The Armed Forces fighters of the strofeyl armored vehicle "lens" and made the headquarters on the wheels (photo)

The commander of communication of the 117th Branch of the 117th Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces Lieutenant Alexander Turkish told the armyinform how the car was converted, and what role it played today. The Russian sanitary armored car "Lens" became the trophy of the Ukrainian army in April 2022 during the battles in the Sumy region, in the area of ​​the village of Kiev. Under the fire of Ukrainian defenders, the crew of the car lost its control, and the car overturned.

The crew was captured and the armor was captured. Initially, the "lens" was used to evacuate the wounded, but it did not show itself on the best side. Because of this, the command decided to convert the car into a brigade command-staff car, which now performs the functions of "staff on wheels" to manage the troops at the "Battalion-Brigade battalion" level. The armored car is built on the basis of the platform of Russian Typhoon-K.

Its main characteristics: the car is also equipped with pumping of wheels, hydraulic brakes, a winch front and a tap behind for evacuation of the wounded or assistance to other machines. Meanwhile, modern communications and equipment were installed in the car. Five jobs for operational management were created inside, the places of commanders of brigades, and the car itself was equipped: according to Alexander, converted "lens" is actively used in Donetsk region.

Commanders use it to be as close as possible to their units and promptly coordinate their actions. However, because of the large dimensions and visibility of the car, it is rarely used closer than 20-30 kilometers from the front line. At the same time, the mobility of the armored car allows commanders to quickly change the location in dynamic battles. The 117th brigade is also available Canadian Roshel Senator armored vehicles, which in a number of characteristics exceed the "lens".

The advantages of Canadian technology lies primarily in mobility due to less weight - about 8 tons compared to 15. 5 tons in "lenses". The high maneuverability and resistance of Senator was achieved due to the low level of the center of gravity. In addition, the Canadian armor is built on the Ford F-550, which provides high reliability and ease of operation.

However, the Russian armored vehicle has strengths, namely, the highest mine protection is due to the V-shaped bottom form, as well as armor that can withstand the shots of large caliber machine guns. Thus, despite such disadvantages as weak stability and large size, the armor proved its value as a mobile headquarters. We will remind, on December 21 it became known that the Canadian company Roshel noted an important event - it delivered a thousandth armored car Senator to Ukraine.