New Standard for NBC Reconnaissance
The 8th CBRN brigade is conducting technical trials on a unique new addition to the Belarusian military's arsenal – the "Chimera" nuclear, biological, chemical reconnaissance vehicle, developed by Agat – Electromechanical Plant JSC. The crew is testing the vehicle's capabilities and performance in field conditions.
The "Chimera" armoured NBC reconnaissance vehicle (crew of three) is built on the "Cayman" 60.42 (4×4) chassis to replace the BRDMs in the existing fleet.
The primary task of the "Chimera" is to conduct rapid reconnaissance of contaminated areas. Thanks to its unique software kit and state-of-the-art equipment, the vehicle enables automated data collection whilst reliably protecting the crew in contaminated environments. It has a range of 1,000 km, can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h, can cross water obstacles at a speed of at least 6 km/h, can detect and analyse radiation, toxic, and hazardous substances, can conduct automatic soil and water sampling, and can mark contaminated zones. The "Chimera" operates in a temperature range of –30 to +40 °C and is equipped with satellite navigation (GLONASS/GPS) and a weather station.
It is difficult to overstate the importance of such vehicles in today's world. The timely detection of radiological, chemical, or biological threats is a critical factor in a commander's decision to engage in combat operations. The "Chimera" enables the situation to be assessed as quickly as possible, thereby saving personnel's lives.
