Russian latest VPK ASN-2 Atlet armored vehicle to begin trials.

The latest ASN-2 Atlet armored vehicle designed by the Military-Industrial Company (VPK) will begin preliminary trials on August 5, company CEO Alexander Krasovitsky told TASS. "Prototypes of Atlet armored vehicles will begin preliminary trials on Monday," he said.

VPK ASN-2 Atlet  displayed at Army-2019 (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The trials will be held at the Institute of Automobile Hardware in Bronnitsy, the Institute of Armor in Kubinka of the Defense Ministry and NAMI Center of automobile tests in Dmitrov district. The vehicles will have to drive thousands of kilometers cross-country and on main and special roads also with a 2.5-ton trailer and confirm operability in low and high temperatures and fording ability.

The vehicles will be also tested for fire and explosion-resistance. "We have to be absolutely sure that the vehicle can protect our soldiers in real combat before it is supplied to the troops," Krasovitsky said.

Special-designation and five-door multirole Atlets will be engaged in trials which will be supervised by representatives of the customer, research institutes and defense enterprises.

The 9-ton vehicle can accommodate up to 8 people, including driver and commander. The turbocharged diesel engine R4 YaMZ 5347-24 can be rated to develop various power ranging from 158 to 300 hp. It is coupled to a 5-speed mechanical gearbox, or a 6-speed automatic one. The vehicle can reach 120 km/h.