At the MSPO exhibition in Poland, the company Ukrainian Armour presented the Saigak-1 and Varta-3 armoured vehicles, featuring mine protection and the option to install the Tavria remotely operated weapon module. This was reported by the outlets “Militarnyi” and “Oboronka”.
The Saigak-1 is designed for operation across different types of terrain and in any season. According to company representatives, the vehicle can also be used in responding to the aftermath of natural disasters, industrial accidents and catastrophes.
The armoured vehicle has a hull with PZSA 3 ballistic protection which, according to the manufacturer, withstands hits from standard 5.45×39 mm and 7.62×39 mm rounds. Level 1 mine protection under STANAG 4569 provides protection against anti-personnel mines and fragments.
The Saigak-1 has an all-wheel-drive chassis and a 240 hp diesel engine. It can reach speeds of up to 140 km/h, and its 80-litre fuel tank provides a range of up to 600 km. The vehicle is designed for a crew of two and three dismounts. Safety features include front and rear cameras, an automatic fire-suppression system, and wheels with a RunFlat system. Air conditioning and heating are intended to maintain comfortable conditions for the crew and dismounts.
What is known about the Varta-3 armoured vehicle
The Varta-3 is a heavier all-wheel-drive 4×4 armoured vehicle with an automatic transmission. It can be fitted with the Tavria remotely operated weapon module. The vehicle is intended for transporting personnel, carrying out combat and special missions, patrolling, and operating in conditions of heightened mine threat.
According to the developer, the Varta-3’s armour protection withstands hits from 7.62×54 mm armour-piercing incendiary rounds, while its mine protection withstands the detonation of 8 kg of explosives in TNT equivalent under a wheel or the hull. To reduce the impact of the blast wave, a V-shaped hull bottom and special blast-mitigating seats are used.
The armoured vehicle’s curb weight is 14.8 tonnes. The Varta-3 is equipped with a diesel engine producing up to 326 hp. Maximum speed is up to 100 km/h, highway range is about 500 km, and the fuel tank holds 200 litres. The crew consists of two people, with eight dismounts.
The main armament of the Tavria remote module is a 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine gun, supplemented by a 7.62 mm PKT. The module has a digital fire-control system and gyroscopic stabilisation. Its turret rotates 360°, and the stated effective firing range reaches 1,800 metres.
An Hawkeye-M2T electro-optical system is used to search for and track targets. The manufacturer claims the system can detect a person at a distance of up to 3.2 km and identify them at up to 1 km.
The Tavria system can engage ground and air targets, including armoured vehicles, transport vehicles, manpower, helicopters and drones. It also provides for receiving external target designation from radars and command posts, as well as automatic target acquisition and tracking. A ballistic computer calculates the trajectory of a moving target and the lead point. The weapon can be operated either from the armoured vehicle’s protected compartment or from a remote station.
As a reminder, in July the Ministry of Defence codified and approved the UAT.DESNA multi-purpose armoured vehicle for use in the Armed Forces.