Defense and security company Tehnicki Remont Bratunac (TRB), located in Bratunac, Republika Srpska (RS), has introduced its latest innovation, the Vihor 4×4 Multirole Armoured Vehicle (MRAV), at the prestigious Partner 2023 defense exhibition in Belgrade. TRB is expanding its portfolio with the addition of the Vihor, complementing its already impressive Despot series. Developed in close collaboration with the RS Ministry of Interior’s Special Anti-terrorist Unit (SAJ), the Vihor MRAV is a versatile and robust addition to TRB’s offerings. This 4×4 vehicle, weighing under 6 tonnes, boasts NATO Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 4569 Level 2 ballistic protection, with the option to elevate it to Level 3, as well as STANAG 4569 Level 2a and 2b mine protection. The Vihor’s hull is constructed from ballistic steel, providing full Level 2 protection per STANAG 4569, including Level 2a/2b protection against mines and explosive devices beneath its wheels and belly, thanks to its double-floor design with a V-shaped external component.
The Vihor demonstrates exceptional off-road capabilities, with the ability to surmount a 50% gradient, a 30% side slope, a 0.48-meter vertical obstacle, and ford water obstacles up to 1.40 meters deep. Equipped with a rear towing hook and a front winch for self-recovery operations, the vehicle is designed for versatility. The transport cabin accommodates up to five personnel with their equipment, while the rear open compartment offers additional space for personnel or cargo. TRB offers a range of optional features for the Vihor, including a remotely controlled weapon station on the roof and integrated smoke grenade launchers. The vehicle can also be equipped with Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) protection and blackout lighting. At the Partner 2023 exhibition, one Vihor was displayed with a ROWS M14 armed with a 12.7×99 mm machine gun. TRB envisions a mortar version that can accommodate different calibers, either mounted on the vehicle flatbed or dismounted using a hydraulic system. A 60 mm M06A long barrel mortar was showcased at Partner 2023, complete with a fire control system and hydraulic jacks to manage recoil.
Serial production of the Vihor is expected to commence soon, with initial deliveries planned for the SAJ, which already employs 10 TRB Despot 4×4 14-tonne armored personnel carriers. The Vihor boasts a 2-tonne payload capacity and is powered by a Volvo TAD 840-43VW engine generating 320 hp at 2,200 rpm, mated to an Allison 3000 SP gearbox. Its chassis features a two-speed transfer case with a differential lock and an independent suspension system, ensuring superior off-road performance. On-road, the vehicle can reach speeds exceeding 120 km/h and can ford water to a depth of 1.4 meters. While STANAG 4569 Level 2 ballistic protection is standard, the vehicle can be upgraded to Level 3. At the Partner 2023 exhibition, two Vihor variants were showcased: an armored personnel carrier with a capacity to transport 2+3 personnel (two crew members and three dismounts), and a self-propelled mortar variant with an integrated mortar system at the rear, eliminating the need for crew dismounting during operation.
