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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 Armor. Today these vehicles perform various tasks in units of the Defense Forces of Ukraine, and their design continues to adapt to the full-scale war.
The "Novator" was first introduced at the end of 2017 year. The vehicle became a logical successor to the Varta armored car — another company development — but was created as a more compact and dynamic platform for special forces units of the National Guard.
Over nine years, the "Novator" has gone through significant development. Today it is no longer a single model but a whole line of armored vehicles adapted for different tasks—primarily at the front line.
More on the development of the "Novator," its modifications, combat use, and the experience of the military who work with the vehicle follows in this article.
Design and capabilities of the "Novator"
Serial production of the "Novator" began in 2018 year. The first vehicles were used by the National Guard, and starting in 2019 year the armored car began to be supplied to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Today the number of vehicles in the Defense Forces is already measured in the thousands.
For the SBA "Novator" engineers at Ukrainian Armor used a Ford F-550 chassis with a wheel formula of 4×4 and a 6,7-liter turbo-diesel engine as the base, which allowed the vehicle to withstand all the challenges of off-road terrain.
The Ford F-550 is the base: the engine, gearbox, chassis used for producing the armored car. At the same time, for the armored vehicle itself we completely changed the suspension of the base chassis. So it’s not just a Ford F-550, but a different vehicle in which we use those components. And quite successfully,
said Ukrainian Armor CEO Vladyslav Belbas.
The SBA "Novator" is built on a Ford F-550 chassis / Photo Ukrainian Armor
The vehicle can reach speeds of up to 140 kilometers per hour. In the basic configuration the vehicle has a fire suppression system for the engine and crew compartments, air conditioning, cabin heater, filter-ventilation unit, navigation, and a run-flat system.
The latter allows continued movement even after a tire is damaged and pressure is lost — off-road the vehicle can travel up to 40 kilometers at speeds of up to 20 kilometers per hour.
We have installed a military run-flat system that does not disintegrate when punctured. If a fragment or bullet hits a regular system, the plastic insert breaks apart. In our system that does not happen,
Vladyslav Belbas shared.
Engineers paid special attention to crew protection. The "Novator" armor counters small arms and mine blasts. The crew compartment is protected from a bullet of 7,62 millimeters caliber, and inside there are seats with five-point safety harnesses. Additional protection is provided by the hull bottom, whose design helps deflect blast energy and reduce its impact on the crew.
We have many such protective elements. For example, if a rearview mirror in the "Novator" is shot through, it won’t fall apart — it will just have a hole in it. This is a military vehicle,
the CEO of Ukrainian Armor noted.
The SBA "Novator" has reinforced protection / Photo Ukrainian Armor
"Novator-2" as the next development stage
The first years of "Novator" operation gave engineers important experience for further improving the vehicle. During use of the first batch they discovered a problem with the front axle. So Ukrainian Armor redesigned and reinforced the axles.
This became one of the key stages in the vehicle’s development — the reinforced running gear allowed the company to create heavier versions of the "Novator." That experience became the basis for further platform development and the creation of a new version — the "Novator-2."
A prototype of the "Novator-2" was first presented in 2023 year, and in 2024 the Defense Forces received the first batch of vehicles.
In response to military requests the vehicle received an enlarged troop compartment capable of carrying up to 10 fighters. The "Novator" armor capsule was widened, fully enclosed in armor. Additional seats and an evacuation hatch that can also serve for firing were installed inside.
At the same time the vehicle’s gross weight increased from 8845 to 12 000 kilograms. Engineers installed more modern armor and also upgraded the suspension. Payload capacity also increased — from 1480 to 3000 kilograms.
"Novator-2" — an improved version of its predecessor / Photo Ukrainian Armor
In addition, the "Novator-2" was adapted for mounting remotely controlled weapon stations on the roof. This made it possible to use the armored car not only for transporting personnel but also as a base for specialized combat vehicles.
Specialized "Novator" modifications for different tasks
The platform’s versatility allowed developing vehicles based on the "Novator" for various tasks. Depending on needs, the vehicle received additional equipment and changed configuration. Today several modifications have been created on the platform.
At the end of 2024 year Ukrainian Armor presented on the platform base the medical-evacuation version "Novator 2S." The vehicle’s interior was reconfigured for working with the wounded: space was provided for a medic, stretchers, and additional foldable seats.
Medical-evacuation "Novator 2S" / Photo Ukrainian Armor
Depending on configuration, the vehicle can simultaneously carry up to four lying or six seated patients. If needed the vehicle can be equipped with a defibrillator, ventilator, oxygen system, and patient-monitoring screens.
"Novator 2S" interior / Photo Ukrainian Armor
The second modification became the "Novator OPM" — an operational-pyrotechnic vehicle designed to escort demining operations and transport specialists and special equipment in areas with a high level of mine threat.
Operational-pyrotechnic vehicle "Novator OPM" / Photo Ukrainian Armor
The cargo compartment of the "Novator OPM" is equipped with three compartments for transporting and quickly accessing explosive ordnance disposal equipment. The central compartment is intended for large-sized equipment, while the two side compartments are for tools, protective gear, and power systems.
The third modification is the "Novator-2. Kretchet" — a command-and-staff version designed to control air defense units. The vehicle was equipped with an integrated system that links radars, mobile fire teams, and target detection means, providing their coordination and automated target allocation.
The idea to create the vehicle, as usual, arose from communication with the military. In the current conditions of constant threat of mass missile and drone attacks the task of the "Novator-2. Kretchet"
is to increase the effectiveness of air defense units and their safety, Vladyslav Belbas said.
"Novator-2. Kretchet" / Photo Ukrainian Armor
Inside the vehicle there are workstations for three operators and equipment for monitoring. The system can simultaneously track up to 250 targets in an area of up to 300 by 300 kilometers.
In addition, in 2026 year Ukrainian Armor presented a separate command-and-staff modification — the "Novator KShM", created for continuous command of units both in transit and in position.
"Novator KShM" / Photo Ukrainian Armor
The cabin was converted into a full command post: it was equipped with 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 Ukrainian Armor
At the same time, thanks to multifunctional displays and control units, the military received the ability to monitor the situation in real time.
Experience of operating the "Novator" in combat conditions
Real operation of the "Novator" in the Defense Forces became one of the main sources of feedback for Ukrainian Armor. Today the vehicles are used, among other tasks, for logistics, rotations, and transporting personnel in difficult conditions.
As long as the "Novator" is moving — the mission will be accomplished. It doesn’t ask permission from bushes and trees. It breaks through, drives over, gets the job done. There were times we went through very dense forest and it pushed down bushes and small trees under it. We could not deviate from the route, so we just drove forward,
says fighter 428 of OPBpS with the call sign "Boroda."
Despite a significant level of protection, the "Novator" remains surprisingly maneuverable. The vehicle can reach speeds of up to 140 kilometers per hour on highways, which in combat conditions can be an advantage when attacked by FPV drones. As servicemen note, the "Novator"’s speed has repeatedly helped avoid strikes, and when that was not possible — the vehicle’s protection gave the crew a chance to survive an impact.
This vehicle performed well in the Kursk region. Three times I escaped an FPV shock. One time I didn’t. It was evening, night. We were going to positions, saw that something was wrong, but people still needed to be rotated. We drove there, and when we were returning — it was a very dark night, and slippery. I saw a drone just in front of the hood. The vehicle withstood it, but the impact on the hood stopped it because the explosion damaged the engine. The entire crew survived,
recalls "Zyaka," a senior technician in one of the units of 80 ODSHr.
The "Novator" performs well in real conditions / Photo Ukrainian Armor
Another indicator of the vehicle’s survivability was the case of a "Novator" detonating an anti-tank mine in one of the hot directions. The crew did not suffer serious injuries, and the main armor capsule remained intact.
The weather was cloudy and I didn’t notice anything on the road. It was a mine. I couldn’t see which kind. I tried to go around it, but still hit it. The vehicle started to pull a bit to the right, but we still managed to drive another 30 kilometers through the "zone" and reach the disembarkation point. The entire crew is whole and unharmed,
said armored vehicle driver Serhiy, call sign "Taksyst," fighter 428 OB BpS "Tin."
At the same time the vehicle competes with foreign analogues. Fighters of 117 OVMBr compare the "Novator" with the Canadian Roshel Senator armored vehicles they had a chance to test. According to defenders, the Ukrainian "Novator" wins in running characteristics and is better suited to difficult roads and off-road conditions.
Review of the "Novator-2" by Azov: watch the video
At the same time Ukrainian Armor pays special attention to service and warranty maintenance. In particular, the company created its own mobile service teams that operate near the front line. According to the press service, they now provide about 80% of "Novator" repairs.
Our strong point is that we work very persistently in the service field — service support, post-warranty support — and that is bearing fruit,
Vladyslav Belbas said.
Ultimately, years of operation in combat conditions have become the main evaluation for the "Novator." The vehicle continues to perform its tasks and improve along with the military’s needs.
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.
