Armored vehicles from the family of Russian armored personnel carriers are known throughout the world. Over the past sixty years, they have taken part in hostilities in almost all wars - and thousands of these machines are used by armies around the world. It's time to get acquainted with the newest addition to the family.
Today, Russia is undergoing a comprehensive modernization of the armed forces, designed to drag them into the twenty-first century - and this vehicle is one of the first products of this process. It looks like the demand for it will be high, as the previous models are used in more than 30 countries around the world.
The latest offer from Russian gunsmiths is faster, more powerful and - most importantly - much more effective.
Alexander Masyagin, general designer of the armored personnel carrier: There used to be manual drives. We now have a stabilizer! It is now possible to hit the target without stopping - previously you had to stop to manually aim at the target. And now we have an automatic guidance system.
Since armored personnel carriers were created to deliver troops to the battlefield, today designers are focusing on the safety of the people being transported.
Alexander Masyagin, general designer of the armored personnel carrier: Bullets walk from all sides - and this carrier is protected from all sides, while the previous models had protection only in the front. We pride ourselves on our anti-splinter protection. Previously, when an armored personnel carrier was hit by a shell, or it ran into a mine, the fragments fell freely inside and could easily injure people. They now get stuck in the thick skin.
Valery Buzuev has been testing armored personnel carriers for many years. He says the latest modification is not one, but THREE steps forward.
Valery Buzuev, tester of an armored personnel carrier: The transporter is very easy to operate - just like a car. You turn the steering wheel to the right and drive to the right. Visibility is good - before we had to stick our heads out to see where we were going. Another advantage is incredible stability and very high cross-country ability.
These cars literally have no limits … they can easily climb hills, drive through deep mud and even swim.
Vasily Shupranov, Managing Director: If we compare our armored personnel carriers with foreign transporters of a similar type, they have all the same capabilities, but our vehicles are much cheaper. Thus, they will surely be competitive.
The Russian army will be the first to receive new vehicles. But the company has already entered into a number of contracts with foreign countries - like its predecessors, it seems to earn a worldwide reputation.
