Matador (mine protected vehicle)
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| Matador | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Matador mine-protected vehicle at the military parade in Baku, Azerbaijan | |
| Type | Mine-protected vehicle |
| Place of origin | South Africa |
| Service history | |
| Used by | See Operators |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Paramount Group |
| Produced | 2008–present |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | Curb: 10,800 kg (23,760 lb) Combat: 15,300 kg (33,660 lb) |
| Crew | 2 + 12 passengers |
| Armor | Ballistic protection: STANAG 4569 level III (7.62 × 54 mm RB 32 API - Dragunov) and mine-blast protection: STANAG 4569 4a and 4b (double anti-tank mine (14 kg of TNT) under the hull, triple anti-tank mine (21 kg of TNT) under any wheel) |
| Engine | Cummins ISBe4 Diesel (221 kW, 1,100 Nm) MAN (176 kW, 925 Nm) |
| Payload capacity | 6,000 kg (13,200 lb)[1] |
| Suspension | 4x4 or 6x6 wheeled[2] |
| Ground clearance | 420 mm |
Operational range | 700 km (435 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 100–120 km/h (tyre dependent) |
Steering system | 18 meters turning radius |
The Matador is an armoured personnel carrier (APC) and mine-protected vehicle that is produced by Paramount Group in South Africa.[3][unreliable source?] The vehicle was displayed for the first time in 2007, during the International Defence Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi.[4][5] The Matador was officially launched the following year, at the 2008 African Aerospace and Defence exhibition in Cape Town, South Africa.[6]
Armour
With a curb weight of 10,800 kg and a payload weight of 4,500 kg, the Matador has a maximum crew capacity of fourteen, including a driver and co-driver.[7] The vehicle has a cruise speed of 100 km/h and a maximum range of 700 km. Although it can be used for military and peacekeeping operations in urban areas, it was originally designed for missions in less built-up areas. It therefore has a larger turning circle compared to its sister vehicle, the Marauder, which was specifically developed for urban areas.
The Matador is either equipped with a militarised MAN engine integrated with a 12-speed semi-automatic transmission, or a Cummins engine integrated with a fully automated 6-speed transmission. Both technologies are common around the world, allowing the vehicle to be repaired and serviced in most countries, without requiring an independent logistic system.[citation needed]
The Matador is fitted with a double-skin monocoque hull, which gives it a modern look and a smooth finish while protecting its occupants against blasts up to STANAG 4569 Level III, the highest level of tested protection.[citation needed] The V-shaped hull comprises three self-jigging plates.[further explanation needed][8] This system, developed in South Africa, enables the Matador to withstand the blast of a double anti-tank mine (14 kg of TNT) at any point beneath the hull, and a triple anti-tank mine (21 kg of TNT) under any wheel.[9]
Armament
The vehicle can be equipped with light and medium-calibre machine guns and cannon weapon installations, as well as mortar firing platforms, missile launchers, combat turret, and command, surveillance and control systems.[3]
Functions
The Matador can be converted to serve various purposes and roles, such as armoured ambulance, command-post vehicle, or utility mine-protected vehicle.[10]
