Denel Vehicle Systems has developed a 6×6 truck based on its RG31 series of mine-resistant ambushed protected (MRAP) vehicles. Denel’s Africa Truck is designed from the “ground-up” as a purpose-built military truck, with the company pointing out that every aspect and component of the vehicle has been designed with military applications and the African climate in mind.
The truck is locally designed and Denel intends to manufacture it in South Africa using experience attained in the production of its family of mine-protected vehicles – chief of which is the Denel Casspir.
The ‘Africa Truck’, which has a gross vehicle weight of 28 tons and an empty weight of 12 tons, has been designed to be as modular as possible and can accommodate a range of superstructures or a hook lift system
The concept for the Africa Truck stemmed from the Military Command Council having requested Armscor, Denel and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research to urgently investigate a project to restore the SANDF’s capabilities regarding logistical vehicles and to renew its fleet, if required.
The ‘Africa Truck’, which has a gross vehicle weight of 28 tons and an empty weight of 12 tons, has been designed to be as modular as possible and can accommodate a range of superstructures or a hook lift system. It is also designed to be as simple as possible with a focus on maintenance in the field far from even forward workshops, although its electronically controlled engine might present a challenge in this regard.
The demonstrator vehicle is 10 metres long, 2.6 metres wide and 2.74 metres high, and features a kerb-to-kerb turning circle of 30 metres. It has a ground clearance of 455mm, approach and departure angles of 40° and 30° respectively, can climb a 60% gradient, and has a maximum speed of 110 km/h
The 269 kW diesel drives through an Allison automatic gearbox with a DVS-developed two-speed transfer case. It uses rigid axles with differential locks, while the suspension comprises parabolic leaf springs with double-acting hydraulic shock-absorbers. The vehicle uses 16.00 R20 tyres on 10 x 20-inch split rims, with provision for a central tyre-inflation system. The steering is hydraulically assisted.
The demonstrator vehicle is 10 metres long, 2.6 metres wide and 2.74 metres high, and features a kerb-to-kerb turning circle of 30 metres. It has a ground clearance of 455mm, approach and departure angles of 40° and 30° respectively, can climb a 60% gradient, and has a maximum speed of 110 km/h.
Ballistic protection is to STANAG Level 1, although it can also protect against 7.62 x 39mm armour-piercing incendiary rounds with appliqué armour, while mine protection is offered against an eight kilogram minimum blast anywhere under the vehicle.
Following its launch, the truck is due to undergo further testing and evaluation before a final decision will be taken on acquisition. It is available in 4 x 4, 6 x 6 and 8 x 8 variants, with the 6 x 6 variant having a gross vehicle mass of 28 tons.