Ep 4. The BMP

Tank Overhaul is an American reality television series, which follows a team of mechanics as they restore and upgrade vintage military tanks and armored vehicles. Season 1 episode 4 of Tank Overhaul is titled The BMP, and focuses on the team as they overhaul a Soviet-era BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicle.

The episode opens with the tank arriving at the team's workshop. The BMP-1 was first introduced into Soviet service in the early 1960s, and was widely exported to Soviet allies and client states throughout the Cold War. The tank features a unique "turtle shell" design, with a sloping top armor that makes it difficult to hit from the air. The BMP's armament includes a 73mm smoothbore cannon and a coaxial machine gun, and it has an amphibious capability.

The team begins by assessing the BMP's condition and identifying areas that need improvement. The vehicle has been sitting in storage for several years, and there are a number of issues that need to be addressed. The tracks are worn and need to be replaced, the fuel system has become clogged, and there are several leaks in the hydraulic system. The team also notes that the BMP's electronics are outdated and will need to be upgraded.

The first step in the overhaul is to remove the BMP's top armor and engine cover. This gives the team access to the engine and all of the tank's internal components. They begin by draining the old fuel and replacing the filters. They also clean out the hydraulic system and replace all of the hoses. With these issues addressed, the team moves on to the tracks. The old tracks are removed and replaced with new ones, and the team installs new bearings and sprockets.

With the mechanical issues sorted out, the team turns their attention to the BMP's electronics. They remove the old radio and replace it with a modern communication system that includes a GPS unit. They also install a new instrument panel and a digital engine monitoring system. The team notes that these upgrades will not only improve the vehicle's reliability, but will also make it easier for the crew to operate the tank.

As the overhaul nears completion, the team begins work on the BMP's exterior. They sandblast and repaint the tank, giving it a fresh coat of green paint and Soviet-era markings. The team also installs new headlamps, tail lights, and other accessories.

Finally, the team conducts a series of tests to make sure that the BMP is ready for action. They take the tank for a spin around the workshop, testing the engine, brakes, steering, and other systems. They also conduct a water test, driving the BMP into a nearby lake and testing its amphibious capabilities. The tank performs flawlessly, and the team declares the overhaul a success.

In conclusion, The BMP is an exciting episode of Tank Overhaul that showcases the team's expertise as they restore a unique and historic tank. The episode is full of fascinating details about the BMP's design and capabilities, and viewers will be impressed by the amount of work that goes into restoring these vehicles to their former glory. Fans of military history and mechanics will definitely want to tune in to this exciting episode of Tank Overhaul.