Bravo Two Zero

Bravo Two Zero DVD Box Art Country United Kingdom Directed by Tom Clegg Release Date 1999 Studio British Broadcasting Corporation Main Cast Character Actor Andy McNab Sean Bean Dinger Steve Nicolson Tony Rick Warden Mark Richard Graham Baz Ian Curtis Ray Jamie Bartlett Stan Robert Hobbs Chris Ryan Kevin Collins

Bravo Two Zero is a 1999 Gulf War film that originally aired on the BBC. The film chronicles the heroic mission of British SAS troopers dropped behind Iraqi lines during the First Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm 1990-1991). This unit later became the most highly decorated British Military Patrol unit since the last Boer War (1899-1902). Sean Bean starred in the film as SAS sergeant Andy McNab.

This was second dramatization of the Bravo Two Zero mission, following ITV's 1996 adaptation of Chris Ryan's account, The One That Got Away.

The following weapons were used in the film Bravo Two Zero:

Assault Rifles

Colt AR-15 Sporter-1

Baz (Ian Curtis) carries a Colt AR-15 Sporter-1 fitted with a Cobray CM203 flare launcher. At various points in the film the rifle has the standard M16 front sight, no sight, or an AKM type front sight mounted to the gas block. It is possible that the rifle was damaged during production, and an AKM front sight was added from one of the many Vektor R4s mocked up as AK-47 type rifles.

Colt AR-15 Sporter-1 - 5.56x45mm

Baz reaching for his rifle when someone stumbles upon the patrol's OP. At this point the rifle lacks any sort of front sight having a bare gas block.

The patrol ready their kit and weapons after they are compromised. The rifle is now fitted with an AKM type front sight despite the fact that it had no sight in the previous shot.

Baz aiming his rifle during the desert skirmish.

A closer shot of the AKM type front sight on the rifle.

Baz firing his rifle during the firefight at the border.

Colt M16A1

Ray (Jamie Bartlett) carries a Colt fitted with a Cobray CM203 flare launcher.

Colt M16A1, fitted with CM203 flare launcher - 5.56x45mm

Ray relaxing in the OP. Note that his rifle has a forward assist, but lacks the brass deflector of the later A2 model rifles used by other patrol members.

Ray taking cover behind a berm with his M16A1 at hand

Ray firing his M16A1 during the desert skirmish

Colt M16A2

Andy McNab (Sean Bean) and Chris Ryan (Kevin Collins) both carry Colt M16A2 rifles fitted with under-slung M203 grenade launchers. The rifles feature a camouflage paint scheme, and McNab has a compass attached to the side of his weapon.

Colt M16A2, fitted with M203 grenade launcher - 5.56x45mm

Chris Ryan prepares to fire the 203 on the range.

McNab aiming his M16A2 after their OP is compromised.

McNab aims his M16A2 at approaching Iraqi troops.

Ryan aims his M16A2 at approaching Iraqi troops.

During the desert skirmish the Sporter-1 carried by Baz (Ian Curtis) briefly changes to an M16A2. From the mark at the rear right side of the handguard this rifle can be identified as the same one which is normally carried by Ryan, as illustrated above.

McNab and Ryan advance as a pair on Iraqi troops, both with their M16A2s fitted with M203s.

McNab firing his M16A2 during the firefight at the border.

Heckler & Koch G3A4

Heckler & Koch G3A4 rifles can be seen being carried by Saudi Arabian soldiers during a piece of stock footage at the end of the film, showing the Iraqi surrender.

Heckler & Koch G3A4 - 7.62x51mm

A number of Saudi Arabian soldiers secure a surrendering Iraqi soldier.

A Saudi Arabian soldier guards a number of Iraqi captives, with his G3A4 at the ready.

Vektor R4 (mocked up as an AK-47)

The majority of the Iraqi forces in the film carry Vektor R4s mocked up to resemble AK-47s, a common practice for films shot in South Africa. They can be distinguished from genuine AK-47s by their straighter 5.56x45mm magazine, the more slanted bottom edge of the milled receiver and the shape of the lightening cut above the magazine well. They are mocked up as both solid, and folding stock variants.

Vektor R4, with 50 round magazine - 5.56x45mm

McNab kicks a Vektor away from an Iraqi soldiers body. Note the large magazine release which is found on a Vektor but not on an AK-47.

A pair of Iraqi soldiers are gunned down at a vehicle checkpoint.

A soldier patrolling the border with his Vektor slung across his chest.

Although most of the dressed up Vektors are fitted with solid stocks, several are fitted with underfolding stocks as seen here on the right.

The best view of the AK-47 mock up in the film, showing the angled bottom of the receiver and lightening cut which are indicative of a Vektor.

After capturing McNab, Iraqi soldier fire their Vektors into the air in celebration.

A close up view of the side of one of the rifles showing the Vektor magazine.

Unidentified AK-47 Variant

An unidentified AK-47 variant (possibly a replica) is seen in the background in some shots. It can be differentiated from the blank firing Vektor R4s used during the majority of the film by the curvature of its 7.62x39mm magazine.

AK-47, type III - 7.62x39mm

The unidentified AK-47 is held by the soldier standing on the right. The 7.62x39mm magazine is visible in this shot, differentiating it from the 5.56x45mm Vektor rifles dressed up as AK variants used in the rest of the film.

Machine Guns

FN Minimi (Prototype)

Dinger (Steve Nicolson) carries the prototype version of the FN Minimi. It can be identified as such by the downward sloping skeleton stock, the unhooded front sight, the more rounded and tapered handguard, and the FN FAL type carry handle.

FN Minimi Prototype - 5.56x45mm

Dinger in the OP with his Minimi.

A closeup of the Minimi prototype as Dinger takes aim when the patrol is compromised.

The Minimi prototype is at the bottom of this frame as the patrol take up position to ambush pursuing Iraqi armor. It can be recognized by its distinctive sloping skeleton stock.

Dinger laying ready with his Minimi

Tony (Rick Warden) can briefly be seen with the Minimi prototype during the first skirmish in the desert. Although his face is not visible in this shot, he can be identified by the two respirator pouches on his beltkit.

Dinger firing his Minimi during the running firefight across the desert.

Dinger running for cover after he and Baz are tagged by a spotlight at the border.

FN Minimi (Unidentified Variants)

Two different variants of the FN Minimi light machine gun are used by members of the patrol. Tony (Rick Warden) carries what appears to be a standard early model Minimi fitted with a Canadian C9 type front sight. The Minimis carried by Mark (Richard Graham) and Stan (Robert Hobbs) have the same C9 type front sight, but have the grooved M249 type handguard (although the top heat-shield is not present) and the same rear sight as found on the Minimi prototype shown above.

FN Minimi 5.56x45mm with 200-round ammo drum

Mark test firing his Minimi at the range.

Stan test firing his Minimi at the range.

A view of the 3 Minimis at the range, the front and back weapons have M249 handguards with prototype rear sights whilst the middle weapon has standard FN Minimi furniture and rear sights.

Tony sleeping in the OP with his Minimi.

Mark aiming his Minimi after the patrol's position is compromised.

Tony scanning a ridge-line with his Minimi at the ready.

Stan laying prone with his Minimi as the patrol wait for the approaching armor.

Tony opens fire with the Minimi.

Stan fires on the Iraqi vehicles from a berm, whilst Ray pulls extra linked ammunition from a respirator pouch on his belt kit. Even though Ray carries a magazine fed M16A1, all members of the patrol carry linked ammunition for the Minimis.

Browning M2HB

A Browning M2HB is prominently seen mounted on the roof of an Iraqi BTR-60 APC (in place of the KPVT-equipped turret). One can also briefly be seen mounted on the roof of an SAS LSV at the Allied base on Saudi Arabia.

Browning M2HB - .50 BMG

The LSV (possibly a Longline) at the door has an M2HB mounted on the roll-cage.

An Iraqi BTR-60 driving into position.

An Iraqi soldier firing the roof mounted M2HB.

RPD

An RPD light machine gun can be seen mounted in the front firing port of an Iraqi APC.

RPD Light Machine Gun - 7.62x39mm

Although only the front portion of the weapon is seen and the bipod is missing, the weapon can be identified as an RPD by its gas block, front sight and the handguard.

Besa Tank Machine Gun

A Besa tank machine gun can be seen being used by Iraqi soldiers as the SAS patrol attempts to cross the border.

Besa tank machine gun - 7.92×57mm Mauser

A pair of Iraqi soldier manning a Besa machine gun at the border, as observed through an SAS night sight.

The border guards open fire on the SAS soldiers.

The Besa hanging back on its mount after the crew is killed.

Pistols

Tokarev TT-33

A Tokarev TT-33 is used by one of the Iraqi interrogators to threaten McNab.

Tokarev TT-33 - 7.62x25mm Tokarev

The interrogator draws his Tokarev.

The interrogator turning to threaten McNab with the pistol.

Webley .38 Mk IV

An Iraqi civilian can be seen with a Webley .38 Mk IV. The revolver is never clearly seen, but it appears to be a shorter barrelled "duty" or "pocket" model.

Webley Mk IV, 4" barrelled "Duty" model - .38 S&W

The grieving civilian draws his Webley.

Iraqi soldiers step in to stop the man from executing Dinger.

Launchers

Cobray CM203 Flare Launcher

Cobray CM203 flare launchers are seen mounted under the Colt AR-15 Sporter-1 carried by Baz (Ian Curtis) and the M16A1 carried by Ray (Jamie Bartlett).

Cobray CM203, mounted under an M16A1 - 37mm flare

Ray blowing the dust from the action of his M16A1, showing the side mounted charging handle of the CM203.

Baz readies his SP1 fitted with a CM203.

M203 Grenade Launcher

M203 grenade launchers are seen mounted under the M16A2s carried by Andy McNab (Sean Bean) and Chris Ryan (Kevin Collins).

M203 grenade launcher - 40x46mm

Chris Ryan (Kevin Collins) firing his M203 at the target range.

Andy McNab (Sean Bean) check a bearing on his compass showing the receiver of his grenade launcher confirming that it is a genuine M203 rather that a Cobray CM203. Also note that the trigger guard has been removed, and the weapon correctly has the safety on.

McNab aiming his M203 with the leaf sights.

M72 LAW

M72 LAWs are carried by all members of the SAS patrol, and are most prominently used to halt the advance of attacking Iraqi armor, knocking out a BMP and a truck during a brief skirmish.

M72 LAW - 66mm

The SAS patrol loading there kit before the mission, with a line of LAWs visible on the right.

Mark (Richard Graham), Tony (Rick Warden) and Baz (Ian Curtis) leaving the OP after the patrol is compromised, all with LAWs under the lids of their bergans.

Andy McNab (Sean Bean) turn at the sound of Iraqi armor, with his LAW under the lid of his bergan.

Ray (Jamie Bartlett) grimacing after missing his target.

Tony (Rick Warden) extending his LAW.

Baz takes aim at a BMP-1

A LAW is fired by Tony to destroy an Iraqi troop truck.

Dinger (Steve Nicolson) firing his LAW during the running battle across the desert.

Other Weapons

2A28 Grom

A 2A28 Grom 73 mm low pressure smoothbore gun can be seen as the main armament of a BMP-1 IFV which pursues the SAS patrol across the desert

2A28 Grom - 73mm

A BMP-1 takes up a firing position to bombard the SAS patrol.

The BMP-1 fires its 2A28 Grom cannon. Also note that the launch rail for the BMP-1's AT-3 Sagger missile is visible atop the base of the gun, but the missile itself is absent

AZP S-60

A number of S-60 57mm anti-aircraft cannons are used by the Iraqi forces to bombard the SAS patrol.

AZP S-60 - 57×348 mm. SR

The two near weapons are S-60s.

A close-up shot of the muzzles of the S-60s as they open fire on the patrol.

Bofors 40mm

A number of Bofors 40mm anti-aircraft cannons are used by the Iraqi forces to bombard the SAS patrol.

Bofors 40mm L/60 AA gun in a wheeled trailer mounting - 40×311mm R

Iraqi forces open fire.

A front view of the Bofors.

See Also

• The One That Got Away, ITV's 1996 version of the events of this mission from the perspective of Chris Ryan.