The Russian army is testing two new types of combat vehicles on the Bumerang platform, the K-16 and the K-17, until the end of 2023. The Bumerang platform is a modular wheeled family of armoured vehicles that can serve several different roles, such as armoured personnel carrier (APC), infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), command post vehicle, anti-tank missile carrier, and more. The platform is amphibious, uses two waterjets, and has multi-layered armour and enhanced protection against mines.
The K-16 is the APC version of the Bumerang platform, which can transport up to 11 soldiers and provide them with fire support. The K-16 is fitted with a remote weapon station armed with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun. The K-17 is the IFV version of the Bumerang platform, which can carry up to nine soldiers and engage mobile and stationary ground targets, as well as low-flying aircraft and drones. The K-17 is fitted with a 30mm or 57mm autocannon and launchers of the Kornet-EM anti-tank guided missiles.
The state tests of the K-16 and K-17 combat vehicles are being carried out at an undisclosed military training ground, and include checking shooting, running and other data. According to an informed source, after the successful completion of the tests at the end of the year, a decision will be made to move on to mass production of these new combat vehicles on wheels. The Russian army expects to receive hundreds of these vehicles in the coming years, as part of its modernization program.
The Bumerang platform is one of the latest developments in Russian ground combat equipment, along with the Armata universal combat platform and the Kurganets-25 tracked infantry fighting vehicle. These platforms are designed to increase the mobility, firepower and survivability of Russian troops in various combat scenarios. The Bumerang platform is also expected to be exported to foreign customers who are looking for advanced wheeled armoured vehicles.
K-16 armoured personnel carrier
The K-16 APC is based on the Bumerang platform, a modular amphibious wheeled vehicle that can serve various roles in combat and support missions.
The K-16 APC is an 8×8 armoured personnel carrier that can transport up to 11 people, including three crew members and eight passengers. The vehicle has a length of 8.8 meters, a width of 3.2 meters, and a height of 3.2 meters. It weighs about 34 tons and has a maximum speed of 100 km/h on road and 10 km/h on water. The vehicle is powered by a 510 hp diesel engine and has a range of 800 km.
The K-16 APC is designed to provide protection, mobility, and firepower for infantry units in various terrains and scenarios. The vehicle has ceramic armour and technologies to prevent shell splinters, as well as an active protection system that can intercept incoming projectiles. The vehicle also has an NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection system, a fire suppression system, and a smoke grenade launcher.
The main armament of the K-16 APC is a 12.7 mm machine gun mounted on a remote weapon station that can be controlled from inside the vehicle. The machine gun has a rate of fire of 700 rounds per minute and an effective range of 2 km. The vehicle also has four launchers for smoke grenades or anti-tank missiles.
The K-16 APC has a rear ramp and roof hatches for troop entry and exit, as well as windows with bulletproof glass and firing ports. The vehicle has an advanced communication system, a navigation system, a thermal imaging system, and a digital dashboard.
The K-16 APC is one of the latest additions to the family of armoured personnel carriers in the world. It is comparable to other modern vehicles such as the Stryker (USA), the Boxer (Germany/Netherlands), the Patria AMV (Finland), and the VBCI (France).
The K-16 APC has some advantages over its counterparts, such as its amphibious capability, its active protection system, its modular design, and its potential for further upgrades and variations. For example, the K-16 APC can be converted into an infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) by replacing the machine gun turret with a 30 mm or 57 mm autocannon turret or a self-propelled anti-tank gun by installing a 125 mm gun.
However, the K-16 APC also has some drawbacks, such as its high cost, its large size, its limited internal space, and its delayed production. The vehicle is estimated to cost about $4 million per unit, which is more expensive than most other armoured personnel carriers. The vehicle also has a large silhouette that makes it more vulnerable to detection and targeting. The vehicle has less internal space than some other vehicles due to its engine location at the front instead of the rear. The vehicle also faced several technical issues and modifications that delayed its testing and delivery.
The K-16 APC is expected to enter service with the Russian Army in 2023, after completing its state tests this year. The Russian Ministry of Defense plans to acquire at least 2,000 vehicles to replace the ageing BTR series of armoured vehicles. The vehicle will also be offered for export to other countries that are interested in modernizing their armoured fleets.
The K-16 APC is part of Russia’s ambitious program to develop and produce new generations of weapons and equipment for its armed forces. The vehicle represents Russia’s attempt to catch up with or surpass other countries in terms of military technology and innovation.
K-17 infantry fighting vehicle
The K-17 infantry fighting vehicle is based on the Bumerang universal combat platform, which is designed to replace the outdated BTR series of wheeled armoured vehicles. The K-17 is intended to provide fire support and mobility for infantry units, as well as to engage enemy armoured vehicles, low-flying aircraft and drones.
The K-17 has an 8×8 configuration and is amphibious, meaning it can cross water obstacles without preparation. It has a crew of three (commander, gunner and driver) and can carry up to eight soldiers in the rear compartment. The vehicle has a modular design, which allows for different variants and configurations depending on the mission requirements.
The main armament of the K-17 is a remotely controlled weapon station mounted on the roof of the hull. The weapon station can be equipped with different weapons, such as a 30 mm automatic cannon, a 57 mm autocannon, or a 12.7 mm machine gun. The weapon station also has four launchers for Kornet-EM anti-tank missiles, which have a range of up to 10 km and can penetrate up to 1,300 mm of armour. The weapon station has a stabilized sight with day/night vision and a laser rangefinder.
The K-17 has a high level of protection against various threats. The hull and turret are made of steel armour with ceramic inserts, which can withstand 14.5 mm bullets and 30 mm shells. The vehicle also has an active protection system, which can detect and intercept incoming projectiles with countermeasures. The vehicle has a nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) protection system, as well as smoke grenade launchers and infrared jammers.
The K-17 has a powerful engine that provides a maximum speed of 100 km/h on road and 10 km/h on water. The vehicle has an independent suspension system that ensures good cross-country performance and manoeuvrability. The vehicle has a range of 800 km and can be airlifted by transport aircraft.
