The South African Police Service (SAPS) recently issued a tender for a new armoured troop carrier, fitted with Mobile Adjustable Rescue/Assault System (MARS) to transport 12 members, including driver and co-driver, through various danger zones.
The mid-August tender specified that the vehicle should have an ergo-metric internal height of minimum 1.8 m, not exceeding 2 m.
The vehicle shell must be a monohull and be powered by an engine with a minimum displacement of 6.5 litres and minimum output of 240 hp. The gearbox must be fully automatic 6-speed. Further, power steering, permanent 4×4 mobility and a top speed of 120 km/h is specified, with fuel capacity to allow for minimum 600 km range.
The vehicle must be able to give ballistic protection against AK-47 rifles (7.62×39 mm FMJ at 10 m) and be upgradable to STANAG Level 1 on all vertical sides. Euro norm standard B6, protecting the vehicle 360 degrees, with the roof and floor able to withstand 7.62×39 mm at an angle of 30 degrees from horizontal is required. Alternatively, equivalent levels such as BR-6 and US NIJ III Plus for vehicles for the Middle East and Europe need to be met.
The vehicle’s structure should be designed to prevent shrapnel and blasts from anti-personal munitions on the roof and underfloor. Resistance to grenade explosions at close range is required, however the document notes the vehicles do not need to be resistant to artillery shells, anti-tank mines or rockets. Additionally, provision for add-on armour to increase protection is required.
Two emergency escape hatches must be provided, one above the commander’s seat, the other at the rear of the vehicle. These hatches must allow personnel to exit with their equipment and be manually lockable from the inside. Further, the roof should be reinforced. A large window must be provided to allow for situational awareness and should have the same level of protection as the vehicle body. Gun ports must be installed, with a minimum of 4 per side, one in front of the commander’s seat, and an additional gun port in the rear.
Seating layout should include two front seats, with eight outward facing seats in the middle, with a rear area including multipurpose layout to allow for cargo storage or two additional seats. The vehicle should include two front doors, two side doors and a rear door. All doors must be internally lockable, to prevent outside access. Driver should be able to lock all doors at once from driver’s seat. Driver, Commander and crew doors must be hydraulically or pneumatically operable in case of emergency.
Two unique requirements for the vehicle include a camera system, and a bulbar/scraper. An on-board camera system with recording storage for 24 hours must be installed, with a minimum of four externally mounted on all four sides and covered with mesh type protection. As for the scraper, it must be capable of lowering and raising from the driver’s position, presumably using a switch. The scraper must be able to move obstructions from the vehicle’s path. A “V” shaped dozer/bullbar must be easily removeable in case of damage, to ensure mobility. The dozer must be capable of moving a 3-ton obstacle.
The vehicle must be supplied with a Mobile Adjustable Rescue/Assault System (MARS), which must be mounted on the vehicle’s roof, and allow for two personnel to access structures at a minimum of 8 metres in height, with the tender listing the height of an Airbus A380 top door as a minimum reachable point.
Further, there must be a camera mounted to the front of the breaching platform, with a display mounted close to the driver to enable precise positioning of the vehicle and the MARS.
The bid stated that quantities cannot be guaranteed and order/s will be placed as and when required. The contract period will be for two years.
While the bid window closed on 02 October 2024, several vehicles displayed at the recent Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition in September met these requirements and could be potential bidders. Notably, the SVI Max SWAT, and Paramount’s Maverick.