KALININGRAD. July 7 (Interfax-AVN) - A combat-training competition among the crews of BTR-82A armored personnel carriers of the Russian Navy's Coastal Troops, called The Baltic Naval Derby 2014, began at the Khmelyovka training site of the Baltic Fleet (BF) started on Monday, a BF spokesperson said.
All in all, the competition involves over 20 pieces of military hardware and over 100 participants making up 17 fighting vehicle crews. They are representing the Coastal Troops of the Baltic, Northern, Pacific Ocean and Black Sea Fleets and the Caspian Flotilla.
During the competition the marines are to show off their professional skills in driving armored carriers both on specially-equipped cross-country routes and afloat out in the sea. They are also to perform a number of combat exercises to demonstrate their mastery in handling the APC's armament: a 30 mm 2A72 automatic cannon with a 7.62 mm PK machine gun.
At the end of the competition, each crew member will have to perform various sets of physical exercises. The performance of the participating crews will be rated for the total route duration, including obstacle breaching, shooting results and personal fitness.
The BTR-82A biathlon competition program includes the tasks and provisions of the Tank Biathlon, except that they apply to the Navy's Coastal Troops, as well as the main aspects of personnel training in accordance with the Vehicle Fighting Course and a combat training program for fighting vehicle drivers.
The competition is held in the form of a relay and involves three stages of itinerary with various obstacles in the form of funnels, trenches, moats, mine obstacles and water barriers, as well as target shooting tasks.