The Ukrainian Armor company has reported on the successful tests of its Novator, a 10-seater wheeled armored personnel carrier, in the version equipped with a TAVRIA-14.5 — a remote controlled weapon station of domestic manufacture, fitted for the KPVT 14.5mm machine gun.
Integration of a new weapon system provides the multirole vehicle with the following capabilities: the TAVRIA-14.5 magazine carries 200 rounds, and its fire control system can lock on and automatically track enemy targets to enable effective shooting even while on the move. The weapon's electro-optical sighting system that can detect targets day and night at a distance exceeding 5 km, as detailed in a notice from the company.
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Notably, the weapon station itself is armored according to NATO standards, referring most likely to STANAG 4569 Level 1 which essentially protects the turret, including its sensitive electronics, from being incapacitated by ordinary rifle fire.
"The use of high-speed maneuverable armored cars equipped with remote-controlled weapon stations not only provides additional capabilities to fight at a distance but also saves the lives of the soldiers," Ukrainian Armor notes.
Now, let's highlight a few interesting details. Firstly, this is an innovative combat unit: there is no other publicly known vehicle armed with the TAVRIA-14.5 station and even about the weapon itself.
Furthermore, the choice of a 14.5mm gun is a step above the originally planned specifications because in December 2023, Ukrainian Armor announced upcoming tests with its modernized Novator but the armament mentioned was weapon systems integrated with 12.7mm machine guns.
That, in turn, means that the specifications of the vehicle outperformed the expectations which prompted the manufacturer to consider a more powerful weapon.
Earlier, Defense Express outlined the main features of the modernized Novator, presented in July and September 2023 at international defense exhibitions in Turkiye and Poland. The armored car's crew capacity was increased from eight to 10 personnel, it also got an upgraded suspension and better mine protection. Real combat experience of the Ukrainian Defense Forces contributed to the development of this upgrade.
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