Protected ambulances "Lens" in the Special Operation
Armored car ZSA "Lens". Photo "Rosoboronexport"
In the current Special Operation, much attention is paid to the issues of sanitary and medical support for the troops. In particular, protected ambulances "Linza" are actively used in the combat zone. Such armored cars provide quick assistance to the wounded and their evacuation to the rear. In addition, they protect doctors and victims from possible risks associated with enemy exposure.
Protection and evacuation
The medical service has been participating in the Special Operation from the very beginning. Subdivisions from its composition accompany the troops and provide them with the necessary support. For this, all available equipment, equipment and equipment, including the latest models, are used. The latter include the protected ambulance vehicle (ZSA) of the tactical level "Lens".
The appearance of ZSA "Linza" in the zone of the Special Operation became known in the spring. In the future, machines of this type repeatedly appeared in photos and videos, and were also mentioned in various reports. At the same time, some of the published materials demonstrate the high potential of the design and its capabilities.
So, a few days ago, a photo of “Lens” that was attacked by the enemy appeared on social networks. Numerous traces of bullets and fragments are visible on the armor and other parts of the hull; bulletproof glass broken, but remained in place. Some structural elements are broken and lost. Wheels are broken and deflated. Some of the damage may indicate explosions.
"Lens" after a collision with the enemy; the crew was not injured. Photo Telegram / "Corner of Sith"
It is reported that this armored car withstood intense shelling with the use of various weapons. Despite numerous structural damage, the crew and passengers were not injured. On flat tires, the car took them to a safe place. Whether it will be possible to restore this "Lens" and return it to service is unknown. However, the armored car has already completed its main task - it saved people.
Similar facts from the front line show the high technical potential of the Lens ZSA. This armored car meets the intended tasks and can work in difficult conditions. In addition, such episodes perfectly characterize the enemy. Ukrainian formations do not comply with any laws and customs and attack everything in a row, including ambulances.
It is obvious that the operation of the ZSA "Linza" in the combat zone will continue until the end of the Special Operation. Such equipment and its crews will provide the necessary assistance to our servicemen. It is possible that armored cars will repeatedly have to not only transport people, but also protect them from shelling. This may lead to the write-off of equipment, but continued production will make up for such losses and allow military doctors to continue their tasks.
At the tactical level
The development of promising sanitary armored vehicles began in 2016 by order of the Ministry of Defense. The purpose of development work with the code "Lens" was to create two samples of similar equipment on a common base and with different capabilities. The project with the designation ZSA-T provided for the development of a medical transporter for the evacuation of the wounded and injured from the battlefield or from other areas. They also ordered a ZSA-P vehicle - a mobile medical center of the battalion to provide assistance in the near rear.
The interior of the armored car ZSA-T. Photo "Rosoboronexport"
In 2017-18 OCD "Lens" reached the construction and testing of experimental equipment. Soon, two versions of the ambulance were first shown to the public at the Army forum. Later, such equipment was presented at a foreign exhibition. It was reported that in the near future new armored cars would go into series and be placed at the disposal of the medical service.
Deliveries of serial ZSA "Lens" to the army began last year. The Ministry of Defense announced the conclusion of a contract for 56 vehicles. Of these, 50 were expected before the beginning of 2022. Equipment arrived in parts of all military districts and was mastered by personnel. In addition, in the spring and summer of last year, the combatant "Lenses" for the first time took part in field exercises of various sizes. Practice has confirmed all the advantages and necessity of such a technique.
Technical potential
ZSA "Linza" was developed with the participation of a number of enterprises that provided various components and devices. The main contractor receiving orders from the Ministry of Defense is the Remdiesel plant (Naberezhnye Chelny). It produces a basic armored car platform and equips it with targeted equipment.
Sanitary transport and a mobile first-aid post are made on the basis of the K-53949 Typhoon-K armored car. This is a two-axle all-wheel drive vehicle with a 350 hp engine. and hydropneumatic suspension. Such a chassis is characterized by high mobility and cross-country ability on the highway and on the ground. In addition, it has a soft stroke, which is important for ambulance transport.
First-aid post ZSA-P in deployed position. Behind the armored car is a tent for working with patients. Photo "Remdiesel"
When converted to "Lens", the original armored car retained the engine protection and the front part of the habitable armored hull. Behind them, a new van was installed to accommodate the orderlies, the wounded and the necessary equipment. Inhabited compartments have reinforced anti-bullet and anti-fragmentation armor. Measures have also been taken to protect against explosive devices with a charge of up to 8 kg of TNT.
The front part of the hull, which performs the functions of the cockpit, has retained the old side doors. Access to the van is provided by the aft door; there are also sunroofs. In the ZSA-T modification, the armored car has a crew of three. In the rear cockpit there are places for an orderly, six seated or four lying wounded. ZSA-P carries a crew of five and has space for three seated or two stretchers.
The ZSA-T ambulance carries a limited set of medicines and equipment necessary for first aid and evacuation of victims to higher medical posts. ZSA-P has more sophisticated equipment. Such an armored car transports a frame tent, medicines, instruments and a variety of medical equipment used at the level of a battalion point.
The obvious need
In general, the benefits of ZSA "Lens" are obvious. To evacuate the wounded and injured from the front line and provide them with first aid, special models of equipment are needed. They require high mobility and maneuverability in any terrain, sufficient capacity and the ability to transport medicines and equipment. In addition, armor and mine protection are an objective necessity.
ZSA at the exhibition. Photo "Remdiesel"
ZSA "Lens" is made on a serial unified chassis, mastered by the army. This gives it high technical characteristics, and also simplifies production and operation. The armored car has the necessary level of protection and carries all the necessary equipment. At the same time, there are two maximally unified modifications for solving different problems.
The high technical characteristics and wide working possibilities of the "Lens" were shown during tests and confirmed in various exercises. Now such armored vehicles are involved in a real military operation and again confirm the calculated characteristics.
To date, the Russian industry has mastered the serial production of "Lens". The army can annually receive dozens of such armored vehicles - in accordance with current needs and capabilities. Obviously, production will continue, and in the future, "Lenses" will take one of the main places in the park of the medical service of our army.
Theory and practice
ROC "Lens" was not the most notable project in the field of armored vehicles and remained in the shadow of other developments. However, with its help, the Russian army was able to obtain an important and necessary sample of special protected equipment. Thanks to him, the medical service will be able to solve its problems more efficiently and faster.
Armored cars "Lens" for a long time coped with the tests and showed their capabilities. Now they are being tested by practice and help military doctors. And this time, armored vehicles protect their crews from real threats and save the lives of real, not conditional, wounded.
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