Kozak-2 MPV

The name Cossack (Ukrainian: kozak) is derived from the Turkic kazak (�adventurer� or �free man�), meaning anyone who could not find his appropriate place in society and went into the steppes, where he acknowledged no authority. The Ukrainian Cossack has come to symbolize Ukraine's ethnic image, much like the medieval knight of Western Europe or the Samurai of Japan. Ukrainian Cossacks came from a variety of nationalities and social groups. Their ancestors came from Ukrainian, Russian, Polish, and Tatar territories, and migrated at great risk to the southern steppes to hunt, fish, gather honey, and make handicraft goods.

Their raids and robberies intimidated Turkey, and their support of Poland in campaigns against the Muscovites shook the throne of Moscow. Ukrainian Cossacks gained their independence in 1649. It was the Cossacks who spread and popularized the term "Ukraine", which had not been used in the pre-Cossack era, as the name of their territories.

�Kozak� belongs to class of multifunctional light armored vehicles of MRAP (Mine Resistant and Ambush Protected) type. Such vehicles have got a paramount value in modern wars, where mobility and protection are key attributes. They excel tanks in maneuverability and portability, and, at the same time, are much more protective than general utility vehicles like HMMWV. Particular attention is paid to the mine protection, that allow to use these vehicles in �asymmetrical conflicts� (so called �partisan wars�).

Except performance of directly fighting tasks, such cars are engaged in provision and investigation (particularly �Kozak� can be used in modifications of troop transporter, commanding car, ambulance or provision truck). Besides, civil look gives a possibility to use them not exclusively during war, but also for peace-making or police operations.

KOZAK-2 is classic MRAP vehicle intended for a wide range of auxiliary tasks, such as troop transporter, command-and-control vehicle, jamming vehicle etc.. Its distinctive feature is high internal volume that allows to carry variaty of spacious equipment. PRACTIKA armored vehicles have a sufficient number of openings (doors and hatches) for prompt landing on the battlefield and for retaliatory fire. They are all equipped with reinforced hinges, opening limiters, pneumatic struts and springs for facilitating of opening.

KOZAK 2 has two variants of chassis � 3240 mm wheelbase (6700 mm overall length) and 3690 mm wheelbase (7150 mm overall length). Short wheelbase chassis due to its higher maneuverability is intended for reconnaissance, fire support and convoy lead modifications, long wheelbase chassis is used for troop transport, ambulance, explosive ordnance disposal and cargo modifications.

Ballistic protection is provided by armor steel and bulletproof glasses. Armor steel is specially alloyed steel with ultra-high hardness (480 � 540 HB) and, at the same time, high plasticity. Is manufacturing in Finland, by �Miilux Oy�. Bulletproof glass is multilayered glass. Separate layers of glass are connected by special PVB-film. Also there are anti-spall polycarbonate layer and heating layer. Is manufacturing by �Practika� themselves. Basis level of protection is STANAG 4569 level 2 - protection against 7,62 armor-piercing BZ bullet. Also more light (STANAG 4569 level 1) or more heavy (STANAG 4569 level 3-4, with using of ceramics plates) protection is possible.

Mine and IED protection is provided by:

• V-shaped hull, which cuts through the blast wave and absorbs some of energy
• Multi-layered floor (with lower power floor made of thick high-plasticity steel and upper floor, raised with a distance from the power floor), that protects from secondary splinters and absorbs blast energy.
• Tangible distance to the ground
• Fastening of seats to the ceiling, with no direct connection to the floor
• Side holders and 5-point seat belts that protects from �thrown-down effect� (when the vehicle after explosion drops back on ground).

There exist KOZAK 2 turrets of various External design but all of them have:

• 360?� rotation (with hand or electric-driven rotatory gearbox)
• Perimeter armor protection of gunner
• Windows with bulletproof glass for side and front observation
• Mirror for rear observation
• Machine gun bracket
• Spinal holder for gunner
• Handling belt seat for gunner
• AKM (bullet calibre 7,62 mm, cartridge 57-I-231) Special stand with height adjustment

Weapon station can be installed on Kozak as the alternative of gun turret. It is unmanned, remote-controlled and allows a gunner to remain in the relative protection of the vehicle. As turret, it also is equipped by 12,7 mm. heavy machine gun.

KOZAK 2 is equipped with a number of various special devices: Communication and navigation. military-standard radio-station with a large number of secure communication channels; satellite navigation device, working with GPS and GLONASS; intercom with individual communication set for every crew member.

Night vision front camera for night driving with an image displayed on the driver�s monitor. Day/night vision rear camera for observation the situation behind the car. Park camera activated automatically in the event of reverse gear. Remote controlled searchlight with 360� horizontal angle and 90� vertical angle.

Engine compartment fire suppression system is activated automatically by detection of temperature rise. Crew compartment fire suppression system with two levels of activation (manual and automatically by detection of temperature rise) and human-friendly extinguish substance. Several smoke grenade launchers are installed either on armored turret/weapon station, or on the roof of vehicle.

KOZAK 2 is designed taking into account, that crew can spent a long time inside vehicle. That�s why a special attention was paid to questions of ergonomics. The crew compartment is relatively spacious, with comfortable internal height, noise and thermal insulated. Interior finishing is made of hardwearing carpet coating, saturated by special burn-preventing liquid (seats coating also is saturated by the same substance). Floor has special ribbed covering, for to prevent slippage of the shoes in wet weather. Every of seating places has individual holders for weapon and pans for ammunition.

Crew compartment has internal lighting system with several levels of light and individual �goose-neck� lamps with directional light. To maintain a comfortable temperature conditions for crew autonomic heater and air condition unit are installed.