I agree with both Ion and Brass Knuckle Chuckles. The Oktober Guard need a fast and efficient vehicle that would serve them best in a number of situations. My biggest beef both with our military and with the GI Joe universe is that while there are a lot of vehicles at our disposal, they all seem to be geared to specific tasks and not versatile enough for a special missions force. One should remember that unlike the US, the USSR and all of the incarnations that exist now after its dissolution have to make do with equipment that is both antiquated and seemingly unwieldy. While the tractor carriage could use some reinforcement both across its track profile and the forward driver's seats - armament and speed should be weighed as primary points. This vehicle woud need to easily transported in a airplane and by airlift (helicopter). I don't seriously see an 80mm or anything bigger being mounted as just ammo weight would decrease speed ( nevermind the mechanics and firing controls for the main gun). Personally I would suggest a rocket or missile delivery system as a primary power weapon and add a good number of hand-operated heavy machineguns with good firing archs to fully support the vehicle.

As far as open areas leading into the operation center of the vehicle, I'd like to point out the WW2 German self propelled 105mm WESPE had an open turret. While used out on the rural battlefields in Russia the vehicle was formidable, however, in the urban environments like Stalingrad and Leningrad - the open turret was suseptible to grenades, snipers and even Molotov cocktails.

I look forward to seeing the vehicle when you finish it!