I'm building an Iraqi BTR-50 with ZU23/2as per the pic below. I was wondering what the 'arrowed' item is below? At first I thought it might be a air intake for the crew compartment, but looking closely at the picture it seems to extend across the engine deck - possibly an air intake for the engine whilst wading..?



Also, I'm fixing the front end to represent the later version - does anyone have any measurements and angles for this area?

Best guess is it is local manufacture and non-standard. Just like the styrofoam blocks on the hull sides.

Looking at the shape and positioning I would guess that it could be an air intake for wading. Thats what I'd say it was. As Jacques said it is likely to be a local non-standard addition to cope with the wading in the area. This picture looks familiar- I'm guessing its from the Iran-Iraq war and that is one of the marshes near where their borders meet?