Partner 2023 – Yugoimport exhibits its Milosh 2 while showing the first export Milosh
At Partner 2023 Yugoimport exhibited side by side its Milosh and Milosh 2, allowing a direct comparison of the two 4×4 armoured vehicles, while a third one in blue disruptive camouflage was shown, this being the first export vehicle for an African country
To cope with the requirements of its customers Yugoimport evolved its Milosh 4×4 armoured vehicle into the Milosh 2, which is able to carry two extra soldiers in the rear compartment thanks t the increase of the vehicle wheelbase and therefore of its length. The wheelbase steps up from 3.4 to 3.7 metres while the Milosh 2 is 6.5 metres long (including the front winch) its predecessor being 5.45 metres long, but without winch. Width was also slightly increased, 2.61 versus 2.51 metres, while height increase is marginal, 2.38 versus 2.3 metres.
Of course the vehicle mass increases, that of the Milosh 2 being 15.5 tonnes empty and 18 tonnes at full load, which allows for a 2.5 tonnes payload, the original Milosh respective mass being 12.8 and 14 tonnes, with a 1.2 tonnes payload, hence payload being more than double.
To cope with the increased mass the engine has now a 338 hp (252 kW) output compared to the 300 hp (221 kW) of the original Cummins ISB 300, however EDR On-Line understood the Milosh 2 can accept an engine up to 360 hp.
All this was made possible by changing the axles, those newly adopted being capable to withstand a heavier load. Since the mid-2010s Yugoimport started a cooperation with Texelis of France, which provided for the original Milosh its T700 axles that can cope with a 7 tonnes load, thus bringing to the maximum mass of the Milosh that is 14 tonnes. The Milosh 2 is fitted with Texelis T750 axles the front and rear ones being rated at a different capacity providing total of 18.5 tonnes, although Milosh 2 data sheet calls for an 18 tonnes maximum combat mass. Compared to the T700, the T750 rear axle is fitted trailing arms suspension versus the double wishbone with spring and damper of the T700. It also has fixing points being allowing a much simpler installation that moreover does not require any intrusion in the armoured hull allowing for a smooth internal layout. On the Milosh 2 Texelis is also providing the steering system. The T750 front axle, which suspensions are of the same type of the T700, can take an 8.5 tobbes load while the rear one can take 9.5 tonnes or even 10 tones, hence the 18/18.5 tonnes limit GVW.
At the Belgrade exhibition the Milosh 2 was exhibited with a 20 mm remotely controlled weapon station developed by the Belgrade Military Technical Institute.EDR On-Line understood that the Milosh 2 can be fitted with turrets armed with cannons up to 30 mm such as the 2A42.
The Milosh 2 has a maximum speed on road of 100 km/h and a range of 600 km; on rough terrain, with slopes around 6-8%, its fuel consumption rate is estimated at 30-35 litres every 100 km (the fuel tank has a 290 litres capacity), with an average speed of 30 km/h. The vehicle can ford water obstacles up to 0.8 meters depth, overcome 0.5 meters high vertical obstacles and 0.9 metres wide trenches, ground clearance being 0.41 metres.
The 10 crew members are hosted in the protected compartment; according to Yugoimport the Milosh 2 can withstand 12.7×108 mm rounds being protected at Level BR6 according to GOST RS07 44-95, or Level 3 according to NATO STANAG 4569 (7.63x54R and 7.62×51), mine protection being level 2a/2b according to NATO standards. Access to the vehicle is through four side doors, the all hinged at the front, and via the rear ramp.
The vehicle has completed company trials, and Yugoimport expects soon the green light from the Serbian Army, the service having expressed interest for this new vehicle, the company also looking with strong hopes to the export market.
Photos by P. Valpolini
