B33 Zimbru

   The Romanian B33 Zimbru (European Bison) 8x8 armored personnel carrier, also referred as the TAB Zimbru, replaced in production the previous TAB-77. Essentially it is a Romanian version of the Russian BTR-80 APC with some minor modifications to meet Romanian Army requirements. A total of 70 Zimbru armored personnel carriers are in service with Romanian Army. Production is complete and the type is no longer marketed.

   All-welded steel armor of the B33 provides all-round protection against 7.62-mm rounds and artillery shell splinters. Front arc withstands 12.7-mm round hits. This APC is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

   Vehicle is fitted with a one-man manually operated turret, armed with 14.5-mm heavy machine gun and coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun.

   The B33 Zimbru has a crew of two and can carry 8 fully equipped infantrymen. Troops enter and leave vehicle through side doors or roof hatches.  A number of firing ports are provided for the troops. Front bulletproof windows are covered with shutters in a combat area.

   This armored personnel carrier is fitted with a different engine diesel engine, comparing with the BTR-80. Vehicle is fully amphibious. On water it is propelled by a single waterjet, mounted at the rear of the hull. The B33 Zimbru can be airlifted by the An-22, Il-76 or C-130 Hercules transport aircraft.

Variants

   Zimbru 2000 armored personnel carrier is a further development of the B33 Zimbru. It has a higher roofline to provide greater internal volume. It is proposed with 25-mm or 30-mm remotely controlled weapon stations. Development of the Zimbru 2000 is complete, however as of late 2008 it received no production orders;

   Saur-1 armored personnel carrier, previously referred as Zimbru 2006. Hull of this APC was completely redesigned. The first prototype was completed in 2006. The Saur-1 was tested by the Romanian Army, but failed to received orders. Romanian MoD purchased MOWAG Piranha III C APCs instead.