Russian Rosoboronexport, a member of the Rostec State Corporation, has begun promoting the newest Bumerang 8×8 universal combat platform developed and manufactured by the Military Industrial Company (VPK) on foreign markets (Russian Bumerang vehicle for export, 2020-02-28).
Rosoboronexport has begun promoting the newest Bumerang 8×8 universal combat platform on foreign markets / Picture: Dmitriy Fomin, Wikipedia, CC BY 2.0
‘The launch of the marketing campaign for the Bumerang’s export version is good news for Rosoboronexport and our partners. The combat platform was developed in accordance with design specification requirements of the Russian Ministry of Defense, which already speaks of its highest fighting and operational capabilities that meet current and future war-fighting requirements. The uniqueness of the platform lies in the opportunity to build the widest range of vehicles on its base with various weapons and equipment. African, Middle East, Southeast Asian and CIS countries have already shown interest in Bumerang. We estimate exports of this platform in the foreseeable future at about $1 billion,’ said Alexander Mikheev, Director General of Rosoboronexport.
The Bumerang 8×8 amphibious combat vehicle provides capability to handle a wide range of combat missions and even peacetime tasks: when repelling aggression of a potential adversary, defending the state’s borders and fighting terrorist groups, as well as assisting the population in case of natural disasters and calamities.
In developing the vehicle, today’s world market needs were taken into account and a new layout scheme was adopted: the driving compartment is located at the front left, with the engine compartment at the front right, the fighting compartment in the middle and the troop compartment at the rear of the vehicle. Bumerang can accommodate up to 11 soldiers, who enter and leave the vehicle via roof hatches and rear door or ramp.
Depending on the functional purpose and the tasks at hand, various remote controlled or manned weapon systems can be mounted on the platform. These include: a 30mm automatic cannon with a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, a 30mm automatic grenade launcher, two launchers with two ATGMs on each, as well as a 12.7mm Kord machine gun (APC version).
A modern digital fire control system includes a two-plane weapon stabilizer, a multi-channel electro-optical sighting system with a built-in laser rangefinder and automated gunner’s and commander’s workstations with a multi-function display and an integrated ballistic computer.
High mobility and a smooth ride of the vehicle are achieved through the use of eight-wheel-drive, independent suspension and a fuel-efficient 750 hp diesel engine. The vehicle can easily attain a speed of over 100 km/h on the highway and has a cruising range of at least 800 km. To increase its cross-country ability, Bumerang is fitted with a pull winch rated at 10 tons.
Bumerang is fitted with a wide range of multi-level self-defence systems, such as armour plates, ERA, active protection system, a smokescreen laying system and jammers for radio-controlled IEDs. The special shape of the hull protects personnel against small arms, mine-explosive devices and shell splinters. The vehicle’s survival on the battlefield is enhanced by disruptive camouflage painting, an aerosol or smoke screen system, fire protection systems, and an NBC protection system.
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