The RBY Mk 1 light armoured reconnaissance vehicle was developed by RAMTA Division of Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd, and was first announced at the Paris Air Show in May 1975.

The RBY Mk 1 is suitable for a wide range of roles including reconnaissance, long-range patrols and commando-type operations, internal security operations and the evacuation of wounded in forward battlefield areas.

Its low weight enables it to be carried by light aircraft and helicopters such as the Sikorsky CH-53 used bythe Israeli Air Force.

The all-welded hull of the RBY Mk 1 has 8 mm thick armour steel (MIL-A-46100) sides inclined at an angle, and a floor of 10 mm thick plain carbon steel (SAE-1020).

The shape of the hull has been designed to give the crew maximum possible protection from mines. The axles and wheels are at the extreme ends of the vehicle and the effect of a mine explosion when touched off by one of the wheels is that the respective axle is damaged or cut, the glass fibre bumpers disintegrate, but the hull stays intact. The ability of the vehicle to survive mine explosions was proved in a test programme using different types of mine.

The driver is seated at the front of the vehicle on the left with the commander to his right. The front part of the crew compartment can be folded down into the horizontal for increased visibility and is provided with two integral observation hatches that are hinged at the top and open outwards. To the left of the driver and to the right of the commander is another observation hatch, also hinged at the top and opening outwards.

The six passengers are seated three each side, facing outwards, back to back for all-round observation. There are no doors in the hull as this would weaken the structure and the crew enter and leave the vehicle by climbing over the sides.

The engine is at the rear of the hull and has a glass fibre cover and side doors for ease of access. The automotive components of the RBY Mk 1 are of a standard commercial design that meets current military requirements. Two spare wheels are carried, one at the front of the vehicle and one at the rear. Night driving lights and a front-mounted winch with a capacity of 2,722 kg can be fitted if required. Up to five 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine guns can be pintle mounted around the top of the hull to provide suppressive fire.

• Anti-tank armed with 106 mm M40 recoilless rifle

This model has the 106 mm M40 recoilless rifle manufactured by Israel Military Industries, with 16 antitank rounds. Secondary armament consists of two 7.62 mm machine guns with 5,000 rounds and anti-tank missiles. A long-range anti-tank model is also offered.

• Communications

The RBY Mk 1 can be fitted with a variety of communications equipment.

• Guatemalan upgraded RBY Mk 1 vehicles

A number of the vehicles in service with Guatemala have been rebuilt with a 6.8 litre V-8 diesel developing 145 hp at 3,600 rpm coupled to an automatic transmission. This power pack came from the Israeli M426 (4 x 4) truck.

Kevlar overhead protection has been fitted and a rear-opening side door added either side. It is believed that a total of five vehicles was upgraded early in 1997.

Production complete. No longer marketed. Replaced in production by the RAM family of 4 x 4 vehicles covered in detail in the previous entry.