Timothy Sumer

The Zimbru 2000 (European Bison) armored personnel carrier was developed by Romanian Romarm. The Zimbru 2000 is a further development of the B33 Zimbru 8x8 armored personnel carrier, which is in service with Romanian Army. The B33 is essentially the Russian BTR-80 APC, modified to meet local requirements. Development of the Zimbru 2000 is complete, however as of late 2008 it received no production orders. The Zimbru 2000 is almost identical to the B33, but has a raised roofline to provide greater internal volume. Vehicle is armed with 14.5 mm heavy machine gun and coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun. It is also proposed with Rafael 25 mm or Rheinmetall 30 mm remotely controlled weapon stations. Front arc provides protection against 12.7 mm rounds. All-round protection is against 7.62 mm rounds and artillery shell splinters. Vehicle is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems. Vehicle retains entrance and exit hatches of the previous B33, but h...