The AMZ Bóbr-3 (Polish: Bóbr, lit. 'Beaver') is a Polish wheeled amphibious armoured reconnaissance vehicle. This vehicle is part of a larger effort to replace the aging BRDM-2 armoured reconnaissance vehicles with more advanced platforms under the new Lekkiego Opancerzonego Transportera Rozpoznawczego (LOTR) 'Light Armoured Reconnaissance Transporter' program code-named Kleszcz (Tick).
| AMZ Bóbr-3 | |
|---|---|
 AMZ Bóbr-3 on the training ground of the 1st Warsaw Armoured Brigade, August 14, 2024 | |
| Type | Amphibious armoured reconnaissance vehicle |
| Place of origin |  Poland |
| Service history | |
| Used by | See Operators |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | AMZ-Kutno |
| Produced | 2019– |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 15,550 kilograms (17.14 short tons; 15.30 long tons) |
| Length | 7.62 m (25 ft 0 in) |
| Width | 2.55 m (8 ft 4 in) |
| Height | 3.13 m (10 ft 3 in) |
| Crew | 5 |
| Armor | Level 2 according to STANAG 4569, can be increased to level 3 |
Main armament | 12.7 mm wkm NSWT machine gun |
Secondary armament | 7.62 mm km UKM-2000 machine gun |
| Engine | Diesel engine 321 hp (240 kW) |
| Transmission | Automatic gearbox |
| Suspension | Wheeled 4x4 |
| Ground clearance | 400 mm (16 in) |
Operational range | 600 km (370 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 90 km/h (56 mph) (road) 40 km/h (25 mph) (off-road) |
Development
editDeveloped under the "Light Armored Reconnaissance Transporter" project, co-financed by the Polish National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR) from December 2013 to 2022, the Bóbr-3 represents a significant advancement in military technology. The project, which had a total cost of PLN 36.45 million, including NCBR co-financing of PLN 33.42 million (€7.76 million), was executed by a consortium led by the Polish Company AMZ-Kutno SA in collaboration with key military research institutes (Military Institute of Chemistry and Radiometry, Military Institute of Communications and Military Institute of Armament Technology).[1][2]
On August 14, 2024, the Polish Armaments Agency (AA), acting on behalf of the State Treasury, announced a contract with AMZ-Kutno for the production of 28 LOTR 4x4 light armored reconnaissance vehicles. This agreement, valued at PLN 800 million (USD 206 million), includes a logistics and training package, with deliveries expected between 2026 and 2028. The deal is part of a broader framework agreement signed in February 2024 that includes procuring 286 LOTR vehicles through 2035.[2]
Description
editThe LOTR is an amphibious, two-axle, off-road vehicle that handles challenging terrain and water obstacles. It features an all-wheel-drive system with a 4x4 configuration, offering excellent mobility in difficult environments. The vehicle can transport five reconnaissance soldiers and their equipment, making it ideal for patrol reconnaissance missions, providing on-board weapon fire support, and combating low-flying air targets.[3][4]
Specifications
edit- Weight: 15,550 kg
- Length: 7.62 m
- Height: 3.13 m
- Width: 2.55 m
- Wheelbase: 3.45 m
- Armour: in its basic version provides ballistic protection at level 2 according to STANAG 4569, and in terms of mine resistance at level 2a. Optional additional armour increases ballistic protection to level 3 and mine protection to level 3a.
- Crew: 5
- Engine: 321 hp (240 kW) diesel engine with an automatic gearbox in the power-pack system. Replacing the power-pack takes about an hour.
- Top speed: 90 km/h on paved roads, 40 km/h off-road
- Maximum range: 600 km on paved roads, 300 km off-road
- Approach angle: up to 40°
- Departure angle: up to 84°
- Maximum lateral tilt: 17°
- Wading depth: 1.5 m
- Armament: 12.7 mm wkm NSWT machine gun and a 7.62 mm km UKM-2000 machine gun, providing substantial firepower for reconnaissance and defensive operations.
- Additional: The Bóbr-3 has the option of installing a Remotely Controlled Weapon Module (RCWM), a laser warning system and a smoke grenade launcher.
The vehicle in its standard configuration is additionally equipped with an automatic fire protection system, a central inflation system for all wheels, which have run-flat inserts (enabling movement with shot or punctured tires), a power generator and an integrated heating and air conditioning system. Since the vehicle can overcome water obstacles, both by wading and swimming, the vehicle is equipped with a breakwater that prevents flooding of the vehicle's front windows when overcoming water obstacles.
With its advanced design and capabilities, the Bóbr-3 is expected to significantly enhance the Polish Army’s reconnaissance abilities, offering improved mobility, protection, and firepower for its units.
Operators
editReferences
edit- ^ "Kleszcze zamiast BRDM-ów". www.polska-zbrojna.pl. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ a b "Poland orders LOTR light armoured reconnaissance vehicles". Default. 2024-08-15. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ a b "Bóbr-3 w końcowej fazie badań wstępnych". DziennikZbrojny.pl (in Polish). Retrieved 2024-09-09.
- ^ a b "Ruszyły próby LOTR". www.altair.com.pl. Retrieved 2024-09-09.