| AMZ Bóbr-3 | |
| Type: | Amphibious armoured reconnaissance vehicle |
| Is Vehicle: | yes |
| Used By: | See Operators |
| Manufacturer: | AMZ-Kutno |
| Production Date: | 2019– |
| Weight: | 15550kg (34,280lb) |
| Length: | 7.62m (25feet) |
| Width: | 2.55m (08.37feet) |
| Height: | 3.13m (10.27feet) |
| Crew: | 5 |
| Armour: | Level 2 according to STANAG 4569, can be increased to level 3 |
| Primary Armament: | 12.7 mm wkm NSWT machine gun |
| Secondary Armament: | 7.62 mm km UKM-2000 machine gun |
| Engine: | Diesel engine |
| Engine Power: | 321 hp (240 kW) |
| Transmission: | Automatic gearbox |
| Suspension: | Wheeled 4x4 |
| Clearance: | 400mm |
| Vehicle Range: | 600km (400miles) |
| Speed: | 90km/h (road) 40km/h (off-road) |
The AMZ Bóbr-3 is a Polish wheeled amphibious armoured reconnaissance vehicle. This vehicle is part of a larger effort to replace the aging BRDM-2 armoured reconnaissance vehicles with more advanced platforms under the new Lekkiego Opancerzonego Transportera Rozpoznawczego (LOTR) 'Light Armoured Reconnaissance Transporter' program code-named Kleszcz (Tick).
Developed under the "Light Armored Reconnaissance Transporter" project, co-financed by the Polish National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR) from December 2013 to 2022, the Bóbr-3 represents a significant advancement in military technology. The project, which had a total cost of PLN 36.45 million, including NCBR co-financing of PLN 33.42 million (€7.76 million), was executed by a consortium led by the Polish Company AMZ-Kutno SA in collaboration with key military research institutes (Military Institute of Chemistry and Radiometry, Military Institute of Communications and Military Institute of Armament Technology).[1] [2]
On August 14, 2024, the Polish Armaments Agency (AA), acting on behalf of the State Treasury, announced a contract with AMZ-Kutno for the production of 28 LOTR 4x4 light armored reconnaissance vehicles. This agreement, valued at PLN 800 million (USD 206 million), includes a logistics and training package, with deliveries expected between 2026 and 2028. The deal is part of a broader framework agreement signed in February 2024 that includes procuring 286 LOTR vehicles through 2035.
The LOTR is an amphibious, two-axle, off-road vehicle that handles challenging terrain and water obstacles. It features an all-wheel-drive system with a 4x4 configuration, offering excellent mobility in difficult environments. The vehicle can transport five reconnaissance soldiers and their equipment, making it ideal for patrol reconnaissance missions, providing on-board weapon fire support, and combating low-flying air targets.[3] [4]
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The vehicle in its standard configuration is additionally equipped with an automatic fire protection system, a central inflation system for all wheels, which have run-flat inserts (enabling movement with shot or punctured tires), a power generator and an integrated heating and air conditioning system. Since the vehicle can overcome water obstacles, both by wading and swimming, the vehicle is equipped with a breakwater that prevents flooding of the vehicle's front windows when overcoming water obstacles.
With its advanced design and capabilities, the Bóbr-3 is expected to significantly enhance the Polish Army’s reconnaissance abilities, offering improved mobility, protection, and firepower for its units.