BOV (armoured personnel carrier) explained

BOV first generation
Type:Armoured personnel carrier
Is Vehicle:yes
Service:1985–present[1]
Designer:Military Technical Institute
Number:565+
Length:5.7m (18.7feet)
Width:2.53m (08.3feet)
Height:2.84m (09.32feet)
Origin:Yugoslavia, Serbia
Used By:See Operators
Wars:Yugoslav Wars
Manufacturer:TAM, Yugoimport SDPR
Variants:BOV-1, BOV-3, BOV-VP
Crew:2+8[2]
Weight:9.1 tonnes (20,062 lbs)
Armour:10–15mm of steelSTANAG 4569 level III+ front side for BOV M11 and BOV M15, Level 1+ side and rear, BOV KIV level STANAG III+ all side, BOV OT Front STANAG 4569 nivo IV+ up to 20mm, side and rear STANAG 4569 nivo III+ up to 12.7mm
Engine:Deutz F6L413 diesel engine
Engine Power:150 hp (110 kW) at 2650 rpm
Suspension:4×4 wheeled
Speed:95 km/h (59 mph)
Pw Ratio:25 hp/t
Vehicle Range:500 km (300 mi)

The BOV (Serbian: Борбено оклопно возило (БОВ)|Borbeno oklopno vozilo (BOV)|lit=Combat Armored Vehicle), is an all-wheel drive armoured vehicle manufactured in the former Yugoslavia and today in Serbia.[3] The second generation BOV is currently in development.

First generation

Description

The BOV has a capacity of 10, including a driver, gunner and eight infantrymen.[2] The vehicle has a four-wheel drive and is powered by the Deutz type F 6L 413 F six-cylinder diesel engine developing 150 hp (110 kW) at 2650 rpm.[2]

Service history

The BOV was used for internal security and military duties. It was most commonly used by territorial defence units, in several variants equipped with machine guns, water cannons, smoke and tear gas dispensers for crowd control and riots.

BOV has a long combat use on the territory of the former Yugoslavia. At the beginning of the first riots in Slovenia and Croatia military police units of the JNA often used BOVs that have mainly served to protect convoys of the JNA. Also many airplanes were shot down over Croatia by self-propelled guns PSC BOV-3. Many BOV armored vehicles were lost mainly due to their weak armor protection. BOVs have also been massively used during the Kosovo conflict by the Army of Yugoslavia and the MUP of Serbia. In combination with T-55 tanks, M-80 infantry fighting vehicles and supported by infantry, mainly the AA version BOV-3 was used to clear villages of members of the KLA.

Today, the BOVs in the Serbian Army are used by the Military Police (BOV M-86), in army mechanized armor battalions (BOV M-83) and in a reserve artillery rocket battalion PVO (BOV-3). BOVs are also used by special forces of the MUP Serbia, Republika Srpska, Croatia and BiH Federation. The Slovenian and Croatian armies used the BOV during war in Afghanistan.

Variants

New developed from first generation

Second generation

BOV second generation
Type:Armoured personnel carrier
Is Vehicle:yes
Designer:Military Technical Institute
Number:20+
Length:5.71m (18.73feet)
Width:2.53m (08.3feet)
Height:3.12m (10.24feet)
Origin:Serbia
Used By:See Operators
Manufacturer:Fabrika automobila Priboj Yugoimport SDPR
Production Date:2016
Variants:BOV, Armoured personnel carrier, scout, command and others
Crew:2+8
Weight:9.5 tonnes
Armour:Front STANAG 4569 nivo III+, STANAG 4569 nivo 1+ side and rear 5.56 to 7.62mm
Primary Armament:(RCWS) 12.7 mm
Secondary Armament:grenade launcher
Engine:CumminsIBS
Engine Power:190HP
Suspension:4×4 wheeled - run-flat tires
Speed:95 km/h
Vehicle Range:600 km
BOV second generation
Type:Armoured personnel carrier
Is Vehicle:yes
Designer:Military Technical Institute
Number:30+
Length:5.72m (18.77feet)
Width:2.53m (08.3feet)
Height:2.6m (08.5feet)
Origin:Serbia
Used By:See Operators
Manufacturer:Fabrika automobila Priboj Yugoimport SDPR
Production Date:2016
Variants:BOV, Armoured personnel carrier, scout, command and others
Crew:4+4
Weight:9.5 tonnes
Armour:Front STANAG 4569 nivo III+, STANAG 4569 nivo 1+ side and rear 5.56 to 7.62mm
Primary Armament:(RCWS) 12.7 mm
Secondary Armament:grenade launcher
Engine:CumminsIBS
Engine Power:190HP
Suspension:4×4 wheeled - run-flat tires
Speed:100 km/h
Vehicle Range:600 km
BOV second generation
Type:Armoured personnel carrier
Is Vehicle:yes
Designer:Military Technical Institute
Number:20+
Length:5.9m (19.4feet)
Width:2.53m (08.3feet)
Height:2.33m (07.64feet)
Origin:Serbia
Used By:See Operators
Manufacturer:Fabrika automobila Priboj Yugoimport SDPR
Variants:BOV scout, command and others
Crew:2+6
Weight:11.5 tonnes
Armour:STANAG 4569 nivo III+
Primary Armament:(RCWS) 7.62 mm
Secondary Armament:grenade launcher
Engine:Cummins ISB 6.7
Engine Power:285HP
Suspension:4×4 wheeled - run-flat tires
Speed:100 km/h
Vehicle Range:600 km
BOV second generation
Type:Armoured personnel carrier
Is Vehicle:yes
Designer:Military Technical Institute
Number:10+
Length:6.7m (22feet)
Width:2.6m (08.5feet)
Height:2.84m (09.32feet)
Origin:Serbia
Used By:See Operators
Manufacturer:Fabrika automobila Priboj Yugoimport SDPR
Production Date:2023
Variants:BOV armored personnel carrier, command and others
Crew:3+7
Weight:13.5 tonnes
Armour:Front STANAG 4569 nivo IV+ up to 20mm, side and rear STANAG 4569 nivo III+ up to 12.7mm.
Primary Armament:12.7 mm
Secondary Armament:grenade launcher
Engine:Cummins ISB 6.7
Engine Power:285HP
Transmission:Allison 3000 6+1 Automatic
Suspension:4×4 wheeled - run-flat tires
Speed:110 km/h
Vehicle Range:1100 km

Description

Second generation BOV is currently in development with serial production planned for second half of 2018. New generation BOV vehicle has a new four-wheel drive and is powered by the Cummins diesel engine. It has weight about 11 tons, new transmission, new communications devices and protects crew against 12.7mm caliber guns and all anti-armor land mines. New generation BOV has integrated air-condition and independent battery power source that enables all functions working without engine turned on, thus enabling silent operation. It has few variants planned, including different commend variants, scout, armed, military police and as personnel carrier. Current known versions are armed with RCWS consisting of 7.62mm Zastava machine-gun and 40 mm grenade launcher or 12.7mm Zastava manned turret. Scout versions have mast with high-resolution day and night cameras, data link to transmit all information in real time to command center. Command versions have additional internal posts with displays for viewing tactical situation. It can carry up to six soldiers in scout and personnel carrier variant.[6] [7] [8] [9]

Variants

The BOV-M15 is primarily designed to perform both police and military tasks. Unlike its previous basic version BOV-M86 (BOV-VP) which was designed and constructed in the time of the former Yugoslavia, they were removed and through deep modernization almost all segments and characteristics of the vehicle were raised to a higher level, the main shortcoming of the BOV-M86 was armored protection that proved weak during the wars in the former Yugoslavia. The BOV-M15 remained on the same chassis as its predecessor, which is the chassis of the TAM-110 military truck.

ProtectionThe protection is significantly enhanced on the BOV-M15 in contrast to the basic version, and amounts to:

Armored protection:Front protection: STANAG 4569 level III+ (protection against 12.7mm armor-piercing bullet ammunition)Protection from all sides: STANAG 4569 level I (Protection against 5.56 mm caliber ammunition and all types of shooting ammunition with ordinary grains).Anti-mine protection:It enables protection of the crew in the event of an explosion of an anti-tank mine containing 2 kg of explosives under the floor of the vehicle.It enables protection of the crew in the event of an explosion of an anti-tank mine containing 4 kg of explosives under the wheels of the vehicle.DriveBOV-M15 is a 4 x 4 armored vehicle, it is equipped with a Cummins IBS190 engine (190 HP), the vehicle is characterized by a very good passability on and off the road. The tires are equipped for special purposes with (RUN FLAT), which enable the vehicle to be able to move up to 50 km in the event of a puncture and damage to the tire by some shooting ammunition or other types.

ArmamentIt is equipped with a remotely controlled combat station (RWS), which consists of a 12.7 mm machine gun and a fire control system.

The fire control system consists of the main elements such as:

High magnification TV cameras.Thermal imaging camera.Laser range finder.The RWS is operated by the gunner, i.e. the operator who is in the passenger seat, among the equipment used by the gunner there is also a ballistic computer, a suitable display, as well as a joystick or control stick. The machine gun can be used in manual mode, in case of failure or damage to the automatic.

The effectiveness of the RWS, i.e. the effective range of the machine gun is: up to 1.5 km in the air, as well as 2 km on targets on the ground. The firing rate is about 600 rounds/min, while the capacity of the ammunition box is 180 rounds.

BOV M11 has a main role as a reconnaissance vehicle and a command-reconnaissance vehicle. If used in artillery, it can be used for observation and to direct fire. This vehicle has a crew of three, including a driver, a commander and a gunner. The car has wheels and is powered by a diesel engine, more specifically 190HP. It has many special reconnaissance systems and artillery systems, built for a specific mission or role.

Equipment for the artillery - reconnaissance vehicle includes:

Artillery Electronic Direction Finder (AEG)Communication equipmentArtillery battery FCS computerProtectionArmored protection is modular and made of armored steel.

Armored protection:Front protection: STANAG 4569 level III+ (protection against 12.7mm bulletproof ammunition)Protection from all sides: STANAG 4569 level I (protection against 5.56 mm caliber ammunition and all types of shooting ammunition with ordinary grains.)Anti-mine protection:It enables protection of the crew in the event of an explosion of an anti-tank mine containing 2 kg of explosives under the floor of the vehicle.It enables protection of the crew in the event of an explosion of an anti-tank mine containing 4 kg of explosives under the wheels of the vehicle.DriveThe driving force is the Cummins IBS190 diesel engine (190 HP) and the ZTF transmission, which enables it to have very high mobility on off-road terrain.

ArmamentIt is equipped with a remotely controlled combat station (RWS), which consists of a 12.7 mm machine gun and a fire control system.

The fire control system consists of the main elements such as:

High magnification TV cameras.Thermal imaging camera.Laser range finder.The RWS is operated by the gunner, i.e. the operator who is in the passenger seat, among the equipment used by the gunner there is also a ballistic computer, a suitable display, as well as a joystick or control stick. The machine gun can be used in manual mode, in case of failure or damage to the automatic.

The effectiveness of the DUBS, i.e. the effective range of the machine gun is: up to 1.5 km in the air, as well as 2 km to targets on the ground. The firing rate is about 600 rounds per minute, the capacity of the ammunition box is 180 rounds.

The vehicle has 4 permanent crew members, namely: the driver, the gunner, the commander and the loader, as well as 4 members of the staff (version for the Gendarmerie). The loader is able to use a manual machine gun due to automatic failure or damage, while being protected by (RCWS) ballistic protection. The driver is equipped with TV cameras as well as television front and rear, which allows him to drive undisturbed due to reduced visibility. The vehicle is also equipped with external folding lattice fences, it has the ability to transport additional members of the example for the Gendarmerie on certain external platforms on the vehicle. It also has a smoke box launcher system, for masking and other special purpose needs. The vehicle is equipped with sound and light signaling systems, air conditioning, radio connection, computer for command and information software. A box for spare parts and hand tools are placed on the outside.

The vehicle was created as a product of the BOV-3 modernization, and was developed by VTI. It is produced by FAP. It was presented in 2016, and in 2020 it entered the service of the Serbian Army.

The crew consists of six people, whose composition depends on the KIV variant. The basis of the BOV KIV vehicle is characterized by a high degree of ballistic protection, obtained by installing a new generation of modular armor.

The vehicles were also fitted with new undercarriages of increased load capacity with reinforced suspension. The platform is equipped with a weapons subsystem with a remotely controlled combat station (RCWS) 7.62/40 mm, which consists of a 7.62 mm machine gun and a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher.

For the purposes of command, the KIV is equipped with appropriate modern telecommunication and IT equipment, as a basis for the formation of command and information systems.

The vehicle is also equipped with a 5 kW diesel generator for powering the equipment and systems inside the vehicle. This independent power supply is used when the main engine is not running. Since the crew in KIV is exposed to long-term work, the improvement of the platform also provides an air conditioning and heating system, which enables the crew to work smoothly in conditions of high and low temperatures.

The system for improving the driver's visualization consists of two television cameras, a thermal imaging camera and an image display system. Television cameras project the image in the eyepieces and with their setting enable a 3D presentation, that is, the driver gets an idea of the depth of the scene.

VariantsCommand vehicle of the infantry battalion commandercommand-reconnaissance vehicle of the commander of the artillery divisionthe command-reconnaissance vehicle commands the artillery batteriesreconnaissance vehicle of the commander of the reconnaissance department.

It is a vehicle created by extensive refinement of the armored transporter BOV, and the works are carried out at the FAP Factory.

It is armed with a mechanically operated 12.7mm combat station. With armored protection for the shooter, it also has 6 side loopholes for shooting weapons from the vehicle.

It has a Cummins ISB 6.7 EU 3 engine, with a power of 210 kilowatts (285 horsepower). The gearbox is Allison 3000, seven-speed (6+1), automatic. The drive of the vehicle is on all 4 wheels (4x4), and it is possible to block all 3 differentials.

The vehicle has ballistic protection that protects against projectiles 20 mm from the front, and 12.7 mm from the sides of the vehicle

Operators

Current operators

Former operators

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: BOV (Combat Armored Vehicle) . Military Factory . Military Factory . 27 May 2021.
  2. Web site: BOV APC. www.vojska.net.
  3. Web site: BOV-M / BOV-3 / BOV-30. man.fas.org.
  4. Web site: Војска Србије | Наоружање Копнене војске | Противоклопна средства | Противоклопна вођена ракета МАЉУТКА . 2013-07-11 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130116103442/http://vs.rs/index.php?content=263298ec-032c-102c-8859-e480d5acdc4a . 2013-01-16 . dead .
  5. Web site: Vozilo policijе borbеno M-15. www.yugoimport.com. 2022-05-14. 2022-11-22. https://web.archive.org/web/20221122145718/https://www.yugoimport.com/lat/proizvodi/vozilo-policije-borbeno-m-15. dead.
  6. Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: Web site: Novi BOV. YouTube.
  7. http://www.vti.mod.gov.rs/cms/images/actualites_pictures/gallery/IMG_4902_1498804660948f6b3c.jpg
  8. http://www.vti.mod.gov.rs/cms/images/actualites_pictures/gallery/IMG_5020_14988047979bd5d.jpg
  9. Web site: У ТОЦу у завршној фази испитивање 40 нових система. Министарство одбране Републике Србије.
  10. International Institute for Strategic Studies . International Institute for Strategic Studies . 2020 . Chapter Six: Asia . The Military Balance . 120 . 1 . 254 . 10.1080/04597222.2020.1707967. 219627149 .
  11. Web site: Trade-Register-1971-2019.rft . Stockholm International Peace Research Institute . 2019-04-21.
  12. International Institute for Strategic Studies . International Institute for Strategic Studies . 2020 . Chapter Four: Europe . The Military Balance . 120 . 1 . 90–142 . 10.1080/04597222.2020.1707964. 219623996 .
  13. International Institute for Strategic Studies . International Institute for Strategic Studies . 2015 . Chapter Four: Europe . The Military Balance . 115 . 1 . 134 . 10.1080/04597222.2015.996348. 219628714 .