Armored vehicle "Astays" based on Nissan Patrol in the Russian Guard: full analysis

Armored cars "Astays" based on Nissan Patrol have become one of the key elements of equipment Russian National Guard in recent years. These vehicles, adapted to the needs of law enforcement agencies, combine the legendary reliability of the Japanese SUV with modern solutions in the field of protection and communications. Unlike civilian versions, patrol modifications are equipped with enhanced armor, specialized equipment and communication systems, which makes them indispensable in urban operations and patrols.

In this article we will analyze in detail unique technical solutions used in Asteis armored vehicles for the Russian Guard, including features of reservation, weapons and electronic systems. We will pay special attention to comparison with other armored vehicles based on Nissan Patrol, as well as tactics for their use in real conditions. If you are interested in how modern law enforcement agencies adapt production vehicles for special tasks, this material is for you.

Technical characteristics of the Astace armored vehicle based on the Nissan Patrol

The basis for the armored car is all-wheel drive Nissan Patrol Y62 (internal designation RB60), which has undergone deep modernization. The basic platform is retained, but key components - engine, transmission and suspension - have been strengthened to cope with extreme conditions. Power standard 5.6 liter V8 (VK56VD) remained at the level 400 hp, however, overheating protection systems and additional radiators have been added.

The dimensions of the vehicle have increased due to armor panels:

• 📏 Length: 5 170 mm (+120 mm to the basic version)
• 📏 Width: 2,030 mm (including armor plates)
• 📏 Height: 1,940 mm (including armored roof)
• 🔋 Weight: 3,800–4,200 kg (depending on configuration)

The peculiarity of the modification is modular reservation: panels are bolted, which allows you to quickly replace damaged elements or adapt the machine to specific tasks. For example, for patrolling in mountainous areas, additional sheets can be installed on the bottom to protect against mines.

⚠️ Attention: Asteis armored vehicles are not certified according to the standard STANAG 4569 Level 3 (protection against armor-piercing bullets of 7.62 mm caliber), but can withstand machine gun fire AK-74 (5.45x39 mm) from a distance of 50 meters. This limitation is important to consider when planning operations in high threat areas.

Armor levels and crew protection

The design of the armored hull was developed taking into account the experience of using similar vehicles in Syria and the Donbass. Main protection elements:

• 🛡️ Windshield: thick laminated armored glass 50 mm (class BR6 according to GOST R 50963-96), withstands bullets from SVD from 100 meters.
• 🛡️ Sides and roof: steel sheets 8–12 mm with ceramic inserts (protection from shrapnel and pistol bullets).
• 🛡️ Bottom: V-shaped design made of armored steel 10 mm + anti-mine cushion (reduces explosion damage to 6 kg TNT equivalent).
• 🛡️ Doors: reinforced with internal armor plates and have an emergency opening mechanism from the inside.

Installed inside the cabin anti-fragmentation mats and energy-absorbing seats that reduce the risk of injury from explosions. The ventilation system is duplicated: in addition to the standard air conditioner, there is a backup air intake with a filter NBC (protection from chemical and bacteriological contamination).

Reservation area	Material	Thickness	Protection class (GOST)
Frontal part	Armored steel + ceramics	50 mm	BR6
Boards	Bronestal	12 mm	BR2
Bottom	V-shaped armored steel	10 mm	Level 2a (STANAG)
Roof	Bronestal	8 mm	BR1

It is important to note that the reservation is not monolithic: In critical areas (such as around the fuel tank) composite panels are used, which are lighter than steel 30%, but provide a comparable level of protection. This decision made it possible to maintain the mobility of the vehicle despite the increased weight.

Weapons and special equipment

Unlike civilian versions, Asteis patrol vehicles are equipped remotely controlled combat modules (DBM) and auxiliary equipment. Standard equipment includes:

• 🔫 Combat module "Kord-M": 7.62 mm machine gun PCMT with ammunition 500 rounds, controlled by the operator from the cabin via a joystick. Firing angle: 360° horizontally, -10°/+60° vertically.
• 🎯 Optoelectronic system "Sosna-U": thermal imager + laser rangefinder (target detection range up to 3 km).
• 📡 Communication complex "Azart-R": secure radio communication in the ranges VHF/VHF, integration with systems GLONASS/GPS.
• 🚨 Warning system "Strelets-Monolith": automatic transmission of an alarm signal to headquarters during shelling or explosion.

Additionally, the machine can be installed:

⚠️ Attention: In some modifications, instead of a machine gun, a 30-mm automatic grenade launcher AGS-30 with ammunition 30 shots. Such vehicles are used in “hot spots”, but their operation requires special crew training due to their high impact.

For self-defense, the crew is equipped portable complexes:

• 💥 RPG-26 "Aglen" (anti-tank grenade launcher, penetrates 440 mm armor).
• 🔥 RPO "Shmel" (flamethrower, firing range 600 m).

What to do if the combat module jams?

If the Kord-M module jams in combat, the crew must:

1. Switch to backup control (lever under operator's seat).

2. Use a manual guidance drive (round handle to the right of the module).

3. If recovery is impossible, evacuate through the emergency hatch in the roof, having previously blocked the supply of cartridges (toggle switch STOP on the remote control).

Comparison with other armored vehicles based on the Nissan Patrol

"Astace" is not the only modification Nissan Patrol, adapted for law enforcement agencies. For objectivity, let’s compare it with similar machines:

Model	Country	Armor level	Armament	Features
Asteis (Rosguard)	Russia	BR2–BR6	PKMT/AGS-30	Modular design, V-shaped bottom
Nissan Patrol Armored (INKAS)	Canada/UAE	B6+ (STANAG 2)	12.7 mm machine gun	Booking from INKAS Armored, weight 5,200 kg
Patrol Guardian (Jordan)	Jordan	B7 (STANAG 3)	20 mm automatic cannon	Used by the UAE Army, protection against 12.7 mm bullets
Al-Jawad (Iraq)	Iraq	B4	7.62 mm machine gun	Local modification, poor underbody protection

The main advantage of "Astace" is adaptation to Russian realities:

• 🔧 Service is possible in any region of the Russian Federation (spare parts are unified with civilian Patrol).
• 📡 Integration with domestic communication systems (ESSSS, Era-GLONASS).
• ❄️ Climate adaptation: the machine was tested at temperatures from -40°C to +50°C.

However, in terms of protection level, the Russian version is inferior to foreign analogues: for example, the Jordanian Guardian withstands impact 12.7 mm bullets, while "Astays" is designed for 7.62 mm. This is a trade-off between cost and efficiency: full reservation at STANAG 3 would increase the price of the car 1.5–2 times.

Tactics of use in the Russian Guard

Asteis armored vehicles are used by the Russian Guard in three main scenarios:

1. Patrolling in a conflict zone: machines operate in pairs and are equipped with additional cameras 360° to control the situation. Crew - 4 people (driver, commander, module operator, gunner).
2. Column escort: Asteas travels in front or behind trucks, providing cover from possible attacks. In this case it is set smoke equipment for camouflage.
3. Roadblocks and cordons: The car serves as a mobile shelter for checking documents. For this purpose, a floodlight is mounted on the roof. 1000 W and a loudspeaker.

Features of tactics:

• 🚗 Movement along the route is carried out at a speed not lower than 60 km/h (to minimize the risk of mine explosions).
• 🔄 During shelling, the crew must change position every 3–5 minutesto avoid being shot.
• 📡 Data from cameras and sensors is transmitted in real time to the mobile headquarters through the system Strelets-M.

In urban environments, Astace often works in conjunction with Tiger or Ural:

⚠️ Attention: When ambushed in a narrow alley, the crew must immediately block the road with a car and use smoke grenades (RDG-2) to cover the retreat. Attempting to maneuver in a confined space increases the risk of injury.

Maintenance and repair: what you need to know

The operation of an armored vehicle requires regular checks, especially after use in combat conditions. Basic routine maintenance:

• 🔧 Every 5,000 km: changing the oil in the engine and transmission (synthetics are used 5W-40 with permission Nissan).
• 🛡️ Every 10,000 km: checking the integrity of armor panels (especially welds).
• 🔋 Every 20,000 km: electronics diagnostics (including systems GLONASS and communications).

Frequent problems and their solutions:

• 🔴 Engine overheating: Caused by the additional load from the armor. The solution is to flush the radiators every 15,000 km.
• 🔴 Jamming of the combat module: occurs when dust gets into the mechanism. The solution is to lubricate the moving parts with silicone grease. Litol-24.
• 🔴 Loss of interior seal: checked with a smoke generator. If cracks are found, seal with sealant Loctite 5900.

To repair an armored hull, a certified center is required (for example, Plant named after Degtyarev or Uralvagonzavod). Independent welding of armor plates is prohibited - this disrupts the balance of protection and can lead to critical weakening of the structure during detonation.

Prospects for modernization and new versions

In 2023–2026, it is planned to release an updated version of Astace with the following improvements:

• 🔋 Hybrid powertrain: combination V8 with an electric motor (electric mileage up to 50 km).
• 🤖 Offline features: system AFAR (active phased array antenna) for detecting drones.
• 🛡️ Active protection: complex "Arena-M" to intercept grenades and shells.

Work is also underway on unmanned version for reconnaissance and remote patrolling. The prototype has already been tested at the test site in Alabino, but serial release is planned no earlier 2026.

The modification is especially relevant for the Russian Guard "Astays-M" from:

• 📡 Reinforced system electronic warfare (suppression of control signals for explosive devices).
• 🔦 Laser blinding complex "Blind" to neutralize enemy optics.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Astace armored vehicle

Is it possible to buy Astace in the civilian version?

No, this modification was developed exclusively for law enforcement agencies. However, armored ones sometimes appear on the secondary market Nissan Patrol from other manufacturers (for example, INKAS or Armormax), but their level of protection is lower, and the price starts from 15 million rubles.

What is the maximum speed of Astace with armor?

Due to the increased weight, the maximum speed is limited 160 km/h (against 210 km/h from the civilian Patrol Y62). When off-road, the speed is reduced to 80–100 km/h due to the load on the suspension.

What is the fuel consumption of the armored version?

In the urban cycle - 22–25 l/100 km, on the highway - 16–18 l/100 km. It's on 30–40% higher than standard Patrol, due to the weight and aerodynamic resistance of the armored hull. Recommended fuel - AI-95 or AI-98.

Why is Astace better than Tiger?

Main advantages:

• 🚗 High cross-country ability (almost like Patrol in the civilian version).
• 🛡️ Best protection against mines (V-shaped bottom).
• 🔧 Easier to maintain (unified spare parts).

However, the Tiger is cheaper to manufacture and has a greater payload capacity.

Is it possible to install more powerful weapons on the Astace?

Technically yes, but approval is required Main Armored Directorate. For example, it was tested on experimental samples 30 mm automatic cannon 2A72, but such machines are not mass-produced due to the risk of overloading the chassis.