Sisu RA-140 DS

   The RA-140 DS is a 4x4 mine clearing vehicle, developed by Sisu (now Patria) to meet requirement of the Finnish Defense Forces. It was introduced in 1994 and is also known as the Raisu. It is intended for peacekeeping operations. It clears anti-personnel, anti-tank and scatterable mines. This mine clearing system is currently in service with Finland and Denmark.

   The RA-140 DS is fitted with a rotating flail and 82 chains with the hammers at the ends. By rotating the chains dig into the ground. The landmines are either torn apart, or detonated. Damaged chains or hammers can be easily replaced. Vehicle is also fitted with a deflector shield of armored steel. It protects the vehicle against the pressure and mine fragments. Such design with rotating shaft was already used during the World War II. The Raisu has a 3.4 m wide clearing path. Clearing depth is controlled automatically or manually. Vehicle can clear mines with explosive weight of up to 10 kg. Maximum clearing speed is 6 km/h. In traveling mode the mine clearing assembly is folded over the vehicle.

   This mine clearing vehicle is normally operated by a single man. Armored cab of this mine clearing vehicle provides seating for the driver and commander. It's armor protects against 7.62-mm rounds, artillery shell splinters and mine fragment debris. During mine clearing the Raisu drives in the opposite direction to road travel with the cab to the rear to ensure maximum protection to the crew. The cab also has NBC protection system and withstands 10 kg explosions underneath the vehicle. The wheels are also mine resistant and bullet-proof. This mine clearing vehicle can be fitted with a 12.7-mm roof-mounted machine gun for self-defense. Despite protection the Sisu RA-140 DS is not intended for combat mine clearing missions.

   The RA-140 DS is powered by a German Deutz BF6L913C air-cooled turbocharged diesel engine, developing 189 hp. Engine is mated with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Raisu is fitted with a self-recovery winch. Vehicle has good cross-country mobility and can briefly redeploy from one mission site to another.