Casspir

   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 Defense Forces in a virtually identical form. It was originally developed for the rigorous conditions of Namibia, where a very high mine threat was prevalent. The first prototype was built in 1979 by TMF Limited. The Casspir was originally based on a Bedrofd heavy commercial truck chassis but this was gradually modified and strengthened so that the Casspir can be taken as an original design. Production commenced in 1981. Since then over 2 500 have been produced and many have been rebuilt to extend their service lives, as production ceased in the early 1990s.

   During it's active service the Casspir has earned a reputation for protection, reliability and durability.

   The Casspir resembles an armored truck with the armor extending to specially-shaped under-hull plates intended to reduce the effects of land mines. During it's service life Casspir 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 cab roof has provision for a weapon station, usually a single 7.62-mm machine gun, 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.

   Production version of this mine protected vehicle used a number of Mercedes-Benz driveline and suspension components.

Variants

   Casspir ambulance;

   Duiker 5 000-liter fuel tanker;

   Blesbock armored load carrier, fitted with a cargo body. It is capable of carrying 5 tonnes of supplies. A water tank may form part of the load;

   Gemsbock recovery vehicle;

   Buffalo, a Casspir based 6x6 dedicated mine clearing vehicle, produced by the Force Protection Inc.

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