Paramount Matador

Paramount Matador Story

The increasing demand for more mine-resistant, ambush-resistant (MRAP) vehicles by the national army has prompted Paramount South Africa to develop a range of such trucks for military and security services. The "Mador" is a product designed to take on the role of an armored personnel carrier (APC). It features MRAP standards such as a V-shaped hull, a special armor scheme and special seats - all designed to protect the occupants inside. Launched in 2008, the Matador is currently marketed by Paramount Group and has so far (2017) found operators in Azerbaijan and Jordan.

Azerbaijan has reached an agreement with the company to produce the vehicles locally.

The general layout of the Matador is traditional, with the engine mounted in the forward compartment, the driver's station directly aft, and the passenger area in the rear of the fuselage. Thick rectangular windows line the front, sides and rear of the truck, while the roofline remains flat.

Each window also contains circular cannon ports, allowing occupants to target enemies with a personal weapon's small arms. There are multiple entry points to facilitate orderly entry and exit of the crew. The vehicle maintains a high ground clearance (420mm), which both aids driving on land and keeps occupants away from potential ground hazards.

Distributed on two axles are four suspended wheels that are well spaced and located near the extreme corners of the vehicle. Inside there are seats for two standard crew and twelve passengers. Spare wheels are fitted along the starboard side of the hull.

Mine protection is STANAG 4569 Class III for small arms rifle fire and some mines. For enhanced protection against anti-tank mines, STANAG 4569 4A/4B is also available.

The total weight is 23,760 lbs (base) and the combat weight is over 33,500 lbs. Power is provided by a diesel-powered Cummins ISBe4 system close to 300 hp or as a replacement for the MAN engine. Road speeds reach 75 miles per hour and the operating range is up to 435 miles.

It can carry a payload of up to 11,025 pounds.

Like other MRAPs in service, the Matador can deploy a variety of light and medium 7.62mm machine guns, as well as a full turret armament and larger caliber automatic cannon. In addition, the hull supports the installation and operation of various other battlefield weapon systems, including heavy field mortars and anti-tank missile (ATGM) launchers.

Variants of the Matador series include armoured ambulances (with appropriate equipment), special command vehicles (with appropriate mission equipment), and infantry fire support vehicles (with machine guns mounted on top of the hull).

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

Depends on weapon.

Changes