Mbombe 6

The Mbombe 6 is a mine-protected, high-mobility armoured fighting vehicle produced by Paramount Group from South Africa[1] that was launched in 2010. "Mbombe" is named after an African warrior.[2][3]

Mbombe 6
Mbombe 6 anti-armour variant, armed with Ingwe missile
TypeArmoured Infantry Combat Vehicle
Place of originSouth Africa
Production history
ManufacturerParamount Group
Produced2010–present
Specifications
MassCurb: 17,300 kg
Combat: 22,500 kg
Length7,715 mm (303.7 in)
Width2,800 mm (110.2 in)
Height2,549 mm (100.4 in)
Crew2+1+8

ArmorBallistic protection: CERN level B7 or STANAG 4569 level 3 (Crew Protection against 7.62 mm MG attacks). Flat bottom blast-protected hull, mine blast protection: STANAG 4569 Level IV and RPG (10 kg of TNT under hull), anti-tank mine. Withstands 50 kg TNT side blast at 5 Meters
Main
armament
Roof hatch can be installed with any armament up 30 mm gun
EngineCummins ISBe4 Turbo Diesel (336kW (450 hp) and 16000N Turbo Diesel)
TransmissionAutomatic transmission
Ground clearance365-430 mm
Operational
range
1,000 km (620 mi)
Maximum speed 110km/h (tire dependent)
Steering
system
24.5 meters turning radius kerb to kerb

Vehicle specifications

The Mbombe 6's unladen weight is 16 tonnes. Its maximum combat weight is 27 tonnes with a crew of 11. It has 6x6 wheel drive for use on different kinds of terrain. Its maximum speed is 100 km/h; its range is 700 km.[4][5]

The Mbombe 6 has a 300 kW Cummins ISBe4 diesel engine and an Allison 6 speed automatic transmission.[6]

Armour

The Mbombe 6 hull meets STANAG 4569 Level 4, which means the vehicle can withstand a 10 kg TNT blast under its hull or any wheel station. As standard, the Mbombe 6 can protect its crew against Rocket-propelled grenades, while additional modules protect against IEDs, up to 50 kg TNT at 5 metres.[7][8]

Armament

The Mbombe 6 is armed with a heavy machine gun or an autocannon. The Mbombe 6 can be fitted with day and night vision equipment.[9]

Functions

The Mbombe 6 can be configured as an Armoured Personnel Carrier, Combat Vehicle, Command Vehicle or ambulance.[10][11][12]

Operators

Map with Mbombe operators in blue

Variants

Official variant:[18]

  • APC
  • Armoured ambulance
  • Infantry fire support vehicle
  • Anti-armour fire support vehicle

Kalyani M4

The Kalyani M4 is a prototype developed by India's Kalyani Group.[19][20]

References