View source for Mamba APC

{{short description|South African mine protected personnel carrier}}
{{Use South African English|date=June 2020}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = Mamba
| image              = SANDF Armed Forces Day 2017 - South African Army Mamba MkIII APC (32203158584).jpg
| image_size         = 300
| caption            = Mamba Mk2 of the [[South African National Defence Force]] (SANDF).
| origin             = [[South Africa]] {{flagicon|South Africa|1982}}
| type               = [[Infantry mobility vehicle]] with [[MRAP]] capabilities
| is_vehicle         = yes
| service            = 
| used_by            = See ''[[#Operators|Operators]]''
| wars               = [[Kosovo War]]<br />[[Somali Civil War]]<br />[[Iraq War]]<br />[[Kivu conflict]]<br />[[Russian invasion of Ukraine]]
 <!-- Production history -->| designer           = 
| design_date        = 1988<ref name=SurviveRide>{{cite book|last1=Camp|first1=Steve|last2=Helmoed-Römer|first2=Heitman|title=Surviving the Ride: A pictorial history of South African Manufactured Mine-Protected vehicles|date=November 2014|pages=97–102|publisher=30 Degrees South|location=Pinetown|isbn=978-1928211-17-4}}</ref>
| manufacturer       = [[Land Systems OMC|Reumech OMC]]<ref name="Recognition">{{cite book| last = Christopher F. Foss| title = Jane's Tanks and Combat Vehicles Recognition Guide| year = 2000| edition = 2000| pages = [https://archive.org/details/janestankcombatv00foss/page/294 294–295]| publisher = Harper Collins Publishers| isbn = 978-0-00-472452-2| url-access = registration| url = https://archive.org/details/janestankcombatv00foss/page/294}}</ref>
| unit_cost          = 
| production_date    = 1990–present<ref name=SurviveRide/>
| number             = ~800<ref name=SurviveRide/>
| variants           = See ''[[#Variants|Variants]]''
 <!-- General specifications -->| weight             = {{convert|6.45|t|ST LT|lk=out}} <small>''(Mk1)''</small><ref name=SurviveRide/><br />{{convert|6.8|t|ST LT|lk=out}} <small>''(Mk2)''</small><ref name="Recognition"/><br />{{convert|6.5|t|ST LT|lk=out}} <small>''(Mk3)''</small><ref name=SurviveRide/>
| length             = {{convert|5.88|m|ftin|abbr=on}} <small>''(Mk1)''</small><ref name=SurviveRide/><br />{{convert|5.46|m|ftin|abbr=on}} <small>''(Mk2, Mk3)''</small><ref name="Recognition"/>
| width              = {{convert|2.36|m|ftin|abbr=on}} <small>''(Mk1)''</small><ref name=SurviveRide/><br />{{convert|2.2|m|ftin|abbr=on}} <small>''(Mk2, Mk3)''</small><ref name="Recognition"/>
| height             = {{convert|2.46|m|ftin|abbr=on}} <small>''(Mk1)''</small><ref name=SurviveRide/><br />{{convert|2.49|m|ftin|abbr=on}} <small>''(Mk2, Mk3)''</small><ref name="Recognition"/>
| crew               = 2 (commander, driver) + 9 passengers<ref name=SurviveRide/>
 <!-- Vehicle/missile specifications -->| armour             = 
| primary_armament   = 12.7mm [[Browning M2]] machine gun, optional<ref name=SurviveRide/>
| secondary_armament = 
| engine             = [[Toyota]] JO 5C four-cylinder diesel <small>(Mk1)</small><ref name=SurviveRide/><br />[[Mercedes-Benz OM352 engine|Mercedes-Benz OM352]] six-cylinder diesel <small>(Mk2, Mk3)</small><ref name="Recognition"/>
| engine_power       = {{convert|139|hp|kW|abbr=on}} at 2,900&nbsp;rpm <small>(Mk1)</small><ref name=SurviveRide/><br />{{convert|123|hp|kW|abbr=on}} at 2,800&nbsp;rpm <small>(Mk2, Mk3)</small><ref name=SurviveRide/>
| transmission       = 
| fuel_capacity      = 220 litres <small>(Mk2, Mk3)</small><ref name="Recognition"/>
| pw_ratio           = 18&nbsp;hp/tonne (13.4&nbsp;kW/tonne) <small>(Mk2, Mk3)</small><ref name="Recognition"/>
| suspension         = [[Coil spring]]
| clearance          = 0.34 m <small>(Mk1)<ref name=SurviveRide/></small><br />0.39m <small>(Mk2, Mk3)</small><ref name="Recognition"/>
| vehicle_range      = 900&nbsp;km<ref name="Recognition"/>
| speed              = {{convert|102|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}<ref name=SurviveRide/>
}}

The '''Mamba''' is a South African [[infantry mobility vehicle]] designed for [[internal security]] purposes.<ref name=SurviveRide/> It was developed during the late 1980s to replace the [[Buffel]] in service with the South African military and security forces.<ref name=SurviveRide/> The first models were built on a 4X2 [[Toyota Dyna]] chassis, which was subsequently replaced in production around 1994 by a more reliable [[Unimog]] chassis.<ref name=SurviveRide/> All marks of the Mamba were designed to be [[MRAP|mine-resistant]] and blastproof.<ref name=SurviveRide/>

==Development history==
===Mamba Mk1===
The [[South African Army]] issued a requirement for a new armoured vehicle in 1987 capable of a wide variety of roles, namely border protection and internal security.<ref name=SurviveRide/> The Mamba Mk1 was developed the following year and utilised the chassis of a [[Toyota Dyna]] 4X2 truck.<ref name=SurviveRide/> A number were accepted into service between 1990 and 1994.<ref name=SurviveRide/>

===Subsequent marks===
After 1994, the Mamba utilised a [[Unimog]] truck chassis for better off-road performance and ground clearance. The first units were derived from surplus [[Buffel]] vehicles.<ref name="Engelbrecht">{{Citation
 | last = Engelbrecht
 | first = Leon
 | title = Fact file: Mamba APC/MRAP
 | publisher = DefenceWeb
 | date = 2010-01-21
 | url = http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6254:fact-file-mamba-apcmrap&catid=79:fact-files&Itemid=159
 | access-date = 2013-07-09 }}</ref> Its [[v-hull|V-shaped hull]] is designed to deflect a mine blast away from the occupants.<ref name="Engelbrecht"/> It is powered by a 352N [[Mercedes-Benz]] 6-cylinder diesel engine. The Mamba entered service in 1995, and is still in use with the [[South African National Defence Force]] (SANDF) and several other countries. The SANDF now uses the Mamba Mk2 and Mamba Mk3 versions, with 600 Mk2s upgraded to Mk3 configuration.<ref name="deagel">{{cite web|url=http://www.deagel.com/Tactical-Vehicles/Mamba_a000674001.aspx|title=Mamba|publisher=Deagel.com|access-date=28 March 2010}}</ref><ref name="army">{{cite web|url=http://www.army.mil.za/equipment/vehicles/mamba.htm|title=Mamba|publisher=South African Army|access-date=28 March 2010}}</ref>

The Mamba is {{convert|546|cm}} in length, {{convert|220.5|cm}} in width, and has a height of {{convert|249.5|cm}}. The four-wheeled vehicle can carry up to 10 passengers, excluding the driver. A roof hatch allows a gunner to use the weapon mount, which can be equipped with a [[12.7 mm]] machine gun. A large door at the rear of the vehicle provides access to the passengers and crew. The Mk3 features better ballistic protection over the Mk2 – the latter can withstand impacts from up to [[7.62×51mm NATO]] rounds, while the former is capable of handling [[5.56×45mm NATO]] impacts. The Mk3 is also lighter, more stable, has lower operating costs and comes with an 8-speed transmission compared to the 4-speed transmission of the Mk2. However, the Mk3 has a range of only {{convert|650|km}} whereas the Mk2 has a range of {{convert|900|km}}. The Mamba also provides protection against [[Land mine|mines]] of up to {{convert|7|kg}}. It has [[four-wheel drive]] capability, and can achieve a top speed of {{convert|102|km/h}}. Apart from the APC role, the vehicle may also be used as an ambulance, a command vehicle, a VIP transport, or a logistics vehicle.<ref name="army" /><ref name="gs">{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/rsa/mamba.htm|title=Mamba Armored Personnel Carrier (APC)|publisher=GlobalSecurity.org|access-date=28 March 2010}}</ref> The newest Mamba, the Mk5, is manufactured by N4-Trucks in South Africa, and delivers {{convert|240|hp|kW|abbr=on}} from a water-cooled Iveco engine, a range over 600&nbsp;km, over 4,500&nbsp;kg payload, and a B7 [[EN 1063|ballistic protection]] versus previous B6 capabilities of the Mk1-Mk3.

==Combat history==

Mambas have been deployed primarily with peacekeeping missions mounted by the [[United Nations]] and the [[African Union]].<ref name=SurviveRide/> The Mamba has seen active service with the [[MONUA|United Nations Observer Mission in Angola]] (MONUA), the [[United Nations Protection Force]] (UNPROFOR), the [[United Nations Force Intervention Brigade]] (FIB), and the British contingent of the [[Kosovo Force]].<ref name=SurviveRide/> During the [[Iraq War]], it was widely deployed by private security contractors in [[Iraq]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Scahill|first=Jeremy|author-link=Jeremy Scahill|title=Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army|year=2011|publisher=Profile Books|location=London|isbn=9781847654786|page=3}}</ref>

==Operators==
[[File:Mamba APC Users.png|thumb|Map with Mamba users in blue]]<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->

*{{flag|Republic of the Congo}}: 18<ref name="trade">{{cite web|url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |title=Trade Registers |publisher=Armstrade.sipri.org |access-date=2013-06-20}}</ref>
*{{flag|Ivory Coast}}: 10<ref name="trade" />
*{{flag|Egypt}}: 14<ref name="trade" />
*{{flag|Equatorial Guinea}}: 25<ref name="trade" />
*{{flag|Estonia}}: 3 as of 2013;<ref name="trade" /> 7 donated to [[Russian invasion of Ukraine|Ukraine in 2022]].<ref name="estoniaukraine">{{Cite web |title=Ukrainian Defense Forces Will Get Several Alvis APC from Estonia {{!}} Defense Express |url=https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/ukrainian_defense_forces_will_get_several_alvis_apc_from_estonia-2973.html |access-date=2022-05-19 |website=en.defence-ua.com |language=en}}</ref>
*{{flag|Guinea}}: 10<ref name="trade" />
*{{flag|Indonesia}}: Unknown quantity<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 July 2015 |title=Mamba MK2 SWB: Rantis Serbu MRAP Sat-81/Gultor Kopassus TNI AD |url=https://www.indomiliter.com/mamba-mk2-swb-rantis-serbu-mrap-sat-81gultor-kopassus-tni-ad/}}</ref>
*{{flag|Nigeria}}: 23<ref name="trade" />
*{{flag|Sierra Leone}}: 5<ref name="trade" />
*{{flag|Somalia}}: 6<ref name="trade" />
*{{flag|South Africa}}<ref name="SurviveRide" />
*{{flag|Sweden}}: 6<ref name="trade" />
*{{flag|Thailand}}: 87<ref name="trade" />
*{{flag|Uganda}}: 15<ref name="trade" />
*{{flag|Ukraine}}: 7<ref name="estoniaukraine" />
*{{flag|United Kingdom}}: 14<ref name="trade" />
*{{flag|Uruguay}}: 14<ref name="uruguay">{{Cite web |title= El Ejército Uruguayo confirma la llegada de blindados M-ATV, Osprea Mamba MK7 y la posible compra de camiones MK23 |url= https://www.defensa.com/uruguay/ejercito-uruguayo-confirma-llegada-blindados-m-atv-osprea-mamba |access-date=2024-05-28 |website= www.defensa.com |language=es}}</ref>

==Variants and derivatives==
[[File:RG-31.JPG|thumb|RG-31 Nyala, an APC closely resembling the Mamba.]]
[[File:Reva APC.jpg|thumb|The Reva APC, which was derived from the Mamba design.<ref name="trade"/>]]
Numerous variants of the Mamba have been produced, as well as vehicles derived from it.<ref name="tibs">{{cite web|url=http://armouredvehicles.co.za/mambaAPC.htm|title=Mamba APC|publisher=Tibs Transport|access-date=28 March 2010}}</ref>
* '''Mamba Mk1''' - Original 2x4 (Over 500 built by [[OMC (South Africa)|TFM Industries later becomes Reumech OMC]])
** '''Springbuck Mk1''' -  modified version
** '''Reva Mk1''' -  modified version by ICP
** '''Puma''' - modified version with a [[Toyota]] Dyna 7-145 powerplant and drivetrain
* '''Mamba Mk2''' - 4x4 (built by [[Sandock Austral]] and TFM) Mamba Mk II - Improved production version.
** '''Mamba Mk2 EE''' - Version produced for the Estonian Army
** '''Mamba Mk2 SW''' - Version produced for the Swedish Army
** '''Komanche''' - A short wheeled base (SWB) version which can carry up to 7 troops
** '''Sabre''' - 4 man cab with a cargo area in the rear
** '''Alvis 4''' - Version produced by Alvis UK for the British Army
** '''Alvis 8''' - Komanche SWB version produced by Alvis UK for the British Army
** [[RG-31|RG-31 Nyala]] - redesigned version by [[Land Systems OMC|TFM]]
** '''Romad'''  - modified version by [[Sandock Austral]])
** '''Reva Mk2''' -  modified version by ICP with Cummins powerplant
** '''Springbuck Mk2''' - modified version
*'''Mamba Mk3''' - 4x4 version fitted with Mercedes-Benz 312N engine. Built by [[Land Systems OMC|Alvis OMC]]
** '''Reva Mk3''' -  modified version by ICP
*'''[http://osprea.com/vehicles/armoured/mamba-mk5-iveco/ Mamba Mk5]''' - 4x4 fitted with Iveco Euro 3 engine and B7 armor. Built by [http://www.osprea.com Osprea Logistics SA]
*'''[http://osprea.com/vehicles/armoured/mamba-mk7/ Mamba Mk7]''' - 4x4 fitted with Deutz BF6L9l4C Turbo engine and B7 steel and glass; upgrade to Stanag 3- with 0.50-cal protection. Built by [http://www.osprea.com/][http://osprea.com/vehicles/armoured/mamba-mk7/ Osprea Logistics]
** '''[https://osprea.com/vehicles/armoured/mamba-mk7-x/ Mamba Mk7-X]''' - 4x4 fitted with a Deutz BF06M1015C with 408 HP water-cooled engine. STANAG 4a4b blast protection and STANAG 3- ballistic protection. Built by [http://www.osprea.com Osprea].

==See also==
* [[MRAP|Mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles]]
* [[List of AFVs]]
* [[Buffel]]
* [[RCV-9]]
* [[Reva APC]] - similar vehicle produced by Integrated Convoy Protection.
* [[RG-12]]
* [[RG-19]]
* [[RG-31]]
* [[RG-32]]
* [[RG-33]]
* [[RG-34]]
* [[RG-35]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Mamba Armoured Personnel Carrier}}
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20070523160655/http://www.military-today.com/apc/mamba.htm Mamba Armored Personnel Carrier - Military Today]}}

{{automotive industry in South Africa}}
{{South African AFV}}
{{MRAP vehicles}}
{{Modern IFV and APC}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}

[[Category:Armoured personnel carriers of South Africa]]
[[Category:Military trucks]]
[[Category:Paramilitary vehicles]]
[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1990s]]
[[Category:Wheeled armoured personnel carriers]]
[[Category:Armoured personnel carriers of the Cold War]]
[[Category:Armoured personnel carriers of the post–Cold War period]]