BAE South Africa Mamba
Notes:
The Mamba is one of the vehicles that replaced part of the Casspir fleet
in South African service in some roles, and is or was used by 15 other
countries. Many countries are of
were using them for deployments to Kosovo, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan;
sometimes they are handed off from country to country as a country’s troops
leave the area of operations. The
Australians tested a version called a version called the Taipan in its
Bushranger armored vehicle project, but it lost out to the Bushmaster.
It is used as an MRAP by several countries, and served as a prototype for
similar designs in the US. Several variants have been developed from the Mamba.
Several private security contractors also prefer the Mamba – it provides a
reasonable level of protection while appearing “less offensive” to the people in
the areas they are operating in.
They are also used by some civilian assistance agencies operating in dangerous
conditions, and some news agencies. The Mamba is a smaller vehicle than the
Casspir and for use in less-threatening conditions.
The Mamba Mk 1
The basic Mamba
is based on a Unimog U-4000 truck chassis, modified for use in rough South
African terrain and given an armored MRAP hull.
The primary entry and exit to the vehicle is through a double door in the
rear of the vehicle; there is a roof hatch, but it is a small one which is used
as a gunner’s position. The
commander and driver have positions in a cab connected to the troop compartment,
the driver on the left and commander on the right.
The gunner’s weapon is manned by one of the troops in the rear.
The troops sit down the sides, on shock-absorbing seats with 4-point
harnesses; the crew also have shock-absorbing seats and 4-point harnesses.
The front has a large windshield of ballistic glass; the sides of the
cab, of the vehicle, and the rear also have large ballistic-glass windows.
The gunner’s position is normally armed with a single weapon on a pintle
mount. A 100-liter water tank is included in the floor, and this also gives some
incidental protection against mines.
The Mamba has
been criticized as being underpowered, having only a 123-horsepower engine, but
the vehicle is light in weight and performance acceptable. The suspension is 4x4
(though 4x2 versions are available and used by some agencies), and designed for
off-road use. Power is by a Mercedes-Benz 325N turbocharged engine, coupled to a
manual transmission (though automatic transmission is available).
The ride is described as being a bit (perhaps more than just a bit) on
the bouncy side.
Variants of the
Mamba Mk 1 include an armored ambulance, command vehicle, VIP transport, and a
logistics vehicle. Further variants
include the Springbuck, which also includes an ambulance, weapons carrier, and
VIP transport. The Reva version
also has command, ambulance, recovery (not discussed here), and VIP transport
versions. The Puma version differs
primarily in the engine used, which is a Toyota Dyna 7-145 145-horsepower
turbocharged diesel engine. It
should be noted that the Puma, Reva, and Springbuck versions have seen limited
use.
The Springbuck
differs primarily in the weapons fit, which consists not only of the standard
gunner’s station, but a weapon for the commander accessed through an overhead
hatch. The weapons stations have
low AV2 gun shields. The Springbuck
can also be fitted with a more powerful MWN engine developing 135 horsepower;
this option is often chosen, as the Springbuck is heavier than the Mamba Mk 1.
The Springbuck normally mounts a spare tire on the right side at the
rear, and can mount appliqué armor.
The Reva differs
primarily in the engine, which is a powerful 177-horsepower Cummins GBT-5.9 TC
turbocharged diesel. It also
differs in the weapons fit, which includes a hatch and weapon mount for the
commander with a low AV2 gun shield, the gunner’s mount on a skate rail that
runs through 180 degrees with an AV2 gun shield, and a rear machinegun with an
AV2 gun shield. The Reva also has
two firing ports per side and two in the rear of the troop compartment, and one
each in the driver’s and commander’s side windows and one in the commander’s
windshield and driver’s windshield.
Armored
ambulance versions are typically unarmed and can carry two stretcher cases and
four seated patients, plus a medic.
The roof hatches remain, and the firing ports remain in the Reva model.
They have the equivalent of a doctor’s medical bag and 10 personal
medical kits, an oxygen administration kit, and a defibrillator.
Command fits normally have a small map board or a set of map books, two
long range (one data-capable), one medium-range, and one short-range radio, and
a ruggedized laptop computer. Roof
weapons are normally deleted except for those over the commander’s position
(where applicable). VIP transports
are normally more luxuriously fitted out with padded bench car-like seats and
amenities such as commercial radios, CD players, hot spots for laptops and
smartphones, etc. They carry less
passengers and less cargo, and do not normally have the 4-point harnesses for
the crew and passengers. They are normally unarmed, but often have firing ports
in the sides of the vehicles (up to three). Logistics vehicles have simple
flatbed interiors devoid of seats and roof weapon mounts (commander’s
machineguns are still mounted where applicable), and have rollers in the rear
bed to facilitate off-loading of vehicles, along with tie-down and lock-down
points. The roof hatches are
enlarged to help off-load cargo, and they have a 2-ton-capacity crane to help
this. Weapons carriers carry more and heavier weapons and more ammunition in
lieu of passengers; they also tend to have a different roof hatch layout
befitting their weapons carriage role.
The Mamba Mk 2
The Mamba Mk 2
is for the most part similar to the Mk 1, except for refinements such as an
automatic transmission, a simplified power train and suspension (leading
unfortunately to a bouncier ride), and improved tires that are more
puncture-resistant. The primary
difference, however, is the simplification of production methods and more
indigenous production of parts – most of the vehicle is South African-made.
Like the Mamba Mk 1, the Mk 2 has an ambulance version, command version,
VIP transport version, and logistics version. The Mk 2 is slightly heavier than
the Mk 1. The Mk 2 has 2-4 firing
ports in each side and two in the rear.
The Komanche is
a short-wheelbase version that carries a smaller troop load and smaller
ammunition load for its weapons. It
comes only in a basic APC version.
Firing ports are limited to 1-2 in the sides and two in the rear.
The Sabre is the
same as the basic version, but the cab is a 4-man cab, and the weapons mount for
the gunner’s position is a bit further back.
The Springbuck
Mk 2 is the Mamba Mk 2 equivalent of the Springbuck. The Reva Mk 2 is the Mamba
Mk 2 equivalent of the Reva.
The Mamba Mk 3
The Mamba Mk 3
differs in having substantially improved armor protection and a more powerful
Mercedes-Benz 312N engine developing 154 horsepower.
SANDF and many other countries who use the Mk 2 anticipate upgrading them
to the Mk 3 configuration via a kit.
The Mk 3 is substantially heavier due to increased armor. The same
variants of the Mk 1 and Mk 2 are available for the Mk 3.
A version of the Reva based on the Mk 3 is also available, the Reva Mk 3.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
Mamba Mk 1 APC |
$14,760 |
D, A |
800 kg |
5.6 tons |
2+9 |
2 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Mamba Mk 1 Ambulance |
$16,974 |
D, A |
400 kg |
5.7 tons |
*** |
3 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Mamba Mk 1 Command |
$100,156 |
D, A |
400 kg |
5.8 tons |
2+4 |
3 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Mamba Mk 1 VIP Transport |
$9,277 |
D, A |
600 kg |
5.7 tons |
2+5 |
3 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Mamba Mk 1 Logistics |
$6,046 |
D, A |
1.9 tons |
5.2 tons |
2 |
3 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Puma |
$14,837 |
D, A |
800 kg |
5.6 tons |
2+9 |
2 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Springbuck APC |
$26,775 |
D, A |
800 kg |
5.8 tons |
2+9 |
2 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Springbuck Ambulance |
$30,946 |
D, A |
400 kg |
5.9 tons |
*** |
3 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Springbuck VIP Transport |
$9,357 |
D, A |
600 kg |
5.9 tons |
2+5 |
3 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Springbuck Weapons Carrier |
$66,329 |
D, A |
400 kg |
6 tons |
5+1 |
4 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Reva APC |
$15,672 |
D, A |
800 kg |
5.8 tons |
2+9 |
2 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Reva Command |
$104,377 |
D, A |
400 kg |
6 tons |
2+4 |
3 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Reva Ambulance |
$18,023 |
D, A |
400 kg |
5.9 tons |
*** |
3 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Reva VIP Transport |
$9,478 |
D, A |
600 kg |
5.9 tons |
2+5 |
3 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Mamba Mk 2 APC/Sabre |
$14,908 |
D, A |
800 kg |
5.7 tons |
2+9 |
2 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Mamba Mk 2 Ambulance |
$17,144 |
D, A |
400 kg |
5.8 tons |
*** |
3 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Mamba Mk 2 Command |
$101,158 |
D, A |
400 kg |
5.9 tons |
2+4 |
3 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Mamba Mk 2 VIP Transport |
$9,370 |
D, A |
600 kg |
5.8 tons |
2+5 |
3 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Mamba Mk 2 Logistics |
$6,107 |
D, A |
1.9 tons |
5.3 tons |
2 |
2 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Komanche |
$12,274 |
D, A |
525 kg |
4.6 tons |
2+6 |
2 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Springbuck Mk 2 APC |
$27,043 |
D, A |
800 kg |
5.9 tons |
2+9 |
2 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Springbuck Mk 2 Ambulance |
$31,256 |
D, A |
400 kg |
6 tons |
*** |
3 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Springbuck Mk 2 VIP Transport |
$9,451 |
D, A |
600 kg |
6 tons |
2+5 |
3 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Springbuck Mk 2 Weapons Carrier |
$66,993 |
D, A |
400 kg |
6.1 tons |
5+1 |
4 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Reva Mk 2 APC |
$15,829 |
D, A |
800 kg |
5.9 tons |
2+9 |
2 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Reva Mk 2 Command |
$105,421 |
D, A |
400 kg |
6.1 tons |
2+4 |
3 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Reva Mk 2 Ambulance |
$18,204 |
D, A |
400 kg |
6 tons |
*** |
3 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Reva Mk 2 VIP Transport |
$9,573 |
D, A |
600 kg |
6 tons |
2+5 |
3 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Mamba Mk 3 APC |
$16,679 |
D, A |
900 kg |
6.8 tons |
2+9 |
2 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Mamba Mk 3 Ambulance |
$19,181 |
D, A |
450 kg |
6.9 tons |
*** |
3 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Mamba Mk 3 Command |
$103,279 |
D, A |
450 kg |
7 tons |
2+4 |
3 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Mamba Mk 3 VIP Transport |
$11,482 |
D, A |
675 kg |
6.9 tons |
2+5 |
3 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Reva Mk 3 APC |
$31,295 |
D, A |
900 kg |
7 tons |
2+9 |
2 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Reva Mk 3 Command |
$112,387 |
D, A |
450 kg |
7.2 tons |
2+4 |
3 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Reva Mk 3 Ambulance |
$35,990 |
D, A |
450 kg |
7.1 tons |
*** |
3 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Reva Mk 3 VIP Transport |
$13,090 |
D, A |
675 kg |
7.1 tons |
2+5 |
3 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
Mamba Mk 1 APC |
167/84 |
39/20 |
200 |
60 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
Mamba Mk 1 Ambulance/VIP Transport |
164/82 |
38/20 |
200 |
61 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
Mamba Mk 1 Command |
162/81 |
38/19 |
200 |
62 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
Mamba Mk 1 Logistics |
180/91 |
42/22 |
200 |
56 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
Puma |
191/96 |
44/22 |
200 |
72 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
Springbuck APC |
174/88 |
41/20 |
200 |
66 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
Springbuck Ambulance/VIP Transport |
171/86 |
40/20 |
200 |
67 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
Springbuck Weapons Carrier |
169/85 |
40/19 |
200 |
68 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
Reva APC |
221/111 |
51/26 |
200 |
90 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
Reva Command |
214/108 |
49/25 |
200 |
93 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
Reva Ambulance/VIP Transport |
217/109 |
50/25 |
200 |
92 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
Mamba Mk 2 APC/Sabre |
164/82 |
38/20 |
200 |
61 |
Stnd |
W(4) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
Mamba Mk 2 Ambulance/VIP Transport |
162/81 |
38/19 |
200 |
62 |
Stnd |
W(4) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
Mamba Mk 2 Command |
159/80 |
37/19 |
200 |
63 |
Stnd |
W(4) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
Mamba Mk 2 Logistics |
177/89 |
41/21 |
200 |
57 |
Stnd |
W(4) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
Komanche |
193/98 |
45/22 |
160 |
49 |
Stnd |
W(4) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
Springbuck Mk 2 APC |
171/86 |
40/20 |
200 |
67 |
Stnd |
W(4) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
Springbuck Mk 2 Ambulance/VIP Transport |
169/85 |
40/19 |
200 |
68 |
Stnd |
W(4) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
Springbuck Mk 2 Weapons Carrier |
165/84 |
39/19 |
200 |
69 |
Stnd |
W(4) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
Reva Mk 2 APC |
217/109 |
50/25 |
200 |
92 |
Stnd |
W(4) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
Reva Mk 2 Command |
210/105 |
48/25 |
200 |
95 |
Stnd |
W(4) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
Reva Mk 2 Ambulance/VIP Transport |
214/108 |
49/25 |
200 |
93 |
Stnd |
W(4) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
Mamba Mk 3 APC |
174/88 |
41/20 |
200 |
77 |
Stnd |
W(4) |
HF4 HS4
HR3** |
Mamba Mk 3 Ambulance/VIP Transport |
172/87 |
41/20 |
200 |
78 |
Stnd |
W(4) |
HF4 HS4
HR3** |
Mamba Mk 3 Command |
169/85 |
39/19 |
200 |
79 |
Stnd |
W(4) |
HF4 HS4
HR3** |
Reva Mk 3 APC |
191/96 |
44/22 |
200 |
109 |
Stnd |
W(4) |
HF4 HS4
HR3** |
Reva Mk 3 Command |
185/93 |
43/21 |
200 |
112 |
Stnd |
W(4) |
HF4 HS4
HR3** |
Reva Mk 3 Ambulance/VIP Transport |
189/95 |
44/22 |
200 |
110 |
Stnd |
W(4) |
HF4 HS4
HR3** |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
Mamba APC/Puma/Sabre |
None |
None |
Mini-SS or MG-4 or M-2HB |
2750x5.56mm or 2000x7.62mm or 1200x.50 |
Springbuck/Springbuck Mk 2 APC |
None |
None |
2xMini-SS or 2xMG-4 or 1xM-2HB, MG-4 (C) |
2750x5.56mm and 1000x7.62mm or 3000x7.62mm or 1200x.50 and 1000x7.62mm |
Springbuck/Springbuck Mk 2 Weapons Carrier |
None |
None |
2xMini-SS or 2xMG-4 or 2xM-2HB or Mk 19 AGL, 2x2 MG-4 (Rt Rear Corner,
Lt Rear Corner) or M-40A2 Recoilless rifle (Rear), MG-4 (C) |
5500x5.56mm and 10000x7.62mm or 15000x7.62mm or 10000x7.62mm and
2400x.50; up to 20x106mm rounds replacing 4000x7.62mm rounds or 950x40mm
Grenades replacing 4000x7.62mm as appropriate |
Reva APC |
None |
None |
2xMini-SS or 2xMG-4 or 1xM-2HB, MG-4 (C), MG-4 (Rear) |
2750x5.56mm and 2000x7.62mm or 4000x7.62mm or 1200x.50 and 2000x7.62mm |
Reva Command |
None |
None |
MG-4 (C) |
1000x7.62mm |
Komanche |
None |
None |
Mini-SS or MG-4 or M-2HB |
1650x5.56mm or 1200x7.62mm or 720x.50 |
*Floor AV is 4Sp.
**Floor AV is 5Sp.
***See Notes for Crew and passenger capacity.
BAE South Africa
Ratel IFV
Notes:
The Ratel (Afrikaans for a type of animal known in English as the Honey
Badger) was designed starting in the late-1960s when the South African fleets of
foreign-built vehicles became more difficult to obtain and maintain due to arms
embargoes related to apartheid. The
Ratel was designed as a decently-armored APC (the South Africans call it an IFV,
though the Ratel is strictly an APC).
It was originally a product of Sandock-Austral, but the design was bought
by Land Systems OMC, a part of BAE.
Over a thousand of them were built by South Africa, and used by them and Jordan
and Morocco; South African and Jordanian Ratels will be replaced in the near
future by newer vehicles (in South Africa, in particular, by the Hoefyster
version of the Patria AMV). The
Belgian SIBMAS is a very close copy of the Ratel.
Design work was long, and the first Mk 1 versions were not fielded until
1976; later, Mk 2 and Mk 3 versions were produced, with production stopping in
1987. The Ratel has been regarded
by some as “one of the best APCs in the world you never heard of.”
A number of variants have been produced, both APC-type and non-APC-type;
only the APC-type versions will be discussed on this page.
BAE is still willing to recommence production of the Ratel, though there
have been no orders except for spare parts in many years; they have also
developed several demonstrator and prototype versions which have not gone into
service as of yet (or ever).
The Basic Ratel – The Ratel 20
The Ratel 20 has
a roomy driver’s compartment at the center front of the vehicle with good
visibility through ballistic-glass windows to the front and sides of his
position. He can enter and exit
through a roof hatch, or though the rear of his position through the troop
compartment. The driver can cover
his windows with armored shutters for high-threat environments.
With the shutters in position, the driver views the area around him
though three vision blocks (to the front and sides); the front vision block can
be replaced by a night vision block.
The driver’s controls are conventional, and the seat and steering column
are adjustable.
To the rear of
the driver’s position is a small turret derived from the turret of the Eland
armored car which houses the 20mm autocannon and a coaxial machinegun. The
turret is two-man, with the commander and gunner having hatches on the deck (the
turret is sort of low and flat), and the commander having a pintle-mounted
weapon. On either side of the turret towards the rear of the turret are two
smoke grenade launchers. Atop the turret is a hand-operated searchlight operated
by the commander or gunner through a handle below the turret roof, or it can be
trained directly by putting your hand on the searchlight. The commander has
all-around vision blocks; the gunner has four vision blocks to his front and
left side, as well as telescopic and night vision sights and devices for his
weapons. The troops each have a
small hatch on the roof on the deck to the rear of the turret, for a total of
seven such small hatches. One of
these hatches (alternatively the right rear or left rear) is a pintle mount for
a machinegun, manned by a member of the infantry squad.
There are four firing ports in each side of the Ratel 20, and one in the
rear door. The primary method of
entry and exit for troops is via that rear door, which is on the right side of
the rear face opposite the engine compartment and is a clamshell-type door
opening up and down. There is also
a clamshell door in either side of the vehicle near the center of the hull.
The Ratel 20 is
powered by a Bussing D-3256 BTXF turbocharged diesel produced in South Africa
which has an output of 282 horsepower, coupled to a manual transmission.
The suspension is 6x6, and is of the off-road type.
The suspension is rather high (ground clearance is 35 centimeters).
The armor is of all-welded steel; though the Ratel does not have an MRAP
hull, additional attention has been paid to the survivability of the suspension,
wheels, and tires, which are run-flat and especially puncture-resistant.
The floor has additional armor protection, and the troops and crew have
shock-absorbing seats/positions and take 10% less damage if the Ratel-20 hits a
mine or IED.
The Mk 2 version
differs primarily in mechanical details and updated components. The Mk 3 version
has these improvements, a few more, and the installation of an ADE 407 TI
turbocharged diesel developing 315 horsepower along with an automatic
transmission. Ratel Mk 1s and Mk 2s
were mostly updated by the use of a kit to the Mk 3 standard.
APC-Type Variants
The Ratel 12.7
Command is a command version of the Ratel armored personnel carrier.
The Ratel 12.7 has a two-man turret with an M-2HB, and an MG-4 in a mount
on the rear roof. The turret is
one-man. The command Ratel has two long-range radios, a medium-range radio, a
short-range radio, a tape recorder with time injection, a combined receiver and
cassette recorder, internal loudspeakers, a PA system, a pneumatic radio mast,
and map boards. Later improvements
(in Mk 2 & 3) added a ruggedized laptop computer and data-capable long-range
radio. The command version has a
map board, map, plotting, and office supply storage, and fold-out shelves for
work. The interior arrangement is
for a command staff rather than as a standard fighting vehicle. A hand-held
thermal imager, image intensifier, and laser rangefinder are carried.
The Ratel 60 is
a wheeled infantry support vehicle designed in the early 1970s to circumvent the
arms embargo of South Africa during apartheid.
The vehicle is equipped with a turret-mounted 60mm gun/mortar, a coaxial
MG-4, another MG-4 on a pintle mount for the commander, and yet another
pintle-mounted on the rear deck and manned by the infantry squad the Ratel 60
normally carries. Layout is otherwise like that of the Ratel 20.
The Ratel 90 is
a wheeled fire support vehicle, similar to the SIBMAS in concept, though not as
large. The vehicle is equipped with
a turret-mounted 90mm gun, a coaxial MG-4, another MG-4 on a pintle mount for
the commander, and yet another MG-4 pintle-mounted on the rear deck like on the
Ratel 20. The turret is larger, and
the troop compartment smaller and more cramped, but layout is basically similar
to the Ratel 20. There are two
firing ports on each side and one in the rear.
The Ratel 90 is primarily an infantry support vehicle, though it does
carry a smaller dismount squad.
iKlwa
The iKlwa (Zulu
Stabbing Spear) is a development of the Ratel designed to replace the Ratel in
some roles. The SANDF plans to
acquire some 50 iKlwas, and the vehicle is being put forward as the replacement
for the LAV Coyote in Canadian service under the TAP-C requirement, and is
currently undergoing testing as such.
Currently the iKlwa is available in prototypical form only, though Mk 1,
Mk 2, and Mk 3 versions are already being planned, as well as an IFV with a
heavy autocannon; a FISTV, an armored ambulance, a C2V vehicle, and an ATGM
carrier. For stats below, only the
Mk 1 without specialist versions will be found here, due lack of stats on the Mk
2 and Mk 3 and specialist versions; as well, a possible LAV Coyote replacement
will be discussed.
The basic APC
version uses an MES RWS armed with variety of weapon choices.
A weapon can be mounted at the rear.
The entire vehicle is heavier, with heavier armor and better mine
protection. The driver’s position
is offset to the right surrounded by three bullet-resistant windshield; to his
rear could be mounted a simple commander’s position surrounded by AV2 guns
shields or a RWS. The suspension is
still 6x6, but higher and beefier, with run-flat puncture-resistant tires and
blast-resistant shock absorbers along with an MRAP hull. The RWS is blessed by
superior fire control and vision devices, so it is most often mounted.
The RWS can also mount a light or heavy autocannon; both have a coaxial
machinegun. Engine power increase
in enormous, using for power a
Cummins 450-horsepower turbocharged diesel engine coupled to an automatic
transmission with manual backup.
Much of this extra engine power is soaked up by the higher weight of the iKwla.
However, the increases in capability over the Ratel are obvious.
Two side doors and one rear door are evident, but no firing ports are.
The TAP-C
version has a light RWS
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
Ratel 20 Mk 1 |
$91,553 |
D, A |
1 ton |
18.5 tons |
3+8 |
10 |
Passive IR (D, G), WL Searchlight |
Enclosed |
Ratel 12.7 Command Mk 1 |
$28,336 |
D, A |
500 kg |
18 tons |
2+4 |
11 |
Passive IR (D, G), WL Searchlight |
Enclosed |
Ratel 60 Mk 1 |
$280,595 |
D, A |
900 kg |
18.8 tons |
3+6 |
10 |
Passive IR (D, G), WL Searchlight |
Enclosed |
Ratel 90 Mk 1 |
$418,331 |
D, A |
800 kg |
19 tons |
4+4 |
10 |
Passive IR (D, G), WL Searchlight |
Enclosed |
Ratel 20 Mk 2 |
$75,222 |
D, A |
1 ton |
18.5 tons |
3+8 |
10 |
Passive IR (D, G), WL Searchlight |
Enclosed |
Ratel 12.7 Command Mk 2 |
$175,575 |
D, A |
500 kg |
18 tons |
2+4 |
12 |
Passive IR (D, G), WL Searchlight |
Enclosed |
Ratel 60 Mk 2 |
$173,814 |
D, A |
900 kg |
18.8 tons |
3+6 |
10 |
Passive IR (D, G), WL Searchlight |
Enclosed |
Ratel 90 Mk 2 |
$311,549 |
D, A |
800 kg |
19 tons |
4+4 |
10 |
Passive IR (D, G), WL Searchlight |
Enclosed |
Ratel 20 Mk 3 |
$75,347 |
D, A |
1 ton |
18.5 tons |
3+8 |
10 |
Passive IR (D, G), WL Searchlight |
Enclosed |
Ratel 12.7 Command Mk 3 |
$175,701 |
D, A |
500 kg |
18 tons |
2+4 |
12 |
Passive IR (D, G), WL Searchlight |
Enclosed |
Ratel 60 Mk 3 |
$173,940 |
D, A |
900 kg |
18.8 tons |
3+6 |
10 |
Passive IR (D, G), WL Searchlight |
Enclosed |
Ratel 90 Mk 3 |
$311,675 |
D, A |
800 kg |
19 tons |
4+4 |
10 |
Passive IR (D, G), WL Searchlight |
Enclosed |
iKlwa |
$58,369 |
D, A |
2.4 tons |
20.5 tons |
2+15 |
10 |
Passive IR (G) |
Enclosed |
iKlwa w/Light RWS |
$96,814 |
D, A |
2.3 tons |
23.5 tons |
2+13 |
14 |
Passive IR (D, G), Image Intensification (G), Thermal Imager (G) |
Enclosed |
iKlwa Medium RWS (20mm) |
$100,813 |
D, A |
2.3 tons |
23.4 tons |
2+11 |
14 |
Passive IR (D, G), Image Intensification (G), Thermal Imager (G) |
Enclosed |
iKlwa Medium RWS (25mm) |
$103,963 |
D, A |
2.3 tons |
23.4 tons |
2+11 |
14 |
Passive IR (D, G), Image Intensification (G), Thermal Imager (G) |
Enclosed |
iKlwa Heavy RWS (30mm) |
$106,997 |
D, A |
2.3 tons |
23.4 tons |
2+11 |
14 |
Passive IR (D, G), Image Intensification (G), Thermal Imager (G) |
Enclosed |
iKlwa Heavy RWS (35mm) |
$110,183 |
D, A |
2.3 tons |
23.4 tons |
2+11 |
14 |
Passive IR (D, G), Image Intensification (G), Thermal Imager (G) |
Enclosed |
TAP-C |
$286,917 |
D, A |
2.2 tons |
23.7 tons |
3 |
15 |
Passive IR (D, G), Image Intensification (G), Thermal Imager (G) |
Enclosed |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
Ratel 20 Mk 1/Mk 2 |
137/69 |
32/16 |
430 |
147 |
Trtd |
W(6) |
TF6 TS4
TR3 HF11
HS6 HR4* |
Ratel 12.7 Command Mk 1/Mk 2 |
141/71 |
33/16 |
430 |
143 |
CiH |
W(6) |
TF3 TS2
TR2 HF11
HS6 HR4* |
Ratel 60 Mk 1/Mk 2 |
134/68 |
31/16 |
430 |
150 |
Trtd |
W(6) |
TF6 TS4
TR3 HF11
HS6 HR4* |
Ratel 90 Mk 1/Mk 2 |
133/67 |
31/16 |
430 |
151 |
Trtd |
W(6) |
TF6 TS4
TR3 HF11
HS6 HR4* |
Ratel 20 Mk 3 |
144/74 |
34/17 |
430 |
166 |
Trtd |
W(6) |
TF6 TS4
TR3 HF11
HS6 HR4* |
Ratel 12.7 Command Mk 3 |
148/76 |
35/18 |
430 |
161 |
CiH |
W(6) |
TF3 TS2
TR2 HF11
HS6 HR4* |
Ratel 60 Mk 3 |
141/73 |
33/17 |
430 |
169 |
Trtd |
W(6) |
TF6 TS4
TR3 HF11
HS6 HR4* |
Ratel 90 Mk 3 |
140/73 |
33/17 |
430 |
169 |
Trtd |
W(6) |
TF6 TS4
TR3 HF11
HS6 HR4* |
iKlwa |
186/94 |
44/20 |
650 |
278 |
Stnd |
W(6) |
HF13Sp HS8Sp
HR5** |
iKlwa w/Light RWS/Medium RWS/Heavy RWS |
162/82 |
38/19 |
650 |
242 |
CiH |
W(6) |
TF3 TS3
TR3 HF13Sp
HS8Sp HR5** |
TAP-C |
160/81 |
38/18 |
650 |
322 |
CiH |
W(6) |
TF3 TS3
TR3 HF13Sp
HS8Sp HR5** |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
Ratel 20 |
+1 |
Fair |
20mm GI-2 Autocannon, MG-4, MG-4 (C), MG-4 (Rear) |
1200x20mm, 6000x7.62mm |
Ratel 12.7 Command |
+1 |
Fair |
M-2HB, MG-4 (Rear) |
300x.50, 3600x7.62mm |
Ratel 60 |
+2 |
Fair |
60mm CB-60 HB Gun/Mortar, MG-4, MG-4 (C), MG-4 (Rear) |
90x60mm, 3600x7.62mm |
Ratel 90 |
+2 |
Fair |
90mm GT-2 Gun, MG-4, MG-4 (C), MG-4 (Rear) |
60x90mm, 3600x7.62mm |
iKlwa |
None |
None
|
M-2HB or Mk 19 (C), MG-4/MAG (Rear) |
2260x.50, 7600x7,62mm |
iKlwa w/Light RWs |
+2 |
Good |
M-2HB, MG-4/MAG-4 (C); MG-4/MAG (Rear) |
2260x.50, 7200x7.62mm |
iKlwa w/Medium RWS |
+2 |
Good |
20mm Oerlikon or 25mm M-242 Autocannon (C); MG-4/MAG (Rear) |
1435x20mm or 1150x25mm, 7200x7.62mm |
iKlwa w/Heavy RWS |
+2 |
Good |
30mm Mk 44 Autocannon or 35mm Bushmaster III Autocannon (C); MG-4/MAG
(Rear) |
950x30mm or 820x35mm, 7200x7.62mm |
TAP-C |
+2 |
Good |
M-2HB (C) |
2160x.50 |
*Floor AV is 4Sp.
**Floor AV is 6Sp, Roof AV is 3.
BAE South Africa RCV-9 Nongqai
Notes:
This is a South African internal security vehicle, used for riot control
and to protect high-risk installations such as power grids and airports. It also
found use as bullion and currency transport and an armored ambulance as well as
a command and control vehicle. This
vehicle is also known as the Uklebe or the Falcon. It was replaced in production
by the RG-12 Nyala (see below), and is not is production at this time;
protection ended in 2007, with production starting in late-1987.
The RCV-9 is also used by Columbia, who actually use more than South
Africa (60, versus the 50 used by South Africa).
A large number of non-governmental organizations, relief organizations,
VIP protection units, and news agencies have acquired the RCV-9; although only
110 are used by national forces, over 700 have actually been built and sold.
The RCV-9 is a
van-like vehicle. The driver sits in the front in the middle, with the troops
sitting in seats down the center of the rear of the vehicle, facing outwards.
He has a hatch atop his position, but normally enters and exits through
half-sized cab doors (to fit over the top of the wheels). There are doors in
either side of the vehicle; the rear of these two doors is about half the size
of the front door to clear the rear wheel.
Each of the four side doors has a firing port, and the rear has two
firing ports. On the roof are three
hatches, one of which has a weapon mount; the one with the weapons mount, a
commander’s position, has a raisable firing step and has a hatch that opens to
the rear. The commander has a
spotlight next to his position. The two other hatches are to the rear of this
hatch and open outwards; they can be locked in the vertical position to provide
a shield of sorts. To the rear of this on the roof is a spare tire. The driver
has a large two-part bullet-resistant windshield in front, and large
bullet-resistant side windows to his cab. The bullet resistant windows have wire
mesh screens to stop grenades and other large low-velocity or thrown weapons.
The sides have ballistic glass windows, a large one in the forward of the
two side doors, and a smaller one about half the size in the rear of the two
side doors. The rear has two large
bullet-resistant windows.
The engine is at the rear
of the vehicle. This engine is a
turbocharged diesel developing 120 horsepower, coupled to a manual transmission.
The driver has conventional controls, though he has power steering and a
power assist for the transmission (with a direct mechanical backup).
The standard suspension is 4x2, though a version with 4x4 suspension is
available, and the entire suspension is more suited for road use than off-road
use (it is very low). There are a
lot of optional fittings available, such as floodlights and extra spotlights,
shotgun microphones and recorders, wire mesh protection extended to all windows,
a tow bar, a roof-mounted wire cutter to protect the commander, a ramming
bumper, fire extinguishing bottles, air conditioning, a front-mounted winch with
a capacity of 5 tons and 60 meters of cable, and run-flat tires (which are not
normally fitted, though the standard tires are puncture-resistant).
The armored
ambulance version can carry four stretcher cases or two stretcher cases and four
sitting casualties, as well as a medic.
It has the equivalent of one doctor’s medical bag and 10 personal medical
kits, a selection of bandages, splints, burn first aid, and other such
materials, an oxygen administration kit, and a defibrillator.
The command and control vehicle has two
long-range radios (one data-capable), one medium-range radio, and a short-range
radio. It has a limited ruggedized
laptop computer that is used to update situational information and orders. The
vehicle has a number of map books and office-type supplies.
The command version has two TV screens which connect to either higher or
lower command elements or to the rotating TV camera and shotgun microphone on
the roof (which is protected by a wire cage).
The TV camera is a low-light TV camera (reflected in the Image
Intensifier listing below), and has telescopic zoom.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
RCV-9 (4x2) |
$13,711 |
D, A |
880 kg |
6.9 tons |
2+7 |
2 |
WL Spotlight |
Enclosed |
RCV-9 (4x4) |
$13,849 |
D, A |
880 kg |
6.9 tons |
2+7 |
2 |
WL Spotlight |
Enclosed |
RCV-9 Ambulance (4x2) |
$15,768 |
D, A |
440 kg |
7 tons |
* |
3 |
WL Spotlight |
Enclosed |
RCV-9 Ambulance (4x4) |
$15,927 |
D, A |
440 kg |
7 tons |
* |
3 |
WL Spotlight |
Enclosed |
RCV-9 Command (4x2) |
$46,591 |
D, A |
440 kg |
7 tons |
2+4 |
4 |
WL Spotlight, Image Intensification |
Enclosed |
RCV-9 Command (4x4) |
$46,660 |
D, A |
440 kg |
7 tons |
2+4 |
4 |
WL Spotlight, Image Intensification |
Enclosed |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
RCV-9 (4x2) |
231/22 |
54/5 |
200 |
58 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF2 HS2
HR2 |
RCV-9 (4x4) |
183/45 |
43/10 |
200 |
58 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF2 HS2
HR2 |
RCV-9 Ambulance/Command (4x2) |
229/22 |
54/5 |
200 |
59 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF2 HS2
HR2 |
RCV-9 Ambulance/Command (4x4) |
182/44 |
43/10 |
200 |
59 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF2 HS2
HR2 |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
RCV-9/RCV-9 Command |
None |
None |
MG-4 (C) |
1950x7.62mm |
BAE South Africa RG-12 Nyala
Notes:
This is a former South African police and internal security vehicle that
has been pressed into military use a peacekeeping role in some cases.
Users have gone far beyond South Africa to include several other African
nations, The RCMP, Calgary Police, and London Police of Canada, Kuwait, Jordan,
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Italy (the largest user of the RG-12) – even the Port
Authority of New York in the US uses three of them, and the Connecticut State
Police uses one. The vehicle
resembles the RCV-9 in its van-like configuration, and replaced the RCV-9 in
sale and production. The RG-12
shares many components with the RG-31 Charger (below).
The RG-12 has
two ballistic glass windshields up front, and bullet-resistant windows to the
cab sides, three more down the sides, and a one in the rear door.
These windows are typically large to afford the crew and passengers a
good view of the surrounding situation, but can be made small to increase
protection. The windows typically
have steel mesh over them to foil grenades and Molotov cocktails. The mesh also
covers the floodlights, the flashers, and the headlights. There is a firing port
under each window except the cab windows and windshield.
There is a full-sized door in each side of the troop compartment in the
center of the vehicle. The doors
usually swing out; but can be had in sliding doors to facilitate exit when the
vehicle is near a building or wall.
The rear also has a door. Above the
commander’s seat is a hatch with a weapon mount by it; this seat is next to the
driver in front on the right side.
The RG-12 normally has five floodlights atop the vehicle, operated by those
inside, with one by the commander’s hatch, and the rest being in on the roof of
the vehicle near the corners.
Troops sit down the center of the vehicle, back-to-back; their seats are padded
and relatively comfortable, allowing for long occupancy.
The amount of troops depends upon the equipment installed, but a maximum
figure is given below – for example, a cage is normally found near the back door
for a police dog, which results in the loss of two passenger spaces.
The RG-12 is
powered by an ADE 366T diesel engine developing 170 horsepower, coupled to a
manual transmission. Variants include the RG-12 CAT, which has a Caterpillar
engine of the same horsepower, and a version which uses an Iveco engine of the
same power. The standard suspension is 4x2, but a 4x4 version also exists; like
the RCV-9, the RG-12 is best suited to on-road rather than off-road travel.
The armor is a little better, with the floor slightly reinforced against
mines and IEDs. The driver has
conventional controls and power steering and brakes, as well as a hydraulic
assist for the transmission with a direct mechanical backup.
Variants include
the Mk 2, which has a 0.5kW APU-powered air conditioner, a central tire pressure
regulation system which gives the vehicle a little better off-road mobility;
antilock brakes, and various ergonomic improvements, and a command vehicle based
on the Mk 2, built for an unnamed Middle Eastern country.
The Mk 2 versions are all 4x4 vehicles. The Mk 2 can also carry the MARS
(Mobile Adjustable Ramp System), which provides a raisable adjustable assault
and evacuation ramp atop the vehicle to allow the occupants to attack up to a
third-story window in force, and is adjustable for any height in between.
The ramp is accessed through a ladder on the rear of the vehicle.
The installation of the MARS ramp means that the commander’s machinegun
and mount must be removed. The
hatch remains, but cannot be opened when the ramp is folded.
The Mk 2 Command
version is appointed in the same manner as the RCV-9 above.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
RG-12 Mk 1 (4x2) |
$16,364 |
D, A |
1.3 tons |
9.2 tons |
2+10 |
6 |
5xWL Spotlight (C, Roof) |
Enclosed |
RG-12 Mk 1 (4x4) |
$16,528 |
D, A |
1.3 tons |
9.2 tons |
2+10 |
6 |
5xWL Spotlight (C, Roof) |
Enclosed |
RG-12 Mk 2 |
$16,753 |
D, A |
1.3 tons |
9.3 tons |
2+10 |
6 |
WL Spotlight |
Enclosed |
RG-12 Mk 2 Command |
$49,468 |
D, A |
650 kg |
9.5 tons |
2+4 |
7 |
5xWL Spotlight, Image Intensification |
Enclosed |
RG-12 Mk 2 w/MARS |
$18,753 |
D, A |
850 kg |
11 tons |
2+10 |
7 |
4xWL Spotlight (Roof) |
Enclosed |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
RG-12 Mk 1 (4x2) |
249/24 |
57/6 |
250 |
86 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
RG-12 Mk 1 (4x4) |
197/48 |
45/11 |
250 |
86 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
RG-12 Mk 2 |
196/48 |
45/11 |
250 |
87 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
RG-12 Mk 2 Command |
192/47 |
44/11 |
250 |
88 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
RG-12 Mk 2 w/MARS |
165/40 |
38/9 |
250 |
104 |
CiH |
W(2) |
TF1 TS1
TR1 HF3
HS3 HR2** |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
RG-12 (Except w/MARS Ramp) |
None |
None |
MG-4 (C) |
2400x7.62mm |
*Floor AV is 3Sp.
**Floor AV is 3Sp. The “CiH” rating reflects the MARS ramp and not a standard
CiH-type vehicle.
BAE South Africa RG-31 Nyala
Notes: The RG-31
Nyala (yes, the same name as the RG-12, though they are very different vehicles)
is a light MRAP that has found a considerable market, particularly among the
countries participating in the intervention in Afghanistan, and especially among
US forces, who call it the charger and have developed specialized versions
working with the US firm of Oshkosh for use in their Category I MRAP
requirement. The US is in fact the
largest user of the RG-31, with 1963 having been bought and more being produced
in the US under license. Other
users include Canada, France, Spain, the UAE, Columbia, Rwanda, and South Africa
herself. The RG-31 is also used by
UN forces in general as well as a number of non-governmental relief agencies,
the transport of government and business VIPs, and by various security
contractors. Many countries use a
variety of options and customizations, from air conditioning and winches to
remote weapons stations and a mix of weapon mounts. (Those used by non-military
or police agencies are typically unarmed.)
In general, the
RG-31 is a development of the Mamba MRAP listed above.
It resembles a large, armored SUV, with a large double windshield of
ballistic glass, and large side cab windows, two large side windows, and a large
rear window of ballistic glass. Exit and entrance for the driver and commander
are through cab side doors, and the rest of the troops enter and exit through a
rear door. There are two hatches
atop the roof; the front one is generally accompanied by a weapon mount or
occupied with an RWS or small turret; weapon mounts by themselves are typically
surrounded by AV2 gun shields. The
RG-31 has an MRAP hull, and this hull has proven very effective at protecting
the occupants from mines and IEDs.
The crew and troops are seated on shock-absorbing seats and have 4-point
harnesses. Depending upon appointments, the troop complement can vary.
Firing ports, up to three per side and two in the rearm are an option
often taken.
The base engine
of the RG-31 range is the Mercedes-Benz OM-352A diesel, developing 123
horsepower. This has proven to be
underpowered, and most users have taken the option of one of several more
powerful engines. The engine is
coupled to an automatic transmission with a manual backup.
The suspension is reasonably high to help protect against mines and IEDs,
and is a 4x4 suspension with good off-road characteristics.
The all-welded steel armor offers increased armor protection over the
Mamba except in its base form. A spare tire is often carried on the dies of the
vehicle behind the cab doors. Tires are run-flat and have additional puncture
resistance. Air conditioning is virtually standard, and interior heating is
adequate as well. A variety of optional features are available, including
flashing lights and sirens, loudspeakers, video systems, ramming bumpers,
automatic fire detection and suppression systems, and roof spotlights.
Engine options
for the RG-31 include a Caterpillar diesel developing 125 horsepower, an Iveco
Tector F4AE0681D diesel developing 210 horsepower, a Detroit Diesel engine
developing 260 horsepower, and a Cummins QSB-6700 diesel engine developing 275
horsepower.
Variants include
the RG-31M; the upgrade includes a military-standard wiring harness, central
tire pressure regulation, and various engineering and mechanical improvements.
It is normally fitted out as a weapons carrier, and has a plethora of
weapons including a heavy RWS and a rear roof hatch with a weapons mount.
It carries a large amount of ammunition, and carries only weapons
operators. The Mk 2 uses the
Detroit Diesel engine discussed above; and is most often found in a VIP
transport configuration, and as such has extra side doors. It has slightly
better armor protection. It is also sometimes found in a troop-carrying
configuration. The Mk 3 was built primarily for export and has an Iveco Tector
engine as described above as well as the improvements of the RG-31M and the
ballistic improvements of the Mk 2; however, the Mk 3 is used by the US Army,
with them using some 148 of them. On the Mk 3 or later, there are often two
clusters of three smoke grenade launchers on the front corners of the vehicle or
the front roof corners.
The Mk 3A is
basically an upgraded Mamba with the more powerful Iveco Tector engine as well
as the improvements of the RG-31M; for game purposes, it is identical to the Mk
3. The RG-31 Mk 3 Charger for US forces is equipped with the Detroit Diesel
above and the ballistic improvements of the Mk 2.
The RG-31 Sabre is a logistics/cargo version of the Mk 3 which has a bare
rear area, roof hatches and a small 2-ton crane for cargo handling, and rollers
on the floor, lock-down points, and tie-down points.
The Mk 5 was
designed specifically for US forces, and features the Cummins engine stated
above. The Mk 5E has an extended wheelbase and larger passenger/weapon
capability. The Mk 6E is a version
of the Mk 5E which has superior armor protection, particularly against mines and
IEDs. The Mk 5A1S was designed for
US SOCOM forces, and is essentially a “gun truck” carrying extra weapons, gear,
and radios. The Mk 5A1 is fitted
out by the US Army as a scout vehicle and carries more weapons, radios, and gear
and less troops. Some are also fitted out as VIP transport versions.
Both the Mk 5A1 and Mk 5A1S carry 2 long-range radios (one data-capable),
one medium-range radio, and one short-range radio; the Mk 5A1S also carries two
specialist radios for communicating with aircraft. Mk 5s and Mk 6s are
considered Category II MRAPs by the US military, except for the Mk 5As
(essentially a Mk 5 with some automotive and electrical improvements) and the
base Mk 5, which is still a Category I.
US forces can
have a variety of weapons installations and crew and passenger configurations;
some representative installations are shown below. These can range from simple
pintle mounts to small turrets and RWSs.
Most other
countries use stock base RG-31s, but the Canadians use a version of the Mk 3
with the Protector M-151 RWS. The
Spanish also use an RWS on theirs, a Samson RWS in their case; they use them on
Mk 5Es. The UAE use Mk 5s
customized with small turrets atop them, often armed with autocannons.
Twilight 2000
Notes: At the time of the Twilight War, it was an open question as to which of
those two vehicles would remain in production, but with the crisis, both
vehicles were used by South Africa. The later versions of the RG-31, other than
the RG-31M, do not exist in the Twilight 2000 timeline.
The US, Britain, and Israel do, however, use RG-31 Mk 1s (in the Middle
East only) – the US with the Caterpillar engine, the rest with the Mercedes-Benz
engine.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
RG-31 Mk 1 |
$15,852 |
D, A |
965 kg |
7 tons |
2+6 |
2 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
RG-31 Mk 1 (Caterpillar Engine) |
$15,857 |
D, A |
965 kg |
7 tons |
2+6 |
2 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
RG-31M |
$56,358 |
D, A |
485 kg |
7.2 tons |
2+3 |
3 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
RG-31 Mk 2 |
$21,455 |
D, A |
1.3 tons |
7.2 tons |
2+6 |
2 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
RG-31 Mk 3 |
$20,738 |
D, A |
1.1 tons |
7.3 tons |
2+6 |
2 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
RG-31 Mk 3 (US) |
$21,455 |
D, A |
1.2 tons |
7.4 tons |
2+6 |
2 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
RG-31 Sabre |
$19,400 |
D, A |
2.3 tons |
6.8 tons |
2 |
3 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
RG-31 Mk 5 (Standard) |
$22,511 |
D, A |
1.1 tons |
7.4 tons |
2+6 |
2 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
RG-31 Mk 5 (RWS) |
$99,750 |
D, A |
1 ton |
7.7 tons |
3+5 |
5 |
Passive IR (G), Image Intensification (G) |
Enclosed |
RG-31 Mk 5E (Standard) |
$22,787 |
D, A |
1.1 tons |
7.9 tons |
2+8 |
4 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
RG-31 Mk 5E (RWS) |
$100,089 |
D, A |
1 ton |
8.1 tons |
3+7 |
6 |
Passive IR (G), Image Intensification (G) |
Enclosed |
RG-31 Mk 5A1 (Standard) |
$30,816 |
D, A |
500 kg |
7.5 tons |
3+3 |
4 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
RG-31 Mk 5A1 (RWS) |
$107,656 |
D, A |
400 kg |
7.8 tons |
3+3 |
6 |
Passive IR (G), Image Intensification (G) |
Enclosed |
RG-31 Mk 5A1S |
$59,908 |
D, A |
500 kg |
7.7 tons |
3+3 |
5 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
RG-31 Mk 6E (Standard) |
$25,254 |
D, A |
1 ton |
8.4 tons |
2+8 |
6 |
Passive IR (G), Image Intensification (G) |
Enclosed |
RG-31 Mk 6E (RWS) |
$102,107 |
D, A |
900 kg |
8.6 tons |
3+7 |
6 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
RG-31 Mk 3 (Canadian) |
$37,506 |
D, A |
1 ton |
7.6 tons |
3+5 |
5 |
Passive IR (G), Image Intensification (G) |
Enclosed |
RG-31 Mk 5E (Spanish Samson Jr RWS) |
$41,508 |
D, A |
1 ton |
8 tons |
3+7 |
5 |
Passive IR (G), Image Intensification (G) |
Enclosed |
RG-31 Mk 5E (Spanish Mini-Samson RWS) |
$39,790 |
D, A |
1 ton |
8.1 tons |
3+7 |
5 |
Passive IR (G), Image Intensification (G) |
Enclosed |
RG-31 Mk 5E (Spanish Samson RWS) |
$55,441 |
D, A |
725 kg |
9.4 tons |
3+6 |
5 |
Passive IR (G), Image Intensification (G) |
Enclosed |
RG-31 Mk 5 (UAE Small RWS) |
$40,108 |
D, A |
1 ton |
7.5 tons |
3+5 |
5 |
Passive IR (G), Image Intensification (G) |
Enclosed |
RG-31 Mk 5 (UAE Medium RWS) |
$38,050 |
D, A |
1 ton |
7.6 tons |
3+5 |
5 |
Passive IR (G), Image Intensification (G) |
Enclosed |
RG-31 Mk 5 (UAE Large RWS) |
$53,902 |
D, A |
725 kg |
8.9 tons |
3+4 |
5 |
Passive IR (G), Image Intensification (G) |
Enclosed |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
RG-31 Mk 1 |
142/72 |
33/17 |
215 |
60 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
RG-31 Mk 1 (Caterpillar Engine) |
143/73 |
33/17 |
215 |
60 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
RG-31M |
141/71 |
33/16 |
215 |
62 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
RG-31 Mk 2 |
259/130 |
60/30 |
215 |
136 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF4 HS3
HR2* |
RG-31 Mk 3 |
213/107 |
49/25 |
215 |
108 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
RG-31 Mk 3 (US) |
253/127 |
58/30 |
215 |
139 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF4 HS3
HR2* |
RG-31 Sabre |
225/114 |
53/26 |
215 |
59 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF3 HS3
HR2* |
RG-31 Mk 5 (Standard) |
265/134 |
62/31 |
215 |
144 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF4 HS3
HR2* |
RG-31 Mk 5 (RWS) |
254/129 |
60/30 |
215 |
150 |
CiH |
W(3) |
TF2 TS2
TR2 HF4
HS3 HR2* |
RG-31 Mk 5E (Standard) |
249/126 |
56/29 |
215 |
154 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF4 HS3
HR2** |
RG-31 Mk 5E (RWS) |
241/122 |
56/28 |
215 |
157 |
CiH |
W(3) |
TF2 TS2
TR2 HF4
HS3 HR2** |
RG-31 Mk 5A1 (Standard) |
263/133 |
61/31 |
215 |
145 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF4 HS3
HR2** |
RG-31 Mk 5A1 (RWS) |
252/127 |
59/29 |
215 |
151 |
CiH |
W(3) |
TF2 TS2
TR2 HF4
HS3 HR2** |
RG-31 Mk 5A1S |
254/129 |
60/30 |
215 |
150 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF4 HS3
HR2** |
RG-31 Mk 6E (Standard) |
234/118 |
53/27 |
215 |
163 |
Stnd |
W(4) |
HF4 HS4
HR3*** |
RG-31 Mk 6E (RWS) |
229/116 |
52/27 |
215 |
168 |
CiH |
W(4) |
TF2 TS2
TR2 HF4
HS4 HR3*** |
RG-31 Mk 3 (Canadian) |
204/103 |
47/24 |
215 |
112 |
CiH |
W(3) |
TF2 TS2
TR2 HF3
HS3 HR2* |
RG-31 Mk 5E (Spanish Samson Jr RWS) |
247/125 |
55/29 |
215 |
156 |
CiH |
W(3) |
TF2 TS2
TR2 HF4
HS3 HR2** |
RG-31 Mk 5E (Spanish Mini-Samson RWS) |
244/123 |
55/28 |
215 |
157 |
CiH |
W(3) |
TF2 TS2
TR2 HF4
HS3 HR2** |
RG-31 Mk 5E (Spanish Samson RWS) |
209/106 |
47/24 |
215 |
183 |
CiH |
W(3) |
TF2 TS2
TR2 HF4
HS3 HR2** |
RG-31 Mk 5 (UAE Small RWS) |
263/133 |
61/31 |
215 |
145 |
CiH |
W(3) |
TF2 TS2
TR2 HF4
HS3 HR2* |
RG-31 Mk 5 (UAE Medium RWS) |
257/130 |
60/30 |
215 |
148 |
CiH |
W(3) |
TF2 TS2
TR2 HF4
HS3 HR2* |
RG-31 Mk 5 (UAE Large RWS) |
220/111 |
51/26 |
215 |
173 |
CiH |
W(3) |
TF2 TS2
TR2 HF4
HS3 HR2* |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
RG-31 Mk 1/Mk 2/Mk 3 |
None |
None |
Mini-SS or Minimi or M-249 or MG-4 or MAG or M-2HB or Mk 19 AGL |
2950x5.56mm or 2150x7.62mm or 1285x.50 or 400x40mm Grenades |
RG-31M/Mk 5A1S |
None |
None |
Mini-SS or Minimi or M-249 or MG-4 or MAG or M-2HB or Mk 19 AGL; Mini-SS
or M-249 or MG-4 or MAG or M-2HB or Mk 19 AGL C), MG-4 or MAG or M-2HB
(Left, Right Side); 2xAT-4 or other LAW; MG-4 or MAG (Rear) |
5900x5.56mm or 4300x7.62mm or 2750x.50 or 800x40mm Grenades; plus
4300x7.62mm or 1285x.50; and 2xAT-4 or other LAW; plus 2150x7.62mm |
RG-31 Sabre |
None |
None |
Mini-SS or Minimi or M-249 or MG-4 or MAG or M-2HB or Mk 19 AGL (C) |
1475x5.56mm or 1075x7.62mm or 645x.50 or 200x40mm Grenades |
RG-31 Mk 5/Mk 5E/Mk 6E |
None |
None |
Minimi or M-249 or MAG or M-2HB or Mk 19 AGL |
2950x5.56mm or 2150x7.62mm or 1285x.50 or 400x40mm Grenades |
RG-31 Mk 5/Mk 5E (RWS)/Mk 3 (Canadian) |
+2 |
Fair |
M-2HB |
2000x.50 |
RG-31 Mk 5A1 |
None |
None |
Minimi or M-249 or MAG/M-240 or M-2HB or Mk 19 AGL; plus MAG/M-240
(Rear) |
2950x5.56mm or 2150x7.62mm or 1285x.50 or 400x40mm Grenades; plus
1075x7.62mm |
RG-31 Mk 5E (Spanish Samson Jr RWS) |
+2 |
Fair |
Minimi, MG-3 |
3000x5.56mm, 1700x7.62mm |
RG-31 Mk 5E (Spanish Mini-Samson RWS) |
+2 |
Fair |
M-2HB or HK GMG |
2000x.50 or 640x40mm Grenades |
RG-31 Mk 5E (Spanish Samson RWS) |
+2 |
Fair |
20mm Oerlikon KAA or 25mm M-242 ChainGun or 30mm Mk 44 ChainGun |
2000x20mm or 1600x25mm or 1350x30mm |
RG-31 Mk 5 (UAE Small RWS) |
+2 |
Fair |
Minimi, MAG |
3000x5.56mm, 1700x7.62mm |
RG-31 Mk 5 (UAE Medium RWS) |
+2 |
Fair |
M-2HB or Mk 19 AGL |
2000x.50 or 640x40mm Grenades |
RG-31 Mk 5 (UAE Large RWS) |
+2 |
Fair |
20mm Oerlikon KAA or M-242 ChainGun |
2000x20mm or 1600x25mm |
*Floor AV is 4Sp.
**Floor AV is 5Sp.
***Floor AV is 5Sp, Roof AV is 3.
BAE South Africa RG-32 Scout
Notes:
The RG-32 is based on the RG-31, and is sort of an “RG-31 Light.”
It was designed primarily for police and VIP transport roles, though
military versions were produced and fielded as light scout aircraft, hence its
appellation. In addition to its use
by South Africa, The RG-32 is in general UN use for peacekeeping operations and
by Finland, Sweden, Egypt, Ireland, and Slovakia, almost all in police and VIP
transport forms and in almost all cases in small numbers.
Only Finland and Sweden, in fact, other than South Africa, employ the
RG-32 in a military role. A further
development of the RG-32, the RG-32M Galten, is also available; this is employed
in a military role by South Africa, Sweden, Finland, and Ireland.
The RG-32M is produced exclusively in a military version, and is meant as
more of a light scout vehicle than an APC.
The RG-32 has seen combat use in Afghanistan.
Being derived
from the RG-31, the RG-32 follows the same form: an armored SUV.
Armor protection is not as heavy as on the RG-31, and the mine blast
protection is also not as pronounced.
The entire vehicle resembles a short-wheelbase version of the RG-31, with
a front cab and engine and rear troop compartment which is smaller than that of
the RG-31. The side cab doors and
rear door remains, though there is only one door in the rear instead of two.
There are also two side doors for the troop compartment. The large
bullet-resistant windshield remains, along with the large side cab windows, two
pairs of side windows in the troop section, and a relatively small rear windows.
All are bullet-resistant.
The rear door often has a spare tire mounted on it.
No firing ports are evident, though there is a roof hatch for a weapons
mount in the military versions (the hatch remains, though there is no weapons
mount, in the VIP/Police versions.
An Air conditioner is found on the roof. VIP transports are normally more
luxuriously fitted out with padded bench car-like seats and amenities such as
commercial radios, CD players, hot spots for laptops and smartphones, etc.
They carry less passengers and less cargo, and do not normally have the
4-point harnesses for the crew and passengers. They are normally unarmed, but
often have firing ports in the sides of the vehicles (up to two). Police
versions typically have flashing lights, a siren, an extra-loud horn, a ramming
bumper, and a 3-ton capacity winch in the front bumper with 60 meters of cable.
Finnish and Swedish RG-32s are specially winterized. The suspensions are
meant for more on-road than off-road use, especially in the 4x2 versions.
Military versions have clusters of three smoke grenade launchers on each side of
the front bumper of each front corner of the roof.
Two types of
engines are available to the RG-32: the MBT-900 190-horsepower turbocharged
diesel or the 200-horsepower VM Motori RA-428 turbocharged gasoline engine.
Suspension can be 4x2 or 4x4, and the RG-32 can be manual or automatic
transmission. (Military versions
are all 4x4 and diesel-powered.) The RG-32 has an MRAP hull, but just a hint of
a V-shaped exterior and thus does not offer much better protection than a flat
bottom. The RG-32 has power brakes and power steering with direct actuation
backups.
The RG-32M is a
much more beefy model which has an mine-hardened hull and more armor protection,
on par with an RG-31 in its early Marks.
It has seen combat use in Afghanistan.
The RG-32 is designed to use as many off-the-shelf components as
possible, borrowing many from the RG-31 as well as standard RG-32.
The RG-32 comes in standard and long-wheelbase versions; the latter can
be easily mistaken with the RG-31 in its early marks.
The latest version of the RG-32M, the RG-32M LTV, has an even better MRAP
hull and is higher inside; this allows it to carry more mission-specific
equipment. Despite the higher
weight, it is powered by a 181-horsepower Steyr M16TCA turbocharged engine.
This increases range without cutting the power too much.
Twilight 2000
Notes: The RG-32 does not appear in the Twilight 2000 timeline.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
RG-32 Police 4x2 (Gas) |
$4,489 |
G, A |
870 kg |
4.5 tons |
2+4 |
3 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
RG-32 Police 4x2 (Diesel) |
$4,445 |
D, A |
870 kg |
4.5 tons |
2+4 |
3 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
RG-32 VIP Transport 4x2 (Gas) |
$8,161 |
G, A |
385 kg |
4.6 tons |
2+4 |
3 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
RG-32 VIP Transport 4x2 (Diesel) |
$8,081 |
D, A |
385 kg |
4.6 tons |
2+4 |
3 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
RG-32 Military |
$21,490 |
D, A |
770 kg |
4.7 tons |
2+4 |
2 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
RG-32M |
$24,647 |
D, A |
1.2 tons |
7.5 tons |
3+3 |
4 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
RG-32M LWB |
$24,726 |
D, A |
1.4 tons |
7.8 tons |
3+5 |
4 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
RG-32M LTV |
$26,735 |
D, A |
700 kg |
9.5 tons |
3+3 |
4 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
Police 4x2 (Gas) |
497/48 |
115/11 |
125 |
137 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF2 HS2
HR2* |
Police 4x2 (Diesel) |
472/46 |
109/11 |
125 |
97 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF2 HS2
HR2* |
VIP Transport 4x2 (Gas) |
492/48 |
114/11 |
125 |
138 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF2 HS2
HR2* |
VIP Transport 4x2 (Diesel) |
467/46 |
108/11 |
125 |
98 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF2 HS2
HR2* |
RG-32 Military |
360/88 |
84/32 |
125 |
101 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF2 HS2
HR2* |
RG-32M |
239/59 |
55/22 |
125 |
92 |
Stnd |
W(2) |
HF3 HS3
HR2** |
RG-32M LWB |
229/55 |
52/21 |
125 |
96 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF3 HS3
HR2** |
RG-32M LTV |
188/47 |
43/17 |
125 |
117 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF4 HS3
HR2*** |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
RG-32 (Military Versions) |
None |
None |
2xMini-SS or 2xMinimi or 2xMG-4 or 2xMAG or M-2HB or 2xMGL-40 or Mk 19
AGL |
1950x5.56mm or 1400x7.62mm or 850x.50 or 250x40mm LV Grenades or
200x40mm HV Grenades |
*Floor AV is 3.
**Floor AV is 4; Roof AV is 3.
***Floor AV is 5Sp; Roof AV is 3.
BAE South Africa RG-34 Iguana
The Iguana was
originally a product of the Belgian company Sabiex.
Sabiex introduced the Iquana in 2002 at Eurosatory, but by 2007, they had
received no orders for it, despite aggressive marketing and some almost-orders.
They were ready to drop the design from the market.
However, BAE saw enough promise in the Iguana that they bought the design
in 2007, and gave it over to their South African subsidiary for further
development and production as the RG-34. Despite the further development and
being ready for production, there are still no orders for the RG-34 as of
January of 2011. BAE South Africa
has shown a number of demonstrators and prototypes to various countries and as
several arms shows. (Only the basic
APC will be detailed below, as it is the only one for which I have any decent
data.) The RG-34 is designed for use by military, police, and NGOs alike.
The RG-34 has a
forward driver position on its boxy hull, and this may be on the left or right
in accordance with the buyer’s desires.
(Right-hand drive is envisioned to be the standard.)
The driver has conventional controls, with power brakes and steering,
with manual backups. The driver’s
position is surrounded on three sides by ballistic glass plates.
The commander’s position is to the rear of the driver’s compartment (on a
right-hand-drive position) or to the rear and opposite the driver’s position (on
a left-hand-drive version). The
standard commander’s position is a low cupola with a pintle mount for a weapon;
however, a number of RWSs, turrets, and weapon stations can be installed (or
merely a bare hatch). To the rear
of the cupola is space for the troop complement. Small ballistic-glass windows
are found three per side and two in the rear on either side of the door; firing
ports are an option but not standard. However, above each troop position is a
small hatch, which can be locked open and used for the soldier to stand in and
fire or observe. To the left of the cupola is storage for ammunition and crew
and vehicle equipment. Air
conditioning is optional.
It should be
noted that the RG-34 does not have an MRAP hull, but it is “mine-hardened.”
The RG-34 has a high road clearance, large-diameter run-flat
puncture-resistant tires, and a specially-designed multi-link hydro-pneumatic
suspension mounted on a very rigid structure.
This not only gives the vehicle an excellent turning radius and good
off-road performance, it does provide some protection from mines and IEDs – sort
of like an MRAP, but with only a 10% decrease in damage to interior crew,
troops, and components. The armor
is of specially-hardened steel, and has a good slope on the front and moderate
slope on the sides. Protection is therefore better than what one would expect
for such a light and compact vehicle.
Power is
provided by a 218-horsepower Cummins turbocharged diesel engine, coupled to an
automatic transmission with a manual backup.
Twilight 2000
Notes: The RG-34 is not available in the Twilight 2000 timeline.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
$20,118 |
D, A |
2 tons |
9.5 tons |
2+6 |
6 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
181/91 |
42/21 |
215 |
113 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF8
HS5 HR3* |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
None |
None |
Mini-SS/Minimi/M-249 or MG-4/MAG/M-240 or M-2HB or Mk 19 |
2750x5.56mm or 2000x7.62mm or 1200x.50 or 380x40mm Grenades |
*Floor AV is 3Sp; Roof AV is 3.
BAE South Africa RG-35
Notes:
Officially listed by BAE as a “Crossover Tactical Vehicle,” able to fulfill many
roles, from APC to command vehicle to specialist vehicles.
It is based in part on the RG-31, with a high degree of parts
interchangeability. The RG-35 is
currently being evaluated and on the short list to supplement or replace the
Mamba in certain roles, and certain other countries are said to be evaluating or
considering them, including Britain for its LPPV requirement, and Canada, for
their TAP-S requirement. First
shown at the DSEi 2009 exposition in 2009, and it has not had the chance to
really take off yet. Current APC-type plans include an APC with a RWS, an
Ambulance, a weapons carrier, and a command post carrier.
The RG-35 has a
large 3-piece bullet-resistant windshield at the front for the commander and
gunner, and a bullet-resistant window to each side of the cab.
Cab access is through a door on either side.
The nose is blunt; the crew sits in a cabover configuration, and the
engine is on the left side of the vehicle behind the driver.
The driver has a hatch above his compartment, or may enter through the
troop compartment. The troop section is in the rear, separated from the cab by
part of the engine compartment, including a fireproof bulkhead.
The troop compartment has hatches on the roof and large double doors in
the rear. There are three
bullet-resistant windows on the right side and two in the left, and two in the
rear doors. Being an MRAP hull, the
trip seats are appropriately designed.
Three firing ports are found on each side of the hull and one in each of
the rear doors. The RWS on the roof
in the gunner’s position can carry weapons of up to 20mm, and gives the RG-35 a
high degree of fire control and vision devices.
Power is
supplied by a turbocharged Cummins diesel providing 550 horsepower, along with
an automatic transmission. This
provides an abundance of power. Driver’s controls are conventional, with power
steering and power brakes. Turn
radius is small for a vehicle of its size, only 15 meters for 180 degrees.
Off-road mobility is excellent, with a high ground clearance, antilock
brakes, puncture-resistant and run-flat tires, and a beefy suspension with
all-wheel drive. The RG-35 has
central tire pressure regulation.
Suspension may be 6x6 or 4x4. Armor
is of welded steel, and better than what you might expect from such a vehicle;
appliqué armor can also be mounted.
For crew comfort, an air conditioner is standard.
Fuel tanks are self-sealing.
A winch with a 6-ton capacity and 60 meters of cable is mounted in the front
bumper.
Ambulance
versions are equipped with the equivalent of 2 doctor’s medical bags, 20
personal medical kits, an oxygen administration set, a defibrillator, a small
refrigerator, a blanket warmer, and a hot plate.
Room is provided in the rear for four stretcher patients or two stretcher
patients and five seated patients, plus a medic. The vehicle is unarmed, but all
the roof hatches, including a commander’s cupola, is retained; the firing ports
are also retained. The Ambulance has an NBC overpressure system with a
collective NBC backup, but is not radiologically shielded.
The Command Post
carrier has two long-range radios (one data capable), two medium range radios,
and two long-range radios. Small
computer system is provided, sort of a “BMS-lite,” which allows about 50% of the
information flow and storage of a standard Western-type BMS and does not record
vehicle state, and uses inertial navigation instead of GPS navigation.
Conventional map stowage/map book stowage is provided, and office-type
and plotting-type supplies are available.
The CPC has an NBC overpressure system with a collective NBC backup, but
is not radiologically shielded. All
firing ports except the rear firing ports are deleted, though the roof hatches
are retained. A hand-held thermal
imager, image intensifier, and laser rangefinder are carried.
The weapons
carrier generally has a heavier weapon for the RWS and more pintle mounts around
the hatch layout, and carries more ammunition at the expense of troop space.
The weapons carrier is generally based around the 4x4 version; this has
the same essential layout as the 6x6 version, but is shorter. The roof hatches
can be locked open in the vertical to provide faux gun shields, and the hatches
are rotatable.
Twilight 2000
Notes: The RG-35 does not exist in the Twilight 2000 timeline.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
RG-35 APC |
$70,895 |
D, A |
1.9 tons |
14.9 tons |
3+12 |
8 |
Passive IR (G), Image Intensification (G), Thermal Imaging (G) |
Enclosed |
RG-35 Ambulance |
$81,530 |
D, A |
950 kg |
15.2 tons |
** |
9 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
RG-35 Command Post Carrier |
$144,181 |
D, A |
950 kg |
15.3 tons |
3+5 |
10 |
Passive IR (G), Image Intensification (G), Thermal Imaging (G) |
Enclosed |
RG-35 Weapons Carrier |
$90,691 |
D, A |
830 kg |
12.9 tons |
3+6 |
9 |
Passive IR (G), Image Intensification (G), Thermal Imaging (G) |
Enclosed |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
RG-35 APC |
270/136 |
62/32 |
535 |
296 |
Stnd |
W(6) |
HF8 HS5
HR4* |
RG-35 Ambulance |
265/133 |
61/31 |
535 |
302 |
Stnd |
W(6) |
HF8 HS5
HR4* |
RG-35 Command Post Carrier |
262/132 |
60/31 |
535 |
305 |
Stnd |
W(6) |
HF8 HS5
HR4* |
RG-35 Weapons Carrier |
304/154 |
70/36 |
465 |
256 |
Stnd |
W(4) |
HF8 HS5
HR4* |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
RG-35 APC |
+2 |
Good |
2xMG-4/MAG or MG-4/MAG and M-2HB or Mk 19 AGL or 20mm KAB Autocannon |
2000x7.62mm or 960x7.62mm and 600x.50 or 380x40mm Grenades or 760x20mm |
RG-35 Weapons Carrier |
+2 |
Good |
2xMG-4/MAG or MG-4/MAG and M-2HB or Mk 19 AGL or 20mm KAB Autocannon or
25mm M-242 ChainGun; Mini-SS/Minimi or MG-4/MAG |
3000x7.62mm or 1440x7.62mm and 900x.50 or 570x40mm Grenades or 1140x20mm
or 910x25mm; 4100x5.56 or 3000x7.62mmm or combination |
*Roof AV is 3; Floor AV is 7Sp.
CSIR Casspir
Notes:
The Buffel was a revolutionary vehicle which offered considerable
advantages in mine-strewn South African Border Wars, but it had a number of
problems – poor armor protection, poor off-road performance, and being
underpowered. In the mid-1980s,
design work began on the Buffel’s successor – the Casspir (an amalgamation of
the SAP – South African Police – and CSIR – Council for Scientific and
Industrial Research). Though the
initial customers were to be the South African Police to deploy in townships to
enforce apartheid, the Casspir also saw considerable use by SANDF in the South
African Border Wars. Peru is a
known export customer; India is the largest export user, with them having 255.
Other users include Angola, Indonesia, Nepal (the second-largest export
user), and several other African nations. The Casspir was the prototype of the
US Marines’ MRAP project, and the US Army and Marines used several Casspirs
(less than 10) during de-mining operations in Croatia and Afghanistan at Bagram
Air Base. The last US use of the
Casspir, however, was in 2003.
South Africa still employs some 370 of them, though they are steadily being
replaced by more modern vehicles. There are several marks of the Casspir as well
as several variants; APC-type variants include an armored ambulance, an armored
logistics vehicle, a weapons carrier, an armored tanker, and a police riot
control version.
Originally a
product of CSIR, production of the Casspir was taken over by TFM in 1981, with
the Mk 2 version. The design was later bought by Reumech, which was then taken
over by Vickers Defence, which was then taken over by Alvis, and then by BAE,
since 2004, BAE has been the place to go for the Casspir and its parts.
Like the Buffel,
the Casspir has an MRAP-type hull and suspension, along with the appropriate
seating. This includes 4-point
harnesses for the crew and troops to help protect them in the case that a mine
or IEDs turns the Casspir on its side or roof, or causes it to roll over.
Like the Buffel, the Casspir has a water tank for crew and troop
consumption, in this case holding 200 liters; set in the floor, this also
provides some incidental protection against mines and IEDs.
The Mk 1 version of the Casspir had an open roof; it was, however,
produced only in limited quantities (about 200, most later modified into later
marks) for a few months in 1979 and 1980.
The commander and driver have a forward cab behind the truck-like front
end, with a front-mounted windshield of ballistic glass and windows to the sides
of ballistic glass. Access to the
vehicle is by two doors in the rear or climbing over the sides.
The commander has a mount for a weapon under his windshield with limited
traverse, elevation, and virtually no depression; this is normally an MG-4. At
the front of the troop compartment is a mount (or double mount) for a weapon,
which may be of several different types; this is manned by one of the troops in
the rear. The troops sit down the
center facing outwards; five firing ports are found on each side, and two in the
rear. The sides have three long rectangular windows of ballistic glass, and each
rear door has a square window. The Mk 1 is powered by 166-horsepower
Mercedes-Benz OM-352 turbocharged diesel engine, which unfortunately still
leaves it a bit underpowered. The
suspension, however, is more suited for off-road use, though once again the
stiff leaf-spring-type suspension is used and the ride can be a bit rough.
The transmission is manual, and the driver has conventional controls.
The primary
difference between the Mk 1 and Mk 2 is the armored roof of the Mk 2.
Some improvements to the transmission have been made, such as the use of
a limited-slip differential. The
roof has four hatches in it, including one by which the weapon mount can be
manned. Troops and crew may enter
and exit through these hatches, but primary access is through the double door at
the rear. The Mk 3 gives the
Casspir an automatic transmission with a manual backup and uses a
domestically-produced ADE turbocharged diesel developing 170 horsepower.
The armored
ambulance, based on the Mk 2, has space for four stretcher patients, two
stretchers and four seated patients, or eight seated patients, along with a
medic. The armored ambulance is
unarmed. The armored ambulance has
the equivalent of one doctor’s medical bag, 20 personal medical kits, an oxygen
administration kit, a defibrillator, and a small refrigerator.
The armored
logistics carrier, the Blesbok, does not have troop appointments and has drop
sides. It has no roof; however, it
is based on the Mk 2. It has a crane with a 2-ton capacity to help handle cargo.
It does not have the weapons station of the Casspir, only the commander’s
machinegun. The crew consists of the driver, commander, and crane
operator/logistics specialist, who is the only one to have a seat in the rear.
The weapons
carrier is primarily a carrier for a 106mm recoilless rifle, and the top parts
of the sides and rear can be dropped.
It has no roof, but is based on the Mk 2. It does carry a small dismount
crew, but is primarily a weapons carrier, and the additional troops normally
provide additional help with the recoilless rifle or defensive fire support for
the vehicle. It does not have the
weapons station of the standard Casspir, only the commander’s machinegun.
Twilight 2000
Notes: The Mk 3 does not exist in the Twilight 2000 timeline.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
Casspir Mk 1 |
$20,580 |
D, A |
1.5 tons |
10.3 tons |
2+12 |
4 |
Headlights |
Open |
Casspir Mk 2 |
$24,600 |
D, A |
1.3 tons |
10.9 tons |
2+12 |
4 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Casspir Mk 3 |
$24,615 |
D, A |
1.3 tons |
10.9 tons |
2+12 |
4 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Casspir Ambulance |
$28,290 |
D, A |
650 kg |
11.1 tons |
*** |
5 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Blesbok |
$16,379 |
D, A |
5 tons |
9.7 tons |
3 |
4 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Casspir Weapons Carrier |
$145,322 |
D, A |
650 kg |
11 tons |
4+4 |
5 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
Casspir Mk 1 |
138/70 |
32/16 |
220 |
83 |
Stnd |
W(4) |
HF5 HS3
HR3* |
Casspir Mk 2 |
133/67 |
31/16 |
220 |
88 |
Stnd |
W(4) |
HF5 HS3
HR3** |
Casspir Mk 3 |
135/68 |
31/16 |
220 |
89 |
Stnd |
W(4) |
HF5 HS3
HR3** |
Casspir Ambulance |
130/66 |
30/16 |
220 |
90 |
Stnd |
W(4) |
HF5 HS3
HR3** |
Blesbok |
143/72 |
33/17 |
220 |
78 |
Stnd |
W(4) |
HF5 HS3
HR3* |
Casspir Weapons Carrier |
130/66 |
30/15 |
220 |
89 |
Stnd |
W(4) |
HF5 HS3
HR3* |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
Casspir Mk 1/Mk 2/Mk 3 |
None |
None |
2xMini-SS or 2xMG-4 or 2xM-2HB or 20mm KAB Autocannon, MG-4 (C) |
4100x5.56mm or 3000x7.62mm or 1800x.50 or 1150x20mm |
Blesbok |
None |
None |
MG-4 (C) |
1000x7.62mm |
Casspir Weapons Carrier |
None |
None |
M-40A2 Recoilless Rifle, MG-4 (C) |
25x106mm, 1000x7.62mm |
*Floor AV is 6Sp. There is no roof
AV.
**Floor AV is 6Sp.
***See Notes for Crew and passenger capacity.
Reumech Buffel
Notes: In the
1980s, the South African National Defense Force (SANDF) had a problem, in its
wars with guerillas both in South Africa and in neighboring countries, they were
losing a lot of vehicles and troops to mines and IEDs.
This led them to develop the first of the MRAPs, vehicles which were not
as easily damaged by such weapons and which saved the lives of the crew and
troops they were carrying when they did hit a mine or IED.
After some experimentation, they came up with the first service examples
of the MRAP” the Buffel. Some 1400
of them were built for use by South Africa, where they have since been replaced
by newer vehicles. A number of
them, however, are still in use by Sri Lanka (who call them the Unicorn), who
have similar problems with Tamil rebels in their own country.
Some were also used by Rhodesia, and later inherited by Zimbabwe.
31 of them were sold to Uganda in 2004.
The Buffel has a
sort of interesting design history; at its base, it uses the chassis of a Unimog
truck, modified almost beyond recognition.
Original Buffels used the same Mercedes Benz engine, but these were later
replaced by an indigenously-built version made by Atlantis Diesel Engines.
The Buffel has an odd appearance; the driver sits in a separate cab at
the front right of the vehicle, which is separated from the rest of the vehicle
by an armored bulkhead and accessed from the top.
The cab gives the Buffel a sort of lopsided appearance.
To the left of the cab is a spare tire.
The troop space is to the rear, with a commander’s station at the front
left with a double pintle mount.
The troop compartment has seats down the center which have the troops sitting
high in the vehicle, and the seats have been specially designed to absorb shock
to give them additional protection against mine blasts.
The troops have large armored shutters to provide firing ports.
On the Mk 1 version, the driver’s and troop compartments are open-topped,
while on the Mk 2 version, the driver’s compartment has a top hatch and the
troop compartment has a roof, with a hatch for the commander and a door in the
rear. Troops enter and exit by
climbing over the sides of the hull, and steps are provided near the front of
the troop compartment and on the left side of the driver’s compartment to help
them climb in. Steps are also found
at the rear of the troop compartment. In the floor of the troop compartment is a
plastic tank which holds 100 liters of water for consumption by the troops and
crew.
The Buffel uses
a 125-horsepower diesel engine, and the suspension is 4x4 and unusually high.
The wheels themselves are rather small by comparison, inherited from
their Unimog ancestry. Though the
suspension is high, the Buffel is still better suited to road use and
hard-packed earth than most off-road use.
The ride can be a bit bouncy due to the stiff leaf-spring suspension,
designed more for mine protection than crew and troop comfort. Variants include
a mortar carrier, a mount for a 20mm antiaircraft gun, and a cargo carrier
(basically an armored truck with a drop rear).
(Only the last will be included here.)
The Log version (as they are called) have a low-capacity (2-ton) crane to
help load and unload cargo. They
have no troop seats and only a step for the commander, though they are armed.
The South
Africans later developed another version of the Buffel called the Bulldog,
though they fielded them in much less numbers than the Buffel, as they were
built primarily for airfield security by the South African Air Force rather than
for the SANDF. These differed
primarily in being based on a SAMIL 20 truck chassis.
They were based on the Buffel Mk 1 and are all open-topped.
The cab of the Bulldog is connected to the troop compartment and the
driver enters his compartment through the troop compartment; the driver’s
compartment is closed-topped. The
Bulldog uses a less-powerful 106-horsepower diesel engine, and as the Bulldog is
heavier, performance is significantly less than the Buffel, especially since the
chassis is heavier.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
Buffel Mk 1 |
$17,648 |
D, A |
860 kg |
6.1 tons |
2+9 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
Buffel Mk 2 |
$20,462 |
D, A |
760 kg |
6.7 tons |
2+9 |
2 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
Buffel Log |
$13,477 |
D, A |
2.5 tons |
5.6 tons |
2 |
2 |
Headlights |
Open |
Bulldog |
$16,898 |
D, A |
500 kg |
7.7 tons |
2+9 |
3 |
Headlights |
Open |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
Buffel Mk 1 |
201/50 |
48/12 |
200 |
49 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF2 HS2
HR2* |
Buffel Mk 2 |
193/47 |
45/11 |
200 |
54 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF2 HS2
HR2** |
Buffel Log |
219/53 |
50/12 |
200 |
45 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF2 HS2
HR2* |
Bulldog |
156/38 |
36/9 |
200 |
40 |
Stnd |
W(3) |
HF2 HS2
HR2* |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
Buffel Mk 1/Mk 2/Bulldog |
None |
None |
2xMini-SS or 2xMG-4 or 2xM-2HB (C) |
1900x5.56mm or 1400x7.62mm or 850x.50 |
Buffel Log |
None |
None |
Mini-SS or MG-4 or M-2HB (C) |
1400x5.56mm or 1100x7.62mm or 640x.50 |
*Floor AV is 6Sp. There is no roof
AV.