Japan boosts Ukraine's frontline with essential vehicles
Despite the distance, limited interests in Ukraine, and complicated export regulations, Japan has donated around a hundred vehicles of various types and a significant amount of humanitarian aid and protective equipment. Included in the convoy were Morooka PC-065B tracked vehicles. Let's take a closer look at what they are.
In Ukraine, one of Japan's Morooka PC-065B tracked vehicles has been observed. Although these are unarmoured vehicles, they play a crucial role because, due to their relatively small size and tracked capability, they can deliver up to three tonnes of cargo almost anywhere.
The roads in Ukraine's frontline sector are closely monitored by drones, and off-road areas in autumn and spring transform, one might say, into a giant swamp known as rasputitsa, capable of immobilising even tanks.
Meanwhile, logistics for the frontline soldiers must be delivered, and the consumption of ammunition by a single mortar howitzer can reach hundreds of shells daily. Delivering such a load is very challenging, and here, the lightweight Morooka PC-065B rover is invaluable. Similarly, the transport of materials for the construction of field fortifications is essential.
Morooka PC-065B - the Japanese rover that goes everywhere
The Morooka PC-065B multifunctional transport vehicles were introduced into service with the Japanese Self-Defence Forces in the 1990s and can carry loads of up to three tonnes. They are unarmoured, weigh 5 tonnes (approximately 11,000 pounds), and are equipped with a crane capable of lifting 3 tonnes (about 6,600 pounds), significantly aiding in constructing field fortifications.
The vehicle's rubber tracks provide excellent traction. It is powered by a four-cylinder Komatsu S6D95L-1 diesel engine with a displacement of 4.9 litres (approximately 299 cubic inches). The vehicle can climb slopes at an angle of 30 degrees and overcome obstacles up to 1 metre high.
The Morooka PC-065B joins hundreds of similar vehicles in Ukraine. Similar examples include the M113AS4 delivered from Australia, the Swedish BV-206 or BVS-10, and the Norwegian NM199.
