Mine Protected Combat Vehicle
| Mine Protected Combat Vehicle | |
|---|---|
MPCV of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) in 1980 |
|
| General properties | |
| crew | 2 + 9 |
| length | 4.95 m |
| width | 2.4 m |
| height | 2.8 m |
| Dimensions | 7.2 tons (combat weight) |
| Armor and armament | |
| Armor | strong underbody protection as well as axle and wheel protection against mines |
| Main armament | 1 × machine gun of caliber 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm |
| Secondary armament | no |
| agility | |
| drive |
OM 352 diesel engine 110 hp (81 kW) |
| suspension | Coil springs with hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers |
| Top speed | 80 km / h (road) |
| Power / weight | |
The Mine Protected Combat Vehicle ( MPCV for short ) is an armored vehicle based on the Unimog 416 , which was manufactured by the Rhodesian company Kew Engineering . 115 vehicles have been produced since 1979.
development
The MPCV was developed during the time of the Rhodesian conflict , in which the armed forces deployed, above all the Rhodesian Armored Car Regiment (RhACR), had a great need for maneuverable armored vehicles. The UR-416 from West German production already in use served as a model. Towards the end of the conflict in the 1970s, the Rhodesian industry was able to produce such vehicles. Kew Engineering from Gweru was entrusted with the production and by the end of the conflict had manufactured sixty units, a total of 115 vehicles were built.
technology
The MPCV has a welded steel armored hull, which is supposed to reliably protect the crew from armor-piercing ammunition of the caliber 7.62 × 51 mm NATO . In addition, the V-shaped vehicle hull helps protect the crew by deflecting the force of an explosion to the side. The MPCV was equipped with a Mercedes-Benz OM 352 that delivered 110 hp. The Daimler-Benz engine is a six-cylinder in-line diesel engine with 5675 cm³ displacement and direct injection, which was already used in the UR-416 . The interior can accommodate nine people. An armored observation stand can be mounted on the roof of the MPCV, which can be equipped with a 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun . A total of nine people can be carried along, in addition to the two-person crew. The soldiers in the interior sit back to back and can take part in combat operations through firing openings. The MPCV is entered and exited via a rear door.
literature
- Peter G. Locke, Peter DF Cooke. : Fighting vehicles and weapons of Rhodesia, 1965-80. Wellington, New Zeland: P&P Publishing, 1995, ISBN 9780473024130 . P. 60 ff.
Individual evidence
- ↑ a b c d data sheet of the MPCV (English)
- ↑ a b "Fighting Vehicles and Weapons of Rhodesia 1965-80" - excerpt (English)
