H.Cegielski-Poznan returns to arms industry

At MSPO 2017, H. Cegielski-Poznan (HCP) presented two high mobility, armored vehicles offered to Polish Army for the Pegaz program. One named Husar was created in cooperation with Tatra Defence Vehicle, while the other is the Otokar`s Cobra II. The vehicles were also showed to Army and Government representatives. Display took place in Warsaw on the 13th of September.

Both of the high mobility armored vehicles fit into Pegaz program concerning procurement of 105 of WPWS (Multipurpose special forces vehicles). These trucks would be used by special units and military police. Due to high demand for this type of vehicle, there is also a possibility of procurement for regular army.

One of presented, is the Husar, created by HCP in cooperation with Tatra Defence Vehicle (Part of Czechoslovak Group Holding). Letter of Intention between the two companies was signed on 31st of May at the IDET 2017. Husar is a 4×4 based on Tatra chassis. It has a central load-carrying tube, which not only provide great rigidity but also protects parts of the drivetrain. The independent, coil suspension is supplemented with pneumatic bellows which are adjustable on the fly. Vehicle is powered by 6 cylinder, 6,7 l diesel engine which develops 285 BHP at 2500 rpms, mated to a 6+1 Allison gearbox equipped with hydrodynamic torque converter.

Husar is 5,6 m long, 2,55 m wide and 2,7 m high. Track of the wheels is 2,15 m and 2,11 m (front/back). 14.00 R20 tires can be inflated and deflated from the cockpit. Interestingly, the current crew compartment is glued and bolted together and provides level 3 ballistic protection and 2A/2B blast protection. Six personnel can be carried (commander, driver and 4 soldiers). GVW is 13,500 kg and carried load can weigh up to 1,600 kg, however HCP representative stated that the design is good for at least another 2,000 kg.

MILMAG was able to experience vehicle’s capability to traverse difficult terrain in wet conditions. Climbing capacity is 32 degrees and it can safely drive on 40 degrees side slopes while the maximum fording depth is 1,2 m. The Cummins ISB engine can accelerate Husar to 110 km/h (on the solid track). 150 liter fuel tank provides up to 500 km range on the road and up to 300 km cross-county.

Armament might consist of remotely operated weapon systems such as 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm machine guns or 40 mm machine grenade launchers. Side mounted weapons or any turret mounted weapons up to 3000 kg are also a possibility.

Second presented vehicle was the Cobra II, currently manufactured by Otokar Otomotiv from Turkey. HCP – Otokar Letter of Intention was signed on the 5th June and concerned long-term cooperation in military vehicle manufacturing. Poznan based company would co-produce the vehicles together with Otokar.

Cobra II had it’s premiere at 2013 IDEF and is in use by Turkish Army and other types of Armed Forces. It`s an armored a vehicle powered by a 3,6 l, 360 BHP diesel engine connected to 6+1 automatic transmission. Cobra is constructed using monocoque design, so all the power train, drive train and suspension elements are mounted directly to the solid body.  Independent, coil sprung suspension ensures good off-road capabilities.

Vehicle is noticeably lower than Husar, with 2.3 m height. Length is 6 m while the width is 2.5 m with 2,085 track. It can carry up to 9 soldiers and the GVW can be 13,000 kg. Crew compartment offers level 2 ballistic and level 2A/2B blast protection and can be increased. It’s worth noting, that the crew cabin, being a part of monocoque, is welded and not bolted together like in the Husar vehicle.

Cobra can accelerate up to 110 km/h/h and has a range of 700 km with the 200 l capacity fuel tank. It can climb hills up to 60% incline and can travel along 30% slope. Tires are 395/85 R20 radials with run flat inserts and can be aired up or down from the cabin. It is also very capable in the rough terrain.

Standard armament comprises of 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun or 40 mm grenade launcher. Interestingly, this battle-tested vehicle can also be offered in the amphibious version which is able to cross small water bodies with help of a rear mounted screw propulsion.

Husar and Cobra II, despite looking similar, differ in design by quite a big margin. Monotube Tatra chassis of the Husar gives easier modularity and provides the receiver with the solutions tested in many commercial trucks produced by Czech manufacturer. Cobra II however, has been tested in military operations and it`s monocoque design produces a lower silhouette. This, coupled with amphibious capabilities make it a possible candidate for not only Pegaz, but also for LOTR/Kleszcz program for light, armored, reconnaissance troop carrier to replace the dated BRDM-2 Combat Reconnaissance/Patrol Vehicles .

Both vehicles can be equipped with NBC protection package, active defense systems and other electronic/command/protection systems. It’s important to mention, that the Cobra II would also be manufactured by H. Cegielski-Poznan under the name Husar.