BAE Systems yesterday released details of the latest addition to its proven mine protected vehicle range, the Casspir Mk6 Armored Personnel Carrier (APC).
The Casspir Mk6 evolved from the reliable and well known Casspir heritage, first introduced with its unique V-shaped hull for blast mitigation some 20 years ago. This latest development also incorporates experience from the battle proven RG31–with over 2,400 in service– to ensure a superior and affordable APC. The new six-wheel drive Casspir Mk6 will be marketed globally.
“This new version integrates decades of experience saving lives, offering a solution with a world class track record”, said Johan Steyn, managing director, Land Systems South Africa for BAE. “With proven mobility, crew and ballistic protection, getting the soldiers safely around any environment was top of mind during development of this vehicle.”
Casspir is used by South Africa’s police and internal security and the vehicles were used in the past for riot control, published reports have said.
The open architecture Casspir Mk6 is able to accommodate many applications including the option for different variants–4×4, 6×6, utility, APC and command, the company said. This battle-proven workhorse with its robust design is suitable for the harshest African conditions, the company said. Commercial-off-the-shelf building blocks are used in the design and manufacturing for increased cost benefit, and contributing to the superior mine protection is the monocoque V-shaped hull.
The Casspir Mk6 measures approximately 7.59 meters in length, 2.67 meters in width, with a ground clearance of 380 millimeters. Its gross vehicle mass is 14,320 kg and seats 16 crew members. The straight forward utilization of a total commercial drive train ensures affordability of this battle proven vehicle.