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Casspir
Mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Casspir is a Mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle that has been in use in South Africa since the 1980s. It is a four-wheeled, four-wheel drive vehicle, used for transport of troops. It can hold a crew of two, plus 12 additional soldiers and associated equipment. The Casspir was unique in design when launched, providing for passive mine defence. The main armoured steel body of the vehicle is raised high above the ground, so when a mine is detonated, the explosion is less likely to damage the crew compartment and kill the occupants. The cross-section of the hull is V-shaped, directing the force of the explosion outwards, further protecting the occupants.
Casspir | |
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![]() A Casspir Mk II on display in 2010 | |
Type | Mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle |
Place of origin | South Africa |
Specifications | |
Mass | 10.88 t |
Length | 6.9 m (22.64 ft) |
Width | 2.45 m (8.04 ft) |
Height | 2.85 m (9.35 ft) |
Crew | 2+12 |
Main armament | Various: 3 × 7.62 mm MG or 20 mm cannon |
Secondary armament | 12 firing ports |
Engine | Atlantis Diesel Engines OM352A turbo-charged diesel 124 kW |
Suspension | 4×4-wheeled |
Operational range | 770 km |
Maximum speed | 98 km/h on road 70 km/h off-road |
The vehicle also offers crew protection from small arms fire. The capabilities of the Casspir were the basis of the outline capabilities required by the U.S. Marines for their Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected or MRAP vehicle project.[1]