Canadian company Roshel delivers 1000th Senator armored vehicle to Ukraine.

As reported by Roman Shimonov, CEO, and founder of Roshel, on December 26, 2023, the Canadian manufacturer delivered the 1000th Roshel Senator armored vehicle to Ukraine ahead of schedule. The Senator series of armored vehicles has played a significant role in Ukraine's defense capabilities, with over 750 Senator vehicles having been delivered to Ukraine, as disclosed by Army Recognition on October 23, 2023.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The Senator MRAP is designed to integrate third-party payloads, including unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems, remote-controlled weapon systems (RCWS), or a smoke screen system. (Picture source: Roman Shimonov)

Among the delivered vehicles until the end of October 2023, more than 300 units belonged to the MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) variant, which was introduced in the first quarter of 2023. With this new announcement, the delivery rate equates to an average of approximately 125 Roshel Senator armored vehicles received by Ukraine each month.

The Roshel Senator family includes various models designed for specific purposes. The Senator APC (Armored Personnel Carrier) is primarily intended for law enforcement and border patrol operations, while the Senator ERV (Emergency Response Vehicle) is customized to provide emergency response and rescue services, featuring the option of a hydraulic ram bar system for specific scenarios.

Roshel, a Canadian company founded in 2016, has been actively involved in armored vehicle development. They introduced the APC variant of the Senator in 2017, followed by the MRAP version in early 2023. The MRAP variant has garnered international interest and procurement from countries such as Costa Rica and South Korea, as revealed during the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2023 annual conference in Washington, DC.

The Senator MRAP stands out as a technologically advanced MRAP option in the market. Its design incorporates lightweight composite materials, advanced thermal and acoustic insulation materials, and a V-shaped hull that ensures 360° ballistic protection in line with STANAG 4569 level 2a/2b standards. The vehicle is also equipped with a thermal camera featuring night vision capabilities and an infrared spotlight. During tests conducted by the National Research Council of Canada, the Senator demonstrated impressive side slope capabilities, maintaining a 39° angle on both sides.

One notable feature of the Senator MRAP is its V-shaped body design, engineered to enhance mine protection. Rigorous testing, including ballistic and blast evaluations conducted by the certified institution Oregon Ballistic Laboratories, has confirmed its effectiveness. The vehicle can withstand explosions from anti-tank mines containing 6 kg of explosives, originating from under any wheel or the center of the vehicle. Additionally, it features bulletproof windows, armored doors with reinforced hinges and latches, mine-protected seats with four-point seat belts, firing ports, a gunner's seat, and cameras providing the driver with a 360° field of vision.

The Senator MRAP is designed to integrate third-party payloads, including unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems, remote-controlled weapon systems, or a smoke screen system. In terms of standard armament, it accommodates a remote-controlled weapon system (RCWS) and a mechanical or electric turret armed with machine guns, grenade launchers, or anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs).

Built upon the Ford F-550 commercial platform, the vehicle features a four-wheel-drive (4WD) configuration and run-flat tires. Its powertrain consists of a 6.7L turbo diesel engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering 330 horsepower at 2,600 rpm and 750 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm. The Senator MRAP can accommodate up to 10 individuals, offers a payload capacity ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 kg, and provides an operational range of up to 800 km, thanks to a fuel capacity of 257 liters. Its dimensions measure 6 m in length, 2.4 m in width, and 2.5 m in height.