Combat vehicles / Logistics vehicles / Kynos Aljaba

Kynos Aljaba

General Facts

  • TYPE
    Heavy equipment transporter

  • ORIGIN
    Spain

  • NICKNAMES
    Cavallo (South African designation)

  • DESIGNED
    Early 1980's

  • DESIGNER
    Kynos

  • PRODUCTION
    1987 - present?

  • PRODUCERS
    Spain - Grupo SPA
    Spain - Kynos

  • QUANTITY
    At least 131 military models

  • UNIT COST
    Unknown

  • CHARACTERISTICS
    Very good mobility
    Secondary recovery role
    Large and bulky vehicle
    Has difficulty with steep angles

Introduction

The Aljaba is a heavy equipment transporter of Spanish origin. The Aljaba was developed as a private venture by Kynos in the early 1980's and was first ordered for military use in 1985. Although of Spanish origin the Aljaba is better known for its South African service, where several specialist versions have been developed.

Layout

The Aljaba uses a long 8x8 chassis that is fitted with very wide tires for use in desert and bush-like environments. The forward mounted cab is positioned rather low since the engine is mounted between the front wheels. Although it was mainly developed as a 5th wheel tractor for use with a 4 wheel 60 t semi-trailer, the Aljaba is also useful as a recovery vehicle since two heavy winches are fitted behind the cab. The semi-trailer may carry a single heavy vehicle or two medium weight vehicles. The Aljaba and its derivatives are unarmed vehicles and do not feature a weapon mount.

Protection

The Spanish models are not armored in any way. The South African versions feature a mine resistant cab, but are not protected from projectiles or shell splinters. No smoke grenade launcher, fire extinguishing systems or NBC system is installed.

Mobility

The Aljaba has a good performance both on roads and off road. The 8x8 chassis has large tires that perform well in sand and bush-like environments.

Users

The 8x8 models are in use with Spain and South Africa, which also employs a variety of specialist versions. The 6x6 model is only used by Spain.

Variants

Aljaba

The Aljaba is an 8x8 vehicle that serves as both a 5th wheel tractor and a heavy recovery system, since between the 5th wheel and the cab a large winch is installed. The South African version is called Cavallo and was produced in much larger quantities. The South African model differs from the original Spanish model in having a mine protected cab and additional winching gear. In South African service the Cavallo is primarily used as recovery vehicle although a 60 t semi-trailer allows it to transport vehicles as well.

TypeHeavy equipment transporter
Crew1 + 4 (driver, 4 passengers)
Length9.88 m, 22.27 m with trailer
Width3.3 m
Height3.63 m
Ground clearance0.37 m
Weight22.1 t empty, 46.1 t max chassis load
Ground pressure?
WheelbaseWheeled chassis, 8x8, 1.52 + 3.48 + 1.52 m wheelbase, 2.6 m track, 24.00 R20.5 tires
Turn radius?
EngineDeutz BF12 L513 V12 turbo diesel, 525 hp at 2.300 rpm
Power ratio23.8 hp/t (empty), 11.4 hp/t (max load)
TransmissionManual, 16 forward, 2 reverse
Speed80 km/h
Fuel1.000 L
Range1.000 km on road, 700 km off road
Wall0.5 m
Trench2.1 m
Gradient31% gradient fully laden, 25% slope
Fording0.8 m
ArmorNo
NBC equipmentNo
Night visionNo
SmokeNo
Remarks2x 25 t winch, 5th wheel for trailers
Armament-
Weapon1-
Weapon2-
Weapon3-
Weapon4-
Weapon5-
Weapon6-

K15-100

The K15-100 is a later and smaller development of the original Kynos Aljaba. The K15-100 is much smaller than the Aljaba and has a 6x6 wheelbase. The K15-100 is primarly used as a 5th wheel tractor for a 60 t semi-trailer. Since two winches are intalled behind the cab it may also serve as a recovery vehicle.

TypeHeavy equipment transporter
Crew1 + 5 (driver, 5 passengers)
Length6.26 m
Width?
Height3.06 m (cab roof)
Ground clearance?
Weight14.2 t empty, 16.0 t with winches
Ground pressure?
WheelbaseWheeled chassis, 6x6, 2.97 + 1.14 m wheelbase, 1.83 m track
Turn radius9.64 m
EngineDeutz V8 diesel, 540 hp at 2.100 rpm
Power ratio38.0 hp/t (empty)
TransmissionManual, 16 forward, 2 reverse
Speed90 km/h
Fuel800 L
Range?
Wall?
Trench?
Gradient24% gradient fully laden
Fording?
ArmorNo
NBC equipmentNo
Night visionNo
SmokeNo
Remarks2x 25 t winch, 5th wheel for trailers
Armament-
Weapon1-
Weapon2-
Weapon3-
Weapon4-
Weapon5-
Weapon6-

Skimmel

The Skimmel is a recovery vehicle based on the Cavallo chassis. Unlike the Cavallo it is not fitted with a fifth wheel and additional recovery equipment is fitted. The Skimmel has a 12 t tow arm, 20 t winch, 7.6 t crane with a 4 m reach and various other equipment. The Zebra is a maintainance and repair vehicle based on the Cavallo chassis. The Zebra carries various tools and parts in the two containers and a small crane is fitted at the rear of the vehicle.

TypeRecovery vehicle
Crew1 + 4 (driver, 4 passengers)
Length10.14 m
Width3.3 m
Height3.58 m (overall)
Ground clearance0.36 m
Weight?
Ground pressure?
WheelbaseWheeled chassis, 8x8, 1.52 + 3.48 + 1.52 m wheelbase, 2.6 m track, 24.00 R20.5 tires
Turn radius?
EngineDeutz BF12 L513 V12 turbo diesel, 525 hp at 2.300 rpm
Power ratio?
TransmissionManual, 16 forward, 2 reverse
Speed80 km/h
Fuel1.000 L
Range1.000 km on road, 700 km off road
Wall0.5 m
Trench2.1 m
Gradient?
Fording0.8 m
ArmorMine resistant cab
NBC equipmentNo
Night visionNo
SmokeNo
Remarks20 t winch, 7.6 t crane, 12 t lift arm, 48 t towed load
Armament-
Weapon1-
Weapon2-
Weapon3-
Weapon4-
Weapon5-
Weapon6-

Kameelperd

The Kameelperd is a battery command post vehicle that is used in conjunction with South Africa's air defense systems. Besides the command post cabin it carries a radar system with a 60 km surveillance range. The radar is mounted on a 13 meter tall arm and carried under cover when lowered. When the radar is in use two large jacks provide stabilization.

Bridgelayer

The Cavallo chassis has also been used as the bases for a bridgelayer vehicle, which is yet to be named by the South African military. At least a single functioning prototype exists and additional units might be in production. The bridgelayer uses a modified Cavallo chassis with the cab mounted lower since the bridge extends over the cab. A large bridge launching arm is intalled at the rear of the chassis. The LEGUAN 42 meter MLC 70 two part bridge is carried. When launching the bridge the two parts are moved horizontally into position. Then the launch arm extends towards the rear and two jacks are lowered. Finally the bridge is placed over the span that is to be crossed.

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