MZKT-690003 Volat V2: The First Real Step

Yontzee · July 20, 2023, 2:33am

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MZKT-690003 Volat V2: The First Real Step

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The Volat V2 on display.

Description :
- The MZKT-690003 Volat V2 is a Belarussian Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) built by the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant’s (MZKT) VOLAT. Volat is the word for ‘Giant’ in the Belarusian language while V2 is to denote Version 2 after the development of the original Volat V1, which is a 4x4 vehicle also developed by MZKT. Development of the Volat V2 started sometime within the mid-2010’s in order to offer an alternative to the Soviet BTR-series Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) that have been in service for decades. Not to mention, issues surfaced with the arrival of the BTR-82A which is equipped with a 30mm gun turret to offer fire support, however features a small cabin and with to access difficult exit points for crew in emergency situations. The solution was to develop a unique, Western-style APC that features several improvements over the BTR-series being larger cabin, enhanced protection, powerful armament, superior electronics, and much more. The result of this was the MZKT-690003 Volat V2, a multi-capable platform that could be equipped with several different modules to meet different mission requirements such as an Infantry Fighting Vehicle role, Fire Support, Reconnaissance, or Command and Control. The Volat V2 made its debut at MILEX-2021 in its Infantry Fighting Vehicle variant. This variant was equipped with a modified BMP-2 turret that featured a new advanced Fire Control System (FCS) and applique armor installed on the turret. This FCS integrated a new advanced Gunner’s Sight and laser rangefinder along with a new panoramic Commander’s Independent Thermal Viewer (CITV) for the Commander. These new sights are expected to be equipped 3rd-generation thermal cameras for effective night operations. The BMP-2 turret still retains the 9P56M Launcher to be able to launch the 9M113M Konkurs-M anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) with the option to upgrade to the Belarusian Shershen-Q Firing System to launch the RK-2S (Tandem-HEAT) and RK-2OS (HE-FRAG) missiles. Later on, the Volat V2 was seen equipped with the Adunok BM-30 Unmanned Turret which features the same armament as the modified BMP-2 turret with the exception of the ATGM launcher, however has the unique capability of being unmanned to increase overall survivability. This prevents crew injury if the turret is targeted in an attempt to disable the primary armament at the cost of losing the capability to engage heavier threats. These turrets are mounted on a well protected hull that is rated at GOST R 50963-96 Ballistic Protection Level 4 (B4) and STANAG 4569 Level 2 for Mine Protection. The vehicle is propelled on a 8x8 chassis that, when turning, can rotate both front sets of wheels due to its linked front-two axles. Further on suspension, the vehicle is supported by Hydro-pneumatic Single-link connections that raise the vehicle 520mm above ground. This height also helps protect against mines and IED’s. The vehicle features a Chinese Weichai WP13.550 Diesel Engine that is capable of 550hp to propel the vehicle as well as power the electronics. Not to mention the engine powers a pair of propulsors and a hydraulic splash plate to allow for amphibious operations. The engine allows a top speed of 110km/h while 10km/h on water. Also installed is an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) to operate independent from the engine. The vehicle has a crew of 3 personnel, being the Gunner, Commander, and Driver with the ability to transport a fully equipped 8-man squad. Overall the Volat V2 is a significant upgrade over the original Soviet BTR’s however it remains to be seen if the Volat V2 will be adopted by the Armed Forces of Belarus.
- The goal of these suggestions is to bring awareness to the fledging indigenous defense industry of the country of Belarus.
Role : Infantry Fighting Vehicle
Origin :
- Belarus
Armament :
- Primary: 2A42 30mm Autocannon
  - Cartridge: 30x165
    - Ammunition:
      - 3UBR8 APDS-T (BP)
      - 3UBR6 AP-T (BT)
      - 3UOR6 HEF-I (OFZ)
      - 3UOF8 F-T (OT)
  - Feed System:
    - Dual-belt Fed
- Coaxial: PKT-7.62mm Machine Gun
- Roof-Mounted (Not applicable for BM-30 unmanned turret):
  - 9P56M Launcher:
    - Optics:
      - 9Sh119M1 Daylight Sight
    - Guidance: Wire-guided/SALCOS
    - Elevation: -10/+20 degrees
    - Rate of Fire (RoF): 3 Missiles/Min
    - Missile(s):
      - 9M113M Konkurs-M
        
        Warhead: Tandem HEAT
        
        Penetration: 750-800mm behind ERA
        
        Diameter: 135mm
        
        Weight: 14.5kg (Missile only)
        
        Propulsion: Single-Stage Solid Propellant Rocket Motor (and Booster)
        
        Range: 75-4,000m (3,500m Passively)
        
        Speed:
        
        Average: 208m/s
        
        Max: 300m/s
Maneuverability:
- Engine: 550hp - Weichai WP13.550 Diesel Engine
- Transmission: MZKT-55613 Hydromechanical Automatic Transmission (6-Forward, 1-Reverse)
- Chassis: 8x8
  - Front-two axles are steerable.
  - Independent Hydro-pneumatic Single-link
  - Ground Clearance: 520mm
- Max Speed: 110km/h (10km/h on water)
Dimensions:
- Length: 8.0m
- Width: 3.0m
- Height: 2.9m
- Weight: 19.9t (Combat Weight: 22t)
Crew (3x):
- Commander
- Gunner
- Driver
- 8x Additional Personnel
Features:
- 6x 81mm Smoke Grenade Launchers
- Laser Rangefinder
- Turret:
  - Adunok BM-30 Unmanned Turret
  - Modified BMP-2 Turret
    - Additional applique armor installed.
- Amphibious
  - Splash Plate
  - 2x Propulsors
- Armor:
  - Ballistic Protection Level 4 (B4).
  - STANAG 4569 Level 2 for Mine Protection.
- NVD:
  - Driver: NVD/Thermal Camera
  - Gunner: Thermal Imager
  - Commander: Panoramic CITV
In-game :
- The Volat V2 is a unique IFV that features high mobility and turn radius due to its Diesel engine and dual-front axle turning capabilities as well as two types of turrets, a modified BMP-2 turret with upgraded optics with at least 2nd or 3rd generation thermal cameras that can utilize a wide-range of ATGM’s or an unmanned BM-30 turret with the same capabilities of the modified BMP-2 turret, but completely unmanned with more armor and lacking of a ATGM launcher. These two turrets offer a slightly different plays type with the BM-30 turret offering the same plays style as the Italian VBC or using the modified BMP-2 turret, offers the same capabilities except with ATGM’s, increasing survivalists against MBT’s. It’s worth to take note the ATGM’s can be used in the stopped position. Due to the limited armor, mobility and firepower are everything making this vehicle rely on flanking techniques, scouting, and point capture.
- Estimated Battle Rating: 8.3 for BM-30 turret, 8.7 for BMP-2 turret.
Sources: