The Ukrainian military industry has begun testing a new armored vehicle "Otaman 6x6" (Ukrainian "Ataman"). Reportedly, the first stages have already been carried out, which ended with success. Now the machine is facing new checks, according to the results of which the issue of acceptance into service will be decided.
Latest news
The latest successes of the Otaman 6x6 project were reported on March 23 by the Defense Express news agency. Published both news and a short video from the field tests of equipment. It also provides data on the possible future of the project.
It is reported that a promising armored personnel carrier recently passed the first stage of factory sea trials. The car was checked off-road and the main characteristics were determined. As the published video shows, "Otaman 6x6" overcame tracks on rough terrain, various obstacles, etc. The technical details of the tests have not been released.
A promising armored personnel carrier is offered to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine for the future rearmament of the marines, according to the requirements of which it was developed. However, for this "Otaman 6x6" must pass all the necessary tests and cope with some competition.
Last year's novelty
The currently tested armored personnel carrier "Otaman 6x6" was first presented in October 2019 at the exhibition "Zbroya ta bezpeka" under the name "Otaman-3". This machine was developed by the Kiev NPO Praktika by order of the military department. The project widely uses solutions worked out in other projects of the developer organization and well known from other people's developments.
A full-fledged prototype of an armored personnel carrier was demonstrated at last year's exhibition. It was argued that the car is ready for state tests. In the near future it was planned to send her to the landfill for the necessary checks. After they were held, one could expect to receive an order.
Since then, such plans have been partially fulfilled. Experienced "Otaman-3" / "6x6" really sent for testing, but so far at the factory. It is not known how soon the state will begin and end. Also, the timing of the possible appearance of the contract and the delivery of equipment to the customer remains unclear.
In its current form, the Otaman 6x6 armored personnel carrier is a vehicle for transporting troops and their fire support using a machine-gun and cannon combat module. NPO Praktika also proposes to build vehicles for other purposes with a different configuration on the existing chassis. The real prospects for such projects are vague due to known factors.
Based on known solutions
In its current form, the Otaman 6x6 armored personnel carrier is a typical vehicle of its class, built on the basis of well-known and proven solutions. The layout was traditional for modern armored personnel carriers, measures were taken to ensure ballistic and mine protection, etc. As a result, the Ukrainian armored personnel carrier differs little from the mass of other models on the market.
Imported components are widely used in the project. The body is made of materials purchased from the member states of the European Union and NATO. The power unit and chassis are built on American and German units. Some of the systems, such as the combat module, are of Ukrainian origin.
The declared protection of the case corresponds to level 3 of the STANAG 4569 standard - 7, 62-mm automatic and rifle bullets. It provides for the installation of additional blocks of armor, with the help of which the frontal projection is brought to level 4 (bullet cartridge 14, 5x114 mm). Mine protection is declared at the level of 8 kg of TNT under the wheel or bottom (level 3 STANAG 4569).
The armored personnel carrier is equipped with a Deutz TCD 2015 V6 diesel engine with an output of 550 hp. and a six-speed automatic transmission Allison 4500SP-P. The transmission transmits torque to all wheels and stern water cannons. The suspension of the six-wheel undercarriage is also built on imported units.
In the configuration of the armored personnel carrier, the Otaman 6x6 vehicle has a crew of three. The driver and commander are placed in the control compartment next to the MTO, the gunner-operator is in the troop compartment. The “transparent cockpit” system is intended for the driver and commander. Around the perimeter of the car there is a set of video cameras that transmit a signal to helmet-mounted monitors. Troopers - 7 people with landing through the stern ramp. Energy-absorbing seats are provided for the crew and troops.
Experienced armored personnel carrier is equipped with combat module BM-3M "Shturm" Ukrainian design. This product is equipped with a stabilized 30mm automatic cannon, machine gun and grenade launcher. There are also the means of the anti-tank missile system "Bar." The possibility of installing other weapons has been declared, but it has not yet been confirmed by the construction of real samples.
Depending on the configuration of the armor, the type of weapons, etc. the combat weight of the armored vehicle is 20-23 tons. The maximum speed on the highway is 110 km / h. Water cannons allow you to cross water obstacles. As the video from recent tests shows, Otaman 6x6 behaves confidently on different tracks and overcomes obstacles.
Foggy future
In general, the Otaman 6x6 armored personnel carrier is quite interesting and may have certain commercial prospects. The machine is built using all relevant solutions and on the basis of units from recognized leaders in their industries. However, known objective factors can prevent the realization of the full potential of such a design.
So far, the new Ukrainian armored personnel carrier is coping with the tests and gives reasons for optimism. However, serious problems are to be expected in the future, which are common in recent years. According to recent statements, the new armored personnel carrier is intended for the Ukrainian marines and should replace outdated samples. The likelihood of successfully completing such plans and getting all the desired results is not very high.
In recent years, several typical scenarios have been repeatedly observed in Ukraine. The industry offered a certain sample of military equipment, the army promised to accept it, but the order did not come. Some samples were put into service and put into series - but produced in extremely small quantities. The reasons for this are obvious: the lack of a clear policy in terms of rearmament and the lack of finance.
The Otaman 6x6 armored personnel carrier can face all these problems. In addition, serious difficulties are possible associated with the need to purchase foreign materials and components. All this leads to the risks of an unacceptable reduction in the rate of production for economic and organizational reasons, and therefore threatens the planned rearmament.
Entering the international market is real - both for a basic armored personnel carrier and for vehicles based on it. However, in this case, the Ukrainian development will face the most serious competition. The absence of significant differences or advantages over other samples will make it difficult to find customers. In addition, potential buyers may be frightened off by the inability of Ukraine to produce modern equipment in large quantities and without difficulty, incl. for your needs.
Trials and their consequences
To date, NPO Praktika has completed the development of the Otaman-3 / Otaman 6x6 project and built an experienced armored personnel carrier. The car was shown at one of the exhibitions, and then transferred to factory tests. Their first stage has been successfully completed, but new checks are coming. Where they will lead is not yet entirely clear.
At the moment, it is clear that individual enterprises of the Ukrainian industry are capable of creating armored combat vehicles that meet modern requirements. Now they have to test a new sample. Then you will have to prove your ability to mass produce in volumes that meet customer requirements. In recent years, this stage of work has been the most difficult and often puts an end to new projects. Time will tell whether the Otaman 6x6 armored personnel carrier will be able to cope with these problems. In the meantime, he must complete all the necessary tests.
