Solutions to win: Pryluky residents transform old Niva car into armored vehicle for Ukraine’s military

Dmytro Naumenko, a resident of Pryluky in the Chernihiv region, created a homemade buggy in just two months using only basic tools such as a grinder, welding machine, ruler, and pencil. The buggy was built on a regular "Niva" vehicle and assembled in his own garage.

Chernihiv Time reports this with reference to the "Pryluky" TV channel.

What is the problem?

Armored vehicles are vital to the Ukrainian military on the frontline. However, they are insufficient due to frequent damage from enemy shelling.

In Ukraine, volunteers regularly organize gatherings to acquire these cars, but regular citizens also construct armored vehicles that are crucial for protecting Ukraine's defenders.

What is the solution?

For example, Dmytro Naumenko from Pryluky, Chernihiv region, built a custom buggy from a standard Niva in his garage in two months.

"It took two months to make the car. The idea arose a long time ago to help the boys. This car is designed for various tasks—transporting the wounded, transporting ammunition, etc." Dmytro reports.

How does it work?

To create an armored car, a resident of Pryluky used only a grinder, a welding machine, a ruler, and a pencil.

"Niva was the basis for the buggy because it is simple and inexpensive to maintain.

Spare parts for this car are easy to find, and repairs are also very simple," the developer says.

^{Photo: TV channel "Pryluky"}

The only parts left in the buggy from the original are the chassis, technical components, stuffing, and engine.

Furthermore, the car has been altered to raise the suspension for better handling:

• The shock absorbers have also been reinforced to increase their load capacity and streamline their design.
• To further enhance the car's mobility, a canopy has been added in place of a roof.

Photo: TV channel "Pryluky"

The open body is 2 meters long, allowing for the increased comfort of transporting wounded individuals. The cabin has also been updated: the panel was taken from a "Niva," and the seats were designed based on patterns from Kyiv.