Ukraine: new 120mm mortar Bars-8MMK on Bogdan vehicle.

A new Ukrainian 120mm mortar designated Bars-8MMK, based on the Bars-8 armored vehicle designed and manufactured by the Bogdan Corporation, has been successfully tested at the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ training ground.

Bogdan Bars-8MMK self-propelled 120mm mortar (Picture source: Bogdan)

“The new Ukrainian mobile mortar system Bars-8MMK is equipped with an automatized deployment and firing control system. Its computer system allows ground positioning; preparation for shooting from the original position takes only 1 minute. Besides, the mobile system needs around 20 more seconds to leave the firing point, so avoiding the enemy's backfire”, Oleksandr Turchynov, chairman of the National Security and Defense Council, said. He added that manufacturers have managed to reach the maximum deployment and stowage speed, the ability to move off-road, the ability to hit the target with high accuracy, and, most importantly, they’ve provided safety of its use.

The Bars-8 armored vehicle was designed by the Car Assembly Plant #2 in Cherkasy, according to world standards and the demands of the Ukrainian armed forces. The vehicle is built on a 4×4 chassis and is equipped with a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine. It offers STANAG 4569 Level 2 standard protection against bullet fires and mine blasts, crew support systems, smoke grenade launchers, communication and navigation systems, night and day observation devices, RunFlat tire inflation system, fire extinguishing system installed at engine compartment, camouflage coverings, ballistic protection of the body, autonomous climate system.

Specialized armored cars based on the Bars-8 can accommodate various weapon stations; they could serve as artillery reconnaissance vehicles, mobile mortars, medical vehicles, armored personnel carriers, cargo transporters, etc. The basic sitting capacity is 8 to 10 persons with equipment.