MSPO 2019 : Modernized Bergepanzer-2 armored recovery vehicle based on Wisent FFG.

At MSPO 2019 International Defense Industry Exhibition in Kielce, Wojskowe Zaklady Motoryzacyjne SA from Pozna demonstrate a profound modernization of Bergepanzer-2 technical security vehicles based on Wisent tracked armoured vehicle manufactured by the German Company FFG.

Modernized Bergepanzer-2 (Picture source Army Recognition)

The proposed package of changes is to ensure that this vehicle will be able to secure combat operations by Leopard-2A5 and Leopard-2PL tanks. The modernized Bergepanzer 2 is equipped with the Combat Recovery System (CRS), in practice enabling support for the evacuation of tanks with a mass of approx. 60 tons.

The basic elements of modernization are: increasing the engine power (up to 680 kW), extending the crane arm with simultaneous increase in the maximum load capacity to 30 t, improving the ballistic and anti-mine protection provided (according to levels IV and III according to STANAG 4569) along with the introduction of anti-fragmentation linings. Modernization also included winch installation with a constant pulling force of 35 t and a rope length of 80 meters. The auxiliary winch has a 180-meter rope. The vehicle is also equipped with a universal blade and a quick-change frame for the power-pack of the Leopard 2 tank.

The modernized Bergepanzer also received a hydropneumatic suspension, electronic hydraulic system control (EHS), dual-circuit braking system. An air conditioning system and caterpillars adapted to the increased total weight were also installed. Each crew member has a 360-degree observation system, which facilitates technical reconnaissance tasks.

The length of the vehicle presented in Kielce is 8210 mm, width 3250 mm, height 2970 mm. It's ground clearance is 440 mm. The curb weight of the modernized Bergepanzer is 44.5 t, combat weight 54 t, and the maximum speed is 62 km / h. The vehicle can overcome water obstacles 1.2 m deep without preparation and 2.25 m after preparation.

The Polish Army intends to modernize the owned Bergepanzer 2 technical security vehicles acquired with the Leopard 2 tanks. The Armament Inspectorate is already conducting the relevant proceedings. Consortium: PGZ SA (Leader), WZM SA and Zaklady Mechaniczne "BUMAR-LABEDY" SA is taking part in the procedure that has been ongoing since September 2017. The procedure involves the modernization of a total of 28 Bergepanzer 2 vehicles, i.e. all those equipped by the Polish Armed Forces.

The vehicle demonstrated in Kielce is the Consortium's proposal and comes from the Wisent-1 car developed by the Consortium's foreign partner, Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft (FFG). It was developed for the Danish army after it introduced Leopard 2A5 tanks.

Danish armed forces, like Polish ones, use Bergepanzer 2 family technical security vehicles, based on the Leopard 1 chassis. The national modernization proposal assumes the use of the largest possible number of components and systems offered by the Polish industry, based on Wisent solutions.

Technical Security Trucks are created to support operations carried out by tanks or other armoured/unarmoured vehicles that are equipped by various armies. Their tasks include, e.g. support for maintenance and repair work carried out in field conditions or evacuation of damaged vehicles. Having properly prepared support vehicles, including technical security, is crucial for the survival of armoured units on the battlefield.