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

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. An improved version being offered by the reconstituted Armour Technology Systems (Pty) Ltd is a joint venture between various individuals with certain expertise. This team has arguably the most intellectual property and design capability regarding Mine Protected Vehicles in the world. Systems

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.

Originally developed for the rigorous conditions of Southern Africa where a very high mine threat was prevalent, Casspir is certified to protect its occupants against the effects of a triple TM-57 anti-tank mine blast (equivalent to 21 kg of TNT) under any wheel, or a double mine (14 kg of TNT) anywhere under the hull. Casspir offers a high degrees of field repairability after mine detonations that has been incorporated by some designers.

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

The cab roof has provision for 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 [1981 version]

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

Specification [post 2000 version]

Dimensions of the Casspir APC

Length

6900 mm

Width

2450 mm

Height

3125 mm

Wheel base

4200 mm

Ground clearance ZF Axles

Front: 376 mm (including protection plate)

Rear: 410 mm

M-B Axles

Front: 330 mm (including protection plate)

Rear: 360 mm

Mass of the Casspir APC

Tare

9480 kg

Payload

1400 kg

GVM

10 880 kg

Seating

Driver, co-driver and up to 12 personnel.

Performance of the Casspir APC

Acceleration

0-80 km/h 60 seconds

Top speed

90 km/h

Gradeability

60% Low range

40% High range

Turning circle

Curb to curb: 21 metres

Protection Levels of the Casspir APC

Ballistic protection

7,62 X 39 mm AK

7,62 X 51 mm Ball

Land-mine protection

3 X TM-57 Anti-tank land-mines (equivalent of 21 kg of TNT) under any wheel or

2 X TM-57 land-mines (equivalent of 14 kg of TNT) under the hull.

Engine of the Casspir APC

Make

Mercedes Benz

Model

OM 352 A

Type

4 Stroke, turbo charged, diesel, 6 cylinder in line

Displacement

5675 cm3

Maximum power (DIN)

124 kw (166 hp) @ 2800 Rpm

Power/mass rati

11,4 kw/t (15,2 hp/t)

Maximum torque (DIN)

520 Nm @ 1700 Rpm

Transmission of the Casspir APC

Make

Mercedes Benz

Model

MB G3 manual

Type

5 Speed forward,

1 Speed reverse

Transfer box of the Casspir APC

Make

Mercedes Benz

Model

VG 500-3W

Type

2 Speed, 4 Wheel drive

Steering system of the Casspir APC

Steering type

Hydraulically assisted recirculating ball

Axles of the Casspir APC

Make

Mercedes Benz

Front: Single reduction, hypoid drive axle with diff. lock AL3/2.5.

Rear: Single reduction, hypoid drive axle with diff. lock.

Alternative

ZF

Front: Hypoid drive planetary hub reduction, steering axle with limited slip disk, APL-B-25CK.

Rear: Hypoid drive planetary hub reduction with limited slip differential.

Suspension of the Casspir APC

Front and rear

Semi-elliptic leaf spring

Shock absorbers

Double acting, telescopic, hydraulic, Front axle articulation limited by check straps.

Road wheels and tyres of the Casspir APC

Rim type

10,0 X 20 (solid or split type)

Tyres

1400 X 20

Standard equipment for the Casspir APC includes:

* Spare wheel

Optional equipment for the Casspir APC:

* Run flat inserts
* Armoured roof
* Armoured piercing protection