Slovak Zetor Gerlach 4x4 armored will be fitted with armor protection of Rheinmetall.

Zetor Engineering Slovakia, a.s. and Rheinmetall Protection Systems GmbH have agreed on strategic cooperation in the further development of ballistic and anti-mine protection solutions as part of the Zetor Gerlach 4x4 ATV tactical armored vehicle project.

Zetor Gerlach 4x4 ATV tactical armored vehicle at MSPO 2019, defense exhibition in Kielce, Poland. (Picture source Army Recognition)

Slovak Company Zetor engineering has unveiled a prototype of its new 4x4 armored vehicle called GERLACH during the defense exhibition IDEB 2018 that takes place in Bratislava, Slovakia. The vehicle was fully developed by the Company based on the experience of troops deployed during modern combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan using similar wheeled armored vehicles.

“It is a great benefit for the Gerlach project that we can work with a world leader in this field. It is a great experience for our team and for the customer a guarantee of the highest quality and technological level, ”says project manager Pavel Bušta.

“The combination of protection, mobility and other benefits makes this vehicle an extremely competitive solution. We will be pleased to take part in the further development of the project, ”said Dr. Manfred Salk, CEO Rheinmetall Protection Systems GmbH.

Both sides also confirmed their interest in cooperation in other areas such as Rapid Obscuring System, Smoke Vehicle Protection System, Active Defense System, Weapon Stations, etc.

The German partner also expressed an interest in transferring to Slovakia the production of additional ceramic armor systems.

Based on the strategic agreement, Rheinmetall Protection Systems becomes the supplier of the safety armored cab solution. The German protection systems manufacturer provides a comprehensive and certified solution. The entire process, starting with the selection of materials, through welding and construction work, including technological processes, is subject to strict military standards MIL-TL (number to be specified). These standards will subsequently be applied to cab production in Slovakia or any other country where the vehicle will be manufactured.

Crew protection of Zetor Gerlach 4x4 ATV armored was the main priority of the project from the beginning. The aim was to maximize safety while maintaining a high level of comfort, as well as defined dynamics parameters and vehicle main dimensions.

Cooperation with the German side got the ground already in the design and construction of the vehicle prototype.

“The German side provided expertise and suggested a number of improvements in the field of ballistic and anti-mine protection. Subsequently, intensive cooperation on engineering and construction activities started, ”explains P. Bušta.

All modifications were subsequently subjected to simulations and rigorous tests in the German state-owned test laboratory Beschussamt Ulm. The result is a solution that provides the vehicle with ballistic protection at NATO level STANAG 4569 Volume 1 Level 3 and antimine resistance at NATO level STANAG 4569 Volume 2 Level 3a, 3b.