Ratel IFV, South Africa

Casspir APC

The Casspir is an unusual vehicle, being in service in much the same form not only with several South African Police forces but also with the South African National Defence Force in a virtually identical form.

Built by TFM (Ply) Limited, the Casspir was originally based on a Bedford heavy commercial truck chassis but this was gradually modified and strengthened so that the Casspir can be taken as an original design.

The Casspir resembles an armoured truck with the armour extending to specially-shaped under-hull plates intended to reduce the effects of land mines and Casspir have repeatedly demonstrated that they can indeed survive heavy mine detonations; some have been specially equipped for detecting and clearing mines from roads in remote areas.

The first Casspir appeared in 1981. Since then over 2,500 have been produced and many have been rebuilt to extend their service lives, as production has now ceased.

The cab roof has provision for

South Africa

a weapon station, usually a single 7.62 mm MG but police vehicles may have all manner of anti-riot weapons, including a rapid-firing rubber bullet dispenser.

The troops (or police) are seated on outward-facing bench seats down the centre of the rear compartment and are provided with vision blocks and firing ports (police versions usually have larger vision blocks covered by grills). Entry to the rather high off the ground compartment is via a door in the rear - large roof hatches are provided.

Also produced is a Casspir ambulance, and three 'specials'. One of these is the Duiker 5000-litre fuel tanker with the tank replacing the troop compartment.

The Blesbock is an armoured load carrier with a cargo body capable of carrying 5 tonnes of supplies - a water tank may form part of the load.

The Gemsbock is a recovery vehicle.

The only known export of Casspir was to Peru (20) but several of the states bordering South Africa have acquired examples.

Specification

Crew: 2

Seating: 10 Weight: (combat) 12,580 kg

Length: 6.87 m Width: 2.5 m Height: 2.85 m Ground clearance: 0.41 m

Track: 2.07m Max speed: (road) 90 km/h Fuel capacity: 220 litres Range: 850 km

Fording: 1 m Vertical obstacle: 0.5 m

Engine: ADE 352T diesel Power output: 170 hp Suspension: leaf spring Armament: 1 to 3 7.62 mm MG Variants: Blesbock, Duiker, Gemsbock

The mine-proofed Casspir wheeled APC, also used as an internal security vehicle.