Bulat features an all-welded monocoque steel hull, which is then fitted with proven KAMAZ subsystems including diesel powerpack, drive line, and suspension. (Christopher F Foss)

Russia's Corporation Defence has completed development and testing of its new SBA-60-K2 Bulat 6x6 armoured vehicle.

The company began development of the privately funded Bulat in 2011, using subsystems from the proven KAMAZ family of tactical vehicles.

The vehicle layout is similar to a standard bonneted truck with a protected engine compartment at the front, commander and driver behind, and the troop compartment extending to the rear. The latter has a slightly raised roof line to provide greater internal volume and afford the roof-mounted 7.62 mm remote weapon station a greater depression over the frontal arc.

Bulat features an all-welded steel monocoque hull, which provides the crew with protection from small arms fire and shell splinters, although ultimate protection level depends on user requirement. The lower part of the hull is V-shaped to provide enhanced protection against mine blast and stowage boxes are mounted externally on the hull sides.

Understandably, Russia does not currently use NATO STANAG 4569 ballistic protection levels, using its own 6 GOST R 50963-96 scale. Under this, Level 1 and 2 protects against pistol small arms fire; 2a is shotgun; 3 and 4 is 5.45 AK-74 rifle; and Level 5-6a covers larger calibre weapons including 7.62 mm armour piercing projectiles, with Level 6 and 6a proven against 7.62 mm SVD Dragunov fire.

The vehicle's front suspension uses a conventional spring setup and the rear is mounted on two semi-elliptical springs with jet bars. The ends of the springs slide on the support welded on to the axle beams.

Two V8 turbocharged diesel engines are currently being offered: a EURO 3-compliant diesel developing 240 hp (165 kW); the second is a more powerful EURO 4-compliant diesel developing 280 hp (206 kW). These are both coupled to a manual transmission and transfer case.

Corporation Defence states it will be possible to install a 400 hp diesel and replace the manual transmission with a fully automatic gearbox. The company currently quotes a maximum road speed of up to 90 km/h with the 420 litre (2 x 210 litre) fuel tanks giving a cruising range of around 800 km.

The commander and driver are each provided with a forward-opening side door and there are twin doors in the hull rear. At present these doors are manually operated, but could optionally be hydraulically operated by the driver or crew.

Crew survivability is enhanced with the installation of folding blast attenuating seats fitted four down each side facing inwards. Spall liners are also fitted to the crew compartment.

The example shown at RAE 2013 had ballistically protected windows above circular firing ports, but the design is flexible. It was also fitted with a front-mounted electrically operated winch and a central tyre inflation system.

Six hatches are provided in the roof, but the number could be reduced to enable a protected weapon station, remote controlled weapon station, or turret to be fitted.

The gross vehicle weight depends on the level of protection fitted, but it is currently quoted as between 15.9 and 19.5 tonnes, with a kerb weight of between 12.8 and 15.5 tonnes.

Standard equipment includes air conditioning, engine fire suppression system, and special racks for the rifles and other personal weapons.

There are a number of other available options including a satellite-based land navigation system, cameras for 360-degree situational awareness, and additional heating.

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