Roshel partners with Ford to expand Senator MRAP production.

On August 8, 2024, Roman Shimonov, CEO and founder of Roshel, a Canadian manufacturer of armored vehicles, spoke about a recent meeting held at Ford Motor Company's headquarters in Dearborn. During this meeting, the latest model of the Senator MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) armored vehicle was presented, and discussions were held regarding ongoing and future projects aimed at enhancing production capabilities in support of U.S. government and NATO programs. Shimonov acknowledged the Ford team's engagement during these discussions.
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Ford is integral to Roshel's operations, as the Canadian company uses Ford's F-550 chassis as the foundation for its Senator series of armored personnel carriers (APCs). (Picture source: Roman Shimonov)

Ford is integral to Roshel's operations, as the Canadian company uses Ford's F-550 chassis as the foundation for its Senator series of armored personnel carriers (APCs). This collaboration allows Roshel to utilize Ford's established vehicle platform, which is then modified and armored according to the specific requirements of Roshel's clients. The partnership ensures that the vehicles produced meet the demands of various defense and security operations.

The Ford F-550, part of the Ford Super Duty lineup, is a heavy-duty truck that has been used in commercial and industrial tasks since its introduction in the late 1990s. The F-550 was developed to bridge the gap between Ford's consumer trucks and its more industrial vehicles, offering higher payload and towing capacities than the F-150, F-350 or F-450. The F-550 is known for its robust chassis, which can be equipped with a range of body types and accessories. The truck is available with both gasoline and diesel engines, and its design emphasizes durability and utility for professional use.

The Roshel Senator series has been in production since 2018 and has been deployed in various roles, including protecting astronauts during the Crew Dragon Demo-2 test flight in 2020 and extensive use in Ukraine as part of military aid packages during the ongoing conflict with Russia. By July 2023, 550 Senators had been delivered to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, with subsequent deliveries bringing the total to 750 by October 2023 and 1,000 by December 2023.

The F-550 was developed to bridge the gap between Ford's consumer trucks and its more industrial vehicles, offering higher payload and towing capacities than the F-350 or F-450. (Picture source: Ford)

As of 2024, Roshel has scaled up its production, manufacturing approximately 140 Senator armored vehicles per month. This increased production is supported by expanded facilities in Canada, with additional plans to further increase output by opening a new plant in Ukraine. The vehicles are produced in various configurations, including APCs, MRAPs, and emergency response vehicles, to meet a wide range of military and security needs. For instance, the Senator APC is primarily intended for law enforcement and border patrol operations, while the Senator ERV (Emergency Response Vehicle) is designed for emergency response and rescue services, incorporating features like a hydraulic ram bar system for specialized scenarios.

Founded in 2016, Roshel has been active in armored vehicle development, introducing the APC variant of the Senator in 2017 and the MRAP version in early 2023. The MRAP variant has attracted international interest, including procurement by 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 is characterized by its use of lightweight composite materials, advanced thermal and acoustic insulation, and a V-shaped hull designed to provide 360° ballistic protection in compliance with STANAG 4569 level 2a/2b standards. The vehicle is equipped with a thermal camera with night vision capabilities and an infrared spotlight. Its design enhances protection against mines, as confirmed by ballistic and blast testing conducted by the Oregon Ballistic Laboratories. The vehicle is capable of withstanding explosions from anti-tank mines containing up to 6 kg of explosives, providing a high level of occupant protection.

The Senator MRAP is characterized by its use of lightweight composite materials, advanced thermal and acoustic insulation, and a V-shaped hull designed to provide 360° ballistic protection in compliance with STANAG 4569 level 2a/2b standards. (Picture source: Roshel)

The Senator MRAP is also designed to accommodate various third-party systems, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), remote-controlled weapon systems, or smoke screen systems. Its standard armament includes a remote-controlled weapon system (RCWS) and a turret that can be equipped with machine guns, grenade launchers, or anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs).

The vehicle features a four-wheel-drive (4WD) configuration and run-flat tires. It is powered by a 6.7L turbo diesel engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering 330 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque. The vehicle has a capacity for up to 10 occupants, a payload capacity of 1,200 to 2,000 kg, and an operational range of up to 800 km, supported by a fuel capacity of 257 liters. Its dimensions are 6 meters in length, 2.4 meters in width, and 2.5 meters in height.