WZM - WOLVERINE 8x8 Vehicles, Upgrade and Modernisation of Military Vehicles

Military Mechanical Works Joint-Stock Company (WZM) has over 50 years of experience in the repair, upgrade and modernisation of special military vehicles, such as T-55 and T-72 tanks and WZT-2 technical security vehicles. Since the 1990s we have been repairing and modernising BRDM-2 armoured reconnaissance vehicles. We also specialise in overhaul repairs of Wola and Henschel diesel engines from 100hp to 1,000hp.

The main product offered by WZM is the WOLVERINE 8x8 Armoured Wheeled Vehicle (AWV), designed by Finnish concern Patria. In 2003 the company signed a contract for delivery of 690 WOLVERINE vehicles to the Polish Army, and in April 2005 production of 8x8 AWVs has commenced at our company.

Within the above mentioned contract, by 2013 the Polish Army will have receive 313 combat vehicles equipped with HITFIST 30mm weapon system, produced by Italian concern Oto Melara, and 377 (including 32 6x6 vehicles) armoured vehicles in various different versions.

WOLVERINE 8X8 ARMOURED WHEELED VEHICLE

The WOLVERINE 8x8 armoured wheeled vehicle is characterised by its versatility, based on modularity that enables the vehicle to be easily adapted to perform different tasks. The AWV WOLVERINE can be adapted to various applications including:

• Infantry fighting vehicle
• Armoured personal carrier
• Command vehicle
• Reconnaissance version
• Technical security vehicle
• Ambulance
• Carrier of heavy weapon systems (90mm / 120 mm)

AWV WOLVERINE FEATURES

• Excellent on-road and off-road mobility and manoeuvrability
• Modern, hydro-pneumatic suspension enables quick and easy adaptation to different driving conditions
• Easy application of vehicle ballistic protection to user requirements
• Large cubature of crew compartment
• Large carrying capacity enables integration of large calibre weapon systems from 7.62mm up to 120mm (AMOS)
• Great driver and crew ergonomics

Optionally, the vehicle can be equipped with steering brakes through which an exceptionally small turning diameter can be achieved.

REPAIR AND MODERNISATION OF BRDM-2 ARMOURED RECONNAISSANCE VEHICLES

The modernisation of BRDM-2 armoured reconnaissance vehicles by WZM is an excellent example of adjusting former USSR equipment to NATO standards. More than 200 vehicles have been modernised and are being successfully exploited during peacekeeping and stabilisation missions.

The family of armoured reconnaissance vehicles includes the following modernised versions:

• BRDM-2M96i - as the basic version
• BRDM-2M96iK 'JACKAL' - designed for operations in hot and dry climate
• Zbik B - equipped with digital tele-informatics system
• Zbik A - equipped with opto-electronic head, 'silent' battlefield surveillance radar and digital tele-informatics system

The main constructional changes introduced during the modernisation of BRDM-2 vehicles cover: hull, turret, transmission system, cooling and heating systems, steering mechanisms such as hydraulic, brake and steering systems, also electrical installation and equipment type and layout.

As a result of modernisation works, the additional wheels for overcoming trenches were removed, enlarging the internal vehicle space. Installation of side hatches increased the vehicle’s functionality and safety of the crew.

These are four wheeled, two-axis vehicles, with all-wheels driven, adapted for overcoming water obstacles, with high dynamic multiplier and high driving range. They are driven by an IVECO aifo 8040SRC, four-cylinder, in-line, turbocharged diesel engine. The tyres are equipped with a central tyre-inflation system. A spare wheel is mounted in a basket in the rear part of the vehicle.

For swimming purposes the vehicles are equipped with automatically started propellers and breakwater. The BRDM vehicles are also equipped with a mechanical winch.

DIESEL ENGINE REPAIRS AND SERVICING

WZM offers repair services for diesel internal combustion engines of Wola and Henschel types with output of 100hp up to 1,000hp. The scope of offered services includes:

• Diagnosis on the engine test bench
• Periodical and regulating check-up of engines currently utilised or stored
• Emergency repairs
• Maintenance, preservation and overhauls
• Overhauls of engine sub-assemblies and equipment (pumps, filters, starters, generators, etc.)
• Production and delivery of spare parts
• Service contracts