The KamAZ-53949 is a Russian мιиє protected with 4×4 configuration. Sometimes it is referred as Taifun K-53949 and nicknamed the Taifunenok (little typhoon). It is a member of Taifun-K family of wheeled armored vehicles. This family also includes another 6×6 multi-role armored vehicle, developed by KamAZ. Particularly this vehicle was developed by KamAZ as a private venture to meet a possible requirement of the Russian Army. Development commenced in around 2010. It was planned that the family will share a number of automotive components. However in reality there is little commonality between the 4×4 and 6×6 members of the Taifun family. The KamAZ-53949 was first publicly revealed in 2013. It was tested by the Russian military. Though in 2014 there were reports that this armored vehicle will not be procured by the Russian armed forces due to sanctions imposed on Russia. The KamAZ-53949 used a large number of Western components. These components were either directly supplied form the West, or produced locally under license. However in 2016 it was announced that since 2017 this mine protected vehicle will be marketed internationally. So far only a couple of pre-production vehicles were made. However modified versions of the KamAZ-53949 made it to production. Interestingly one Russian KamAZ-53949 was destroyed in Ukraine during a 2022 Russian invasion.
This vehicle was designed to operate in the areas where мιиє threat is high. The baseline version has a crew of 2 and can carry 8 fully-equipped soldiers. This vehicle has 4 doors, plus one more door at the rear. Also there are hatches for observation, firing and emergency exit. This armored vehicle has a payload capacity of 2 t. It can also tow trailers or artillery pieces with a maximum weight of 5 t. This vehicle can fulfill multiple roles. Besides its troop carrying role it can be also used as a command post vehicle. Some variants of this armored vehicle were developed.
Armored hull of this vehicle was developed by Plasan Sasa of Israel. Ballistic protection is modular and can be tailored to suit mission requirement. Add-on ceramic armor can be bolted for a higher level of protection. With maximum armor vehicle provides all-round protection against NATO 7.62×51 mm armor-piercing rounds and artillery shell fragments. It has a V-shaped hull for protection against мιиє blasts. Vehicle survives explosions equivalent to 6 kg of TNT under any wheel or anywhere under the hull.
The KamAZ-53949 can be fitted with various remotely-controlled ωєαρσи stations. It can be armed with various ωєαρσиs, including a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun.
Vehicle is powered by a Cummins 6ISBe 350 P-6 diesel engine, developing 350 hp. Engine is mated to an Allison 6-speed automatic transmission. Eventually Russians acquired production license for this engine and produce it locally as the KamAZ-610.10.350. Engine compartment of this vehicle is only lightly armored. Vehicle has an Irish Timoney hydropneumatic suspension with adjustable ground clearance. This мιиє protected vehicle is also fitted with a central tyre inflation system and run-flat tyres. Once the tyres are penetrated the vehicle can still travel a distance of 50 km with a maximum speed of 50 km/h.
The KamAZ-53949 can be airlifted by Il-76 and An-124 military transport aircraft, as well as by Mi-26 helicopter.