ATV ZETOR GERLACH at IDEB 2021
The International defence exhibition IDEB will take place in August 2021 due to the significant deterioration of the epidemiological situation.
After three years, the next-generation armored tactical vehicle ATV ZETOR GERLACH 4×4 will be presented again at the International defence exhibition IDEB 2021 in Bratislava (August 2021).
„The international trade fair in our country we perceive as a special event to which we would like to invite all our partners as well as potential customers from various countries. Especially we would like to present the benefits of our solution for the Slovak Army,” said the manager of the ATV ZETOR GERLACH 4×4 project Pavel Bušta.
Since its world premiere at IDEB 2018, the vehicle has successfully passed a series of stress tests, resulting in the verification and certification of declared parameters. The vehicle is now ready for deployment in military conditions.
The ATV ZETOR GERLACH 4×4 project is aimed at all markets where 4×4 tactical armored vehicles are or will be renewed. However, it can bring special benefits directly to Slovakia, as an own solution can support the domestic economy to the greatest extent. In addition to the production itself, there are also developing and engineering activities, which the supplier usually keeps in the country of its origin.
In the case of ZETOR GERLACH, the research and development activities and know-how throughout the lifetime of the project would be concentrated in domestic capabilities. Such a solution would guarantee the growth of added value, the development of skills, knowledge and at the same time would contribute to the increase of the defense capabilities of the country.
Zetor Engineering Slovakia is ready to provide the entire product cycle during the whole lifetime of the project. All activities will be carried out in domestic Slovak capacities in cooperation with strategic partners.
In addition to Slovakia, the vehicle has already been presented at international fairs in Slovenia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Great Britain, and its parameters have been presented in other countries. Currently, it is participating in a competition for the renewal of 4×4 vehicles under the Pegaz program of the Polish Army. It is also ready to compete in the expected tender in Romania. A memorandum of understanding with the Arab Organization for Industrialization in Egypt was signed in September this year, confirming the interest in establishing the project in the country, but also sees its potential in wider cooperation in the Arab League and the African Union.
A solution for maximum security
The ATV ZETOR GERLACH 4×4 is a next-generation tactical armored vehicle. The extraordinary safety and protection of crew lives is the main domain of vehicle. In this area, Zetor Engineering cooperates with Rheinmetall Protection Systems GmbH. The vehicle has successfully passed certification tests against of anti-mine resistance, which confirmed the declared parameters at the stage of NATO STANAG 4569 AEP-55 Volume 2 Level 3a, 3b.
To achieve maximum protection for the crew, the developers chose a solution where the vehicle is divided into three main parts – the front (engine housing), the rear part with variable cargo space and the central part, which is a security armored cabin. The cabin is fitted independently of the chassis of the vehicle, so when damaged by the mine, the crew remains protected. Its unprecedented SAFETY space of 7.7 m3 offers room for up to 6 crew members with a height of up to 190 cm and 120 kg in weight, including gear. In the event of an emergency, it will provide space for two other crew members (without a seat). Crew safety is also assured by an additional modular armor plating along with a separate double flooring with and an anti-mine “V“ shield. At the same time, the cabin construction allows for its fast abandonment.
Other elements increasing the safety of the crew are special seats able to absorb the dynamic effects of explosions and the safety glasses.
ATV ZETOR GERLACH also excels in terrain capabilities, transport capacity, and variability.
The vehicle easily overcomes trenches with a width of 1 m and terrain stairs with a height of 0.5 m. It has a highly variable cargo space with a volume of 2.3 m3, which carries an additional 1.5 tons in of necessary equipment.
Vehicle versions can be quickly changed according to the requirements of the mission. The basic version is already fitted with an air-conditioning and a chemical, biological and nuclear protection ventilation.
The roof of the vehicle can be fitted with a mechanical or remote-controlled machine gun ATV ZETOR GERLACH is constructed exclusively from EU components, including successfully tested chassis. From the customer’s point of view, this means trouble-free logistics, spare parts availability and low service costs.
