Bogdan Bars-8

The Bogdan Bars-8 is a 4x4 Ukrainian armored personnel carrier designed by the Bogdan Corporation. The Bars-8 is built on the chassis of the Dodge Ram pickup truck,^[1][2] and is a further development of the earlier Bars-6.^[1]

Bars-8
A Bars-8 at a military exhibition.
Type	Armored personnel carrier with MRAP capabilities
Place of origin	Ukraine
Service history
In service	June 2019-present
Wars	Russo-Ukrainian War
Production history
Designer	Bogdan Corporation
Designed	Before 2015
Manufacturer	Bogdan Motors
Produced	2016–unknown
Specifications
Mass	8.8 t
Length	6.5 m (21.3 ft)
Width	3 m (9.7 ft)
Height	2.5 m (8.2 ft) (without turret)
Crew	2-3
Passengers	8
Armor	STANAG 4569 Level 2 steel
Engine	Cummins Turbo Diesel V8 385 hp
Transmission	Aisin 6-speed automatic
Suspension	4x4
Ground clearance	0.285 m (0.94 ft)
Operational range	800 km
Maximum speed	110 km/h

History

The Bars-8 was first unveiled on April 4, 2015.^[1][3] In April of 2016, the Ukrainian military put the Bars-8 through multiple testing programs, ultimately finding it suitable for their needs.^[1] It entered into Ukrainian military service in June 2019.^[3]

Design

The Bars-8 utilizes the 4x4 chassis of the American Dodge Ram pickup truck.^[3] The vehicle's cabin is protected by bulletproof glass and STANAG 4569 Level 2 armor.^[2] Two occupants, a driver and a commander, sit in the front of the vehicle. A third crew member is located in the roof-mounted turret. The rear of the vehicle can hold up to eight passengers.^[1][3]

Service history

The Bars-8 entered into service with the Ukrainian military in 2019, and was immediately deployed with units in Eastern Ukraine for the War in Donbas.^[4] The type has continued to serve with the AFU throughout the current Russian Invasion of Ukraine. At least one Bars-8 and two Bars-8MMK have been destroyed by Russian forces.^[5][6]

Currently, Ukraine is the only operator of the Bars-8.

Variants

• Bars-8: armored personnel carrier.
• Bars-8AR: artillery reconnaissance vehicle^[7]
• Bars-8MMK: mortar carrier.^[8]
• Bars-8 Taipan: version fitted with "Taipan" 23mm combat module.^[9]
• Bars-8 Enclave: version fitted with electronic warfare systems.^[1]
• Bars-8AMB: armored ambulance.^[1]

Gallery

• 
  Front view.
• 
  Side view.
• 
  Rear view.
• 
  Driver's seat.
• 
  Rear troop seating.
• 
  Bars-8 Taipan.
• 
  Bars-8MMK front.
• 
  Bars-8MMK rear.

See also

• Bogdan Bars-6