Casspir 106
Overview
Casspir 106
Casspir 106 seen at the firing range with the rear platform panels in lowered position.
Source: Dave Haugh -
© Copyright lies with original owner
Description
Introduction
The Casspir 106 is fire support vehicle of South African origin. This is one of the specialist variants of the Casspir mine protected armored personnel carrier. It is to be used in the anti-tank and fire support role.
Design
The Casspir 106 is based on the "dedicated weapons carrier" variant of the Casspir Mk 3 chassis. This has the crew cabin shortened and a flatbed rear area added. The rear and side panels of the flatbed are hinged can be lowered horizontal to create a larger crew surface. The M40 recoilless rifle is mounted on its regular tripod, which is affixed to the floor. Ammunition is carried in boxes attached to the rear of the crew compartment.
Firepower
The Casspir 106 is built to fire the 106mm M40 recoilless rifle from the rear platform. The recoilless rifle can also be used away from the vehicle on its regular tripod mount if required. A total of 12 shells are carried. HEAT rounds are the standard type of ammunition and are effective up to 1.350 meters and penetrate over 400mm RHA. High explosive rounds can be used to distances over 2 km. Maximum rate of fire is 5 rpm, with 1 rpm sustained fire. A 7.62mm MG4 AA medium machine gun is fitted on the roof for self-defense.
Mobility
The Casspir 106 retains the good mobility of the Casspir Mk 3 chassis. With the combat load estimated to be similar to the Casspir in the infantry role the mobility is practically similar. Maximum speed is 90 km/h on road. Range is over 800 km on road, and about half that in the field.
Protection
The Casspir Mk 3 chassis provides good protection against small arms fire, shell splinters and mines when on the move. However, the crew is fully exposed when operating the 106mm M40 recoilless rifle.
Users
The Casspir 106 was acquired by South Africa. A total of 32 (and possibly more) have been acquired. Most probably these vehicles were created by rebuilding existing Casspir Mk 3 vehicles in service. It does not seem that this variant was ever exported.
Details
Media
Casspir 106
Oblique view of the SANDF Casspir 106 with rear platform panels in raised position.
Source: Chris Baxter
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Casspir 106
Top view of Casspir 106 with rear panels in raised position and 106mm M40 recoilless rifle stored elsewhere.
Source: Chris Baxter
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Casspir 106
Close-up of the rear platform of the Casspir 106.
Source: Chris Baxter
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Casspir 106
Casspir 106 seen with 106mm M40 recoilless rifle and panels in raised position.
Source: Dave Haugh
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Subcomponents
Casspir
The Casspir 106 is based on the Casspir mine resistant armor personnel carrier.
106mm M40
The M40 Recoilless Rifle is the main armament of the Casspir 106. It can be used against armored vehicles and ground targets.
Browning M1919
A 7.62mm MG4 AA machine gun is pintle mounted on the roof for self-defense.