Armored vehicles "Shchuka" and "Chekan": private development for a military company
Armored car "Shchuka" in the Central African Republic, late 2010s. Photo Telegram / "Military Informant"
The Russian defense industry offers a wide range of combat armored vehicles. These models regularly participate in exhibitions and are actively used in current military operations. However, not all developments of this kind receive much attention. For example, the armored vehicles "Shchuka" and "Chekan" have not become widely known, and are known mainly to those who are interested in this topic.
Privately
The appearance of the Shchuka and Chekan armored vehicles is directly related to the activities of the well-known private military company Wagner. From the very beginning of its existence, this organization received support from the armed forces in the form of various equipment and weapons. However, the PMC believed that the received materiel did not cover all needs.
The existing problems began to be solved by their own efforts. No later than the middle of the last decade, Wagner began assembling its own armored vehicles. In the company's own workshops, a project was developed under the working title "Pike". It involved rebuilding a serial truck into an armored car that would have sufficient capacity and a high level of protection. By 2017-2018, an unknown number of such vehicles were built and transferred to units.
The Shchuka project was subsequently improved. The main architectural and layout solutions remained the same, but some units were redesigned and others were replaced. This allowed for a significant improvement in technical and operational characteristics. The modernized armored car was named Chekan.
Armored vehicles "Chekan". Photo "AVD"
In the early twenties, the armored Chekan was also modified. Based on the armored infantry transport vehicle, a protected truck was created, known as the Chekan Cargo or Cargo. Its distinctive feature was a shortened armored hull and a single-row cabin, which made room for a large platform body.
According to available data, the first Shchukas and Chekans were manufactured by the Wagner PMC in their own workshops. The production process was subsequently rebuilt. Currently, the manufacturer of the Chekan armored vehicles is listed as the AVD company from St. Petersburg.
Combat application
The Shchuka armored vehicles were first spotted in Syria in 2016-2017, where Wagner PMC units provided assistance to the local army and took part in combat operations. Later, this equipment was used in Libya, Mali, the Central African Republic and other countries where the Russian PMC operated.
The Wagner Company played an important role in the initial stages of the Special Operation to Protect Donbass. At that time, its units actively used the available armored vehicles, including the recently introduced Chekan vehicles. These vehicles were used in the battles for Artemovsk and in other areas. In addition, Chekans were spotted in PMC columns during the events of June 24, 2023.
Soon the company was effectively disbanded, and its units were reassigned to other structures. The exact fate of the armored vehicles after this remains unknown. The units probably retained their equipment and may continue to use it. This version is supported by the presence of Chekans in the structures sent to Africa.
Armored vehicles in storage. Photo by "AVD"
The Shchuka and Chekan armored vehicles have a similar appearance and perform the same functions. This is a maneuverable and mobile transport for soldiers, capable of protecting them from bullets and shrapnel, as well as providing fire support. All this determined the methods and ways of combat use of such equipment.
The equipment was used to transport Wagner units and also directly participated in battles. In essence, these vehicles performed the functions of armored personnel carriers. At the same time, they often worked together with real factory-made armored personnel carriers, complementing each other.
Technical features
"Shchukas" and "Chekans" were built on the basis of serial trucks. The basis was the chassis of an existing vehicle, on which an original armored hull was installed. This approach simplified the development and production process, but at the same time achieved the required level of technical and combat characteristics.
The armored vehicles were built on the Ural-4320 chassis. This is a frame vehicle with a diesel engine with a capacity of at least 180-200 hp, a mechanical transmission and a three-axle all-wheel drive chassis. The base truck is capable of transporting loads weighing more than 6,8 tons or towing an 11,5-ton trailer.
Unique armored hulls were developed for the Shchuka and Chekan. They had a welded structure and consisted of rectilinear armor panels. The main part of the armor plates was installed at rational angles. The hull was built according to a two-volume scheme, with an engine hood and a single passenger cabin.
Cargo armored vehicles "Cargo". Photo "AVD"
The company "AVD" reports that the armor of the vehicles corresponds to the Br5 class. This means that the hull can withstand bullets of up to 7,62 mm caliber, both automatic and rifle. The shape of the hull allows us to assume some protection from explosive devices.
Inside the large armored hull, it was possible to place 18 seats. Access inside is provided by side and stern doors. In addition, there are hatches in the roof and an additional side hatch for evacuation. In the sides of the hull there are embrasures for personal weapons.
The armored vehicles of both models were equipped with a turret machine gun mount taken from domestically produced armored personnel carriers. This is a small turret in which KPVT and PKT machine guns are installed, as well as fire control optics.
The cargo modification of the Chekan has a shortened body with a single-row cabin. Behind the cabin is a body with high sides and an awning. Such an armored car is capable of carrying up to 6 tons of cargo both on and off-road.
The solution
At one time, the Shchuka and Chekan armored vehicles became an effective solution to an important problem. Thanks to these projects, the Wagner PMC received reliable protected transport for personnel, capable of providing fire support in combat conditions.
"Chekan" in Mali, presumably early 2024. Photo Telegram / Grey Zone
The armored vehicles of our own design had a number of important features and advantages. The main thing was their very existence and the possibility of quickly building a fleet of vehicles of the required size.
Some of the advantages were provided by the chassis of the serial truck "Ural-4320". This vehicle has long been used in various fields and is well mastered, which allows avoiding problems in operation. In addition, it has high technical characteristics and is capable of carrying a heavy armored hull.
In terms of protection, the Chekan and Shchuka are comparable to modern domestic armored personnel carriers. In addition, the turret mount with two machine guns was borrowed from the BTR, which made it possible to achieve a similar level of firepower. However, the features of the layout, armor design and fighting compartment may lead to some differences in characteristics.
The armored vehicles have a spacious hull with 18 seats for the crew and troops. In this respect, they are superior to existing domestic armored personnel carriers and other similar equipment.
An armored vehicle overcomes obstacles, Central African Republic, late 2023. Photo Telegram / Grey Zone
It is worth noting that the armored vehicles were created by mounting an armored hull on a ready-made chassis, which is why they were overweight. This could have a negative impact on driving performance and increased the load on the power plant, especially on difficult soils and landscapes.
Placing the hull on the chassis frame resulted in an increase in the height of the vehicle. The center of gravity was higher and worsened maneuverability. In addition, the greater height of the hull made the embarkation and disembarkation of the crew and troops less convenient.
Urgent measure
Considering the goals and objectives of the projects, the Shchuka and Chekan turned out to be timely and very successful developments. They helped the Wagner PMC to close its needs for armored vehicles and begin to carry out assigned tasks in different regions of the world.
Combat armored vehicles of two models and one modification have contributed to several military operations both abroad and in new regions. Apparently, they continue to be used today. Whether the direction of such armored vehicles will develop is still unknown. However, they have already taken their place in stories domestic armored vehicles.
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