Lazar 3 is the latest addition to the Lazar family of 8×8 multi-purpose armoured fighting vehicles designed and manufactured by Serbian state-owned defence company Yugoimport SDPR.
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Based on wheeled chassis, the vehicle is designed to perform a number of tactical missions in different armed conflict situations. Its primary role is to transport infantrymen to the battlefield, while providing direct fire support.
Unveiled in 2016, the new variant has improved protection features over the Lazar 2 armoured vehicle. It took part in the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, in February.
Orders and deliveries
Yugoimport SDPR delivered 20 Lazar 3 vehicles, configured for special forces missions, to the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia in June 2016.
An additional 12 vehicles are on order for use by the Serbian army and police forces.
Design and features
The Lazar 3 multi-role armoured fighting vehicle is manned by three crew members, including driver, commander and gunner. Its hull is fabricated using armoured steel.
The vehicle is 7.92m-long, 2.95m-wide and 2.32m-high. The vehicle has a ground clearance of 42cm and a wheel base of 2.532m.
The maximum weight of the vehicle is 28t, while the combat weight varies between 22t and 26t depending upon the mission requirements.
The driver and commander seats are located in the front left side of the hull, whereas the gunner sits behind the driver. A single door with a bulletproof glass window is fitted at the front left side of the hull to give the crew members safe access to the vehicle.
Additionally, the vehicle accommodates up to nine soldiers in the troop compartment, which has five bullet-resistant glass windows with firing ports below them on either side. A hydraulically operated ramp with two bulletproof glass windows is fitted at the rear to provide entry / exit for the vehicle occupants.
The vehicle’s interior incorporates an Intercom system, air conditioning system and an automatic fire-fighting system. The vehicle also features a winch with a pulling capacity of 10t.
Lazar 3 vehicle armament
The Lazar 3 vehicle has a remote control weapon station (RCWS), which can be armed with one 30mm M86 automatic cannon or one 7.62mm M86 co-axial machine gun or one anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) for protection against light armoured vehicles, military installations and low-flying air targets.
Six smoke grenade launchers are mounted on the roof of the vehicle at the rear to provide additional firepower to infantry.
Ballistic and blast protection
The Lazar 3 multi-purpose armoured vehicle incorporates improved ballistic and blast protection capabilities. The vehicle features up to STANAG 4569 level 3 protection against ballistic threats. It can withstand armour-piercing rounds on the front up to STANAG 4569 level 3+.
The vehicle offers protection against land mines and improvised explosive devices under any wheel or track up to STANAG 4569 level 3a/3b.
Additional protection equipment can be provided as per the user requirements to increase all-around ballistic protection to STANAG 4569 level 4 standard and ballistic protection on the front to STANAG 4569 level 5.
The crew compartment can be optionally provided with spall liner to prevent small-calibre projectiles and fragments.
Observation and fire control
A digital fire control system aboard the vehicle allows for target acquisition and fire control. The driver can view through three periscopes mounted in the roof hatches. The commander’s station also has three periscopes in the hatch for observation.
Engine and mobility
The Lazar 3 infantry fighting vehicle is driven by an 11l Cummins ISM 500 engine, which develops 373kW of output power and 2,100nm of torque at 1,200rpm-1,600rpm. Located in the forward portion of the vehicle, the engine offers a top speed of 110km/h.
Timoney transmission and independent suspension systems provide high mobility on rugged terrain conditions.
The vehicle is capable of climbing grades of 60% and side slopes of 30%. It can traverse through 55cm of vertical obstacles and negotiate 2m of trenches. It has a turning circle diameter of 11.5m and a fording depth of 1.6m. Its approach and departure angles are 45° and 38° respectively.
A central tyre inflation system (CTIS) can be provided optionally for improved ride quality on difficult terrains.
Contractors involved
Tyron won a contract from Yugoimport SDPR in June 2016 for the supply of multi-part rubber runflats for 12 Lazar armoured vehicles.
Irish company Timoney Technology was contracted by Yugoimport SDPR to deliver suspension, driveline components, transmission, steering, axles and transfer case.
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