Buffel

Buffier's Story

The South African Army has long understood the importance of Mine Resistant Ambush Protection (MRAP) vehicles, especially during its various adjacent wars, including the protracted South African Border War (1966-1990). Over time, the buffalo became a product of local invention and industry. This model features high ground clearance and a V-shaped hull to better deflect the blast of mines and other concealed explosives. Armor protection shields the crew and passengers from some battlefield hazardsnamely, small arms fire and shrapnelbut the Army gets a ubiquitous vehicle suitable for the harsh terrain common to the region.

When the Buffel entered service in 1978, it became the first successful mine-protected vehicle and spawned a whole new line of military and security vehicles that are still in demand today.

The original production model, simply known as the Buffel, was built on the existing frame of a West German Mercedes-Benz U416-162 UNIMOG truck (detailed elsewhere on this site). An armored hull was installed, enclosing the driver and passengers (up to ten people) in separate compartments.

The driver took the front left position, which forced the engine to be on his right.

Then there's the Buffel Mk. 1, which has a revised engine and bumper configuration. The Buffalo Mk. 1B replaces the drum brake system with a disc brake unit. The Buffalo Mk. 1 also formed the basis of the Log Buffel cargo tug. The Buffalo Mk. IIA is the Mk. 1 model with a fully enclosed passenger compartment, additionally protected by bulletproof windows. An exit door has been added to the rear of the passenger compartment for quicker entry and exit.

This version is called "Moffel". The Buffalo Mk. IIB becomes its dedicated cargo transport variant. Bulldogs are used locally as patrols (SAMIL 20 truck superstructure) and Eastvalks are used as platforms for self-propelled anti-aircraft guns (SPAAG).

The "Rhino" was developed based on the aforementioned Bulldog, with fully enclosed driver and passenger compartments.

The South African Army maintained an inventory of approximately 2,400 to 2,500 Buffels during frontline service. In 1995, the veteran Buffel bloodline was dropped in favor of Mamba (detailed elsewhere on this page).

It also appears in listings in Malawi, Sri Lanka (known as "Unicorn" and "Unibuffel"), Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The series is also run by Rhodesia and the United Nations.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

Depends on weapon.

Changes