Casspir 106



Overview


Casspir 106

Casspir 106 seen at the firing range with the rear platform panels in lowered position.
Source: Dave Haugh - © Copyright lies with original owner

Origin
South Africa
Type
Fire support vehicle
Entered service
Late 1990's
Status
In service
Development
Mid 1990's
Developer
South Africa
Production
Late 1990's
Producer
South Africa
Number produced
32, possibly more
Designations
Casspir dedicated weapons carrier
Notable users
South Africa

Description


Introduction

The Casspir 106 is fire support vehicle of South African origin. This is one of the specialist variants of the Casspir mine protected armored personnel carrier. It is to be used in the anti-tank and fire support role.

Design

The Casspir 106 is based on the "dedicated weapons carrier" variant of the Casspir Mk 3 chassis. This has the crew cabin shortened and a flatbed rear area added. The rear and side panels of the flatbed are hinged can be lowered horizontal to create a larger crew surface. The M40 recoilless rifle is mounted on its regular tripod, which is affixed to the floor. Ammunition is carried in boxes attached to the rear of the crew compartment.

Firepower

The Casspir 106 is built to fire the 106mm M40 recoilless rifle from the rear platform. The recoilless rifle can also be used away from the vehicle on its regular tripod mount if required. A total of 12 shells are carried. HEAT rounds are the standard type of ammunition and are effective up to 1.350 meters and penetrate over 400mm RHA. High explosive rounds can be used to distances over 2 km. Maximum rate of fire is 5 rpm, with 1 rpm sustained fire. A 7.62mm MG4 AA medium machine gun is fitted on the roof for self-defense.

Mobility

The Casspir 106 retains the good mobility of the Casspir Mk 3 chassis. With the combat load estimated to be similar to the Casspir in the infantry role the mobility is practically similar. Maximum speed is 90 km/h on road. Range is over 800 km on road, and about half that in the field.

Protection

The Casspir Mk 3 chassis provides good protection against small arms fire, shell splinters and mines when on the move. However, the crew is fully exposed when operating the 106mm M40 recoilless rifle.

Users

The Casspir 106 was acquired by South Africa. A total of 32 (and possibly more) have been acquired. Most probably these vehicles were created by rebuilding existing Casspir Mk 3 vehicles in service. It does not seem that this variant was ever exported.

Details


Facts Casspir 106
General
Origin
South Africa
Type
Fire support vehicle
Crew
6 (estimate)
Dimensions
Weight
12.5 t combat load (estimate)
Length
7 m
Width
2.5 m
Height
3.12 m roofline
Main armament
Type
106mm M40 recoilless rifle
Mount
Rear gun platform with drop sides
Ammunition
12 rounds
Traverse
Firing arc to sides and rear
Stabilizer
No
Secondary armament
Type
7.62mm MG4 AA machine gun
Mount
Pintle mount on roof
Ammunition
100 rounds ready to fire
Traverse
360°, manual traverse and elevation
Stabilizer
No
Chassis
Chassis type
Wheeled chassis, 4x4
Steering
Front wheels
Tire size
14.00 x20
Tread
2.07 m
Wheelbase
4.2 m
Suspension
Leaf spring
Automotive
Engine model
ADE 352T
Engine type
V6 water-cooled turbocharged diesel
Power output
166 hp at 2.800 rpm
Transmission
Mercedes-Benz G3, manual, 5 forward, 1 reverse
Mercedes-Benz VG 500-3W transfer case
Torque
560 Nm at 1.400 rpm
Fuel
200 or 220 L
Mobility
Speed
90 km/h on road
40 km/h in the field
Range
800 km on road
400 km in the field
Turn radius
10.5 m
Power to weight ratio
11.4 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.37 m
Wall
0.5 m
Trench
1 m
Gradient
65 %
Slope
40 %
Fording
1 m
Protection
Armor type
Steel
Armor thickness
6 to 7 mm all around
Protection level
Versus 7.62x51mm NATO ball all around
Triple TM-57 anti-tank mine under each wheel
Double TM-57 anti-tank mine under center of hull
Crew exposed on rear platform
NBC system
No
Smoke system
No
Equipment
Night vision
No
Radio
Optional
Supplies
200 L water tank
2 spare tires

Media


Subcomponents


Casspir

The Casspir 106 is based on the Casspir mine resistant armor personnel carrier.

106mm M40

The M40 Recoilless Rifle is the main armament of the Casspir 106. It can be used against armored vehicles and ground targets.

Browning M1919

A 7.62mm MG4 AA machine gun is pintle mounted on the roof for self-defense.