August 25, 2006: Russia has given the go-ahead to mass produce the new BMD4 airborne armored vehicle. Weighing 13.6 tons, it has a crew of three and carries five troops as passengers. It is armed with a 100mm low velocity cannon (with a range of 7,000 meters), a 30mm autocannon (range 4,000 meters) and a twin 7.62mm machine-guns. The 100mm gun also fires the 9M117M1-3 anti-tank guided missile. Four of these missiles are normally carried, along with 34 100mm high explosive shells. The BMD4 is basically the body of the BMP3, with a new turret. The vehicle includes thermal sights, is amphibious and can be dropped by parachute. Top speed on roads is 70 kilometers an hour, and 10 kilometers an hour in the water. Range, on roads, with internal fuel, is about 500 kilometers. Each BMD4 costs about $1.1 million. The first ten were delivered last year, and at least three dozen will be delivered this year.