RAM

   The RAM is an Israeli family of 4-wheeled light AFVs, developed from the RBY-series of 4x4 scout cars. It was developed primarily for use by paratroopers, special forces, and security forces. It is a fast, rugged and versatile vehicle that can perform a lot of different roles. The RAM is designed for rapid deployment by air, and is reinforced inside and out to withstand the force of an airdrop.

   Development began in the early 1970s, and the RAM was first publicly displayed in 1979 at the Paris Air Show. Information on the RAM’s numbers and production duration are unavailable, though it is known to be no longer in production. There are 2 basic body types; the open-top V-1, and the closed-top V-2.

   Main armament on is fitted to a forward skate mount and is variable, consisting of either a 12.7-mm heavy machine gun, a 7.62-mm general-purpose machine gun, or a Mk.19 40-mm automatic grenade launcher. The secondary armament is fitted to two additional skate mounts toward the rear of the vehicle, and is essentially the same as the main armament. Due to this arrangement, it is possible to outfit the RAM with different combinations of crew-served weapons. Also carried are an RPG, 24 grenades, 4 smoke grenades, and 2 flares.

   The armor is high-hardness steel, and is 8 mm thick on average. It is sufficient to protect against 7.62-mm rifle rounds, shell splinters, and blast concussions, though the RAM V-1-series has an open top. The belly is armored, reinforced, and positioned high above the ground as a deliberate countermeasure against landmines. Optional features include spall liners, fire suppression equipment, and an NBC system (the latter is obviously only usable on models with an enclosed roof).

   The electronics are relatively austere, consisting of a radio on all vehicles, and a starlight scope on some variants.

   Propulsion is provided by a rear-mounted Deutz BT6L 912S inline-6 diesel engine with 132 hp, coupled to an Allison AT-540 automatic transmission, with 4 forward speeds and 1 reverse speed. The transfer case is a 2-speed Harwaythorn type, and the drivetrain has 4x4 capability. The fuel capacity is 150 liters.

   The RAM’s suspension is a semi-elliptical leaf spring-type, with hydraulic shock absorbers. Power steering and power brakes are standard, and the brakes are hydraulic. All critical systems (to include fuel pumps, brakes, and steering) have redundant back-ups. It rides atop four 9x20 tires.

   The RAM is 5.52 m long, 2.03 m wide, and 1.72 m tall, weighs 5.7 tonnes, and has 1.53 kg/cm² of ground pressure. It has a wheelbase of 3.4 m, a ground clearance of 0.31 m, and can tackle a 35% side slope, a 64% gradient, a trench of about 1 m, a 0.8 m vertical obstacle, and can ford 1 m of water. The turn radius is 7.5 m.

   Known users of the RAM include Israel, Botswana, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Guatemala, Honduras, Lesotho, and Morocco.

   The unit cost of the RAM is approximately $60 000, but it is no longer marketed.

Variants

   Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun, fitted with a 1-man TCM-20 turret, armed with two 20-mm automatic cannons fitted to it's flatbed. Stabilizers are fitted, which brace the vehicle when deployed to increase the accuracy of it's weapons, though it is possible to aim and fire the 20-mm guns without them (even while vehicle is moving). A total of 360 20-mm shells are carried;

   Anti-tank missile carrier, fitted with a launcher for the BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missiles. It carrier 16 TOW missiles and 2 500 7.62-mm rounds;

   RCL; this variant is fitted with an M40 106-mm recoilless rifle. It carries 16 106-mm rounds and 2 500 7.62-mm rounds;

   RAM 2000; this is the latest variant of the RAM, and has replaced it in production and development.

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