Bosvark
Zumlac
Overview
Bosvark
Rear view of Bosvark with its 23mm ZU-23 anti-aircraft gun.
Source: www.militaryphotos.net -
© Copyright lies with original owner
Zumlac (project name)
Description
Introduction
The Bosvark is a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun of South African origin. It was developed in the 1980's as a cost effective and simple to operate system. It complements the indigenous Ystervark, which is a smaller truck armed with a single 20mm Oelikon.
Layout
The Bosvark combines the mine protected variant of the SAMIL 100 military truck with captured 23mm ZU-23 anti-aircraft guns. Instead of towing the guns they are carried on the flatbed. This protects the towed ZU-23 from landmines and improves cross country mobility.
Firepower
The ZU-23 is fitted with two 2A14 autocannon firing the 23x152mm round. Each 2A14 is fed by a 50 round belt. The cyclic rate of fire is 2.000 rpm, but short burst must be fired to allow the barrels to cool down. The maximum effective range against air targets is 2.5 km. Ground targets, including lightly armored vehicles, can be engaged up to 2 km.
Mobility
The SAMIL 100 chassis provides good mobility both on and off road. The V10 diesel engine produces up to 268 hp, which provides a maximum road speed of about 90 km/h. The range on road is about 800km.
Protection
The mine protected chassis variant of the SAMIL 100 provides protection against AP and AT mines. The cab is armored to resist small arms fire. The ZU-23 is operated in the open.
Users
The Bosvark was adopted by the SANDF in the 1980's and is still in use with the SADF.
Media
Bosvark
SANDF Bosvark on public display in 2017
Source: Bob Adams
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Bosvark
Two Bosvark self-propelled anti-aircraft guns at a firing range.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
ZU-23-2
The Bosvark is armed with captured Soviet produced 23mm ZU-23 towed anti-aircraft guns.