Ukrainian state defence manufacturer UkrOboronProm unveil a wheeled armoured fighting vehicle that is presently known as the BTR-4MB1. The new BTR-4MB1 is the latest generation of BTR-4 8×8 APC armoured personnel carrier designed, developed and produced by the Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau, part of UkrOboronProm.
The BTR-4MB1 is designed in accordance with NATO standards. The vehicle is based on the BTR-4 but with many new improvements.It differs from the previous versions mostly in a modified configuration of the vehicle’s hull, which makes it possible to install additional types of protection (including the ceramic plates and explosive reactive armour) to reach the fourth and fifth protection levels in accordance with the NATO standards.
Apart from that, the hull rear is fitted with a ramp that not only enables troopers to enter and leave the vehicle much quicker, but also enables the armoured personnel carrier to transport various large-size cargoes, including additional ammunition, spare parts, etc.
The BTR-4MB1 wheeled armoured fighting vehicle offers significant improvements over the BTR-4 series. An advanced modular armour protection system provides the vehicle with NATO STANAG-standard from bullets, guns, and weapons. When creating BTR-4MB1, developers used a modular approach to building armor protection, using the spaced armor. Such a modular approach allows to quickly replace the elements of the outer layer of the armor in field conditions. The BTR-4MB1, while having better armor protection than the BTR-4, adequate armor protection to withstand medium to heavy RPG fire.
The BTR-4MB1 is equipped with a German Deutz engine and the American Alisson transmission. It is capable of sustained speeds of 110 km/h on level roads. According to the company, the vehicle weight 24-25 tons, which is 2-3 tons more than BTR-4. In addition, the BTR-4MB1 retained the possibility of forcing water obstacles by swimming, at speeds up to 10 km/h.
The BTR-4 “Bucephalus” (BTR; Ukrainian: БронетранÑпортер / Bronetransporter, literally Armoured Transporter) is a 8×8 wheeled armoured personnel carrier (APC) designed in Ukraine by the Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau (SOE KMDB) as a private venture. The prototype, which was designed as a private venture, was unveiled at the Aviasvit 2006 exhibition held in Ukraine in June 2006.
