View source for Casspir

{{Infobox weapon
|name = Casspir
| image = Mechem Casspir Mk II (9686200019).jpg
| image_size = 300
|caption = A Casspir Mk II on display in 2010
|origin = [[South Africa]]
|type = [[Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle]]
|is_vehicle = yes
|crew = 2+12
|length = 6.9 m (22.64 ft)
|width = 2.45 m (8.04 ft)
|height = 2.85 m (9.35 ft)
|weight = 10.88 [[tonne|t]]
|armour =
|primary_armament = Various: 3 × 7.62 mm MG or 20 mm cannon
|secondary_armament = 12 firing ports
|engine = [[Atlantis Diesel Engines]] [[Mercedes-Benz OM352 engine|OM352A]] turbo-charged diesel
|engine_power = 124 kW
|suspension = 4×4-wheeled
|speed = 98 km/h on road<br/>70 km/h off-road
|pw_ratio =
|vehicle_range = 770 km
}}

The '''Casspir''' is a [[Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle]] that has been in use in [[South Africa]] since the 1980s. It is a four-wheeled, four-wheel drive vehicle, used for transport of [[troop]]s. It can hold a crew of two, plus 12 additional soldiers and associated equipment. The Casspir was unique in design when launched, providing for passive mine defence. The main armoured steel body of the vehicle is raised high above the ground, so when a mine is detonated, the explosion is less likely to damage the crew compartment and kill the occupants. The cross-section of the hull is [[V-hull|V-shaped]], directing the force of the explosion outwards, further protecting the occupants. 

The vehicle also offers crew protection from small arms fire. The capabilities of the Casspir were the basis of the outline capabilities required by the [[United States Marine Corps|U.S. Marines]] for their [[United States MRAP program|MRAP program]].<ref name="Retasking MRAP: Life after Afghanistan">{{cite web |url= https://janes.ihs.com/CustomPages/Janes/DisplayPage.aspx?DocType=News&ItemId=+++1739800&Pubabbrev=IDR |title= Retasking MRAP: Life after Afghanistan |publisher= Jane's International Defence Review |date= 2 April 2015 |access-date= 27 July 2015}}</ref>

==Design history==
[[Image:Caspir1.jpg|thumb|left|A Casspir at the South African Police Museum, [[Pretoria]]]]

The name 'Casspir' is an [[anagram]] of the abbreviations of the customer, the [[South African Police]], and the design authority, the [[Council for Scientific and Industrial Research]] (CSIR – Applied Chemistry Unit that later became MECHEM).<ref name="GlobalSecurity">{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/rsa/casspir.htm|publisher=GlobalSecurity.org|title=Casspir|access-date=25 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015070930/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/rsa/casspir.htm|archive-date=15 October 2007|url-status=live}}</ref> Although the Casspir was deployed in [[township (South Africa)|townships]] during the apartheid era, it was initially designed specifically for conditions encountered in the [[South African Border War]]. 

It was at first extensively used by the infamous "[[Koevoet]]" police counterinsurgency unit in northern Namibia during the apartheid era and later also by the [[South-West Africa Territorial Force]]'s [[101 Battalion (South Africa)|101 Battalion]] and the SA Army's 5 Reconnaissance Regiment. The chief criteria for the design was good off-road mobility, armour protection against small arms fire and anti-personnel mines, and ease and speed of repair by a light workshop crew in the field after detonating an anti-tank mine.<ref name="Surviving The Ride">{{cite book |url=http://www.30degreessouth.co.za/surviving_the_ride.htm |title=Surviving The Ride |last1=Camp|first1=Steve |last2=Heitman |first2=Helmoed-Romer |date=19 September 2014 |isbn=978-1-928211-17-4 |publisher=30 Degrees South |access-date=2015-07-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724214050/http://www.30degreessouth.co.za/surviving_the_ride.htm |archive-date=24 July 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> These requirements led to the distinctive [[V-hull|V-shaped hull]] (for mine protection) and a wheeled [[chassis]].

The Casspir was designed by the Defence Research Unit (DRU)<ref name="Surviving The Ride"/> of CSIR specifically to protect vehicle occupants against [[landmines]]. It is certified to protect its occupants against a triple [[TM-57 mine]] blast (equivalent to 21&nbsp;kg of TNT) under a wheel, or a double blast (14&nbsp;kg of TNT) under the hull. The Casspir has a V-bottomed armoured [[monocoque]] hull, designed to deflect the force of an explosion outwards, to which a [[leaf-spring]] suspension is attached.<ref name="GlobalSecurity"/>

==Production history==
After two years of field testing, the South African Police were eventually satisfied they had a good vehicle and in March 1980 placed an order for an initial 140 Casspirs. Some 190 Mk1 Casspirs were manufactured by Henred Fruehauf. In 1981 production was taken over by TFM, which improved the design to the Mk 2. TFM was subsequently taken over by Reumech OMC. Reumech in turn was taken over by [[Vickers Defence Systems]] of the UK and renamed Vickers OMC. When Alvis purchased Vickers Defence Systems to become [[Alvis Vickers]], Vickers OMC became Alvis OMC. In 2004 [[BAE Systems]] acquired Alvis Vickers and Alvis OMC was renamed [[BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa|Land Systems OMC]]. Land Systems OMC was 75 per cent acquired by [[Denel]] in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/policy-budget/industry/2015/04/28/bae-sells-land-systems-business-in-south-africa/26515803/|title=BAE Completes S. African Unit Sale to Denel |publisher=Deagel.com |date=2015-04-28 |access-date=2015-07-25}}</ref> An estimated 2800 Casspirs of all types have been built.<ref name="Surviving The Ride"/> In 2018 the ADE 352 engines, gearboxes, shock absorbers, differentials and other parts are still being supplied by ADE (Atlantis Diesel Engineering) in South Africa as well as the later model Casspir NG2000.{{Cn|date=February 2022}}

The [[South African Police Service]] sold some of their surplus Casspirs to the public at a 2008 auction.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/a-chance-to-own-a-casspir-1.427190#.U2LWxFcXLiu|title=A chance to own a Casspir|author=Independent Newspapers Online|work=Independent Online|access-date=5 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105135900/http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/a-chance-to-own-a-casspir-1.427190#.U2LWxFcXLiu|archive-date=5 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>  A new Casspir known as ''Casspir NG 2000'' is being manufactured by [[Denel]] Mechem.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=29328:mechem-sells-casspir-2000s-to-benin-and-the-un&catid=50:Land&Itemid=105 |title=Mechem sells CASSPIR 2000s to Benin and the UN |publisher=DefenceWeb |date=2013-02-05 |access-date=2013-04-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106010018/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=29328:mechem-sells-casspir-2000s-to-benin-and-the-un&catid=50:Land&Itemid=105 |archive-date=6 January 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.deagel.com/news/Denel-Introduces-the-Next-Generation-Casspir-2000-Mine-Resistant-Vehicle_n000011405.aspx |title=Denel Introduces the Next Generation Casspir 2000 Mine Resistant Vehicle |publisher=Deagel.com |date=2013-04-11 |access-date=2013-04-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518115109/http://www.deagel.com/news/Denel-Introduces-the-Next-Generation-Casspir-2000-Mine-Resistant-Vehicle_n000011405.aspx |archive-date=18 May 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> The vehicle was launched in April 2013.<ref name="Surviving The Ride"/>

==Variants==
{{More citations needed|section|date=February 2022}}
[[File:Abs.isd.sap.casspir.93.jpg|thumb|Crew compartment of a South African Police Casspir. Note the weapons storage.]]
[[File:Casspir Sespir.jpg|thumb|Sesspir prototype undergoing field tests]]

* Casspir Mk 1. It made extensive use of Mercedes-Benz truck components.<ref name="Surviving The Ride"/> First use in combat: [[Koevoet]], [[South West African Police]]
* Casspir Mk 2 First user: [[101 Battalion]], [[South West African Territorial Force]]
* Casspir Mk 2C (I)
* Casspir Mk 3 – 170&nbsp;hp (127&nbsp;kW) ADE-352T 6-cylinder turbo-diesel
* Casspir 2000 & NG2000A (Mercedes Benz based)
* Casspir 2000B (Powerstar – North Benz based)
* Casspir 2000C (SINO Truck Military based)

The Casspir was built in different configurations:
* APC – armoured personnel carrier<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sadfgroup.org/2011/02/ |title=2011 February |publisher=Sadfgroup.org |date=2011-02-15 |access-date=2013-04-23 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005203424/http://www.sadfgroup.org/2011/02/ |archive-date=5 October 2012 }}</ref>
* Artillery Fire Control vehicle
* Ambulance
* Blesbok Freighter – with drop side cargo area for up to 5 tons (160 built). Can be used as a weapon platform.
* Duiker Tanker – 5000 litre tank (30 built); originally with 3000 litre tank<ref name="Surviving The Ride"/>
* FISTV – Fire Support Team vehicle
* Gemsbok Recovery vehicle – 15-ton capacity (30 built)
* Mechem Mine clearing vehicle – uses steel wheels to detonate mines
* MEDDS (Mechem Explosives and Drug Detection System) Mine Sensor vehicle
* Mechem VAMMIDS (Vehicular Array Mine Detection System) Vehicle
* Plofadder Mine clearing System – carrier of the containerised [[Plofadder]] 160AT rocket-propelled mine clearing system
* Riot Control vehicle – Police version with larger windows to increase visibility
* Mechem LP (Low-Profile) and short-wheelbase vehicle
* Casspir Dumpy – A shortened version (1 m shorter) developed and purchased by the SA Army in 1982 to be evaluated against the requirements for the [[Buffel]] replacement project. Did not enter production<ref name="Surviving The Ride"/>
* Sesspir – In 1984–85 the CSIR developed a prototype Casspir with six wheels. An additional non-driven axle was fitted in front of the front drive axle, this to be sacrificed in the event of a landmine detonation. It steered along with the regular driven front wheels and was equipped with winch cables to hoist either side of the axle clear off the ground in the event of the loss of a wheel. The theory being the vehicle would remain mobile. The idea was shelved as one of numerous problems was simply a lack of power from the engine to push the undriven axle along through bush and soft sand. Only one [[prototype]] was built.<ref name="Surviving The Ride"/>
* Casspir NG Series or Casspir 2000 is known as the new generation hence Casspir NG 2000. Available in various models 2000, 2000A; 2000B; 2000C and a possible D model, all to house various drive trains. The NG design allow a common hull to fit various drive trains and either manual or automatic drive. The latest in the NG series is a design that is based on a monocoque design and chassis cab design, specific in the support variants. The NG2000 Series currently offer the following variants.
** Casspir NG Troop Carrier – specific Military application
** Casspir NG Personnel Carrier – specific for Humanitarian purposes
** Casspir NG Security/Police special variant
** Casspir NG Wide Body Command and Control special variant
** Casspir NG Wide Body Ambulance special variant
** Casspir NG Wide Body Reconnaissance special variant
** Casspir NG Wide Body Weapons Platform Carrier special variant- to be suitable for Indirect Mortar; Anti-Tank or Anti-Aircraft 
** Casspir NG Wide Body Cargo special variant
** Casspir NG Wide Body Fuel Carrier special variant
** Casspir NG Wide Body Water Carrier special variant
** Casspir NG Wide Body Recovery Light special variant
** Casspir NG Wide Body Recovery Heavy special variant (6x6) "Eland"
** Casspir NG Wide Body Art Light Gun Tractor special variant (6x6)
** Casspir NG Chassis Cab Cargo special variant (4x4 & 6x6) – "Likkewaan"
** Casspir NG Chassis Cab Water Carrier special variant (4x4 & 6x6) – "Likkewaan"
** Casspir NG Chassis Cab Fuel Carrier special variant (4x4 & 6x6) – "Likkewaan"
** Casspir NG Chassis Cab Hooklift special variant (6x6) – "Likkewaan"
** Casspir NG Chassis Cab Art Gun Tractor special variant (6x6) – "Likkewaan"
** Casspir NG Chassis Cab Tipper Truck special variant (6x4 & 6x6) – "Likkewaan"
** Casspir NG Chassis Cab Truck Tractor  special variant (6x4 & 6x6) – "Likkewaan"
** Casspir NG Chassis Cab Recovery special variant Light, Medium and Heavy (4x4, 6x6 & 8x8) – "Likkewaan"

==Operators==
[[File:Casspir users.png|thumb|300px|Casspir operators, past and present]]
[[Image:Texas National Guardsmen exchange best practices with Burundi soldiers.jpg|thumb|280px|Burundi National Defence soldiers demonstrate squad movements with a Casspir during a mechanized infantry course]]

*{{flag|Angola}}: 61<ref name="SAarms">{{cite web|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11274:-fact-file-south-african-arms-exports&catid=79:fact-files&Itemid=159|title=South African Arms Exports|author=Leon Engelbrecht|date=3 January 2011 |access-date=5 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122185017/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11274:-fact-file-south-african-arms-exports&catid=79:fact-files&Itemid=159|archive-date=22 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
*{{flag|Benin}}: 10{{sfn|The Military Balance 2021|p=450}}
*{{flag|Burundi}}: 10<ref name="SAarms"/>
*{{flag|Democratic Republic of the Congo}}<ref name=congo>{{cite web|url=http://www.crisisgroup.org/~/media/Files/africa/central-africa/dr-congo/Scramble%20for%20the%20Congo%20Anatomy%20of%20an%20Ugly%20War.pdf |title=Scramble for the Congo – Anatomy of an Ugly War |publisher=ICG Africa |date=2000-12-20 |access-date=2013-06-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029201147/http://www.crisisgroup.org/~/media/Files/africa/central-africa/dr-congo/Scramble%20for%20the%20Congo%20Anatomy%20of%20an%20Ugly%20War.pdf |archive-date=2013-10-29 }}</ref>
*{{flag|Djibouti}}: 3{{sfn|The Military Balance 2021|p=462}}
*{{flag|Egypt}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.egyptmineaction.com/web/en/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Casper.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=7 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131127020223/http://www.egyptmineaction.com/web/en/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Casper.pdf |archive-date=27 November 2013 }}</ref>
*{{flag|Ghana}}: 4<ref name=trade>{{cite web |url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |title=Trade Registers |publisher=Armstrade.sipri.org |access-date=2015-01-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414022558/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |archive-date=14 April 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*{{flag|India}}: 200+ used by [[Indian Army]] and other paramilitary forces<ref name=SurviveRide>{{cite book|last1=Camp|first1=Steve|last2=Heitman|first2=Helmoed-Römer|title=Surviving the Ride: A pictorial history of South African manufactured mine-protected vehicles|date=November 2014|page=240|publisher=30 Degrees South|location=Pinetown|isbn=978-1928211-17-4}}</ref>
*{{flag|Indonesia}}: 2 Casspir.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.unroca.org/ |title=ROCA (United Nations Register of Conventional Arms) |access-date=4 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404060809/https://www.unroca.org/ |archive-date=4 April 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Used by [[Kopassus]]<ref name="defenseindustrydaily1">{{cite web |author= |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/an-mrap-for-india-04739/ |title=An MRAP for India |publisher=Defenseindustrydaily.com |date=2013-02-12 |access-date=2013-04-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501075846/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/an-mrap-for-india-04739/ |archive-date=1 May 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=SurviveRide/>
*{{flag|Iraq}}<ref name="SAarms"/>
*{{flag|Malawi}}: 12<ref name="SAarms"/>
*{{flag|Mali}}: 29<ref>{{in lang|fr}}http://www.opex360.com/2019/07/19/lallemagne-livre-29-vehicules-blindes-dorigine-sud-africaine-aux-forces-armees-maliennes/</ref>
*{{flag|Mozambique}}: 15<ref name="SAarms"/>
*{{flag|Namibia}}: 20 inherited from the [[South West African Territorial Force]].<ref name="defenseindustrydaily1"/>
*{{flagicon image|Flag of Nepal.svg}}[[Nepal]]: 37<ref name="SAarms"/><ref name=SurviveRide/>
*{{flag|Peru}}: 20 Policía Nacional del Peru (DIROES)<ref name="defenseindustrydaily1"/><ref name=SurviveRide/>
*{{flag|Saudi Arabia}}: 9<ref name=trade/>
*{{flag|Senegal}}: 9<ref name="SAarms"/>
*{{flag|Sierra Leone}}: 3<ref name="UN">{{cite web|url=http://www.un-register.org/ReportingStatus/CountryDetail.aspx?Register_Id=2109|title=UN Register|access-date=5 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031191013/http://www.un-register.org/ReportingStatus/CountryDetail.aspx?Register_Id=2109|archive-date=31 October 2014}}</ref>
*{{flag|Somalia}}: 9<ref name="Military Balance 2017">Military Balance 2017</ref>
*{{flag|South Africa}}: 370 in [[South African Army]] service.<ref name="defenseindustrydaily1"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.army.mil.za/equipment/vehicles/casspir_Mk3.htm |title=home |publisher=Army.mil.za |date=2010-12-13 |access-date=2014-04-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706102308/http://www.army.mil.za/equipment/vehicles/casspir_Mk3.htm |archive-date=6 July 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*{{flag|Tanzania}}: 5<ref name=trade/>
*{{flag|Uganda}}: 42<ref name=trade/>
*{{flag|United States}}: 68<ref name="SAarms"/><ref name=SurviveRide/>

==Combat history==
*[[Angolan Civil War]]
*[[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir]]
*[[Caprivi conflict]]
*[[Iraq War]]
*[[Second Congo War]]
*[[South African Border War]]
*[[African Union Mission to Somalia]]

==Popular culture==
[[File:Casspir_(iziko).jpg|thumb|280px|A Casspir armoured vehicle, covered in tens of millions of glass beads by artist Ralph Ziman, outside the Iziko South African Museum in Cape Town]]
[[File:Boycott Apartheid campaign bus (WOW 551J), London, 1989.jpg|thumb|280px|A London bus in 1989 carrying the "Boycott Apartheid" message. An image of a Casspir is crossed out symbolising the rejection of apartheid.]]
The Casspir has entered South African popular culture as an icon of apartheid-era state repression and is controversial for its continued deployment in South Africa for policing tasks.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.iol.co.za/news/city-defends-move-to-purchase-casspirs-amid-outcry-10009620|title=City defends move to purchase casspirs amid outcry {{!}} IOL|access-date=2017-07-03|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701163224/http://www.iol.co.za/news/city-defends-move-to-purchase-casspirs-amid-outcry-10009620|archive-date=1 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> A [[beadwork]] Casspir, with [[Ndebele house painting|Ndebele designs]], outside the [[Iziko South African National Gallery]] was installed as a representation of this iconography of the vehicle.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.iziko.org.za/news/entry/unveiling-the-casspir-project|title=Unveiling The Casspir Project|last=Kleinsmith|first=Melody|date=13 December 2016|website=Iziko|access-date=23 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224141738/http://www.iziko.org.za/news/entry/unveiling-the-casspir-project|archive-date=24 February 2017}}</ref> Created by interdisciplinary contemporary artist [[Ralph Ziman]], the artwork is titled ''SPOEK 1''.

A Casspir also forms part of the South Africa Apartheid Museum's exhibit on repression in the townships in the 1980s.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.brandsouthafrica.com/tourism-south-africa/travel/cultural/apartmuseum|title=South Africa's Apartheid Museum|last=Mafika|date=2002-04-10|newspaper=Brand South Africa|access-date=2017-02-23|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224052352/https://www.brandsouthafrica.com/tourism-south-africa/travel/cultural/apartmuseum|archive-date=24 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> 

Casspirs were extensively used by the human characters to enter into the alien settlement zone in the 2009 movie ''[[District 9]]''.

A Casspir is seen in the music video for the song "Dirty Harry" by [[Gorillaz]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLnkQAeMbIM |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/cLnkQAeMbIM |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|title=Gorillaz - Dirty Harry (Official Video)|website=[[YouTube]] }}{{cbignore}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Buffalo (mine protected vehicle)]], a 6x6 originally built by [[Force Protection Inc]]
*[[Cougar (MRAP)]], a 4x4 originally built by [[Force Protection Inc]]
*[[Buffel]], an early South African mine protected vehicle
*[[Wer'wolf MKII]], a 4x4 [[Namibia]]n Mine Protected Vehicle
*[[Oshkosh M-ATV]], current generation lighter weight mine protected vehicle manufactured by [[Oshkosh Corporation]]
*[[Mahindra Mine Protected Vehicle]], design inspired by the Casspir
*[[Gila APC]]

==References==
{{commons category|Casspir}}

{{reflist|2}}

* {{cite book|title=The Military Balance 2021|date=February 2021|volume=121|isbn=978-1-032-01227-8|publisher=Routledge|ref={{harvid|The Military Balance 2021}}|author=International Institute for Strategic Studies|author-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120712092630/http://www.mechemcasspir.com/vehicle_capabilities.html Casspir webpage]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giIhtWQDGv8/ Video; Mechem – Vehicle Business inc. Casspir]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvByJcXrO0w/ Video; Mechem – Casspir]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwNJxS6x0k0/ Video; N4Trucks – Casspir]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fc1xSn85-mQ/ Video; Casspir MkIV]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9zdH9CD9vI/ Video; Casspir MkIV launch at AAD 2010]

{{South African AFV}}
{{SADF Vehicles}}
{{MRAP vehicles}}
{{Modern IFV and APC}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}

[[Category:Armoured personnel carriers of South Africa]]
[[Category:Cold War military equipment of South Africa]]
[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1980s]]
[[Category:Armoured personnel carriers of the Cold War]]
[[Category:Mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles]]