MSPO 2021: New version of Polish army Rosomak 8x8 armored vehicle on display.

The Rosomak is an 8x8 armored vehicle based on the AMV (Armored Modular Vehicle) designed and manufactured by the Finnish company Patria. The Rosomak was tailored according to requests of the Polish army and locally manufactured by the company Rosomak S.A.

The Rosomak 8x8 showcased at MSPO 2021 is equipped with a ZSMU-A5 remote-controlled weapon module (Picture source: Army Recognition)

In December 2002, the Polish Ministry of National Defense signed a contract to buy 690 Patria AMV vehicles, to be manufactured in Poland and delivered in two main variants: APC (Armored Personnel Carrier) and IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle). In 2013, Poland placed an additional order to reach a total of 997 vehicles. The Patria Technology Transfer was concluded in 2005 but production and strong cooperation between Patria and Rosomak S.A. are active and ongoing.

The Rosomak is based on an 8x8 chassis powered by a DI 12 Scania Diesel engine developing 480 hp or 543 hp. The vehicle can reach 100 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 800 km. The Rosomak is fully amphibious and propelled in the water at a maximum speed of 10 km/h thanks to two waterjets mounted at the rear of the hull. The troop compartment can accommodate up to 10 infantrymen.

At MSPO 2019, Rosomak presented the Rosomak XP, a newer, improved and more capable version of the Rosomak 8x8. It was designed on the basis of previous experience, setting a new standard for the construction of 8x8 wheeled vehicle platforms. Its new design offers more room inside the vehicle and a higher payload capacity, providing the possibility of easy installation of specialized equipment in accordance with the user's requirements, enabling the integration of weapon systems, protection and crew equipment at the same time. It uses new modern solutions in the area of crew protection, a high level of ballistic and anti-mine protection has been achieved which, due to the modular design, can be easily selected by the customer. The basic design of Rosomak 8X8 XP already provides crew protection inside the vehicle in accordance with STANAG 4569 - level 4a/4b, offering ballistic protection against firing of heavy weapons 14.5×114mm AP all-around the hull, and mine blast explosion of 10 kg TNT under the center and the wheels of the vehicle. The vehicle structure was designed taking into account the requirements for electromagnetic radiation, specified in the MIL-STD-461F standard, which was confirmed by specialized tests in the EMC chamber. This new vehicle combines an improved propulsion system with a better engine providing 450 kW together with the Integrated Traction Control System (ITCS).

This Rosomak 8x8 showcased at MSPO 2021 is equipped with a ZSMU-A5 remote-controlled weapon module whose armament is interchangeable: a WKM-Bm 12.7mm machine gun or a H&K (semi)automatic 40mm grenade launcher, with a coaxial UKM-2000C 7.62mm machine gun.