Matador (mine protected vehicle)

Matador
Matador mine-protected vehicle at the military parade in Baku, Azerbaijan
Type	Mine-protected vehicle
Place of origin	South Africa
Service history
Used by	See Operators
Production history
Manufacturer	Paramount Group
Produced	2008–present
Specifications
Weight	Curb: 10,800 kg (23,760 lb) Combat: 15,300 kg (33,660 lb)
Crew	2 + 12 passengers
Armor	Ballistic protection: STANAG 4569 level III (7.62 × 54 mm RB 32 API - Dragunov) and mine-blast protection: STANAG 4569 4a and 4b (double anti-tank mine (14 kg of TNT) under the hull, triple anti-tank mine (21 kg of TNT) under any wheel)
Engine	Cummins ISBe4 Diesel (221 kW, 1,100 Nm) MAN (176 kW, 925 Nm)
Payload capacity	6,000 kg (13,200 lb)
Suspension	4x4 or 6x6 wheeled
Ground clearance	420 mm
Operational range	700 km (435 mi)
Speed	100–120 km/h (tyre dependent)

The Matador is an armoured personnel carrier (APC) and 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 in Abu Dhabi. The Matador was officially launched the following year, at the 2008 African Aerospace and Defence exhibition in Cape Town, South Africa.

With a curb weight of 10,800 kg and a payload weight of 4,500 kg, the Matador has a maximum crew capacity of fourteen, including a driver and co-driver. The vehicle has a cruise speed of 100 km/h and a maximum range of 700 km. Although it can be used for military and peacekeeping operations in urban areas, it was originally designed for missions in less built-up areas. It therefore has a larger turning circle compared to 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 a Cummins engine integrated with a fully automated 6-speed transmission. Both technologies are common around the world, allowing the vehicle to be repaired and serviced in most countries, without requiring an independent logistic system.

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 tested protection. The V-shaped hull comprises three self-jigging plates. This system, developed in South Africa, enables the Matador to withstand the blast 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.