South Africa’s Bruisertech has revealed its first mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle, the Bruiser 112.
Jaco du Toit, the lead engineer for Bruisertech, told Jane’s development of the vehicle started about two and a half years ago, with the intention of designing a platform that was specifically suited to the demands of the African continent.
Although the Bruiser 112 has a low profile for an MRAP, its ground clearance is greater than that of the MaxxPro Plus. This is vital for increasing the survivability of the vehicle in a blast event. (Bruisertech)
Du Toit said, “Many African nations have purchased surplus MRAPs from various users, these vehicles can’t be supported because spares aren’t available.” Accordingly, the Bruiser 112 is intended to be straightforward to operate and maintain, while providing high levels of ballistic and blast protection for its weight class, he added.
The vehicle weighs 8.5 tonnes, has a payload of 4.5 tonnes, and can be shipped inside an ISO container.
The platform utilises a monocoque hull, which du Toit said is built from welded high-hardness steel, and the V-shaped underside is built from high-strength steel. This protects the vehicle and its occupants from 7.62×51 mm and 5.56×45 mm ball ammunition (NATO STANAG 4569 Level 1) and provides blast protection from an 8 kg explosive mass detonated under any wheel or location under the hull (STANAG 4569 Level 3a/3b).
In addition, the Bruiser 112 uses military axles, intended to provide a more robust vehicle with the ability to extend protection if required.
Du Toit said composite or ceramic armours could be fitted if required because the vehicle was designed to accommodate extra weight, although advanced armours are not included in the base design to keep costs down.
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