Sisu RA-140 DS
| Sisu RA-140 DS | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Type | demining vehicle |
| Place of origin | Hämeenlinna, Finland |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1994 |
| Used by |
Danish Defence Finnish Defence Forces |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1990 |
| Manufacturer |
Oy Sisu-Auto Ab Patria Vehicles Oy |
| Produced | 1994–2001 |
| No. built | 41 pieces |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 15,000 kilograms (33,000 lb) |
| Length | 7,330 millimetres (289 in) |
| Width | 2,920 millimetres (115 in) |
| Height | 2,860 millimetres (113 in) |
| Crew | 1+1 |
|
|
|
| Armour | cabin protected against 7.62 mm bullets and shell splinters |
| Engine | Deutz BF 6L 913 C turbodiesel 189 hp at 2,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic Renk Doromat 874 AM/PTO |
| Fuel capacity | 150 litres |
|
Operational
range |
250 km |
| Speed |
on road: 70 km/h; in action: 6 km/h |
Sisu RA-140 DS "Raisu" is a flail-type demining vehicle developed and produced by the Finnish company Sisu-Auto and later produced by Patria Vehicles in 1994–2001. The production totalled 41 units.
Designing work of a new demining vehicle began in 1986 and the first prototype was ready in 1990. The basic structure was borrowed from SA-110 prototype but it was heavily modified to suit to its purpose. Technology and design of Pasi was utilised in development of the armoured cabin.
Sisu military vehicles typically have a nickname in addition to the official model name. The vehicle nearly got a too puerile nickname Misu which means "kitty" or "pussycat". It was derived from Miina-Sisu ("Mine Sisu"), and it was already printed on some brochures. However, the Engineering department quickly changed the name to Raisu, from Raivaus-Sisu ("Clearance Sisu"). Raisu also means "boisterous".
Production of RA-140 DS took place in Hämeenlinna and it was the last Sisu developed there. Four vehicles were produced for Danish Defence in years 1996–1997, the rest were handed over to different brigades of Finnish Defence Forces.
RA-140 DS is intended for clearing of mine fields from surface placed or conventionally buried non-directional mines set against infantry and sparsely placed anti-tank mines up to 10 kg. It can clear a suitable passage for a vehicle convoy. Raisu is not meant for combat missions.
The mine clearing tool includes 82 hammers which are fastened to a rotating flail by chains. In operation the vehicle is used by reversing to ensure the best protection for the crew. The driver and passenger are protected against the pressure and mine fragments by a protection shield next to the flail. The vehicle makes a 3.4-metre wide path and the clearing depth can be controlled manually or automatically. The maximum speed in operation is 6 km/h and Raisu can eliminate mines up to 10 kg of explosive. The clearing flail is turned longitudinally and mounted on the top of the vehicle for during transportation.
The maximum gradient is 60% and side slope 30%. The highest vertical step the vehicle can climb is 0.5 metres and the trenching capability is 0.6 metres. The maximum fording depth is 0.8 metres. Raisu's cross-country mobility is good and it can be quickly moved to a new site. This is a key benefit compared to conventional, heavier tank-based applications.
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Wikipedia