Share Source: Defense Express
The Ukrainian company “UkrArmoTech” has begun factory testing of a prototype of a new tracked armored personnel carrier called “Scyth”.
Main theses:
- Ukraine has begun testing the Skif tracked armored personnel carrier, which is designed to ensure the mobility of units of the Armed Forces and Defense Forces.
- The “Scythian” prototype practically tests the maturity of the concept of the new platform and its running characteristics, taking into account the experience of combat operations against the Russian Federation.
Ukraine tests tracked armored personnel carrier “Scyth”
Active hostilities in Ukraine have demonstrated the need for a significant amount of armored vehicles to ensure and maintain the mobility of units and units of the Armed Forces and Defense Forces, says Gennady Khirgiy, General Director of UkrArmoTech.
The purpose of the prototype factory tests is to practically verify the maturity of the new platform concept, its driving characteristics and mobility. During the tests, the maximum permissible loads will be applied, as well as dynamic tests of all major components and systems will be carried out.
“Skif” is the first domestic model of tracked armored vehicles, embodied in metal taking into account the experience of combat operations against the Russian Federation. It was this experience that formed new requirements and determined the needs of the Defense Forces in tracked armored vehicles for various purposes.
“Skif” is designed to transport personnel of mechanized units and their fire support in combat. The vehicle is capable of operating at any time of the year, on roads with different surfaces and in off-road conditions.
APC “Scythian”
The crew of the Skif APC consists of three people – a driver, commander and combat module operator, who are located in the front of the hull behind the engine and transmission compartment. Behind is a landing compartment designed for eight soldiers. Disembarkation is carried out through a ramp in the stern.
The design of the “Scythian” is based on serial components and assemblies of foreign production, which are already used in armored vehicles.
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Given possible export restrictions from armored aluminum manufacturers, UkrArmoTech may also develop a version of the vehicle made of armored steel. This approach could affect the requirements for the chassis and lead to certain structural changes to the hull.
According to the “aluminum” concept, the weight of the APC in the maximum configuration is estimated at 15 tons. At the same time, the power of the diesel engine will be 360 horsepower. The design provides for the possibility of installing engines from different manufacturers.
APC “Scythian”
According to Defense Express, the Skif APC should provide ballistic protection in the frontal projection in accordance with STANAG 4569 Level 4, and for the side and stern projections – Level 3.
The mine protection of the bottom and under the track corresponds to levels 3a and 3b. In addition, reinforced protection of the bottom is provided. The machine is expected to withstand a blast of up to 6 kg of explosives both under the track and under the bottom.
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There is a possibility of installing a remotely controlled combat module, which is mounted on the roof of the hull. The module can be supplied in two versions: with the main 12.7 mm machine gun or with a 14.5 mm machine gun combined with an additional 7.62 mm machine gun (as far as can be judged, in both cases these are domestic combat modules).
The vehicle is also equipped with communication, navigation, situational awareness, electronic warfare, air conditioning systems, and other equipment from leading Ukrainian enterprises that are partners of UkrArmoTech.