The Matador is a modern state-of-the-art mine protected 4X4 armoured vehicle in the 15 ton weight class.

The vehicle uses the well-proven militarised MAN power plant and drive-line system integrated with a 4-speed fully automatic transmission, which provides excellent on and off-road mobility.

The unique double-skin provides for a smooth finish, giving the vehicle a clean, modern appearance, whilst providing unsurpassed protection for a vehicle in this weight class.

The large windows provide excellent all-round visibility and the layout of driver and commander seated side-by-side allows for optimal communication within the confines of the vehicle. In addition, the Matador offers mine-protection which exceeds STANAG Level IV.

The large internal and external bin volume and superior payload capability of the Matador can be utilised for fitment of various defence suites and weapons systems, as well as providing stowage space for equipment and supplies for extended autonomous operations.

The Matador's state-of-the-art double-skin monocoque hull structure affords world-class spaced-armour all-round protection and surviveability against kinetic energy projectiles to STANAG LEVEL 2 (Equivalent to B7 protection level) for the crew compartment as standard, at a kerb weight of less than 9,500kg.

Protection can easily be upgraded using the internal gap between the side walls in special cases. The well-proven v-shaped hull can withstand the blast of a double anti-tank mine anywhere under the hull and a triple anti-tank mine under any wheel (greater than STANAG Level 4).

The Matador can often be repaired by replacing the axles and springs and once again be mobile within the hour. The special crew seating arrangement within the vehicle enhances crew surviveablity when the vehicle is subjected to the extreme accelerations experienced when mines are detonated.

The base vehicle is designed for a payload of nearly 5,000kg. This not only implies that the standard vehicle will be operating at well below maximum capacity, thereby increasing vehicle life and reducing maintenance costs, but that there is significant headroom for protection growth and/or the fitment of significant defence suites and sub-systems to prepare the vehicle for extensive combat roles.

NBC/airconditioner and auxiliary power units have been integrated into the sacrificial bins on either side of the vehicle thereby enhancing the habitability and surviveability of the vehicle.

The stowage bins provide stowage volume to enable the Matador to conduct extended missions automously. A number of variants can be customised to fit light and medium-calibre machine gun and cannon weapon installations, mortar firing platforms, missile launchers and command, surveilance and control systems.

The well-proven MAN drive-line ensures off-road mobility, reliabilty and ease of use and maintenance. The availability of standard engines with increased power can be fitted if required, and the vehicle can cruise at 100km/hr with a range of up to 1000km. The Matador has been designed for ease of component sourcing and manufacture with the aim of producing the vehicles in a number of select locations internationally.

The main hull structure comprises three plates that are self jigging and extensive capital investment is not necessary for production.

The Matador maximises standardisation of the MAN automotive systems, which are common to the range of vehicles produced.

Each vehicle has a unique VIN which is coupled to the MAN configuration management system, which can be found at any MAN dealership. The Matador automotive systems can be maintained and repaired in most countries throughout the world without the client having to set up an independent logistic system.

Any training or special procedures are close to hand and the availability is thereby greatly enhanced. These vehicles can be deployed anywhere at short notice and the proven COTS subsystems reduce the life-cycle and ownership costs of this product.