A MANUAL TURRET: GUNNER PROTECTION FOR PERSONNEL CARRIERS

The CSIR developed a turret that can be used on the Mamba Mk III used by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Mounted on the roof of the vehicle, the turret provides an arc of fire of 360° and offers protection for the gunner from small arms fire. The SANDF requirement was for the turret to render the same ballistic protection levels as the Mamba Mk III’s crew compartment. The turret is rotated manually (not motorised as most are) to allow for the gunner to have control of the arc of fire. The design of the turret is unique; it allows for multi-weapon mounts, is robust yet lightweight, and the unit can be retrofitted to any personnel carrier such as those used in peace-keeping efforts with the African Union and border safeguarding.