Ukrainian company MAC HUB presented new MRAP-class OWL armored vehicle, or Sova. It's positioned as the first Ukrainian-made combat armored vehicle with Level 4 protection under STANAG 4569 standard.
The vehicle has 4x4 wheel formula, maximum speed of 100 km/h, and range up to 800 km. With curb weight of 14 tons, it can carry up to 2.2 tons of payload. A turret mounted on top can accommodate a machine gun or grenade launcher.
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OWL is equipped with Allison automatic six-speed transmission and Cummins 8.9L turbodiesel engine producing 450 hp. These are good typical solutions for its class, popular in the market.
Regarding mobility, the armored vehicle's turning radius is 8m, ground clearance 450mm, and maximum climb angle is 60% with capability to overcome 500mm obstacles. Overall, the entire machine is modular and serviced in complete assemblies. Like any analogue on modern battlefield, EW systems are also provided.
MAC OWL is positioned precisely as a modern Ukrainian development with highest mine protection at Level 4a/b STANAG 4569, designed to withstand detonation of explosive device with 10kg explosive substance under wheel or floor. Armor is stated at PZSA 6 level, closer to Level 3 under STANAG 4569, protecting against 7.62x54mm armor-piercing bullets.
However, the armored vehicle is practically a visual copy of Mbombe 4. This isn't surprising, as in official response to Defense Express inquiry, MAC HUB confirmed cooperation between companies regarding joint vehicle production. Corresponding strategic agreement was signed eighteen months ago.
Developers note that the armored vehicle project was refined and reworked according to russian-Ukrainian war realities by MAC HUB team. This can be seen even through visual differences, such as different window quantities and certain characteristics.
Currently, the Ukrainian company says it has already launched several successful line production projects together with Paramount Group Europe (Greece). Note this isn't the first time Ukraine has been offered Mbombe family vehicles, as in 2023 NPO Praktyka showed Mbombe 6x6 or its copy.
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