VR Goggles, EW, and Top-Tier Mine Protection: A Close Look at the OWL APC Armored Vehicle

The OWL APC is the second armored platform in the OWL lineup. While its predecessor, the MAC OWL combat vehicle, is already deployed with Ukrainian forces on the front lines, the OWL APC currently exists as a single prototype. Ukrainian YouTube channel Combat Vehicles with Serhii Voloshchenko recently released an in-depth review and test drive of the new vehicle.

Built around a fully welded armored capsule – a hallmark of modern armored vehicle survivability – the OWL APC was developed by MAC HUB in collaboration with Paramount Greece, utilizing the latter's prototype design. The platform offers STANAG 4569 Level 4A/4B mine protection, an integrated electronic warfare (EW) suite, and provisions for anti-drone cage armor.

“We didn’t try to reinvent the wheel. We took proven global solutions, adapted them based on combat feedback from this war, and created a versatile platform – essentially the military vehicle equivalent of an AK-47. We've brought together all the best features in one machine. Let me tell you what's exclusively Ukrainian about it: the control system, the surround-view system, the hydraulics, the pneumatics, and much more. explained the chief engineer of the OWL project.

OWL APC combat module / Photo by MAC HUB

MAC HUB’s design philosophy prioritizes reliability over compromise. Critical systems throughout the APC feature full redundancy to ensure mission capability in high-threat environments. For instance, the rear ramp utilizes multiple backup opening and locking mechanisms, the troop compartment houses four batteries (one primary and three auxiliaries), and the cooling systems are doubled for every essential component to prevent overheating under extreme stress. Along with survivability, ease of maintenance was a core design criteria.

“The vehicle features full-body PZSA-6 armor protection, safeguarding the entire hull rather than just isolated crew compartments. The armored hood alone weighs 1,200 kilograms. The floor uses a sandwich-panel design to dissipate blast energy. Interestingly, the driver's feet rest on a raised mesh platform rather than the floor itself – a unique solution that minimizes direct shock transfer. Both the driver and front passenger seats are mounted on advanced energy-attenuating frames.” noted host Serhii Voloshchenko during his test drive.

OWL APC Engine Compartment Layout Overview / Photo by MAC HUB

Field maintainability was a key focus throughout development, ensuring crews can perform repairs in austere environments. “To access the engine bay, you simply release a section and the engine slides forward on rails for immediate access – a feature I’ve only ever seen on select European commercial trucks,” Voloshchenko remarked. “The engine delivers 1,695 Nm of torque, which is the highest I’ve encountered in this class of military vehicles.”

Despite its heavy armor, the OWL APC maintains high tactical mobility. The vehicle utilizes a wide track paired with a short wheelbase, optimizing its approach/departure angles and off-road geometry.

“One of the weak points of this type of vehicle is the driver’s visibility. Here, however, there is a good camera system, as well as well-designed VR goggles for night operations. You cannot be seen, while you can see everything around you at the same time – both behind and ahead. And the image is well composed,” says Serhii Voloshchenko.

If required, OWL-family armored vehicles can be quickly converted into medevac vehicles by removing the troop seats and installing stretchers for wounded personnel. This option is available on both the MAC OWL armored fighting vehicle and the MAC APC. During medical evacuation, safety and speed take priority over comfort. At the same time, the vehicles feature a soft suspension that reduces vibration while traveling over rough terrain, as well as a powerful air-conditioning system.