forces, Twice Hero of the Soviet Union Vasily Glazunov, as well as Hero of the Soviet Union Alexander Gorbatov.

Troops of Uncle Vasya

However, despite military merit, the commanders did not stay long in the position of commander-in-chief of the Airborne Forces. As a result, personnel leapfrog had a negative impact on the combat training of the troops entrusted to them.

The fact that by the 80s of the twentieth century the Airborne Forces had become the most massive and combat-ready among their kind in the world is primarily the merit of the person who led them for many decades, General Margelov.

It is no coincidence that in the airborne troops the abbreviation of the Airborne Forces is still unofficially deciphered as "Uncle Vasya's troops." "Our Chapai," Vasily Filippovich's subordinates called him respectfully.

Like most previous commanders of the Airborne Forces, Margelov came from other branches of the military, but he was quite familiar with the specifics of the airborne troops - before his appointment he commanded the 76th Guards Chernigov Red Banner Airborne Division, and then was the commander of the 37th Guards Airborne Svirsky Red Banner Corps.

Paratrooper at 40

It is curious that he made his first parachute jump at the age of 40 - before taking command of the paratroopers. At the same time, he made a bet on several jumps with another newly minted airborne division commander, Hero of the Soviet Union, General Mikhail Denisenko, who crashed during the next parachute jump in 1949. Margelov's fate kept - until the end of his life, he made more than 60 air landings.

During the Battle of Moscow, he commanded the 1st Special Ski Regiment of the Marine Corps. Being the commander of the Airborne Forces, Margelov did not forget his brave sailors, introducing a vest into the form of paratroopers, as a sign of continuity from one brave branch of the military to another. Another striking difference between the paratrooper was the beret - first crimson (following the example of Western paratroopers), and then blue.

Margelov's reforms included not only changes in uniforms. The new commander of the Airborne Forces abandoned the outdated doctrine of using landing troops only as a means to hold bridgeheads until the main forces approached. Under the conditions of modern warfare, passive defense inevitably led to defeat.

New military equipment

Margelov believed that after the drop, the paratroopers should conduct active, offensive operations, preventing the stunned enemy from recovering, and counterattack them. However, in order for the paratroopers to be able to maneuver widely, they needed to be equipped with their own armored vehicles, increase their firepower and upgrade their aircraft fleet.

During the Great Patriotic War, for example, winged infantry fought mainly with small arms. After the war, the troops began to be equipped with special airborne equipment. By the time Margelov entered the post of commander, the Airborne Forces were armed with a light self-propelled artillery mount ASU-57 with modifications.

Vasily Filippovich instructed the military-industrial complex to develop a more modern assault artillery vehicle. As a result, the ASU-57 replaced the ASU-85, developed on the basis of the PT-76 light amphibious tank. On the battlefield, a transport and combat vehicle was also required for the movement of personnel in the conditions of a radioactively contaminated area. The army infantry fighting vehicle BMP-1 was not suitable for the landing troops due to the heavy weight (13 tons) during landing.

"Thunder" landing vehicles

As a result, at the end of the 60s, the BMD-1 (airborne combat vehicle) was adopted, whose weight was a little more than 7 tons, the armament was a semi-automatic gun 2A28 "Thunder", and the crew consisted of seven people. On the basis of the BMD-1, artillery self-propelled guns, fire control vehicles, reconnaissance and command and staff vehicles were developed.

The battered Li-2, Il-14, Tu-2 and Tu-4 aircraft were replaced by the efforts of Margelov with the powerful and modern An-22 and Il-76, which made it possible to take on board much more paratroopers and military equipment than before. "Uncle Vasya" also took care of improving the personal weapons of paratroopers. Margelov personally met with the developer of the famous machine gun, Mikhail Kalashnikov, and agreed on the creation of a "landing" version of the AK, with a folding metal butt.

Son instead of father

After the Minister of Defense did not agree with the participation of the Commander-in-Chief of the Airborne Forces in testing the Reaktavr system, he offered one of his five sons, Major Alexander Margelov, to the crew. Alexander Vasilyevich was an employee of the Scientific and Technical Committee of the Airborne Forces, which was responsible for preparing equipment and personnel for landing.

The personal example of Margelov's son was to convince the Airborne Forces of the success of the new landing option. Another participant in the experiment was a colleague of Margelov Jr. in the NTC of the Airborne Forces, Lieutenant Colonel Leonid Shcherbakov.

On January 23, 1976, for the first time, landing was carried out from the An-12 BMD-1 military transport aircraft on parachute-jet traction. After landing, the crew immediately fired short blanks, demonstrating their readiness for battle.

During the tests, Margelov at the command post continuously smoked his beloved "Belomor" and kept a loaded pistol ready to shoot himself in case of failure. But everything went well.

BMD is an abbreviation for the phrase "airborne combat vehicle". Based on the name, BMD is a vehicle for moving a unit. Its main purpose is to fight enemy armored vehicles and enemy infantry. In professional military circles, this machine was called the "Booth".

To fulfill its combat mission, the BMD can be transported by military aircraft to the landing site. Landing can be carried out from Mi-26 aircraft and helicopters using an external sling.

How did the BMD-2 airborne combat vehicle appear?

The designers developed the first generation of BMD back in 1969, and after testing it was delivered to the Soviet Union. The serial assembly of the combat vehicle was carried out in the early years; it was produced in a limited edition. To start mass production, the forces of the All-Russian Research Institute of Steel, the Institute of Welding named after. E. Paton.

In 1980, Soviet designers, having studied the experience of using BMD in real battles, moved on to improve the existing model. The need to modernize the amphibious assault vehicle became apparent after Afghanistan, where the armored vehicle was actively used. Having proven itself well in battle on flat areas, the first generation airborne combat vehicle lost in highland areas.

The BMD-2 airborne combat vehicle entered service in the Soviet Union in 1985. The second-generation machine did not differ much in appearance from the BMD-1. The comparative photo of the BMD-2 and BMD-1 shows that the changes affected the turret and armament. The hull and engine remained unchanged. The armored car passed its baptism of fire in combat operations in the Republic of Afghanistan.

In subsequent years, the BMD-2 was used in armed conflicts in Russia and abroad. Today, the "booth" is in service with the armies of Russia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine.

Structural features of the BMD-2

The design of the amphibious assault vehicle is considered unique. In front of the center is the driver-mechanic, behind him is the commander on the right, and the shooter on the left. In the back there is a compartment for the landing. It can accommodate 5 paratroopers.

The body of the BMD-2 is conventionally divided into 4 compartments:

• department of management;
• warhead;
• troop compartment;
• engine-transmission compartment.

The combat unit and the control compartment are combined and are located in the front and middle parts of the armored vehicle. The rear half is divided into troop and engine compartments.

The armored hull is welded from aluminum sheets that cover the crew of the BMD-2. The characteristics of this metal allow you to achieve effective protection with a small weight. Armor capable of protecting the crew from bullets, small fragments of mines and shells. The thickness of the body skin in the front is 15 mm, on the sides - 10 mm. The turret has 7 mm thick armor. The bottom of the BMD is reinforced with stiffeners, which allows for successful airborne landing. The minimum landing height is 500 meters, the maximum height is 1500 meters. In this case, multi-dome parachutes with a reactive system PRSM 916 (925) are used.

After the modernization, the PM-2 received a new circular tower. It has a smaller size. In addition, she got the opportunity to fire at helicopters and low-flying aircraft. The vertical pointing angle was increased to 75 degrees.

The body of the BMD-2 is sealed. This turned the "booth" into a floating armored vehicle. To move through a water barrier, a water jet installation is used, the operation of which is based on the principle of jet propulsion. Before starting to move through a water obstacle, it is necessary to raise the wave protection shield in front. Due to the properties of the amphibious vehicle, landing can be carried out from transport ships.

Engine and Chassis

When creating the BMD-2, engineers did not carry out a complete modernization of the engine and chassis. The amphibious assault vehicle is equipped with a 5D20 engine. This is a 6 cylinder diesel engine. It is capable of developing a power of 240 horses.

BMD-2 uses caterpillar tracks. Each side has 5 track rollers and 4 rollers. The drive axle is rear, the steering wheels are in front. The chassis has a design that allows you to adjust the clearance. The minimum ground clearance is 10 cm and the maximum is 45 cm. The suspension is independent.

BMD 2. Characteristics of weapons

The modernization of the airborne combat vehicle in the 80s mainly affected the turret and weapons. The military experience in Afghanistan forced us to revise the fire arsenal.

30 mm caliber is used as the main firepower. She is able to shoot on the move. The barrel is stabilized in two planes with the help of a weapon stabilizer 2E36-1 on electro-hydraulics. In the roof of the tower is the main sight VPK-1-42, pointing the gun. The "booth" is capable of firing at a distance of up to 4 kilometers.

Paired with a gun in the turret is a caliber of 7.62 mm. The combat set of the second generation PM is 300 rounds for the cannon and 2000 rounds for the machine gun.

Additional weapons for the BMD-2 can be used to enhance firepower. The instruction manual defines the composition of additional weapons:

• one 9M113 "Competition";
• two ATGM 9M111 "Bassoon";
• launcher 9P135M.

Rocket launchers are capable of aiming within 54 degrees horizontally and from -5 to +10 vertically.

To conduct a successful battle with air targets, the Igla and Strela-2 missile systems were introduced into the armament.

Equipment of the amphibious assault vehicle

The BMD-2 is equipped with a R-174 communication device, a R-123 radio station (later it was replaced by the R-123M).

In addition, on board the armored vehicle is:

• automatic fire extinguishing complex;
• system for filtering and extracting air;
• system of protection against means of mass destruction and atomic weapons;
• protection system against;
• night-vision devices;
• air ventilation system inside the body of the combat vehicle.

Specifications "Booths"

During the battle, the "booth" is able to overcome various obstacles. Without difficulty, the BMD-2 airborne combat vehicle can drive onto a wall 80 centimeters high and overcome a trench 1.6 meters wide.

BMD-2 modifications

In the landing troops, two modifications of the combat landing vehicle are used:

• BMD-2K - commander's version of the vehicle, additionally equipped with a R-173 radio station, an AB-0.5-3-P / 30 gasoline electric power generator and a GPK-59 gyroscopic semi-compass;
• BMD-2M - in addition to standard weapons, it has a dual Kornet ATGM installation, in addition, a weapon control system is installed with the ability to aim at a target using a thermal imager.

Not a single army in the world has yet been able to repeat this. Landing military equipment with a crew inside is a very dangerous and complex process, each of its stages is described in great detail in instructions and special documents. Even experienced paratroopers of the Airborne Forces (VDV) undergo a special training course, a serious selection is carried out for medical reasons. The landing crew also personally prepares the combat vehicle, stacks the parachute canopies, checks the performance of all components and the reliability of the fasteners.

"I think that this can be compared with a flight into space," Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Ivanov, head coach of the Russian Armed Forces in parachuting, admitted. It was he who, in the early spring of 2010, had the opportunity to be responsible for training the crews of the BMD-2 and personally land himself from an Il-76 aircraft inside an airborne combat vehicle.

On the eve of the Day of the Russian Airborne Forces, Ivanov, who has already completed more than 8.5 thousand parachute jumps, shared with TASS his memories of that landing, which has gone down in the glorious history of the "winged infantry" forever.

Preparing "Booths"

In February 2010, the commander of the Airborne Forces, Vladimir Shamanov, decided to parachute equipment along with personnel: three combat vehicles, two people per crew. By that time, almost all the vehicles in service had already landed (BMD-1 and BMD-3), except for one (BMD-2). The exercises were conducted on the basis of the 76th Pskov airborne assault division, the 234th regiment of which was equipped with these machines.

BMD-2 "Booth"

Soviet/Russian combat tracked amphibious vehicle. Created on the basis of the BMD-1, it is intended for use in the Airborne Forces and landing by parachute or landing method from the An-12, An-22 and Il-76 military transport aircraft.

Adopted in 1985. Baptism of fire took place in military operations in Afghanistan. In subsequent years, it was used in armed conflicts in Russia and abroad. It is in service with Russia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine.

The vehicle is equipped with a 30 mm 2A42 gun, coaxial and forward-facing 7.62 mm PKT machine guns, and an anti-tank missile system 9M111 Fagot or 9M113 Konkurs.

Continuation

At that time, Alexander Ivanov was a senior officer in the airborne training department of the Airborne Forces command. At those exercises, he was responsible precisely for preparing the landing of crews inside the BMD-2.

“The personnel were selected from the regiment’s unit. We began training,” he says. “The vehicles were equipped with special Kazbek seats. and at the same time they trained the crews.

The preliminary stage lasted one and a half months. All organizational documents were drawn up, personnel were selected, work was underway to prepare parachute systems. "We use systems for landing personnel of the first category, that is, without use, new ones. The means of landing is the PBS-950 system," the officer clarifies.

And the final stage is two weeks. We carried out testing of personnel, an in-depth medical examination, and then prepared them directly on the vehicles in Kazbek chairs for landing operations. We had replacements - for medical reasons, two people did not fit. Had to replace

Alexander Ivanov

Ivanov admits that if we talk about medical criteria, then any paratrooper is suitable for physiology. “But there is a certain understanding that this is a big responsibility, and of course, according to medical indicators, the guys underwent a completely additional medical examination so that there were no injuries and deviations at the time of preparation,” he says. In addition, everyone underwent testing and professional selection.

Well, again, desire. An order is an order, but of all those who were selected, no one refused. We had both preliminary and main line-up. It was entrusted to those who had already served. A sergeant landed with me, who was already finishing his service, he literally had two weeks left before demobilization. And it was like an encouragement, I think. To inscribe with dignity in the history of the Airborne Forces is an encouragement, and the guys did it with dignity

Alexander Ivanov

head coach of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in parachuting, lieutenant colonel

Before landing, no one signed any additional documents, Ivanov clarifies. "We are military people. There is one document - this is the order of the commander of the Airborne Forces for this particular event, where all the personnel were listed by name," says the officer.

Given that Ivanov was involved in this preparation and holding the entire event, Vladimir Shamanov allowed him to personally participate, for which Ivanov is very grateful to him.

"Wham - and fall out of the plane"

On March 25, 2010, this historic event took place. Until that time, military equipment with a crew was landed only in June 2003. Then there were seven servicemen inside the BMD-3 and officers of the department of the headquarters of the Airborne Forces also participated. This time three BMD-2s, two officers and four contractors landed.

The airborne troops commander and 21 military attachés from the United States, Germany, France, Belarus, China, Pakistan, Mongolia, Sweden, Italy and Kazakhstan observed the landing of personnel and the dropping of equipment at the Kislovo landing site. In total, 775 military personnel and 14 units of military equipment participated in the landing, three of which were with a crew inside.

We landed from a height of 600 meters. There were three cars in the Il-76 and a crew of personnel landed behind us. In principle, this was one of the plans of the commander of the Airborne Forces - to check the possibilities and the extent to which the vehicle could be put into battle quickly if it was parachuted along with the personnel. And it all worked out. What Vasily Margelov did in his time fully justifies

Alexander Ivanov

head coach of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in parachuting, lieutenant colonel

Ivanov says that the landing itself takes place quickly - no more than a minute and a half. There are two people in the car - the commander and the driver. “After landing, one person starts the car, and at that time I literally drop everything that is not needed from the platform system in just 2 minutes,” he says. “As soon as the cars start moving, the shock absorption is unfastened, and they are ready for the task.”

And if this is direct contact with the enemy, then the driver can prepare the car, and the gunner-operator or commander can fire. This is very justified, of course, a huge risk, but if you need to complete the task 100% with the personnel, then the car will go right where it needs to be. Maximum three to five minutes

Alexander Ivanov

head coach of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in parachuting, lieutenant colonel

Landing from the Il-76 aircraft took place at a speed of 320–350 km/h. The officer admits that there is no fear, but there is excitement when the car leaves. “When 8 tons fall down, you can’t even feel it in free fall, to be honest, there is a little excitement. Well, then the parachutes open, the excitement goes away. Everything is calm,” the paratrooper recalls.

As for the overload, it is small. A little more than a parachute. Because when, during the exit from the ramp of the aircraft, the car stands on its nose at an angle of 45 degrees and abruptly begins to fall down ... Then it starts to level it, and at that certain moment, of course, you feel a rush of blood to your face. When you land, you also feel it. If we compare the impact on the ground, then this is about the same if we jump from a height of one and a half meters

Alexander Ivanov

head coach of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in parachuting, lieutenant colonel

The jump itself takes place within one and a half minutes. Only nine parachutes of 350 sq. meters each. There are nine main domes in this system, and they open at the same time. Ivanov says that as soon as he separated, you understand that everything is fine, turn on the radio station and report that such and such a landing has been made, the crew is feeling normal.

“That is, work is underway, and then you evaluate some moments there, communicate with your crew, how they feel. We were a little rotated there,” the officer recalls. Euphoria sets in, Ivanov admits, when the ramp opens at the Il-76 aircraft in two minutes and it is already starting to shake. Then in a minute the doors open - even more shaking.

And you understand that everything, a minute is left, there is no turning back. And then there is a click, and the exhaust parachute system pulls out, and you are like on a catapult, you bang - first into the horizon, and then you fall out of the plane ... Here, I will say, there are certain sensations, there are experiences, and then normal work goes on

Alexander Ivanov

head coach of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in parachuting, lieutenant colonel

After landing, Vladimir Shamanov personally met the paratroopers. Each was given a personalized watch. The airborne forces headquarters officer, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Ivanov and servicemen of the 234th regiment of the 76th airborne assault division, Lieutenant K. Pashkov, senior sergeant V. Kozlov, junior sergeant K. Nikonov, privates A. Borodnikov and I. Tarsuev took part in that landing .

Rarely do such moments happen in the Airborne Forces. Such landings do not happen so often due to the fact that there is only one option here - there is no reserve parachute and this is a huge risk. I remember that the foreigners were pleasantly surprised. Then the commander set the task for us to fit one car to the podium, and they looked, were interested in a special chair and could not believe in the reality of this landing

Alexander Ivanov

head coach of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in parachuting, lieutenant colonel

"Who owns time wins"

Ivanov says that the main thing in all this is precisely the preparation of landing equipment, equipment and personnel "for the fulfillment of the most important task." Moreover, not only the crews themselves worked, but a rather large group of the airborne service of the 76th division under the leadership of Colonel A. Trushkin. They also helped in laying multi-dome parachute systems and testing equipment. There was also a commission from military transport aviation (BTA), which checked the loading of machines and the installation of systems on the aircraft.

“There is a certain technique for checking equipment, clearances and how everything is laid out. After checking, everything is sealed and waiting for the landing time,” Ivanov explains. But at the same time, the excitement did not leave the experienced officer, behind whom there were already about 7 thousand parachute jumps.

I've been in the sky all my life. And I understand that I have two parachutes and at this level the fear is already gone. We make 10-12 jumps a day, and there is no more fear. Here, I will say, I was worried, because I understood that there was no way to get out of this iron can. There are two chairs attached at an angle of 45 degrees and that's it. The iron cover is 20 centimeters away from you. And you don't understand what's going on outside. It only remains to understand that we did everything right

In July of this year, during the exercises of the Airborne Forces near Ryazan, for the first time with a crew inside, they landed a new armored personnel carrier BTR-MDM "Rakushka". "The crew landed from a height of 1800 meters at a speed of 10 m/s inside the BTR-MDM, which weighs 14 tons, for the first time. Thanks to the courage of the testers, we can say that full-fledged combat vehicles have entered service," said Colonel General Andrey Serdyukov, commander of the Airborne Forces.

Roman Azanov

The world's first museum of airborne troops has opened a renewed exposition with a story about the history of parachuting and the secrets of successful landing of people inside the fourth generation airborne combat vehicles BMD-4M.

From September 24 to 26, Ryazan hosted the Rossiyskaya Gazeta festival, one of the stages of which was a visit to the Airborne Forces Museum, located in the former building of the Ryazan Theological Seminary of the early 19th century.

During the war years, a hospital was located under the vaulted ceilings of the old mansion, and in 1972, at the initiative of the commander of the Airborne Forces, General Margelov, a museum dedicated to elite troops was opened here. The date of creation of the Airborne Forces is considered to be August 2, 1930, when 12 military pilots simultaneously jumped with a parachute and landed successfully, while retaining their personal weapons. A few years later, the number of trained military paratroopers in our country exceeded 50,000 people, who made up the elite of the armed forces.

The world's first satchel-parachute was patented by the Russian inventor Gleb Kotelnikov in France in 1911. The product was named RK-1 (Russian Kotelnikovsky first). They say that Kotelnikov tested his invention in Paris, throwing a poor Russian student from the Eiffel Tower, who survived after landing.

At first, the satchels were metal and not very comfortable. Superstitious pilots at first refused to use them. However, soon knapsacks began to be produced from more practical and plastic materials, saving the lives of pilots and passengers of balloons. In the second decade of the twentieth century, a parachute became an obligatory attribute of almost any pilot, while no one in the world invented a design better than that of Kotelnikov. All subsequent models were only improved replicas of the creation of our inventor.

The exposition of the museum contains unique footage from the 1930s, which shows how the first paratroopers jump from the outer body of the aircraft. Now it’s scary to imagine how the paratroopers manage not to fall in flight at a height of 350 meters at a speed of 250 kilometers per hour, holding on to a single rope with their hand. Apparently, with this method of landing, there were many accidents. Having hit their heads on the metal body of the aircraft during the jump, the soldiers in the air lost consciousness. They could not open their parachute in time and crashed. Flight tragedies prompted designers to create mechanisms for the forced opening of parachutes, which subsequently saved many lives.

Ironically, the history of not only the parachute, but also the landing of heavy military equipment with the crew inside is connected with France.

The world's first landing of people inside an airborne combat vehicle (BMD-1) took place on January 5, 1973 at the training ground of the 106th Guards Airborne Division "Slobodka".

To protect the life of the crew members, somewhat modified analogues of the Kazbek-D space seats were installed inside the BMD.

The secret to successfully landing people inside the BMD lies in the use of special parachute systems. The complex was named "Centaur". Such landing significantly reduced the time for bringing the vehicle to combat readiness, - Vladimir Nemirovsky, a representative of the Airborne Forces Museum, told Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

Such a method of landing at times increased the combat capability of the army, giving it the possibility of a lightning-fast landing on a given territory and a swift strike.

On the eve of the exercises, the commander of the Airborne Forces, General Margelov, was so confident in the reliability and safety of the design of the machine that he wanted to participate in the first descent himself. However, Defense Minister Grechko categorically refused to risk the general. Then inside the car were a teacher of the landing school, Lieutenant Colonel Leonid Zuev and the son of General Vasily Margelov, Senior Lieutenant Alexander Margelov. The landing was successful. After that, the image of a centaur appeared on the emblem of the Tula Airborne Division.

Many countries dreamed of repeating the unprecedented combat success of the Airborne Forces, but there were no volunteers anywhere among the military. France was the only state that decided to take a similar step. According to the guide Vladimir Nemirovsky, after the military refused to participate in the experiment, the French government distributed an announcement among prisoners sentenced to death, promising a presidential pardon to the daredevil.

One convict agreed to the adventure. The offender was placed in a combat vehicle and dropped by parachute from the plane. During the landing, the volunteer died. After that, the President of France fulfilled his promise by handing over to his relatives a decree on his pardon posthumously. But France decided not to carry out further experiments with the landing of people inside equipment.

Now the landing is carried out with the use of vehicles of not the first, but the fourth generation, - said Nemirovsky.

So, this year, tests conducted by the Ministry of Defense at a site near Ryazan confirmed the possibility of landing BMD-4M from IL-76 aircraft. According to the military department, during the exercises, a landing method called a train was used, in which the length of the landing is one and a half times shorter than the length of other methods of descent of the BMD.