- Mbombe
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Mbombe 
Mbombe armoured fighting vehicleType Armoured Infantry Vehicle Place of origin 
South AfricaProduction history Manufacturer Paramount Group Produced 2010–present Specifications Weight Curb: 16,000 kg
Combat: 27,000 kgCrew 2+1+8 Armor Ballistic protection: STANAG 4569 level IV (Crew Protection against 14.5 HMG attacks) and mine blast protection: STANAG 4569 Level IV and RPG (10 kg of TNT under the hull), anti-tank mine Engine CUMMINS ISBe4 Turbo Diesel (336kW and 16000N Turbo Diesel) Ground clearance 430 mm Operational
range700km (435 mi) Speed 100km/h The Mbombe is a mine-protected, high-mobility, armoured fighting vehicle that is produced by Paramount Group in South Africa.[1]
The vehicle was unveiled on 20 September 2010 at the African Aerospace & Defence Exhibition, the largest aviation and defence show in Africa, held in Cape Town. Mbombe is named after a famed African warrior.[2][3]
Contents
Vehicle specs
Mbombe has an unladen weight of 16,000 kg and a maximum combat weight of 27,000 kg, carrying a crew of 11. The Mbombe’s six speed automatic gearbox provides a maximum speed of 100 km/h and the vehicle has a 700 km range. Using a 6x6 configuration, the Mbombe is able to carry considerable loads over all types of terrain without loss of mobility. [4][5]
The vehicles three axles provide excellent cross country performance and make it an exceptionally versatile platform that can be modified to meet the exact requirements of military operations around the world. [6][7]
The Mbombe is equipped with a Cummins ISBe4 diesel: 300kw engine integrated with an Allison 6 speed automatic transmission. The engine parts are used around the world, allowing the Mbombe to be repaired and serviced in most countries without having to invest in an independent logistics system.[8][9]
Armour
The Mbombe hull provides excellent stopping power against ballistic attack in excess of STANAG 4569 Level 4. This means the vehicle can withstand a 10 kg TNT blast under its hull or any wheel station. As standard the Mbombe offers all-round crew protection against RPG threats while special protection modules provide protection against IEDs, up to 50 kg TNT at 5 metres.[10][11][12]
Armament
The vehicle can be equipped with a heavy machine gun or autocannon. Mbombe can also be fitted with day and night vision capability and sensors to extend the ranges of observation and engagement, dependent on the customer’s requirements.[13]
Functions
Mbombe can be configured as an Armoured Personnel Carrier, Combat Vehicle, Command Vehicle or ambulance. The Mbombe can be fitted with a variety of weapons stations, including a 30mm overhead weapons station.[14][15][16]
References
Categories:- Armoured fighting vehicles of the post–Cold War period
- Wheeled armored fighting vehicles
- Armoured personnel carriers of South Africa
- Peacekeeping operations
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