Images of the modernized, protected assault vehicle K-53949 Typhoon-K surfaced online. This singular armored car is built to tackle the toughest combat missions with enhanced survivability.
In the summer of 2011, the Typhoon concept entered the spotlight. A semi-closed demonstration of the vehicles for the Russian Minister of Defense, Anatoly Serdyukov, followed. Three variants were shown at that stage: KAMAZ-63968, Ural-63099, and Ural-63095. The program advanced further under the leadership of today’s Defense Minister, Sergei Shoigu, with ongoing modernization of these platforms.
KAMAZ-53949 stands out against the Urals due to its more compact footprint – it measures 6374 mm in length compared with 7810 mm for the Urals, and its wheelbase is 3800 mm versus 4860 mm.
As a result, the curb weight drops to 12 tons, making it lighter than the smaller VPK-3924 Bear by about 800 kg. This enables K-53949 to fit into the Il-76 and An-124 military transport aircraft, as well as the Mi-26 helicopter.
Shield
The underside of K-53949 is protected to STANAG-4569 level III-b and IV-a. This means the vehicle can endure the blast from an explosive anti-tank mine of 10 kg of TNT under a wheel and 8 kg beneath the hull.
The hull provides crew and paratrooper protection against 14.5 mm rounds, B-32 type armor-piercing projectiles, and 7.62 mm x 54R armor-piercing incendiary bullets fired from SVD rifles.
As seen in the photos, rear bumper fuel tanks have been removed, and the tailgate design for airborne loading has been revamped, with a ladder no longer obstructing its operation.
Engine, transmission, chassis
The Typhoon-K is powered by a robust 350 hp diesel engine delivering more than 1,000 Nm of torque. This enables the vehicle to ascend slopes up to 60 percent. The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, a transfer case, and special drive axles.
Automatic tire inflation keeps the vehicle mobile even after a puncture, allowing speeds up to 50 km/h for up to 50 km. Other systems include differential locks between wheels and across axles, and an onboard information and control system (CICS) that computes optimal driving parameters and dynamically adjusts clearance and suspension modes.
Equipment and features
Modern systems give Typhoon the ability to detect stationary and moving targets at long range, both day and night. For example, human targets can be recognized at up to 6 km, while armored vehicles can be identified up to 15 km away.
The Typhoon-K 4×4 configuration with the KAMAZ-53949 powertrain offers impressive performance metrics.
|
Empty weight, kg |
12 000 |
|
Gross weight (kg |
14 000 |
|
Load capacity, kg |
2000 |
|
Capacity, pers. |
10 |
|
Engine, displacement, cm3 |
6690 |
|
Power, horsepower |
350 |
|
Torque, Nm |
1090 |
|
Climbing angle, % |
60 |
|
Maximum speed, km/h |
105 |
|
Power reserve, km |
850 |
|
Wading depth, mm |
1750 |
|
Ballistic protection level, bullet caliber |
STANAG-4569 Level III, 7.62mm×54R SVD |
|
My protection level |
STANAG-4569 level III-b and IV-a (10 kg in the fuel cell under the wheel and 8 kg in the fuel cell under the floor) |
Vote – win Lada!
Participants are invited to cast a vote in the “Behind the Wheel” Grand Prix to help identify the standout car novelties of the year.
As a thank you for taking part, three prizes will be raffled among respondents. The survey closes on February 28, 2023, with opportunities for everyone who completes the questionnaire sooner.
COMPLETE THE 2023 DRIVING GRAND PRIX QUESTIONNAIRE
A picture: Telegram-channel “Military”