Seen: Bushmaster PMV in Ukraine with EOS R400-Mk2 and 7.62×51 GPMG
KYIV, ($1=29.55 Ukrainian Hryvnias) — One of Australia’s donated Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles [PMV] was spotted in eastern Ukraine [it is not specified exactly where]. It is noteworthy that the vehicle is equipped with the remote control system EOS R400-Mk2 and 7.62×51 General Purpose Machine Gun [GPMG].
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BulgarianMilitary.com recalls that in early April this year, the government in Camberra decided to support the armed forces of Ukraine by sending protected mobility vehicles Bushmaster. The photo of the seen armored vehicle with the weapon system we said is shared on social media Twitter.
If Bushmaster was spotted in eastern Ukraine, according to Ukrainian sources, this infantry vehicle likely took part in more than one or two battles. The Eastern Front has been the most active since the start of the war, which began on February 24th.
Not a game-changing weapon
Bushmaster PMV is not a game-changing weapon technology, but can significantly improve the performance of Ukrainians against the Russians. Experts recall that these ground armored vehicles are suitable for transporting soldiers from anti-personnel mines, IEDs, small arms such as machine guns and artillery blasts, and fragmentation.
In addition to being able to penetrate the enemy’s rear and deliver troops to fight, the Bushmaster PMV is also perfect for carrying out evacuation operations in heavily shelled areas. But experts warn that these vehicles will not protect the transported passengers, nor will the equipment be spared when hit by a tank shell or missile – all things that the Russians have in abundance.
EOS R400-Mk2 and 7.62×51 GPMG
EOS R400-Mk2 remote-controlled electro-optical system developed by the eponymous Australian company Electro Optic Systems Pty Ltd, based in Weston Creek ACT 2611, Australia.
The system includes day and thermal optical sights, as well as a laser rangefinder. The movements of the whole system are in elevation and azimuth. The system is automatically connected to the weapon, which is part of the entire configuration.
It is not clear from the shared photo on Twitter what exactly the weapon is, but it is logical to assume that it is 7.62mm GPMG, as in such a set Electro Optic Systems Pty Ltd offers EOS R400-Mk2 for the domestic and international market. [Except in this configuration, Australia offers the R400-Mk2 along with the OrbitalATK M230LF 30mm cannon].
7.62mm GPMG has 1,200 rds max ammunition load and its stability under fire is <1mrad. The configuration shown in the shared photo is single, but the Australian manufacturer also offers a double configuration: M230LF 30mm cannon together with 7.62mm GPMG.
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