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Automatically translated version. May contain inaccuracies compared to the original.
The specialized armored vehicle "Novator" is one of the most iconic models in the portfolio of Ukrainian Armored Tech. Today these machines perform various tasks in Ukrainian Defense Forces units, and their design continues to adapt to full-scale war.
Novator was first presented at the end of 2017 year. The vehicle became the logical continuation of the armored vehicle "Varti" — another development by the company, but it was created as a more compact and dynamic platform for special-purpose units of the National Guard.
Over nine years, "Novator" has come a long way. Today it is no longer a single model, but a whole line of armored vehicles adapted to different tasks — primarily on the front line.
Further in the material: the development of "Novator", its variants, battlefield use, and the experiences of the soldiers who work with this machine.
Construction and capabilities of the "Novator"
Serial production of the "Novator" began in 2018 year. The National Guard initially used the first vehicles, and from 2019 year the armored car began deliveries to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Today the number of vehicles in the Defense Forces is in the thousands.
For the basis of the SBA "Novator" engineers of Ukrainian Armored Tech took the Ford F-550 chassis with a wheel formula 4×4 and a 6,7-liter turbo-diesel engine, which allowed the vehicle to withstand all off-road challenges.
Ford F-550 is the base: engine, transmission, chassis, used for manufacturing the armored vehicle. At the same time, for the armored vehicle itself we completely changed the suspension of the base chassis. So it is not just a Ford F-550, but another vehicle in which we use these components. And quite successfully,
— said the CEO of Ukrainian Armor Tech Vladyslav Belybas.
SBA "Novator" created on the basis of the Ford F-550 chassis / Photo by Ukrainian Armored Tech
The vehicle can reach speeds of up to 140 kilometers per hour. In the base configuration the vehicle is equipped with a fire extinguishing system for the engine and crew compartments, air conditioning, cabin heater, filtration-ventilation system, navigation, and Run-flat system.
The latter allows continued movement even after tire damage and loss of pressure — off-road the vehicle can travel up to 40 kilometers at speeds up to 20 kilometers per hour.
We installed exactly a military Run-flat system, which does not crumble when shot. If a shrapnel or bullet hits a regular system, the plastic insert breaks down. In our system this does not happen,
— shared Vladyslav Belybas.
Special attention was paid by engineers to crew protection. The armor of the "Novator" counters assault rifles and mine blast. The crew compartment is protected from a 7,62-millimeter bullet, and inside are seats with five-point seat belts. Additional protection is provided by the bottom, the design of which helps to dissipate blast energy and reduce its effect on the crew.
There are many such protective elements. For example, if the rear-view mirror is shot through, it does not shatter — it only gets a hole. This is a military vehicle,
— noted the CEO of Ukrainian Armor Tech.
"Novator" has enhanced protection / Photo by Ukrainian Armor Tech
"Novator-2" as the next stage of development
The early years of operation of the Novator provided engineers with important experience for further improvement of the machine. During use of the first batch, a problem with the front axle was identified. Therefore Ukrainian Armor Tech redesigned the structure and strengthened the axles.
This became one of the key development milestones — a strengthened running gear allowed the company to create heavier versions of the Novator. This experience became the basis for further platform development and the creation of a new version — "Novator-2".
The test prototype of the "Novator-2" was first shown in 2023 year, and in the 2024-th the Defense Forces received the first batch of machines.
In response to military requests, the vehicle received an increased paratroop compartment capable of carrying up to 10 fighters. The armor capsule of "Novator" was expanded, fully enclosed by armor. Inside added additional seats and an evacuation hatch, which can also be used for firing.
At the same time, the full mass of the vehicle rose from 8845 to 12 000 kilograms. Engineers installed newer armor and upgraded the suspension. Payload capacity also increased — from 1480 to 3000 kilograms.
"Novator-2" — the improved version of the predecessor / Photo by Ukrainian Armor Tech
In addition, "Novator-2" was adapted to mount remotely controlled combat modules on the roof. This allowed using the armored vehicle not only for transporting personnel but also as a platform for specialized combat vehicles.
Specialized variants of the "Novator" for different tasks
The platform's versatility allowed the development of vehicles on the basis of the "Novator" for performing various tasks. Depending on the needs, the vehicle received additional equipment and configuration changes. Today several variants have been created on the platform.
At the end of 2024 year Ukrainian Armor Tech presented a medical-evacuation version on the platform — "Novator 2S". The cabin was redesigned for handling wounded: provisioned space for a medic, a stretcher, and additional seating.
Medical-evacuation "Novator 2S" / Photo by Ukrainian Armor Tech
Depending on configuration, the vehicle can carry up to four lying patients or six seated ones simultaneously. If needed the vehicle can be equipped with a defibrillator, ventilator, oxygen system and life-support monitors.
"Novator 2S" interior / Photo by Ukrainian Armor Tech
The second variant became the "Novator OPM" — explosive ordnance disposal vehicle designed to accompany mine-clearing operations and transport specialists and specialized equipment in areas with a high mine threat.
Operational-Engineering Mine-Disposal vehicle "Novator OPM" / Photo by Ukrainian Armor Tech
The cargo compartment of the "Novator OPM" is equipped with three bays for transport and rapid access to explosive ordnance disposal team equipment. The central bay is intended for large equipment, and the two side bays for tools, protective gear, and power systems.
The third variant — "Novator-2. Krachet" — command and control version designed to manage air defense units. The vehicle is equipped with an integrated system that links radars, mobile fire groups, and target detection assets, ensuring coordination and automated target allocation.
The idea of creating the vehicle traditionally arose from communication with the military. In the current conditions of constant threat from mass rocket and drone attacks the task of the "Novator-2. Krachet"
— said Vladyslav Belybas, increasing the efficiency of air defense units and their safety.
"Novator-2. Krachet" / Photo by Ukrainian Armor Tech
Inside the vehicle there are workstations for three operators and equipment for monitoring. The system can simultaneously track up to 250 targets in a square of up to 300 by 300 kilometers.
Additionally, in 2026 year Ukrainian Armor Tech presented a separate command-and-control variant — "Novator KSHM", created for continuous management of units both while moving and at positions.
"Novator KSHM" / Photo by Ukrainian Armor Tech
The cabin was transformed into a full-fledged command post: workstations for commanders and operators with mounts for monitors, laptops, tablets and maps, as well as analog and digital radios and satellite communications.
"Novator KSHM" interior / Photo by Ukrainian Armor Tech
At the same time, thanks to multifunctional displays and control blocks, the military gained the ability to monitor the situation in real time.
Experience of operating the "Novator" in combat conditions
Real-world operation of the "Novator" in the Defense Forces became one of the main sources of feedback for Ukrainian Armor Tech. Today the vehicles are used, among other things, for logistics, rotations, and transporting personnel in difficult conditions.
While the "Novator" is on the move, the mission is accomplished. It does not ask for permission from bushes and trees. It pushes through, rides through. There were cases when they drove through very dense forest, and it knocked down bushes and small trees. We could not deviate from the route, so we simply drove forward,
— recalls fighter 428 of the OPPs ZSU "Borusha" with call sign "Borada".
Despite a significant level of protection, the "Novator" remains an unusually maneuverable vehicle. The car can reach speeds of up to 140 kilometers per hour on highways, which in combat conditions can be an advantage when attacking FPV drones. As soldiers note, the speed of the "Novator" has repeatedly helped avoid hits, and when that was not possible — the vehicle's protection gave the crew a chance to survive a hit.
This vehicle performed well in the Kursk region. Three times I was wiped out by FPV shocks. And once it didn’t work. It was evening, night. They were heading to positions, saw that something was wrong, but people still needed to be rotated. We drove there, and on the way back — it was a very dark night, also slick. Just in front of the hood I saw a drone. The vehicle itself held up, but the impact on the hood stopped it, because the explosion damaged the engine. All crew survived,
— recalls the driver of the armored vehicle Sergei, call sign "Taxi", a soldier of 80 ODShBR.
"Novator" shows itself well in real conditions / Photo by Ukrainian Armor Tech
Another survivability indicator was the case of the "Novator" detonating on an anti-tank mine on one of the hot sectors. The crew did not suffer serious injuries, and the main armor capsule remained intact.
The weather was overcast and I did not notice that something was on the road. It was a mine. I didn't see which one. I tried to go around, but still brushed it. The vehicle began to go a little to the right, but we still managed to travel another 30 kilometers through the "zone" and reach the deployment point. The entire crew remained unharmed,
— recalls the driver of the armored vehicle Sergei, call sign "Taxist", soldier of 428 OBBpS "Tyn".
At the same time the vehicle withstands competition with foreign analogs. Fighters of 117 OVMBr compare the "Novator" with Canadian armored vehicles Roshel Senator, which they had a chance to test. At the same time, according to defenders, the Ukrainian "Novator" wins in performance and is better suited to rough roads and off-road.
Review of "Novator-2" from Azov: watch the video
Parallel to this, Ukrainian Armor Tech pays special attention to service and warranty maintenance. In particular, the company created its own field service crews that operate near the front line. According to the press service, they currently perform about 80% of repairs of the "Novator".
Our strength is that we work very hard in the service field — service support, post-warranty support — and this yields results,
— said Vladyslav Belybas.
Ultimately, it is the years of operation in combat conditions that have become the main evaluation of the "Novator". The vehicle continues to perform its tasks and improve together with the needs of the army.
Document: PDF proof of the original version of the news item "Дев’ять років розвитку: як СБА "Новатор" перетворився на універсальну платформу для війська". It records the publication content at the moment of the first scan, the preservation date and the source: Channel 24.
