- Yes
- No
This suggestion was originally submitted in 2022 on the old forum
RAMTA RBY Mk.1 (TOW)
The RAMTA RBY Mk.1 was also trialed with a TOW missile.
History
Standard RBY in Israeli service
The RAMTA RBY Mk.1 is a light armored reconnaissance vehicle manufactured in Israel by RAMTA (a division of Israeli Aviation industries). Development of the vehicle began in the early 1970s with the aim of making a reconaissance vehicle with a low profile and good visibility, light enough to be transported by aircraft and helicopters, and capable of protecting its crew from landmines and nearby explosions.
The RBY Mk.1 was revealed to the public at the 1975 Paris Air Show. Soon after the vehicle entered service with the IAF, and later was exported in small quantities to Venezuela, Honduras, Guatemala and Lesotho. The vehicle was further refined into the RAM family of vehicles, which succeeded it in the export market past 1979.
General Characteristics
The hull features 8mm of all-around steel armour and 10mm of floor armour (plain carbon steel), with an open troop compartment. To protect its passengers from landmines, the wheel axles are situated on the extreme ends of the vehicle; this way, a landmine explosion might damage the wheel and fiberglass mudguard, but not the crew compartment. The vehicle has a crew of 2, plus 6 passengers in outward-facing seats; the crew enters the vehicle by climbing over the sides into the troop compartment. The front cabin is provided with four observation hatches and a folding windshield.
The RBY features a rear-mounted Chrysler 225-2 petrol engine with 120 HP and a manual 4-speed transmission mated to a 2-speed transfer case, with a 4x4 drivetrain. Suspension is provided by two rigid axles with leaf springs and hydraulic shock absorbers. On its basic APC configuration the vehicle can mount up to 5 12.7 or 7.62mm machine guns.
Armament
This variant is equipped with a telescopic TOW launcher and a LMG. The same launcher was later installed on the RAM V-1. Reportedly stores 16* ATGMs and 2500 7.62 rounds.
*(This number seems too high for the size of the vehicle)
This variant isn’t reported to be in service
Specifications (base vehicle)
Taken from Janes Light Tanks And Armored Cars (1984)
General RBY picture spam
RBY in Lebanon, 1991
Interior
Engine
Live axles and suspension
RBY being loaded onto a CH-53. Worth noting this chassis looks identical to the second Mk.1 AT picture
Modified Guatemalan RBY with Kevlar roof and V-8 engine.
Why should it be added? The israeli tree is severely lacking on both light and original vehicles. The RBY Mk.1 AT and the other variants of the family can help fill that gap.
Sources
Janes Light Tanks And Armored Cars (1984)
Army Guide
RAMTA RBY Mk 1 light armoured reconnaissance vehicle (Israel) - Jane's Armour and Artillery