Ukrainian forces filmed using Oncilla armored transporter
A video has surfaced on the internet showing Ukrainian soldiers during a shooting training session. The equipment they are using is of particular interest. It's the Oncilla armored transporter, a vehicle known for its capabilities and impressive specifications.
12:49 PM EST, December 3, 2023
As war analysts in Ukraine have noted, this is one of the few visuals featuring the Oncilla armored transporter being used by Ukrainian soldiers.
This is a reconnaissance-patrol variant with a crew shooting position located on the roof, equipped with an NSW machine gun of 0.5-inch caliber. During off-road conditions, one soldier operates it along with two others - the commander and the driver.
The interior of the Oncilla can accommodate six additional people aside from the crew. The vehicle spans nearly 18 feet in length and 8.2 feet in width, powered by an engine that produces roughly 201 HP. It features a 4x4 drive and have relatively large ground clearance, characteristics that are designed to facilitate movement in even the most challenging terrain.
In March this year, Ukraine confirmed that their army now operates 30 Oncilla armored transporters, which have proven to be effective in combat.
"We already have 30 of these machines in combat. They've performed well on the battlefield, saving lives," explained the representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
One of the key features of the vehicle, produced by Mista company, that is critical for saving lives is its armor protection - which is standard level 2 according to the STANAG 4569 standard.
The Oncilla can shield those inside from 7.62x39 mm projectiles and explosions of explosive charge up to 13.2 lb under any wheel. A few weeks ago, images emerged showing an Oncilla after it had triggered an anti-tank mine. The vehicle was heavily damaged, but all the Ukrainian soldiers inside survived the incident.
This armored vehicle can reach a maximum speed of 75 mph. It has a range of up to 435 miles on a full tank. The Oncilla weighs 9.7 tons, but this can increase if additional armor is installed to upgrade the durability to level 3 according to the STANAG 4569 standard.
In addition, the Oncilla is equipped with a central tire inflation system, a heated and air-conditioned cabin, communication and satellite navigation systems, an automatic fire extinguishing system, and a winch.
