Share Source: Defense Express
The Ukrainian company “UkrArmoTech” has initiated factory trials for a prototype of a new tracked armored personnel carrier named “Skif”.
Key Points:
- Ukraine has begun testing the tracked armored personnel carrier “Skif,” designed to enhance the mobility of units within the Armed Forces and Defense Forces.
- The “Skif” prototype is practically validating the maturity of the new platform concept and its mobility characteristics, taking into account the combat experience against the Russian Federation.
Ukraine Tests the Tracked Armored Personnel Carrier “Skif”
The ongoing active hostilities in Ukraine have highlighted a significant need for armored vehicles to ensure and maintain the mobility of units and formations of the Armed Forces and Defense Forces, states Gennadiy Khirhiy, CEO of “UkrArmoTech.”
The objective of the factory trials for the prototype is to practically assess the readiness of the new platform’s concept, its driving performance, and maneuverability. During the tests, the maximum permissible loads will be applied, and dynamic tests of all primary assemblies and systems will be conducted.
“Skif” represents the first Ukrainian-made tracked armored vehicle to be realized in metal, incorporating lessons learned from combat operations against the Russian Federation. This very experience has shaped new requirements and identified the needs of the Defense Forces for tracked armored vehicles of various purposes.
“Skif” is intended for the transportation of personnel from mechanized units and their fire support during combat. The vehicle is capable of operating in any season, on roads with varying surfaces, and in off-road conditions.
BTR “Skif”
The crew of the “Skif” APC consists of three individuals – a driver, a commander, and a combat module operator – positioned at the front of the hull behind the engine-transmission compartment. The rear houses the troop compartment, designed to accommodate eight soldiers. Disembarkation is facilitated through a rear ramp.
The design of the “Skif” is based on serial components and assemblies of foreign origin, already in use in armored vehicles.
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Considering potential export restrictions from armor aluminum manufacturers, “UkrArmoTech” may also develop a variant of the vehicle constructed from armor steel. This approach could impact the requirements for the running gear and necessitate certain modifications to the hull structure.
Under the “aluminum” concept, the APC’s mass in its maximum configuration is estimated at up to 15 tons. The diesel engine’s power output is rated at 360 horsepower. The design allows for the installation of engines from different manufacturers.
BTR “Skif”
According to Defense Express, the “Skif” APC is expected to provide ballistic protection in the frontal arc meeting STANAG 4569 Level 4 standards, and for the side and rear arcs – Level 3.
Mine protection for the underbelly and beneath the tracks corresponds to levels 3a and 3b. Additionally, reinforced belly protection is incorporated. It is anticipated that the vehicle will withstand the detonation of up to 6 kg of explosive material, both under the tracks and the hull.
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There is an option to install a remotely controlled combat module mounted on the hull’s roof. The module can be supplied in two configurations: with a primary 12.7-mm machine gun or with a 14.5-mm machine gun combined with an additional 7.62-mm machine gun (judging by the information, both cases refer to domestic combat modules).
The vehicle is also equipped with communication systems, navigation, situational awareness tools, electronic warfare (EW) systems, air conditioning, and other equipment from leading Ukrainian enterprises that are partners of “UkrArmoTech.”