The vehicle is defensed by a single 12.7mm heavy machine fitted to the turret roof and intended for low-flying, enemy aircraft such as helicopters and fixed-wing strike mounts. This weapon can also be utilized as a suppression system against enemy infantry and can penetrate the armor of light vehicles. Up to 2,000 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition are carried aboard. The G6 is also equipped with eight smoke grenade dischargers (in two banks of four along the turret sides) that allow the vehicle to move about under the cover of a smoke screen during tactical maneuvering. The crew is also protected from airborne threats by way of an integrated NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) system as well as an automated fire suppression system. South African battlefield experience has made its engineers something of experts when it comes to developing robust vehicles designed to withstand attacks from hidden landmines and, as such, the G6 chassis and underside hull of is designed in such a way as to help deflect blasts from these weapons.
The Rhino is powered by a single air-cooled diesel engine delivering 525 horsepower output. This supplies the vehicle with a top speed of 53 miles per hour in ideal conditions with an operational range equal to 430 miles on flat, paved roads and roughly 220 miles or less off road. Suspension is across all six wheels and the inherent six-wheeled mobility of the G6 allows it to traverse gradients of up to 60% and cross trenches of 1 meter heights with fording of water sources being limited to 1 meter as well. When the engine is not in operation, the vehicle is supplied power by way of an auxiliary arrangement.
The "G6" designation marks the original Rhino production variants already in service. The "G6-52 Extended Range" designation marks an upcoming improved form of the base G6 that brings the operational crew down to five personnel with a minimum crew of three possible for basic functions. Performance of both the gun and engine have also been further increased and "smart" projectiles figure into the G6 ammunition foray allowing for multiple rounds to hit at a single target area within seconds of one another. The G6-52 is currently under evaluation for possible serial production and inclusion into the SANDF inventory. The "G6 Marksman" designation is used to cover a British self-propelled artillery gun system development that utilizes the G6 chassis and fitting a "Marksman" turret.
Beyond the 43 G6 systems currently in service with South African National Defense Force, the weapon system has seen deliveries to both Oman and United Arab Emirates. Oman has received 24 examples to date with the UAE having added 78 examples of the type. The UAE version is designated as the "G6 M1A3".
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