The Novator 2 armored vehicle has received a remotely controlled weapon station of Ukrainian manufacture. The company “Ukrainian Armored Vehicles” (a NAUDI member), together with a partner, demonstrated it to representatives of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, and the National Police. At the firing range, the module achieved 90% hit rate at distances of 100, 350, 600, and 1,000 meters. It also fired while on the move and against drones.

What’s inside:

  • Armament: a 12.7mm Browning machine gun and 300 rounds. The module rotates 360°, with a vertical elevation range of −3.5° to +61.9°.
  • Optics: the Archer TSA 7/75 thermal imaging system and the ATN X-SIGHT 5 5–25X digital scope.
  • Autonomy — 6–8 hours. Ammunition can be reloaded both from inside and outside.

The platform. The “Novator-2” is a 10-seat vehicle based on a reinforced Ford F-550 chassis: the curb weight has increased to 9,660 kg, and the payload capacity to 3,340 kg. Under the hood is a 6.7-liter V8 producing approximately 300 hp.

The National Guard received the first batch of these vehicles in July 2024, and they are equipped with electronic warfare systems. According to the company’s CEO Vladyslav Belbas, the Novator-2 features STANAG 4569 Level 2a/2b mine protection, which provides crew protection against detonation of a charge of up to 6 kg TNT equivalent under the wheel or hull floor.

The crew operates the weapon from under armor and is not exposed to enemy fire, whereas previously the gunner stood in an open turret. The module has already been adapted for the Novator, which is widely used at the front, as well as for the M113 and BRDM-2.

The module has fully completed research trials in accordance with approved programs and procedures and is at the final stage of codification. Once the process is complete, it will be able to be officially supplied to the Defense Forces.

“Ukrainian Armored Vehicles” is one of the largest private manufacturers of military equipment and weapons in Ukraine. It produces the Varta and Novator armored vehicles, mortars and ammunition, and also participates in the production of the Bohdana self-propelled howitzer as a subcontractor, supplying chassis and armor components.

The company developed the Novator on a Ford F550 chassis in 2017, and since 2018 the vehicle has been supplied to the Defense Forces.