Matador (Mine Protected Vehicle)

The Matador is an armoured mine protected vehicle that is produced by Paramount Group in South Africa.

The vehicle was displayed for the first time in 2007, during the International DeFence Exhibition and Conference, the largest arms exhibition in the Middle East, which takes place in Abu Dhabi every year.

In 2008, the Matador was officially launched in Africa during the 2008 African Aerospace and Defence exhibition which took place in Cape Town, South Africa.

Vehicle specs

With a kerb weight of 10,800 kg, a payload weight of 4,500 kg, the vehicle has a maximum crew capacity of fourteen – including a driver and a co-driver.

Although the Matador, which has cruise speed of 100 km per hour and a maximum range of up to 700 km, can be used for military and peacekeeping operations in urban areas, it was originally designed for missions in less built-up areas. This is mainly due to its larger turning circle, when compared to, for instance, its sister vehicle the Marauder – which was specifically developed for urban areas.

The Matador is either equipped with a militarised MAN engine integrated with a 12-speed semi-automatic transmission or Cummins engine integrated with a fully automated 6-speed transmission. Both technologies are common around the world, which allows for the vehicle to be repaired and serviced in most countries without having to invest in an independent logistic system.

Armour

The Matador is fitted with a double-skin monocoque hull, which gives it a modern look and a smooth finish while protecting its occupants against blasts up to STANAG 4569 Level III, the highest level of protection available.

The V-shaped hull comprises of three self-jigging plates. This system, which was developed in South Africa, enables the Matador to withstand blasts of a double anti-tank mine (14 kg of TNT) at any point beneath the hull and a triple anti tank mine (21 kg of TNT) under any wheel.

Armament

The vehicle can be equipped with light and medium-calibre machine guns and cannon weapon installations, as well as mortar firing platforms, missile launchers and command, surveillance and control systems. It also can be equipped with a combat turret.

Functions

The Matador can be converted to serve various purposes and roles. It can for instance be used as an armoured ambulance, a command post vehicle or a utility mine protected vehicle.

Production

In 2008, for the manufacturing and production of the Matador, the Paramount Group liaised with King Abdullah II of Jordan and the Design and Development Bureau (KADDB), Jordan’s primary governmental military institute for the possible development and manufacturing of defence systems.

In 2009, a deal was sealed with the government of the Republic of Azerbaijan to produce Matadors. The agreement was signed after the country’s Ministry of Defence Industry placed an order for 25 of such vehicles and 25 Marauder (Mine Protected Vehicle).

References

ru:Матадор (бронетранспортёр)