The Gila MBPV (Mine Ballistic Protected Vehicle) is a four-wheeled, mine-protected military vehicle from South Africa, developed by private investors and manufactured by IVEMA (International Vehicle & Equipment Marketing). It was introduced in 2006 and is produced at IVEMA's facility in Midrand, South Africa. The vehicle is similar in concept to the more widely known Casspir but incorporates a more modern design with commercially proven automotive components.
Design and Protection
The Gila features an all-welded steel armour monocoque hull with a traditional V-shaped underside, designed to deflect mine blasts away from the crew compartment. According to IVEMA, the Gila can provide protection against a triple TM-57 mine (equivalent to approximately 21 kg of TNT) under any wheel and a double TM-57 (equivalent to approximately 14 kg of TNT) anywhere under the hull. The baseline ballistic protection meets NATO STANAG Level 1 (protection against 7.62×51 mm and 5.56×45 mm ball ammunition), and can be upgraded to Level 3 (protection against 7.62×51 mm armour-piercing rounds) using add-on armour kits.
The axles and suspension are mounted externally to enable rapid field repair and replacement following a mine blast.
Specifications
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Mass | 12–13.6 tonnes |
| Length | 6.39 m (21.0 ft) |
| Width | 2.5 m (8.2 ft) |
| Height | 2.75 m (9.0 ft) |
| Crew | 2 (commander and driver) + 9 passengers |
| Engine | Daimler-Chrysler (MTU) Euro III diesel, 215 hp (160 kW) |
| Transmission | Allison automatic with lock-up; ZF two-speed transfer case |
| Drive | 4×4 wheeled |
| Maximum speed | 105 km/h (65 mph) on road |
| Operational range | 850 km |
Armament
The Gila APC variant is equipped with a light electrically driven turret that can accommodate a 7.62 mm machine gun, a 12.7 mm M2 HB machine gun, or a 20 mm cannon. A rear roof-mounted gun ring can accommodate a 7.62 mm machine gun or a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher.
Variants
- Gila APC (Armoured Personnel Carrier)
- Gila Armoured Ambulance
- Missile Carrier
- Mortar Carrier
- Electronic Warfare Vehicle
- Battlefield Re-supply Vehicle
- Command Post Vehicle
Operators
- United Nations: 24 units supplied to the United Nations/African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), Sudan.
- Burkina Faso: 6 units supplied by Canada for the Military Police of Burkina Faso.
- Nigeria: Operated by a private buyer and also used as an ambulance in Darfur.
