SPW 152 6x6 Iron Pig The BTR-152 also known as the BTR-140 was one of the most important armored vehicles of the Soviet Union and her allies from 1950 until the fall of the Soviet Union.  Even today many remain in service in Third World armies.  These armored trucks could carry an infantry squad and usually had a heavy machine gun mounted forward.  The same truck was used as a prime mover for artillery and anti-tank guns, and to carry mortar squads.  The BTR-152 was replaced in front line Soviet service in the mid-1960's but remained in secondary units for many years afterwards.  Even today over 20 nations still use this robust vehicle.