AMZ Bóbr-3
{{Infobox weapon
| name = AMZ Bóbr-3
| image = File:AMZ Bóbr-3 na poligonie Pierwszej Warszawskiej Brygady Pancernej.jpg
| caption = AMZ Bóbr-3 on the training ground of the 1st Warsaw Armoured Brigade, August 14, 2024
| origin = {{Flag|Poland}}
| type = Amphibious armoured reconnaissance vehicle
| is_vehicle = yes
| service =
| used_by = See Operators
| wars =
| designer =
| manufacturer = AMZ-Kutno
| production_date = 2019–
| number =
| variants =
| weight = {{convert|15,550|kg|ST LT|lk=out}}
| length = {{convert|7.62|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|2.55|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|3.13|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| crew = 5
| armour = Level 2 according to STANAG 4569, can be increased to level 3
| primary_armament = 12.7 mm wkm NSWT machine gun
| secondary_armament = 7.62 mm km UKM-2000 machine gun
| engine = Diesel engine
| engine_power = 321 hp (240 kW)
| pw_ratio =
| transmission = Automatic gearbox
| fuel_capacity =
| suspension = Wheeled 4x4
| clearance = {{convert|400|mm|abbr=on}}
| vehicle_range = {{convert|600|km|abbr=on}}
| speed = {{convert|90|km/h|abbr=on}} (road)
{{convert|40|km/h|abbr=on}} (off-road)
| image_size = 300
}}
The AMZ Bóbr-3 ({{Langx|pl|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).
Development
Developed 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).{{Cite web |title=Kleszcze zamiast BRDM-ów |url=https://www.polska-zbrojna.pl/home/articleshow/26488?t=Kleszcze-zamiast-BRDM-ow |access-date=2024-09-09 |website=www.polska-zbrojna.pl}}{{Cite web |date=2024-08-15 |title=Poland orders LOTR light armoured reconnaissance vehicles |url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/land/poland-orders-lotr-light-armoured-reconnaissance-vehicles |access-date=2024-09-09 |website=Default |language=en}}
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.
Description
The 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.{{Cite web |title=Bóbr-3 w końcowej fazie badań wstępnych |url=https://dziennikzbrojny.pl/aktualnosci/news,1,11295,aktualnosci-z-polski,bobr-3-w-koncowej-fazie-badan-wstepnych |access-date=2024-09-09 |website=DziennikZbrojny.pl |language=pl}}{{Cite web |title=Ruszyły próby LOTR |url=https://www.altair.com.pl/news/view?news_id=31403 |access-date=2024-09-09 |website=www.altair.com.pl |language=en}}
= Specifications =
- 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
- {{Flag|Poland}}
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