Colonel Vladyslav Voloshyn, head of unit at the Central Innovation Activities Directorate of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, said this in a comment to Ukrinform.
"An important feature of the MBU-1 is that it is a turret-type armored combat module that allows not only firing but also reloading the weapon from inside the vehicle," he said.
The video shows the final stages of testing.
Voloshyn said that the MBU-1 is a universal armored module that can be installed on both wheeled and tracked armored vehicles to enhance their firepower and engage enemy infantry, unarmored vehicles and lightly armored equipment. The module is armed with a 12.7mm Browning M2 machine gun.
"In other words, unlike many other similar modules, reloading the MBU-1 during an engagement with the enemy is safer for the crew because personnel do not have to leave the vehicle protected by armor," he explained.
Read also: Defense Forces test new robotic turrets with assault rifles on front lineAccording to Voloshyn, the combat module was specifically developed for the M113 armored personnel carrier but can be adapted for use on various types of equipment, including the Kozak-2M1 armored combat vehicle, Novator special armored vehicle, Roshel armored vehicles, HMMWVs, as well as medium and heavy ground robotic systems.
"The MBU-1 combat module has already successfully completed research trials and is now being prepared for comparative testing. It is also undergoing further codification stages for use by the Ukrainian Armed Forces," he said.
Photo: 270862, flickr