BOZENA 5

History of the BOZENA 5

The BOZENA 5 is a minesweeper from the Slovak Republic used to defend against anti-vehicle (AV) and anti-personnel mines (AP). It is operated remotely by two crew members (special training is required), keeping the operator a safe distance from the hazardous area.

The vehicle weighs approximately 10,000 kg and can be transported on a light (PM-180) flatbed trailer or bed of similar towing system/unit, its relatively compact size allows it to be air transported in the cargo hold of a Lockheed C-130" Hercules "Tactical transport aircraft or similar fixed-wing aircraft.

The BOZENA 5 minesweeper is characterized by ease of operation, ease of maintenance and good overall survivability against AV/AP mines, although the former is more susceptible to structural damage and the latter less.

The general layout of the craft is that three wheels are mounted on each side of the hull and wrapped with a thin, removable chain link system. The minesweeper assembly is located at the front of the vehicle and includes flail equipment to detonate concealed/burial mines, but the vehicle can be fitted with other types of equipment if desired. Hydraulic winches can be used for self-rescue.

The vehicle can traverse dense vegetation, a 30-degree terrain angle, a water depth of 2.5 feet and a road speed of 5.5 mph. Transmission devices have a maximum range of up to 3 miles.

Power comes from a 228 hp air-cooled TATRA 8-cylinder 4-stroke diesel engine. A turbodiesel variant with 362 hp is also available. Hydraulic components are supplied by Bosch-Rexroth.

Vehicle dimensions include 23.95ft barrel length (with demining kit), 10.99m weight and 7.38m height.

Operators of the BOZENA 5 system range from Albania and Angola to Sudan and Thailand. These vehicles are manufactured by the Slovak Republic under the brand WAY Industry.

Specification

Basics

Years of Service

2009

Origins

Slovakia

Status

Active.

Crew

2

Production

50

Manufacturer

WAY Industries - Slovakia

Operator

Afghanistan; Albania; Angola; Azerbaijan; Bangladesh; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Cambodia; Canada; Colombia; Croatia; Chile; Czech Republic (Czech Republic); Eritrea; Ethiopia; Iraq; Kenya; Kosovo; Lebanon; Netherlands; Niger; Poland; Slovakia; Sri Lanka; Sudan; Thailand

Role

Recon

Can perform reconnaissance/reconnaissance missions to assess threat levels, enemy strength, etc. - usually due to lightweight construction.

Designed to play an equally special role on the battlefield.

Notable Features

Crawler layout

The vehicle uses a track wheel arrangement to provide improved off-road capability.

Amphibious

The system can enter and traverse open water sources - rivers, lakes and streams; supports amphibious assault operations.

Cross-country skiing

The design includes features such as a chain linkage system or high ground clearance for better traversing of terrain.

Versatility

The vehicle's proven chassis and overall configuration are ideal for other battlefield roles through special design.

Dimensions and Weight

Length

24. 0 feet

7.32m

width

11. 0 feet

3.35m

Height

7.4 feet

2,255 meters

Weight

26,500 lbs

12,020 kg

Tonnage

13. 2 tons

Power and Performance

Engine:

1 x TATRA 8-cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled diesel engine with an output of 228 hp, driven by tracks and wheels.

Speed

5.5 km/h

(8.9 km/h)

Area

3. 1 mile

(5.0 km)

Armor

None.

AMMOTION

Not applicable.

VARIANTS

BOZENA 5 - The name of the base series.