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{{Cleanup bare URLs|date=August 2022}}
{{Infobox weapon
{{Infobox weapon
|name=MLI-84
|name=MLI-84
| image= MLI-84 IFV on parade.jpg
| image= MLI-84M at Smârdan during exercise Justice Eagle.jpg
| image_size = 300
| image_size = 300
|caption=MLI-84M at [[Smârdan, Galați|Smârdan]] during exercise Justice Eagle 2021
|caption=MLI-84M on the Romanian National Day parade at the Triumph Arch in Bucharest, 1 December 2008.
|origin= [[Socialist Republic of Romania|Romania]]
|origin= [[Romania]]
|type=[[Infantry fighting vehicle]]
|type=[[Infantry fighting vehicle]]
|is_vehicle=yes
|is_vehicle=yes
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|wars=
|wars=
|design_date=1982–1985<ref name="Pancerni 1" />
|design_date=1982–1985<ref name="Pancerni 1" />
|production_date=1985–1991 (MLI-84)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mfaromania.ro/index.htm |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2010-05-30 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100103114222/http://www.mfaromania.ro/index.htm |archivedate=3 January 2010 |df= }}</ref> <br /> 1995–present (MLI-84M)
|production_date=1985–1991 (MLI-84)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mfaromania.ro/index.htm |title=Sc Mfa Sa - Mizil |accessdate=2010-05-30 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100103114222/http://www.mfaromania.ro/index.htm |archivedate=3 January 2010 }}</ref> <br /> 1995–present (MLI-84M)
|number=178
|number=178
|variants=See [[MLI-84#Variants|Variants]]
|variants=See [[MLI-84#Variants|Variants]]
|spec_label=MLI-84M<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mfaromania.ro/mlitech.htm |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2011-05-03 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322055248/http://www.mfaromania.ro/mlitech.htm |archivedate=22 March 2012 |df= }}</ref>
|spec_label=MLI-84M<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mfaromania.ro/mlitech.htm |title=Sc Mfa Sa - Mizil |accessdate=2011-05-03 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322055248/http://www.mfaromania.ro/mlitech.htm |archivedate=22 March 2012 }}</ref>
|crew=3 (commander, driver and gunner) + 8 troops<ref name="Pancerni 2" />
|crew=3 (commander, driver and gunner) + 8 troops<ref name="Pancerni 2" />
|length=7.335 m
|length=7.335 m
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|weight=17.6 tonnes
|weight=17.6 tonnes
|armour=Protects against 12.7 mm caliber heavy machine gun fire
|armour=Protects against 12.7 mm caliber heavy machine gun fire
|primary_armament='''MLI-84''': 73&nbsp;mm [[2A28 Grom]] cannon <br /> '''MLI-84M''': 25&nbsp;mm [[Oerlikon KBA]] [[autocannon]]
|primary_armament='''MLI-84''': 73&nbsp;mm [[2A28 Grom]] low-pressure smoothbore cannon <br /> '''MLI-84M1''': 25&nbsp;mm [[Oerlikon KBA]] [[autocannon]]
|secondary_armament='''MLI-84''': 9S415 [[ATGM]] launcher<ref name="Pancerni 1" /> <br /> 1 × [[12.7×108mm]] [[DShK]] 1938/46 [[Heavy machine gun]] <br /> '''MLI-84M''': 9M14-2T "Maljutka-2T" or [[Spike (missile)|Spike]] [[ATGM]]
|secondary_armament='''MLI-84''': 9S415 launcher for [[9M14 Malyutka]] ATGM<ref name="Pancerni 1" /> <br /> 1 × [[12.7×108mm]] [[DShK]] 1938/46 [[Heavy machine gun]] <br /> '''MLI-84M1''': 9M14-2T "Maljutka-2T" or [[Spike (ATGM)|Spike]] [[ATGM]]
|engine='''MLI-84''':Romanian 8-cylinder-1240-DT-S <br /> '''MLI-84M''':[[Caterpillar Inc.|Caterpillar]] C9
|engine='''MLI-84''': Romanian 8-cylinder-1240-DT-S <br /> '''MLI-84M1''': [[Caterpillar Inc.|Caterpillar]] C9
|engine_power='''MLI-84''':355 hp (265 kW) <br /> '''MLI-84M''':400 hp at 2,200 [[Revolutions per minute|rpm]]
|engine_power='''MLI-84''': 355 hp (265 kW) <br /> '''MLI-84M1''': 400 hp at 2,200 [[Revolutions per minute|rpm]]
|suspension=individual [[torsion bar]] with hydraulic shock absorbers on the 1st and 6th road wheels
|suspension=individual [[torsion bar]] with hydraulic shock absorbers on the 1st and 6th road wheels
|clearance=400 mm<ref name="Pancerni 2" />
|clearance=400 mm<ref name="Pancerni 2" />
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}}
}}


The '''MLI-84''' is a tracked [[Romania]]n [[infantry fighting vehicle]] currently in service with the [[Romanian Land Forces]]. It was derived from the chassis of the Soviet [[BMP-1]] but possessing a lengthened hull, a [[12.7×108mm]] [[DShK]] 1938/46 [[heavy machine gun]] mounted on the roof of the troop compartment and MLI-84M having [[Oerlikon KBA]] autocannon and new [[ATGM]]s.
The '''MLI-84''' is a tracked [[Romania]]n [[infantry fighting vehicle]] currently in service with the [[Romanian Land Forces]]. It was derived from the [[chassis]] of the Soviet [[BMP-1]] but possessing a lengthened hull, a [[12.7×108mm]] [[DShK]] 1938/46 [[heavy machine gun]] mounted on the roof of the troop compartment and MLI-84M having [[Oerlikon KBA]] autocannon and new [[Anti-tank guided missile|ATGMs]].<ref name="urlMLI-84 Jderul - Tank Encyclopedia">{{cite web |url=http://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/Romania/MLI-84.php |title=MLI-84 Jderul - Tank Encyclopedia |date=15 July 2014 |format= |accessdate=}}</ref>


==Development history==
==Development history==
In 1982 Romania purchased a license to produce 178 BMP-1 IFVs from USSR. At the same time it received permission to modify the construction in order to adapt it to its industry.<ref name="Pancerni 1">[http://www.pancerni.abajt.pl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=92&Itemid=104 Pancerni 1]</ref><ref>http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php</ref>
In 1982 Romania purchased a license to produce 178 BMP-1 [[Infantry fighting vehicle|IFV]]s from the [[Soviet Union]]. At the same time, it received permission to modify the construction in order to adapt it to its industry.<ref name="Pancerni 1">{{Cite web |url=http://www.pancerni.abajt.pl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=92&Itemid=104 |title=Pancerni 1 |access-date=8 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305063734/http://www.pancerni.abajt.pl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=92&Itemid=104 |archive-date=5 March 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php</ref>


The decision of improving the old Soviet [[IFV]]s came in 1995. As a result of Romanian-Israeli cooperation project the new modernized MLI-84M variant was created. Since then, the Romanian Ministry of Defense spent over [[US$]] 155 million to upgrade 99 vehicles.
The decision of improving the old Soviet IFVs came in 1995. As a result of a Romanian-Israeli cooperation project, the new modernized MLI-84M variant was created. Since then, the [[Ministry of National Defence (Romania)|Romanian Ministry of Defense]] spent around [[United States dollar|US$]] 155 million to upgrade 99 vehicles for equipping three battalions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-arhiva-1227604-masina-lupta-infanteriei-costat-155-milioane-dolari.htm|title=Masina de lupta a infanteriei a costat 155 de milioane de dolari|language=ro|work=[[HotNews]]|date=18 May 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ligamilitarilor.ro/tehnica-militara/mli-84/|title=MLI-84|language=ro|work=ligamilitarilor.ro|date=10 March 2011}}</ref>


==Description==
==Description==
[[File:MLI-84 KingFerdinandMuseum.jpg|thumb|left|MLI-84 (basic version) on display at the [[National Military Museum (Romania)|National Military Museum]], Bucharest]]
[[File:MLI-84 KingFerdinandMuseum.jpg|thumb|left|MLI-84 (basic version) on display at the [[National Military Museum, Romania|National Military Museum]], Bucharest]]
The most important improvement in the MLI-84 was the replacement of the UTD-20 (a 4-stroke V-shaped airless-injection water-cooled multifuel 15.8-litre diesel [[v6 engine]]) with the 8V-1240-DT-S 4-stroke liquid-cooled diesel [[V8 engine]] developed in Romania. The new engine is more powerful as it develops 355&nbsp;hp (265&nbsp;kW) but it is heavier and bigger and because of that the engine compartment had to be rebuilt in order to fit the new engine. The fuel capacity was increased to 600 liters. Because of these modifications the length of the hull of the vehicle was increased by 60&nbsp;cm (7.335 m) which in turn resulted in wider gaps between the roadwheels. The vehicle is also wider (3.15 m) and higher (2.11 m). The ground clearance has increased from 370&nbsp;mm to 400&nbsp;mm. The new engine has increased vehicle's maximal road speed to 70&nbsp;km/h.<ref name="Pancerni 1" /><ref name="Pancerni 2">[http://www.pancerni.abajt.pl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=92&Itemid=104&limit=1&limitstart=1 Pancerni 2]</ref>
The most important improvement in the MLI-84 was the replacement of the Soviet UTD-20 (a 4-stroke airless-injection water-cooled multifuel 15.8-litre diesel [[V6 engine]]) with the domestically-produced 8V-1240-DT-S 4-stroke liquid-cooled diesel [[V8 engine]]. The new engine develops a more powerful 355 horsepower (265 kW), but is larger and heavier and thus required modification of the engine compartment to accommodate it. The fuel capacity was increased to 600 liters. Because of these modifications the length of the hull of the vehicle was increased by 60 centimeters to 7.335 meters, which in turn resulted in wider gaps between the roadwheels. The vehicle is also wider (3.15 m) and higher (2.11 m). The ground clearance has increased from 370&nbsp;mm to 400&nbsp;mm. The new engine has increased vehicle's maximal road speed to 70&nbsp;km/h.<ref name="Pancerni 1" /><ref name="Pancerni 2">{{Cite web |url=http://www.pancerni.abajt.pl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=92&Itemid=104&limit=1&limitstart=1 |title=Pancerni 2 |access-date=8 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209192805/http://www.pancerni.abajt.pl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=92&Itemid=104&limit=1&limitstart=1 |archive-date=9 February 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


The armament wasn't modified but a 12.7&nbsp;mm DShK 1938/46 anti-aircraft heavy machine gun was placed on a rotatable mount fitted on the left rear troop compartment roof hatch. It is operated by the trooper sitting next to the left rear door of the troop compartment which makes operating it while the infantry is dismounting impossible.<ref name="Pancerni 1" /><ref name="Pancerni 2" />
The armament wasn't modified but a 12.7&nbsp;mm [[DShK]] 1938/46 [[heavy machine gun]] was placed on a rotatable mount fitted on the left rear troop compartment roof hatch. It is operated by the trooper sitting next to the left rear door of the troop compartment which makes operating it while the infantry is dismounting impossible.<ref name="Pancerni 1" /><ref name="Pancerni 2" />


Because of the mentioned modifications and additions, the weight of the vehicle increased to 16.6 tonnes and although the vehicle can still travel across water with little preparation, the amphibious ability was weakened.<ref name="Pancerni 1" /><ref name="Pancerni 2" />
Because of the mentioned modifications and additions, the weight of the vehicle increased to 16.6 tonnes and although the vehicle can still travel across water with little preparation, the amphibious ability was weakened.<ref name="Pancerni 1" /><ref name="Pancerni 2" />
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==Variants==
==Variants==
[[File:2S1_Model_1989.jpg|thumb|''OAPR md. 89'' self-propelled howitzer using the MLI-84's chassis and the [[2S1 Gvozdika]]'s turret and [[122 mm howitzer 2A18 (D-30)|gun]]]]
[[File:MEDEVAC MLI-84M.jpg|thumb|MLI-84M MEDEVAC]]
* '''MLI-84''' – Basic version, as described.
* '''MLI-84''' – Basic version, as described.
* '''MLI-84M''' – MLI-84 modernization fitted with a new Israeli OWS-25R overhead mount turret armed with 25&nbsp;mm [[Oerlikon Contraves|Oerlikon]] KBA [[autocannon]] and two 9S415 ATGM launchers. It is also equipped with two banks of four [[smoke grenade]] launchers. Because mounting of the new turret increased the weight of the vehicle to 17.6 tonnes, a new more powerful engine had to be fitted. The new engine is the [[Caterpillar Inc.|Caterpillar]] C9 engine developing 396 [[horsepower|hp]] (295 [[kW]]) which is the same engine as the one found in recently acquired [[LAV III|MOWAG Piranha III]] IFVs by the Romanian Land Forces. However the vehicle lost its ability to travel across water with little preparation and has to be specially prepared before entering water. The vehicle also became even wider (3.3 m) and higher (2.942 m) than its predecessor. Although the engine is more powerful, the weight of the new equipment has in fact decreased the vehicle's maximum road speed to 65&nbsp;km/h.<ref name="Pancerni 1" /><ref name="Pancerni 2" /><ref name="JED The Military Equipment Directory">[http://www.jedsite.info/fulltrack-mike/mike/mli84_series/mli84-series.html "JED The Military Equipment Directory"]</ref> The 9S415 ATGM launcher capable of firing 9M14 "Malyutka" (NATO: AT-3A Sagger A), 9M14M "Malyutka-M" (NATO: AT-3B Sagger B) and 9M14P "Malyutka-P" (NATO: AT-3C Sagger C) ATGMs also has been replaced and there are two different variants, each with a different ATGM launcher replacing it:
* '''MLI-84M1 Jderul''' ("the [[marten]]") – MLI-84 modernization fitted with a new Israeli OWS-25R overhead mount turret armed with 25x137mm [[Oerlikon KBA]] [[autocannon]] and two 9S415 ATGM launchers.<ref name="urlRomanian Army - MLI-84 Jderul IFV">{{cite web |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/mli-84.htm |title=Romanian Army - MLI-84 "Jderul" IFV |access-date=}}</ref> It is also equipped with two banks of four 81&nbsp;mm DLG 81 heat and [[smoke grenade]] launchers. Grenades leave a thermal curtain of fire around the vehicle for about five minutes, to confuse enemy missiles. MLI-84M1 vehicle also has a system that can disperse dense smoke over a radius of 360 degrees around the vehicle and at a distance between {{convert|300|–|400|m}}. Because mounting of the new turret increased the weight of the vehicle to 17.6 tonnes, a new more powerful engine had to be fitted. The new engine is the [[Caterpillar Inc.|Caterpillar]] C9 engine developing 396 [[horsepower|hp]] (295 [[kW]]) which is the same engine as the one found in [[LAV III|MOWAG Piranha III]] IFVs recently acquired by the Romanian Land Forces. However the vehicle lost its ability to travel across water with little preparation and has to be specially prepared before entering water. The vehicle also became even wider (3.3 m) and higher (2.942 m) than its predecessor. Although the engine is more powerful, the weight of the new equipment has in fact decreased the vehicle's maximum road speed to {{cvt|65|km/h}}.<ref name="Pancerni 1" /><ref name="Pancerni 2" /><ref name="JED The Military Equipment Directory">[http://www.jedsite.info/fulltrack-mike/mike/mli84_series/mli84-series.html "JED The Military Equipment Directory"]</ref> The 9S415 ATGM launcher capable of firing 9M14 "Malyutka" (NATO: AT-3A Sagger A), 9M14M "Malyutka-M" (NATO: AT-3B Sagger B) and 9M14P "Malyutka-P" (NATO: AT-3C Sagger C) ATGMs also has been replaced and there are two different variants, each with a different ATGM launcher replacing it:
** '''MLI-84M''' armed with ATGM launcher capable of firing Yugoslavian 9M14-2T Maljutka-2T [[antitank guided missile]]s instead of the [[9M14 Malyutka]].<ref name="JED The Military Equipment Directory" />
** '''MLI-84M1''' armed with ATGM launcher capable of firing Yugoslavian 9M14-2T Maljutka-2T [[antitank guided missile]]s instead of the [[9M14 Malyutka]].<ref name="JED The Military Equipment Directory" />
** '''MLI-84M''' armed with ATGM launcher capable of firing Israeli [[Spike (missile)|Spike]] [[antitank guided missile]]s instead of the [[9M14 Malyutka]].<ref name="JED The Military Equipment Directory" />
** '''MLI-84M1''' armed with ATGM launcher capable of firing Israeli [[Spike (missile)|Spike]] [[antitank guided missile]]s instead of the [[9M14 Malyutka]].<ref name="JED The Military Equipment Directory" />
* '''{{lang|ro|MLI-84M Punct de Comanda Batalion}}''' – MLI-84M converted into a battalion command vehicle with a large superstructure instead of the turret.<ref name="JED The Military Equipment Directory" />
* '''{{lang|ro|MLI-84M Punct de Comanda Batalion}}''' – MLI-84M1 converted into a battalion command vehicle with a large superstructure instead of the turret.<ref name="JED The Military Equipment Directory" />
* '''{{lang|ro|MLI-84M Tractor Pentru Evacuare Tehnică}}''' – MLI-84M converted into an ARV with its turret replaced by a large three-section hydraulic crane controlled from outside the vehicle, winching frame mounted on the rear of the top of the hull, stowage box on the left hand side of the rear of the top of the hull and two stowage boxes on the right hand side of the top of the hull.<ref name="JED The Military Equipment Directory" />
* '''{{lang|ro|MLI-84M Tractor Pentru Evacuare Tehnică}}''' – MLI-84M1 converted into an ARV with its turret replaced by a large three-section hydraulic crane controlled from outside the vehicle, winching frame mounted on the rear of the top of the hull, stowage box on the left hand side of the rear of the top of the hull and two stowage boxes on the right hand side of the top of the hull.<ref name="JED The Military Equipment Directory" />
* '''{{lang|ro|MLI-84M Vehicul de Evacuare Medicală}}''' – MLI-84M converted into an armoured ambulance<ref name="JED The Military Equipment Directory" /> and fitted with a higher [[superstructure]] as found on the PCB command vehicle.
* '''{{lang|ro|MLI-84M Vehicul de Evacuare Medicală}}''' – MLI-84M1 converted into an armoured ambulance<ref name="JED The Military Equipment Directory" /> and fitted with a higher [[superstructure]] as found on the PCB command vehicle.
* '''[[2S1 Gvozdika#Romania|OAPR model 89]]''' – ''Obuzierul autopropulsat românesc, model 89'', self-propelled howitzer using the MLI-84's hull and the 2S1 Gvozdika's turret and gun. Probably designed around 1978 and produced since 1987.


==Operators==
==Operators==
* {{ROM}} – [[Romanian Land Forces]] operate 178 MLI-84 IFVs of which 99 are being upgraded to the MLI-84M standard. The first modernized vehicles entered service with the [[282nd Mechanized Brigade (Romania)|282nd Mechanized Brigade]] in 2005.<ref>http://www.ziaruldeiasi.ro/local/focsani/jderul-mindria-brigazii-282-mecanizate-din-focsani~ni3p2r</ref> Initially, the modernization program aimed at upgrading a total of 180 vehicles.<ref>http://www.adevarul.ro/actualitate/Dotarea_Armatei-_cu_ce_mergem_la_razboi_0_371963146.html</ref>
* {{ROM}} – [[Romanian Land Forces]] operate around 142 MLI-84 IFVs of which 101 are upgraded to the MLI-84M standard.<ref>{{cite web|title=United Nations Register of Conventional Arms - Romania 2022|url=https://www.unroca.org/romania/report/2022/|publisher=United Nations|access-date=2023-10-01}}</ref> The first modernized vehicles entered service with the [[282nd Mechanized Brigade (Romania)|282nd Mechanized Brigade]] in 2005.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ziaruldeiasi.ro/local/focsani/jderul-mindria-brigazii-282-mecanizate-din-focsani~ni3p2r|title = "Jderul" - mindria Brigazii 282 Mecanizate din Focșani}}</ref> Initially, the modernization program aimed at upgrading a total of 180 vehicles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.adevarul.ro/actualitate/Dotarea_Armatei-_cu_ce_mergem_la_razboi_0_371963146.html|title = Dotarea Armatei: Cu ce mergem la război| date=14 November 2010 }}</ref>


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|MLI-84}}
{{Commons category|MLI-84}}
* [http://www.mapn.ro/eveniment/2007/200707/20070714/documentar.doc MLI-84's description on Romanian Ministry of Defense official website]{{dead link|date=May 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* [http://www.mapn.ro/eveniment/2007/200707/20070714/documentar.doc MLI-84's description on the Romanian Ministry of Defense official website]{{dead link|date=May 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2010}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}


* [https://www.militaryimages.net/threads/romania-military-photos.7057/#post-27704 MLI-84's MilitaryImages.Net]
* [https://www.militaryimages.net/threads/romania-military-photos.7057/#post-27704 MLI-84's at MilitaryImages.Net]


{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Infantry fighting vehicles]]
[[Category:Armoured fighting vehicles of Romania]]
[[Category:Armoured fighting vehicles of Romania]]
[[Category:Tracked infantry fighting vehicles]]
[[Category:Tracked infantry fighting vehicles]]
[[Category:Romania–Soviet Union relations]]
[[Category:Romania–Soviet Union relations]]
[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1980s]]

Latest revision as of 23:52, 6 January 2024

MLI-84
MLI-84M at Smârdan during exercise Justice Eagle 2021
TypeInfantry fighting vehicle
Place of originRomania
Service history
In service1985–present[1]
Used byRomania
Production history
Designed1982–1985[1]
Produced1985–1991 (MLI-84)[2]
1995–present (MLI-84M)
No. built178
VariantsSee Variants
Specifications (MLI-84M[4])
Mass17.6 tonnes
Length7.335 m
Width3.3 m[3]
Height2.942 m[3]
Crew3 (commander, driver and gunner) + 8 troops[3]
ArmorProtects against 12.7 mm caliber heavy machine gun fire
Main
armament
MLI-84: 73 mm 2A28 Grom low-pressure smoothbore cannon
MLI-84M1: 25 mm Oerlikon KBA autocannon
Secondary
armament
MLI-84: 9S415 launcher for 9M14 Malyutka ATGM[1]
1 × 12.7×108mm DShK 1938/46 Heavy machine gun
MLI-84M1: 9M14-2T "Maljutka-2T" or Spike ATGM
EngineMLI-84: Romanian 8-cylinder-1240-DT-S
MLI-84M1: Caterpillar C9
MLI-84: 355 hp (265 kW)
MLI-84M1: 400 hp at 2,200 rpm
Power/weight23.4 hp/tonne (16.8 kW/tonne)
Suspensionindividual torsion bar with hydraulic shock absorbers on the 1st and 6th road wheels
Ground clearance400 mm[3]
Fuel capacity620 l
Operational
range
550–600 km
Maximum speed 65 km/h

The MLI-84 is a tracked Romanian infantry fighting vehicle currently in service with the Romanian Land Forces. It was derived from the chassis of the Soviet BMP-1 but possessing a lengthened hull, a 12.7×108mm DShK 1938/46 heavy machine gun mounted on the roof of the troop compartment and MLI-84M having Oerlikon KBA autocannon and new ATGMs.[5]

Development history[edit]

In 1982 Romania purchased a license to produce 178 BMP-1 IFVs from the Soviet Union. At the same time, it received permission to modify the construction in order to adapt it to its industry.[1][6]

The decision of improving the old Soviet IFVs came in 1995. As a result of a Romanian-Israeli cooperation project, the new modernized MLI-84M variant was created. Since then, the Romanian Ministry of Defense spent around US$ 155 million to upgrade 99 vehicles for equipping three battalions.[7][8]

Description[edit]

MLI-84 (basic version) on display at the National Military Museum, Bucharest

The most important improvement in the MLI-84 was the replacement of the Soviet UTD-20 (a 4-stroke airless-injection water-cooled multifuel 15.8-litre diesel V6 engine) with the domestically-produced 8V-1240-DT-S 4-stroke liquid-cooled diesel V8 engine. The new engine develops a more powerful 355 horsepower (265 kW), but is larger and heavier and thus required modification of the engine compartment to accommodate it. The fuel capacity was increased to 600 liters. Because of these modifications the length of the hull of the vehicle was increased by 60 centimeters to 7.335 meters, which in turn resulted in wider gaps between the roadwheels. The vehicle is also wider (3.15 m) and higher (2.11 m). The ground clearance has increased from 370 mm to 400 mm. The new engine has increased vehicle's maximal road speed to 70 km/h.[1][3]

The armament wasn't modified but a 12.7 mm DShK 1938/46 heavy machine gun was placed on a rotatable mount fitted on the left rear troop compartment roof hatch. It is operated by the trooper sitting next to the left rear door of the troop compartment which makes operating it while the infantry is dismounting impossible.[1][3]

Because of the mentioned modifications and additions, the weight of the vehicle increased to 16.6 tonnes and although the vehicle can still travel across water with little preparation, the amphibious ability was weakened.[1][3]

Production history[edit]

MLI-84 production began in 1985 and 178 vehicles were produced until 1991.

Variants[edit]

OAPR md. 89 self-propelled howitzer using the MLI-84's chassis and the 2S1 Gvozdika's turret and gun
MLI-84M MEDEVAC
  • MLI-84 – Basic version, as described.
  • MLI-84M1 Jderul ("the marten") – MLI-84 modernization fitted with a new Israeli OWS-25R overhead mount turret armed with 25x137mm Oerlikon KBA autocannon and two 9S415 ATGM launchers.[9] It is also equipped with two banks of four 81 mm DLG 81 heat and smoke grenade launchers. Grenades leave a thermal curtain of fire around the vehicle for about five minutes, to confuse enemy missiles. MLI-84M1 vehicle also has a system that can disperse dense smoke over a radius of 360 degrees around the vehicle and at a distance between 300–400 metres (980–1,310 ft). Because mounting of the new turret increased the weight of the vehicle to 17.6 tonnes, a new more powerful engine had to be fitted. The new engine is the Caterpillar C9 engine developing 396 hp (295 kW) which is the same engine as the one found in MOWAG Piranha III IFVs recently acquired by the Romanian Land Forces. However the vehicle lost its ability to travel across water with little preparation and has to be specially prepared before entering water. The vehicle also became even wider (3.3 m) and higher (2.942 m) than its predecessor. Although the engine is more powerful, the weight of the new equipment has in fact decreased the vehicle's maximum road speed to 65 km/h (40 mph).[1][3][10] The 9S415 ATGM launcher capable of firing 9M14 "Malyutka" (NATO: AT-3A Sagger A), 9M14M "Malyutka-M" (NATO: AT-3B Sagger B) and 9M14P "Malyutka-P" (NATO: AT-3C Sagger C) ATGMs also has been replaced and there are two different variants, each with a different ATGM launcher replacing it:
  • MLI-84M Punct de Comanda Batalion – MLI-84M1 converted into a battalion command vehicle with a large superstructure instead of the turret.[10]
  • MLI-84M Tractor Pentru Evacuare Tehnică – MLI-84M1 converted into an ARV with its turret replaced by a large three-section hydraulic crane controlled from outside the vehicle, winching frame mounted on the rear of the top of the hull, stowage box on the left hand side of the rear of the top of the hull and two stowage boxes on the right hand side of the top of the hull.[10]
  • MLI-84M Vehicul de Evacuare Medicală – MLI-84M1 converted into an armoured ambulance[10] and fitted with a higher superstructure as found on the PCB command vehicle.
  • OAPR model 89 – Obuzierul autopropulsat românesc, model 89, self-propelled howitzer using the MLI-84's hull and the 2S1 Gvozdika's turret and gun. Probably designed around 1978 and produced since 1987.

Operators[edit]

Gallery[edit]

  • MLI-84M1 at National Day Parade, 2009
    MLI-84M1 at National Day Parade, 2009
  • MLI-84M1 at National Day Parade, 2010
    MLI-84M1 at National Day Parade, 2010
  • MLI-84M1, Turret
    MLI-84M1, Turret
  • MLI-84M1, Turret, 23 April 2007
    MLI-84M1, Turret, 23 April 2007
  • MLI-84M1, Tracks, 23 April 2007
    MLI-84M1, Tracks, 23 April 2007

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "Pancerni 1". Archived from the original on 5 March 2014. Retrieved 8 July 2008.
  2. ^ "Sc Mfa Sa - Mizil". Archived from the original on 3 January 2010. Retrieved 30 May 2010.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h "Pancerni 2". Archived from the original on 9 February 2012. Retrieved 8 July 2008.
  4. ^ "Sc Mfa Sa - Mizil". Archived from the original on 22 March 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
  5. ^ "MLI-84 Jderul - Tank Encyclopedia". 15 July 2014.
  6. ^ http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php
  7. ^ "Masina de lupta a infanteriei a costat 155 de milioane de dolari". HotNews (in Romanian). 18 May 2005.
  8. ^ "MLI-84". ligamilitarilor.ro (in Romanian). 10 March 2011.
  9. ^ "Romanian Army - MLI-84 "Jderul" IFV".
  10. ^ a b c d e f "JED The Military Equipment Directory"
  11. ^ "United Nations Register of Conventional Arms - Romania 2022". United Nations. Retrieved 1 October 2023.
  12. ^ ""Jderul" - mindria Brigazii 282 Mecanizate din Focșani".
  13. ^ "Dotarea Armatei: Cu ce mergem la război". 14 November 2010.

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to MLI-84.

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