Russian Army presents new Kondor 8×8 recovery vehicle for export markets
At the Army 2024 exhibition, Rosoboronexport introduced the OKR Kondor 8×8 recovery vehicle, which is built on the KAMAZ-53958 chassis. This vehicle is specifically designed for the evacuation of military equipment and related hardware with a gross weight of up to 45 tons, employing a maximum pulling force of up to 60 tons. The Kondor is intended for export, distinguishing it from other models like the KET-L1 recovery vehicle, which is based on the KAMAZ-6560 chassis and developed for use by the Russian army.
The Kondor is equipped to perform various logistical tasks, including lifting, installation, dismantling, and loading operations, and is capable of functioning in both daytime and nighttime conditions. It is also designed for evacuating heavy military vehicles, preparing evacuation routes, and transmitting data through communication channels, which supports its role in integrated operational frameworks.
Manufactured by OOO “Chaika-NN,” the Kondor measures 11.52 m in length, 2.55 m in width, and 3.84 m in height, with a curb weight of 34,500 kg and a total mass capacity of 45,000 kg. The vehicle is also designed to be air-transportable by the AN-124 cargo aircraft, facilitating its deployment across various operational environments.
The vehicle’s technical features include two winches: a primary winch with a pulling force of up to 24 tons and a secondary winch providing a force of up to 15 tons. An auxiliary winch, with a capacity of 6.1 tons, supports a range of recovery operations. The Kondor also has a hydraulic crane capable of lifting up to 16.3 tons when fully extended vertically, with a maximum outreach of 6.6 meters and a height of 10 meters, allowing it to perform a variety of lifting tasks. In addition, the Kondor is equipped to tow artillery, with a towing capacity of up to 8 tons. It also includes systems for securing and transporting gun barrels and associated equipment.
The KamAZ-53958, also referred to as the K-53958 or Tornado, is an 8×8 wheeled chassis developed by the Russian manufacturer KamAZ. It is designed as a versatile platform capable of supporting various military applications, including air defense systems like the Pantsir-SM. The vehicle is powered by a 550 hp KamAZ-910.10 engine and can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h. It features an armored cabin, adapted from the Typhoon-K vehicle, designed to protect its crew. The KamAZ-53958 can carry up to 25 tons of mounted equipment. The vehicle incorporates several imported components, including the Allison transmission and Steyr transfer case, which has raised concerns about dependency on foreign parts amidst efforts to enhance domestic production capabilities.