The Burundian contingent serving with the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has taken delivery of 10 Springbuck Heavy Duty (HD) mine-resistance ambush-protected vehicles (MRAPs), the South African manufacturer DCD Protected Mobility confirmed to Jane’s .
The new Springbuck HD MRAPS and Fahd wheeled APCs (background) for AMISOM's Burundian contingent are seen lined up. (AMISOM)
AMISOM announced on 6 November that the Burundians had received “at least 20 combat vehicles”. It did not identify the vehicles but released photographs of 10 Springbuck HDs and at least 10 Egyptian-made Fahd wheeled armoured personnel carriers (APCs) at its base around Mogadishu airport.
Martie Bezuidenhout, DCD international business development manager, told Jane’s that Burundian operators have just completed on-site training on the Springbucks that were delivered in August. She added that three of the vehicles been fitted with remote-controlled improvised explosive device jammers developed by GEW Technologies, which is part of Hensoldt South Africa.
The HD is the second of three Springbuck variants offered by DCD, the others being the Standard Duty (SD) and the heavier Extra Duty (XD). It has a gross weight of 13,500 kg, with a 2,000 kg payload and a range of 600 km. It is powered by a six-cylinder intercooled turbo-diesel engine that generates 286hp.
With 400 mm ground clearance and 21 m turning circle, the vehicle can operate safely on rough terrain. It can carry two crew and nine dismounts, and its interior fit can be easily changed due to its modular design. A roof hatch is available depending on the configuration.
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