KamAZ Taifun by www.Military-Today.com

KamAZ Taifun

Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle

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KamAZ Taifun by www.Military-Today.com

The Taifun (typhoon) mine resistant ambush protected vehicle was designed by KamAZ. It's development commenced in 2009. The Taifun is an experimental armored vehicle. It's primary role is to carry troops and cargo under armor. Externally it resembles German Rheinmetall Wisent, however it carries more armor. The Taifun is being proposed for the Russian Army, as well as for possible export customers.

Currently there are two prototype of the KamAZ Taifun. One of them has modular design. Various interchangeable mission modules can be fitted. It can be customized as reconnaissance vehicle, command vehicle, fire support vehicle, ambulance, engineer reconnaissance vehicle, NBC reconnaissance vehicle and escort vehicle. Mission modules are interchangeable with the Ural Triumf, which was developed alongside the KamAZ Taifun. Both vehicles have 6x6 configuration.

This MRAP has steel armor construction with add-on composite armor. It is claimed that armor of the cab and mission module provides all-round protection against 14.5-mm armor-piercing rounds. Vehicle was also designed to withstand mine blasts. Vehicle is claimed to withstand equivalent of 8 TNT blast under any wheel or anywhere under the hull. This MRAP is fitted with NBC protection system.

Vehicle can be fitted with remotely controlled weapon station for self-defense.

The KamAZ Taifun can carry up to 16 troops inside the mission module in the infantry carrier configuration. Troops enter and leave the vehicle via rear doors or roof hatches. The cab accommodates driver and one passenger.

KamAZ Taifun

Mine resistant ambush protected vehicle

The Taifun is powered by a YaMZ-5367 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 450 hp. Engine is located behind the cab and is mated with automatic transmission. It seems that front and end of the vehicle are swapped comparing with 6x6 cargo trucks. However such wheel layout allows to distribute weight of the engine and armored cab evenly. The Taifun has a full-time all-wheel drive. Vehicle has a hydropneumatic suspension with adjustable ground clearance. The Taifun is fitted with a central tyre inflation system and run-flat tyres.

KamAZ also proposes 4x4 and 8x8 versions of the Taifun. However later it was reported that a 4x4 model will never be produced due to excessive weight in order to provide required level of protection.

Entered service ? Crew 2 men

Personnel up to 16 men Dimensions and weight

Weight 21 t Length 8.99 m Width 2.55 m Height 3.12 m

Armament Machine guns ?

Mobility Engine YaMZ-5367 diesel

Engine power 450 hp Maximum road speed ~ 90 km/h

Range ~ 600 km Maneuverability

Gradient 60% Side slope 30%

Vertical step ~ 0.6 m Trench ~ 0.6 m Fording ~ 1.2 m

More information: http://www.military-today.com/apc/kamaz_taifun.htm