South Africa’s Paramount Group launched the Mbombe 4 at the IDEX 2019 trade show in Abu Dhabi on 17–21 February.
The new vehicle is powered by a turbo diesel 6-cylinder engine and has a burst speed of 140 km/h. Weighing 16 tonnes, the vehicle has a payload of 2.7 tonnes, which encapsulates weapons systems, ammunition, crew, and supplies.
Paramount Group launched an all-new Mbombe 4 at IDEX 2019, receiving a contract at the show for the vehicle. (Paramount Group)
The crew compartment has STANAG 4569 Level 3 ballistic protection, blast protection to STANAG 4569 Level 4a and 4b, and protection against a 50 kg TNT side blast or roadside bomb; further armour can be added as required. The V-shaped hull of the vehicle also assists in mine blast protection. Other options for the vehicle include a roof hatch and roof-mounted turrets or weapons stations.
Notably, rear access to the vehicle is provided by a ramp instead of side-hinged access doors that are common in 4×4 mine-resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles..
The company was awarded a contract at the show by the UAE for four vehicles, which are expected to be used for testing and evaluation purposes before any further procurement by the country.
“[The Mbombe 4] gives us the only homogeneous fleets of 4×4, 6×6, and 8×8 vehicles,” executive chairman of Paramount Group, Ivor Ichikowitz, told Jane’s .
“Countries around the world are beginning to realise that what it costs to run vehicles over a 25-year service life is the important thing. Because of the commonality between these vehicles, we can provide one logistics train, one primary spare parts stock,” he added.
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