Mamba

KEY RECOGNITION

FEATURES

• Vertical hull front with grill in centre, long horizontal bonnet which slopes slightly upwards, then almost vertical bullet proof windscreen, horizontal roof with eight hatches

• Hull sides vertical with large bullet proof windows in sides and rear, large door in rear. Side and rear windows have firing ports

• Two large road wheels either side with spare wheel carried on left side of hull

SPECIFICATIONS

Crew: Configuration: Armament: Length: Width: Height: Ground clearance: Wheelbase: Weight, combat: Weight, empty: Power-to-weight ratio: Engine:

Maximum road speed: Maximum road range: Fuel capacity: Fording: Vertical obstacle: Trench: Gradient: Side slope: Armour: Armour type: NBC: Night vision equipment:

2 + 9 4 x 4 1 x 12.7 mm MG (optional) 5.46 m 2.205 m 2.495 m 0.39 m 2.90m 6800 kg 5710 kg 18.08 hp/t Daimler-Benz OM 352 6-cylinder water-cooled diesel developing 123 hp at 2800 rpm 102 km/h 900 km 200 lit 1 m 0.4 m 0.9 m 60% 40% classified steel no no

DEVELOPMENT

The first Mamba was a 4 x 2 vehicle and was produced in significant numbers for a variety of missions. Further development by Reumech OMC resulted in the Mamba Mk II which has a number of improvements including 4 x 4 drive and a higher ground clearance. The hull of the Mamba Mk II is Vshaped to provide a high level of protection against anti-tank mines. Wherever possible stsndard UNIMOG components are used in the design of the vehicle.

The engine compartment is at the front with the commander and driver in the centre and the troop compartment extending right to the rear. Only means of entry is via the large door in the rear of the hull and the roof hatches. Bullet proof windows are fitted all round and these provide the same level of protection as the armoured hull.

The basic model is unarmed although various weapon systems can be fitted. Alvis has a licence to produce a similar version which they call the Alvis 8 with short wheelbase version being Alvis 4.

VARIANTS

Projected roles include ambulance, command post vehicle, utility vehicle, recovery, VIP transport and logistics support. Can be fitted with various weapons including machine guns.

STATUS

In production. In service with South African National Defence Force.

MANUFACTURER

Reumech OMC, Benoni, South Africa.

Top left: Mamba II (4 x 4) APC Left: Mamba II (4 x 4) APC (Christopher F Foss) Above: Mamba II (4 x 4) APC

295