Buggy "Chaborz" in Special Operations

Buggy "Chaborz" M-3 in the zone of the Special Operation, May 2023

The supply of Russian units and subunits involved in the Special Operation consists of various models of automotive equipment designed to solve a wide range of tasks. Some units that solve special tasks have light all-terrain vehicle buggies of the Chaborz family. This technique performed well in the combat zone and confirmed the calculated characteristics.

In the war zone

From the very first days, units and units of the National Guard stationed in the Chechen Republic have been actively participating in the Special Operation for the Protection of Donbass. They arrived in the combat zone with standard weapons and equipment of various types. In addition, after the start of the operation, the guardsmen received new samples, incl. newly developed.

It has long been known that the Chechen special forces, when solving special combat missions, use special vehicles - multi-purpose all-terrain vehicle-buggies of the Chaborz family, developed and produced in Chechnya. This technique has been developed and is going to be repeatedly mentioned in the news from the war zone, as well as regularly appear photos and videos with her.

Buggy "Chaborz" passed the test of practice and was highly appreciated. So, at the end of March, the commander of the Sever-Akhmat special-purpose regiment, Zaindi Zingiev, spoke about such equipment and its operation. In a report for the head of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov, he noted that all-terrain vehicles performed well and increased both mobility and the overall efficiency of units. R. Kadyrov, in turn, noted that this project has fully justified itself.

According to known data, Chechen-made buggies are used as light, high-speed and passable vehicles for special forces. With the help of such equipment, fighters can perform patrols, conduct reconnaissance, get to the area of ​​​​combat missions, etc. At the same time, "Chaborzy", due to the design features, are not intended for active work at the forefront.

M-3 car on the track

It is obvious that the Chaborz all-terrain vehicles, which have shown themselves well in the course of a real military operation, will remain in operation and will be used for their intended purpose. At the same time, buggies will continue to be used only in their characteristic niche. In other areas and when solving other tasks, special forces from Chechnya and other regions will continue to use heavier and more protected equipment.

Own development

The family of all-terrain vehicles "Chaborz" ("Bear-Wolf") was developed in the middle of the tenth years by the Russian University of Special Forces (Gudermes). The objective of the project was to create a new light vehicle with high driving characteristics for the transport of personnel and small cargo. At the same time, it was required to ensure ease of production and operation, high maintainability, etc.

The development of a new car did not take long, and already in 2016-17. the car of the first version was brought to the test. The equipment was tested on various tracks, off-road, incl. in the mountains, etc. In addition, the vehicles were used by special forces during various exercises. Later, a second version of "Chaborz" appeared. Both versions of the buggy confirmed the calculated characteristics and were highly appreciated.

In 2017, the Chechenavto plant (Argun) started mass production of new buggies. The equipment is produced in small batches in the presence of orders from special forces. The main part of the assembled vehicles remains in the Chechen Republic, but it was also reported that equipment was sent to structures from other regions.

According to known data, "Chaborzy" are used not only in the framework of the exercises. This technique is used for patrolling and in solving real problems in the North Caucasus. In addition, in 2018 it was reported that buggies had previously undergone trial operation in Syria, where the landscape contributes to their effective use. Since last year, Chechen all-terrain vehicles have been actively used in the zone of the Special Operation.

It is curious that RUS and Chechenavto are also trying to enter the civilian market. Chaborz series buggies are offered to civilian customers. At the same time, the non-military version of the machine practically does not differ from the base one - in fact, we are talking only about the absence of mounts for weapons or special equipment.

From ready-made components

One of the main objectives of the Chaborz project was to simplify production and operation. It was solved due to the wide use of ready-made components. Thus, key components and assemblies were borrowed from AvtoVAZ vehicles, and the share of domestic parts was increased to 95%. All this makes it possible to obtain the required characteristics, and also greatly simplifies the processes of supply, maintenance and repair.

Based on common ideas and components, two buggies were developed at once. Model M-3 is smaller and lighter, and can carry no more than three people or the corresponding load. In the M-6 project, the car was lengthened, which made it possible to add a second row of seats and two places for fighters. At the same time, both samples are maximally unified and have close characteristics.

Chaborz, like other buggies, are built on the basis of a frame made of pipes. All the necessary units are attached inside and outside it. The machines are made open, but there are separate “body” parts that protect the crew and units from external influences. The layout is traditional for this class of equipment. In the nose there are only parts of the front axle, the central part is given over to an open salon, and in the back there is a power plant and transmission.

The buggies are equipped with a VAZ-21126 gasoline engine with a power of 98 hp. There is a 5-speed manual gearbox. In the M-6 project, it was proposed to use motors of other types of higher power. In addition, the possibility of using a hybrid drive was studied.

Shooter in the stern

In the M-3 project, only the rear axle has a drive. The larger M-6 machine received four-wheel drive. The chassis has an independent suspension with gas shock absorbers. Transverse levers are used on the front axle, longitudinal ones on the rear axle. Front suspension travel reaches 450 mm, rear - 280 mm. The steering gear on the front axle includes an electric booster.

The all-terrain vehicle "Chaborz" is capable of carrying weapons. On the passenger seats, brackets are provided for installing personal small arms, simplifying their use. On the M-3, the rear passenger seat is equipped with a turret for a machine gun or an automatic grenade launcher. M-6 received a turret of a traditional design above the cabin.

Buggy M-3 has a length of only 3,1 m and a dry weight of 820 kg. Load capacity reaches 350-400 kg. Modification M-6 is longer, more than 4 m, and heavier. Its payload was promised to be increased to 800 kg, depending on the power plant and engine used.

Due to the low weight and high power-to-weight ratio, cars of both modifications are capable of speeds of at least 130 km/h. High cross-country ability on different landscapes is also provided, incl. on surfaces with low bearing capacity. Water barriers are overcome along fords of shallow depth.

Special tool

Like other buggies, Chechen Chaborz cars have a characteristic set of features, advantages and disadvantages. Properly using the strengths of such equipment and taking into account the limitations, you can get high operational efficiency and solve the tasks.

Enlarged car M-6

A characteristic feature of the all-terrain vehicle-buggy is its high cross-country ability and mobility in different conditions. "Chaborzy" meet these requirements and are a convenient and fast transport for fighters. As tests and full-fledged operation have shown, with the help of such equipment, special forces can reach those places where heavier equipment cannot go.

High mobility, among other things, is achieved due to the maximum lightness of the structure and the absence of any protection. Therefore, use on the front line and in other high-risk areas is excluded due to unjustified risk.

Thus, the operation of all-terrain vehicles faces some limitations, but they do not interfere with a wide range of tasks. Accordingly, the correct choice of targets and the organization of the operation make it possible to fully use all the advantages of technology and reduce risks for personnel. The experience of numerous exercises and the current Special Operation shows the potential and benefits of this approach.

In general, all-terrain vehicle-buggies of the Chaborz family, like other equipment of this class, should be considered a specialized tool for a certain range of tasks. Going beyond this circle does not make sense and is even associated with risks. However, for such missions, there is a completely different technique, the presence of which does not eliminate the need for light mobile transport.

Comments

[Lynx2000]

This type of technology, although not in mass quantities, is of course needed to perform certain tasks.
The Americans and Israelis produce for the army, they are in demand. The steppe regions in the NWO are suitable for running.
Sometimes rear-wheel drive with a cross-axle differential lock is enough.

Due to the low weight and high power-to-weight ratio, cars of both modifications are capable of speeds of at least 130 km/h.

Regarding the M-6, I would argue that the initially declared curb weight was 2 kg., This is the weight of an ordinary medium SUV, which specific imported ICE is 200 hp. and automatic transmissions were installed on a demonstrator, the manufacturers did not report.
I remember a discussion on the Drome back in 2017 and 2018...
To whom (departments, services, divisions), except for "Akhmat" and where, as stated in Thailand and Serbia, the number and reviews are not yet known.

[Sulla__Glorious]

Again, fairy tales about carts on Toyotas ...
What's cheap? Mortar on MT-LB, yes, what is high-precision - still not, what is necessary, still not ... There is Nona at 120 mm, it is more high-precision and more protected and versatile. The whole question is the number of them in the NWO. As previously mentioned, a mortar on a pickup truck (MT-LB, etc.) is cheap for the poor, but incomparably worse than specialized self-propelled universal guns. The SVO showed that the most effective are the Sunbakers with thermobaric ammunition, so they need to be used and made many times more. To become really MASSIVE art. means of defeating the enemy. Solntsepek - an order of magnitude more effective than mortars and switch to better weapons, and not back into the partisan area with wandering mortars.

They also look promising - large-caliber mortars for destroying basements and other fortifications in urban areas. A mobile self-propelled mortar of 203 mm or more in caliber, with a short barrel (there is a long-barreled Tulip) will be appropriate, as in the battles in Artyomovsk, and there will obviously be many such battles in the future. For example, at the end of the Second World War, the Germans made a mortar based on a heavy self-propelled gun for urban combat in 380 mm caliber. True, to mass-produce and apply - there was no time. Previously, the Germans used heavy siege mortars and 600 mm (Karl).

Conclusions: There is nothing to make and use temporary and cheap weapons, you need to make and use EFFICIENT and PROMISING weapons. For example, a mortar - has all the conditions to return to the arsenals, as a weapon of urban combat.

[kimdmitri]

A shot from Solntsepek is much more expensive than mines. I generally keep quiet about the cost of the installation itself, crew training. Therefore, there can be no talk of any mass use of Soltsepeks, and even more so of replacing mortars with them.

[Sulla__Glorious]

A shot from Solntsepeka is much more expensive than mines.

Replica. You tell this to an IED, when the Sunspots appear there, they immediately send ALL available UAVs to destroy them. Why such zeal? Sunflakers are the most feared weapon in a Ukronazi's dream. There is a spread during a salvo, but the defeats are AREA and effective - even in SHELTER. You really ask. According to nomadic mortars, nomadic Nona is better. After all, the accuracy of mortars is determined only by the aiming of the UAV, and the mine does not penetrate even a weak overlap. Mortar, light field tool against OPEN targets. But today - there are fewer of them and with equipped positions on the defensive - it is completely ineffective.

[Vladimir_2U]

Racing in the desert is not expected, but for the quick delivery of anti-tank systems, launch and even faster drape, it is quite suitable. Although the mud still needs four-wheel drive.

[Lynx2000]

Quote: Vladimir_2U

Although the mud still needs four-wheel drive.

Vladimir, I remember earlier in my youth, in Siberia, dad and grandfather went to the taiga for a bump, or to an apiary along dirt roads or loam with ruts, they drove Moskvich and Zhiguli on ordinary rubber with chains or Snezhinka.
In Vladivostok or Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, on hills, ice and snow, back in the early 90s, they normally moved on a rear-wheel drive, where they jumped back and forth uphill, and now even on minicars from MMS, Daihatsu or Honda, it is necessary to . 4WD and turbine.
And on "four everywhere" you can stick with your belly, if it's not the reel, but the gouging is sitting in the cockpit.

[Vladimir_2U]

Quote: Lynx2000

they drove to the apiary along dirt roads or loam with ruts in Moskvich and Zhiguli on ordinary rubber with chains or "Snezhinka".

Yes, you can climb everywhere and on anything, the question here is speed and stubbornness, in a good way,))) climbing through.

Quote: Lynx2000

And on "four everywhere" you can stick with your belly, if it's not the reel, but the gouging is sitting in the cockpit.

And here the question is also in stubbornness, but in a bad sense.

[Mordvin 3]

This thing reminds me of masterpieces from Mad Max.

[Maks1995]

Chechen buggies are a famous thing, as it were.
At exhibitions and in PR, there are, as it were, single samples.
And in nature, as it were, few people saw them. And I didn’t find any photos except for single exhibition and test samples, I recently searched,

Here and in the article, mainly a photo of the exhibition PR. Clean, obviously not from the SVO, but from demonstration performances. The performance characteristics of PR are simply listed ... years ago, but not even approximately - but how many pieces were produced? how many pieces were there? here? in Syria? in its? generally in Kadyrov's garage?

[Vovanya]

It is convenient to "drape" from the battlefield in it, but to fight ....

[Demon]

1. Rear-wheel drive is only suitable for patrolling or delivery in relatively quiet places on dry, non-flowing soils or on paved roads. In any other conditions, this is suffering and guaranteed fire damage. Any passenger car without doors and windows with an installed frame of similar interior dimensions can handle this, but it will cost less.
2. Four-wheel drive is clearly better, but if there is only a VAZ engine without major modifications, then this is a dull cart for movement.

The minimum requirements for such equipment should be permanent four-wheel drive with the possibility of all locks on a long-travel suspension and 150 hp per ton. Only then can we talk about at least some application in the conflict zone.

[Lynx2000]

Quote: Demon

The minimum requirements for such equipment should be permanent four-wheel drive with the possibility of all locks on a long-travel suspension and 150 hp per ton. Only then can we talk about at least some application in the conflict zone.

Do you mean that permanent four-wheel drive is appropriate for such "balalaika" buggies? For what? Expensive and heavier, add. transmission units, more spare parts.
Well, okay, on HMMWV or Toyota BXD10 (Kukidosya), GAZ-2330 Tiger, it is justified to use such a scheme.
For light ones like the M-3, a monodrive with a cross-axle differential lock is enough (forced or self-blocking). I don’t argue about the suspension for the buggy.
Heavier, such as UAZ, Mitsubishi Type 73, easier part-time all-wheel drive (Easy select).

[Vovanya]

The minimum requirements for such equipment should be permanent four-wheel drive with the possibility of all locks on a long-travel suspension and 150 hp per ton. Only then can we talk about at least some application in the conflict zone.

yeah, you also have to swim and have a cannon with armor. A fluff for sure.

[cat Rusich]

"Application on the front line and other areas of increased danger is excluded due to unjustified risk" ...
This says EVERYTHING - what kind of "reconnaissance" and participation in the "combat operations" zone - that's all high risk areas

[Eug]

The tubular design certainly implies the possibility of attaching protective plates. If the gearbox pulls the weight increased due to the hinged armor protection, it’s generally great. But, as for me, a high-torque and preferably quiet diesel engine is needed here ...

[_KM_]

Given the shortage of many types of equipment, the buggy will come in handy, but it will not become a full-fledged replacement for an army truck / armored personnel carrier / armored personnel carrier, etc.

[White AK]

I have seen and driven quads and pickups, they are a useful thing for many tasks. I didn’t see this thing, as well as the Chichis themselves, only in the rear when taking our own, and I myself was lying in the 106th medical brigade on my way to Rostov. The run has a very narrow and specific specialization, while the army is all about unification and mass participation.