Defence Blog’s journalists visited Ukrainian “Bogdan Motors” enterprise in Cherkasy that produces tactical armored vehicles, multi-purpose trucks, and light utility vehicles based on Chinese Great Wall Wingle 5 chassis.

At the “Bogdan Motors” facility in Cherkasy have modern equipment and workshops on drawing up trucks, production of superstructures, welding, diagnostics center, and logistics center. On the enterprise produced Vehicles, designed for military applications.

We were particularly interested in a new family of light utility vehicles based on the Great Wall Wingle 5 commercial pickup truck. A new family of light utility vehicles includes the Bogdan 2251 ambulance vehicle and Bogdan 2351 light vehicle. Ukrainian company has developed these vehicles to replace Soviet-made UAZ that have been in service with the Ukrainian Defence Forces for over 20-40 years.

The Bogdan 2251 is a tactical ambulance car (class A1) developed for the medical service of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The vehicle is equipped with medical equipment providing ultimate security and versatility to emergency medical teams in the most hostile environments. The bases vehicle’s chassis of the Chinese Great Wall Wingle 5, suspension and brake system is reinforced to enhance the capability to support the additional weight of a special medical cab.

According to the company, sanitary module vehicle is made of high-quality materials that meet current health requirements. The special module is made of aluminum, which provides protection against corrosion and the interior is made of non-combustible and wear-resistant materials. The sanitary part of the car is properly protected from moisture and dust, is equipped with a local heating system, ventilation system with air cleaning filters, zonal and general lighting. It provides the possibility to connect electrical equipment. The Bogdan’s medical salon is equipped with additional emergency exits and provides regular sites of the typical equipment.

A GW4D20 diesel engine developed by Bosh, Delfi and Great Wall motors delivers an output of 105 kW, providing a maximum road speed of 110 km/h and operating range of up to 700 km. The vehicle is operated by a three-person crew and can accommodate up to 8 passengers (patient).

The Bogdan 2351 is a low-profile but battle-survivable field vehicle. It offers tactical mobility and off-road performance. The vehicle can be used to carry out missions including utility, fire support, reconnaissance and border surveillance, as well as recovery, cargo transport, patrol.

The Bogdan 2351 has a climatic operational range from -25°C to +55°C.This pickup truck can be airlifted by the Il-76, An-70, and larger military cargo aircraft. The vehicle is powered by the GW4D20 diesel engine just as the Bogdan 2251.

It should be noted that now has disputes about the Chinese chassis for new vehicles developed by “Bogdan Motors”. Some experts have claimed that Great Wall Wingle 5 is not suitable for military light utility vehicles because of problems with fuel filters and weak vehicle suspension system.