Mamba

The Mamba Story

Reumech OMC produces the Mamba Mine Resistant Ambush Vehicle (MRAP), more than 800 of which have been built since its introduction and have been used in conflicts such as the Kosovo War (1998-1999) and the Somali Civil War (ongoing), the Iraq War (2003- 2011) and the Kivu conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (since 2004). Design work of this type began in 1988 by the local South African industry to meet the requirements of the South African Army in 1987, and in 1990 after successful trial production. The Mamba was developed as a direct successor to the "Buffel" truck of South African origin.

Elsewhere on this page.

Both are used in military and security roles due to their inherent versatility and survivability.

The truck adopts the traditional layout of the four-wheel chassis. The chassis is raised to improve off-road capability and crew survivability. The engine is located at the front of the fuselage, followed by the propulsion section. The driving area is part of the passenger compartment, both located in the rear center of the vehicle. The glass surface is ballistic against small arms fire, and armor protection can be upgraded as needed to deal with more modern threats - especially hidden explosives on the sides or under trucks.

The typical operator consists of two (driver and driver), and depending on the production variant, can carry up to nine passengers and is protected by pistol and cannon spray. The driver sits on the left front. The spare tire is mounted on the frame - either along the center or the rear wall side (port side).

There is a large access door on the rear wall of the cabin.

Variants in the series included the original Mamba Mk 1 from TFM Industries (later Ruemech OMC) - these were 2x4 driven Toyota Dyna chassis (replaced by UNMOG truck chassis in 1994). This stock includes "Puma", Reva Mk 1 and Springbuck Mk 1 sub-variants. Mamba Mk 2 is an improvement over the Sandock Austral and TFM originals.

The brand's sub-variants are Mamba Mk 2 EE and SW, "Komanche", "Sabre", Alvis 4 and 8, RG-31 Nyala (detailed elsewhere on this page), Reva mk 2, "Romad". and Springbuck Mk 2. Manufactured by Alvis OMC, the Mamba Mk 3 is powered by a Mercedes-Benz 312N series engine and produces the ICP's Reva Mk 3 sub-variant.

More modern Mamba Mk 5 powered by Italian Iveco Euro3 series engines and built by Osprea Logistics SA, including the Mamba Mk 5 "Magirus" currently sold by Osprea, with higher survivability. The Mamba Mk 7 is the latest, powered by a Deutz BF6L9I4C engine with improved armor protection and built by Osprea.

The basic design (Mamba Mk 1) weighs 7.11 tons and has a barrel of 19.2 feet long, 7.8 feet wide and 8 feet high.

The typical weapon is a 12.7mm Browning M2 heavy machine gun or equivalent, and may also include any personal weapon carried by the occupant and fired through an available muzzle.

Vehicle is mounted on coil springs with up to 15 inches of ground clearance (Mk 2 models). Early models were powered by a 139 hp Toyota JO 5C 4-cylinder diesel, while later models were powered by a 123 hp Mercedes-Benz OM352 6-cylinder diesel.

Street speeds reach 63 mph and range is up to 560 miles.

Operators of Mamba vehicles include the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea, Cote dIvoire, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sweden, Thailand, Uganda and the United Kingdom. Thailand is one of the largest foreign mamba operators with around 87 (2019).

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

Depends on weapon mount.

Changes