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Buffel


Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Protected (MRAP) Vehicle


South Africa | 1975



"Succeeded by the Mamba in South African service, the Buffel MRAP continues on with other global players today."

Power & Performance
Those special qualities that separate one land system design from another. Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Buffel Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Protected (MRAP) Vehicle.
1 x Mercedes-Benz OM352 6-cylinder OR Atlantis Diesel Engines 352 6-cylinder, diesel-fueled engine of 165 horsepower driving conventional 4x4 all-wheeled arrangement.
Installed Power
59 mph
95 kph
Road Speed
621 miles
1,000 km
Range
Structure
The physical qualities of the Buffel Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Protected (MRAP) Vehicle.
1
(MANNED)
Crew
16.7 ft
5.1 meters
O/A Length
6.7 ft
2.05 meters
O/A Width
9.7 ft
2.95 meters
O/A Height
13,536 lb
6,140 kg | 6.8 tons
Weight
Armament & Ammunition
Available supported armament, ammunition, and special-mission equipment featured in the design of the Buffel Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Protected (MRAP) Vehicle.
Variable: Can include various 7.62mm light and medium machine guns.
AMMUNITION:
Dependent upon armament fit.
Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Buffel family line.
Buffel - Original Production Model; base series name.
Buffel Mk.1 - Revised engine fit; bumper protection
Buffel Mk.1B - Disc brakes
Log Buffel - Cargo-hauler
Unicorn - Buffel model for Sri Lanka
Unibuffel - Buffel Mk.1 model for Sri Lanka.
Buffel Mk.IIA (Moffel) - Rebuild Mk.1 models; Tata series engines; enclosed passenger compartment; rear entry-exit doors.
Buffel Mk.IIB - Cargo-hauler
Bulldog - SAMIL 20 truck bodies
Rhino - Based on the Bulldog; enclosed / integrated driver / passenger compartment.
Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 06/19/2023 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

The South African Army learned very early on the importance of Mine-resistant, Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicles, particularly during its various neighboring wars including the long-running South African Border War (1966-1990). In time, the Buffel appeared as a product of local ingenuity and industry. The type was given a high ground clearance and V-shaped hull to better deflect blasts from mines and other hidden explosives. Armor protection shielded the crew and passengers from some battlefield dangers - namely small arms fire and shell splinters - but the Army got itself a go-anywhere vehicle suitable for the inhospitable terrains common to the region. Upon entering service in 1978, the Buffel became the first successful mine-resistant vehicle, spawning a whole new line of military and security vehicles that remains in demand today.

The original production model was known simply as the Buffel and these were built atop the existing framework of the West German Mercedes-Benz U416-162 UNIMOG truck (detailed elsewhere on this site). An armored hull was fitted that enclosed the driver and passengers (up to ten) in separate compartments. The driver took up a position at front-left which forced the engine's placement to his right.

Then followed the Buffel Mk.1 which featured an improved engine and bumper configuration. The Buffel Mk.1B saw its drum braking system replaced by disc brake units. The Buffel Mk.1 also formed the basis for the "Log Buffel" cargo-hauler. The Buffel Mk.IIA were Mk.1 models with a wholly-enclosed passenger compartment and further protected by bullet-resistant windows. An exit door was added to the rear facing of the passenger compartment for quicker entry-exit. This version came to be known as the "Moffel". The Buffel Mk.IIB became its dedicated cargo-hauler variant. The "Bulldog" was used as a local base patroller (SAMIL 20 truck body) and the "Ystervark" served as a Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun (SPAAG) platform. The "Rhino" was based on the aforementioned Bulldog development with a fully-enclosed driver and passenger compartment.

The South African Army managed a stock of about 2,400 to 2,500 Buffels for the vehicle's time in frontline service. In 1995, the veteran Buffel line was given up in favor of the Mamba (detailed elsewhere on this site). It was also seen in the inventories of Malawi, Sri Lanka (as the "Unicorn" and "Unibuffel"), Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The series was also operated by Rhodesia and the United Nations.

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Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Buffel. Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national land systems listing.

Total Production: 2,505 Units

Contractor(s): State Factories - South Africa
National flag of South Africa National flag of Sri Lanka National flag of Uganda National flag of Zambia National flag of Zimbabwe

[ Malawai; Sri Lanka; South Africa; Uganda; United Nations; Zambia; Zimbabwe ]
Going Further...
The Buffel Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Protected (MRAP) Vehicle appears in the following collections:
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