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Encyclopedia > MRAP (armored vehicle)
FPI Cougar HE in testing
FPI Cougar HE in testing

Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles are a family of armored fighting vehicles designed to survive IED attacks and ambushes. IEDs cause the majority (63%) of US deaths in Iraq.[1] There is no common design; there are several vendors, each with a competing entry.[2] Brig. General Michael Brogan of the United States Marine Corps is in charge of the MRAP program, for which the Marines are the lead service.[3] The Marine Corps had planned to replace all HMMWVs in combat zones with MRAP vehicles, although this appears to have changed.[4][5][6][7] As armored vehicles are considered an "urgent need" in Iraq and Afghanistan, this program is primarily funded under an "emergency war budget". On 2007-05-08 Defense Secretary Robert Gates stated that the acquisition of MRAPs are the Department of Defense highest priority, [8] so for fiscal year 2007 US$1.1 billion is earmarked for MRAP .[9] Gates decided to ramp up MRAP orders after the Marines reported in 2004 that no troops had died in more than 300 IED attacks on Cougars [10] As of May 6, 2008 eight soldiers had been reported killed in the thousands of MRAPs in Iraq, according to news service Knight Ridder.[11] Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 × 588 pixelsFull resolution (3264 × 2400 pixel, file size: 3. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 × 588 pixelsFull resolution (3264 × 2400 pixel, file size: 3. ... The Cougar is an armored fighting vehicle designed to be resistant to anti-vehicle mines and improvised munitions. ... An armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) is a military vehicle, equipped with protection against hostile attacks and often mounted weapons. ... Munitions rigged for an IED discovered by Iraqi police in Baghdad, November 2005. ... An ambush is a long established military tactic in which an ambushing force uses concealment to attack an enemy that passes its position. ... The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is a branch of the United States armed forces responsible for providing force projection from the sea,[1] using the mobility of the U.S. Navy to rapidly deliver combined-arms task forces and is one of seven uniformed services. ... This article refers to the Military HMMWV, not the civilian Hummer sold by General Motors General Characteristics (Humvee) Manufacturer: AM General Length: 4. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 128th day of the year (129th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Robert Michael Gates (born September 25, 1943) is currently serving as the 22nd United States Secretary of Defense. ... The United States Department of Defense (DOD or DoD) is the federal department charged with coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government relating directly to national security and the military. ... USD redirects here. ... Partial list of newspapers The following is a partial list of newspapers owned by Knight Ridder: Contra Costa Times Detroit Free Press Kansas City Star The Miami Herald Philadelphia Inquirer Saint Paul Pioneer Press San Jose Mercury News The State External link Knight Ridder corporate website Categories: Companies traded on...


In June of 2008, USA Today reported that roadside bomb attacks and fatalities were down almost 90% partially due to MRAPs. "They've taken hits, many, many hits that would have killed soldiers and marines in uparmored Humvees," according to Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Maj. General Rick Lynch, who commanded a division in Baghdad, told USA Today the 14-ton MRAPs have forced insurgents to build bigger, more sophisticated bombs to knock out the vehicles. Those bombs take more time and resources to build and set up, which gives U.S. forces a better chance of catching the insurgents in the act and then attacking them.[12] USA Today is a national American daily newspaper published by the Gannett Company. ... Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States of America symbol The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) is a group comprising the Chiefs of service of each major branch of the armed services in the United States armed forces. ...


Several criticisms of the MRAP program have been its lack of a common design, which presents a wartime logistical challenge, the vehicle's inability to withstand EFP attacks, and the relatively few number of units which have been delivered to Iraq and Afghanistan, despite large orders.[13] However, some analysts see the diversity of MRAP vehicles as an advantage.[14] Other criticisms include the vehicle's weight and size, which severely limit its mobility off main roads, in urban areas, and over bridges.[15] Its heft also restricts several of the vehicles from being transported by C-130 cargo aircraft. Although three MRAP vehicles will fit in a C-17 aircraft, airlifting is extremely expensive at $750,000 per vehicle, estimated by the U.S. Transportation Command.[16] For comparison, sealifting costs around $13,000 per vehicle, but takes between three and four weeks for the vehicle to arrive in theater.[17][18] For these reasons, in December 2007, the Marine Corps reduced its request from 3700 vehicles to 2300.[19] The Army is also reassessing its MRAP requirements in Iraq although there is no sign that they intend to reduce the number of vehicles it intends to procure as additional vehicles may be sent to Afghanistan where commanders are requesting them.[20][21] An explosively formed penetrator (EFP), also known as an explosively formed projectile, a self-forging warhead, or a self-forging fragment, is a special type of shaped charge designed to penetrate armour effectively at stand-off distances. ... The Lockheed C-130 Hercules, a four-engine turboprop aircraft, is the main tactical air transport aircraft of the United States and UK military forces. ... The C_17 Globemaster III is a strategic airlifter manufactured by Boeing IDS, used by the United States Air Force and the Royal Air Force. ...


This program is very similar to the US Army's Medium Mine Protected Vehicle program.[22] The Army is the branch of the United States armed forces which has primary responsibility for land-based military operations. ... The Medium Mine Protected Vehicle (MMPV) is a class of armored vehicles currently being procured by the US Army, similar to the MRAP program, which is currently being pursued by the US Army as well as the US Marine Corps. ...

Contents

Design

MRAPs Arrive at Camp Anaconda.
MRAPs Arrive at Camp Anaconda.

MRAP vehicles usually have "V" shaped hulls to deflect away any explosive forces originating below the vehicle, thereby protecting the vehicle and its passenger compartment. Typically these explosions are from land mines, but they can also be IEDs. This design dates to the 1970s when it was first introduced in 1978 with the South African Buffel armoured personnel carrier. Derivatives of these vehicles have since been used by various military forces around the world. An Otokar Cobra with a V shaped hull The V-hull is a type of vehicle armor design used on wheeled armored vehicles. ... “Minefield” redirects here. ... Munitions rigged for an IED discovered by Iraqi police in Baghdad, November 2005. ... The 1970s decade refers to the years from 1970 to 1979; it is commonly called The Seventies. ... Year 1978 (MCMLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar). ... Look up South Africa on Wiktionary, the free dictionary Government South Africa Government Online official government site Parliament of South Africa official site Statistics South Africa official government site News AllAfrica. ... The Buffel was the primary mine-protected APC of the South African Army during the Angolan conflict. ... Armoured personnel carriers (APCs) are armoured fighting vehicles developed to transport infantry on the battlefield. ...


Multiple contracts have been placed by the United States for this type of vehicle in response to the situation in the Iraq War. By issuing contracts to several companies, the Marine Corps hopes to accelerate the rate of production, in order to expedite the delivery of vehicles to deployed forces. However, there are only two steel mills in the United States, Oregon Steel Mills, Inc. and International Steel Group, qualified to produce armored steel for the Defense Department, which has been in negotiations to ensure enough steel is available to keep pace with production.[23] The concept is to replace HMMWV type vehicles with a more robust, survivable vehicle when on patrol "outside the wire." For other uses, see Iraq war (disambiguation). ... Steel Mill was one of Bruce Springsteens early bands and performed regularly on the Jersey Shore, in Virginia, and also in California from 1969 till January 1971. ... Oregon Steel Mills, Inc. ... Mittal Steel Company N.V. (NYSE: MT) is the worlds largest steel producer. ... For other uses, see Steel (disambiguation). ... This article refers to the Military HMMWV, not the civilian Hummer sold by General Motors The M998 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV or Humvee) is a military 4WD motor vehicle created by AM General. ...


Designs were submitted by the following companies.

Although early orders were placed with many of the contenders (see below), as of 18 October 2007, only IMG, FPI, and BAE remain in the competition for additional orders.[25] Armor Holdings, Inc. ... is the 127th day of the year (128th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... , BAE Systems plc (BAE) is a British defence and aerospace company headquartered at Farnborough, England, UK, that has worldwide interests, particularly in North America through its subsidiary BAE Systems Inc. ... Force Protection Cougar 4x4 Force Protection, Inc. ... General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) is a defense conglomerate formed by mergers and divestitures. ... Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV) is the parent company of International Truck and Engine Corporation, a leading producer of mid-range diesel engines, medium trucks, heavy trucks, severe service vehicles, and parts and service sold under the International® brand. ... Founded in 1923 as the Special Yarns Company by Royal Little, Textron NYSE: TXT, today is a multi-industry company with a portfolio of familiar brands such as Bell Helicopter, E-Z-GO, Cessna Aircraft, and Greenlee, among others. ... The Cadillac Gage company is a military contractor that manufactures small arms, cannons and other weapon systems. ...


Orders

First MaxxPros fielded in Iraq
First MaxxPros fielded in Iraq

MRAP Program

Just in 2007, the Pentagon has ordered the production of about 10,000 MRAPs at a cost of over US$500,000 each, and the Pentagon plans to order more MRAPs. [26] Partial list of orders under the MRAP program: This article is about the United States military building. ... This article is about the United States military building. ...

  • On 2007-01-30, FPI received an order for 2 Cougar H and 2 Cougar HE vehicles for testing and evaluation by the USMC for the MRAP program.[27]
  • On 2007-02-14, the Marine Corps Systems Command placed a US$67.4 million delivery order for 65 Category I Cougar H, and 60 Category II Cougar HE vehicles,[28] as well as a US$55.4 million delivery order 15 Category I BAE RG-33 vehicles, and 75 Category II BAE RG-33L vehicles, built in York, Pennsylvania.
  • On 2007-04-24, the Marine Corps Systems Command placed a USD $481.4 million order with Force Protection for 300 Category 1 Cougar H vehicles and 700 Category II Cougar HEs.[29]
  • On 2007-05-31, the Marine Corps Systems Command ordered 1200 Category 1 International MaxxPros at a cost of $623M.[30]
  • On 2007-06-01, FPI received an order for 14 Category III Buffalo vehicles from the Marine Corps Systems Command. The contract is worth an approximate US$11.9 million and is scheduled for completion by spring 2008.[31]
  • On 2007-06-19, the Navy placed an order on behalf of the Marine Corps and Army for 395 Category 1, 60 Category 2 Force Protection Cougars at a cost of US$221 million, and for 16 Category 2 International MaxxPro XLs for the sum of US$8 million.[32]
  • On 2007-06-28, amended 2007-07-16, BAE received a US$235.8 million order for 16 RG-33 Category I patrol vehicles, 239 RG-33L Category II vehicles, 170 RG-33 Cat I variants for the United States Special Operations Command, out of their total allotment of 333 vehicles, and 16 RG-33L Category II Ambulance variants, which are the first vehicles in the competition specifically listed for the ambulance role.[33][34]
  • On 2007-07-13, Stewart & Stevenson (Armor Holdings) received an order for 1,154 Category I and 16 Category II MRAP vehicles from the Marine Corps Systems Command. The vehicles are for delivery by February 2008 and the order is worth US$518.5 million.[35]
  • On 2007-07-20, IMG received an additional order for 755 Cat I MaxxPro MRAP vehicles. [36]
  • On 2007-08-06, General Dynamics Land Systems received an order for 600 MRAP Cat II RG-31 vehicles. The contract is worth $338.7 USD. Manufacturing will be done by the Demmer Corporation of Lansing, MI, in addition to BAE OMC of Benoni, South Africa. Deliveries will be completed by March, 2008.[37] [38]
  • On 2007-08-10, the Marine Corps Systems Command placed a USD $69.8m order with Force Protection for 25 Category 1 Cougar H vehicles and 100 Category II Cougar HEs.[39]
  • On 2007-10-18, the Pentagon placed additional orders for 1,000 Category I vehicles from IMG ($509M), 533 Category I and 247 Category II vehicles from Force Protection ($377M), and 399 standard Category II, 112 ambulance configured Category II RG-33L vehicles ($278M) from BAE Systems. BAE also received a separate $44M order for 89 RG33 Mod 5 (Category I) vehicles, for the US Special Operations Command. GDLS and Armor Holdings were informed that they will receive no further orders in the MRAP program.[40][41]
  • On 2007-12-18, the US military placed its final orders of 2007. These went to Navistar for 1,500 Category I MaxxPros ($1.12B), BAE for 600 Category II vehicles ($645M), Armor Holdings (though BAE) for 668 Category II vehicles ($458M), and Force Protection for 178 Category I and 180 Category II Cougars ($378M).[42]
  • On 2008-03-14, the US military placed its first orders of 2008. 1024 Category II Caiman's were ordered from BAE ($481.8M), 743 Category I MaxxPros were ordered from Navistar ($410.7M), and special command vehicles and ambulances were ordered from BAE ($234M).[43]

2008 Information Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 30th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 45th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) is located at MCB Quantico. ... Nickname: Coordinates: , Country United States State Pennsylvania County York Incorporated  - Borough September 24, 1787  - City January 11, 1887 Government  - Mayor John Brenner Area  - City  5. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 114th day of the year (115th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 151st day of the year (152nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 152nd day of the year (153rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 170th day of the year (171st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... USN redirects here. ... The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is a branch of the United States armed forces responsible for providing force projection from the sea,[1] using the mobility of the U.S. Navy to rapidly deliver combined-arms task forces and is one of seven uniformed services. ... The United States Army is the largest, and by some standards oldest, established branch of the armed forces of the United States and is one of seven uniformed services. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 179th day of the year (180th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 197th day of the year (198th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... BAe evolution since 1955 until 1999 merger to form BAE Systems British Aerospace (BAe) was a British aircraft manufacturer, now part of BAE SYSTEMS. The company was formed on April 29, 1977 by the Aircraft and Shipbuilding Industries Act. ... Emblem of the United States Special Operations Command. ... For other uses, see Ambulance (disambiguation). ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 194th day of the year (195th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Stewart & Stevenson was a Houston, Texas-based manufacturer of oil industry and military equipment, most notably the U.S. militarys Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 201st day of the year (202nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 218th day of the year (219th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Capitol Building Lansing is the capital city of the U.S. state of Michigan, located mostly in Ingham County; a small portion extends into adjacent Eaton County. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 222nd day of the year (223rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 291st day of the year (292nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 352nd day of the year (353rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 73rd day of the year (74th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

  • On 2008-01-02, Assembly-line workers proudly present military personnel with the 1,000th International MaxxPro Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle.[44]

2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 2nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Parallel Programs

Orders of vehicles associated with the MRAP program:

  • On 2007-06-19 the US Army ordered an additional 44 BAE RG-31 Mk 5 vehicles and an additional 369 M1117 ASVs.[45]

Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 170th day of the year (171st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Categories

The MRAP class is separated into three categories which describe the vehicle's weight class and size.


Category 1 (MRAP-MRUV)

The Mine Resistant Utility Vehicle (MRUV) is smaller and lighter, designed for urban operations.

International MaxxPro Category 1 MRAP
International MaxxPro Category 1 MRAP

Category 1 MRAP vehicles ordered or currently in service:

  • Armor Holdings Caiman — 2,800 ordered.[46][47][48]
  • BAE OMC RG-31[49]
  • BAE RG-33 4x4[50]
  • Force Protection Cougar H 4x4 - 1,560 vehicles ordered. [51][52]
  • International MaxxPro — 5,250 vehicles ordered. [53][54][55]
  • Textron M1117 Guardian — Removed from competition. As of May 18, 2007, has been notified by the USMC that they will not be receiving any additional orders as part of the MRAP program.[56]
  • Protected Vehicles Inc./Oshkosh Truck Alpha — Although 100 vehicles were initially ordered, OshKosh were notified by the Marine Corps on June 29, that they would receive no further orders for the PVI Alpha due to "concern regarding overall vehicle survivability" and other fundamental design deficiencies of an automotive and ergonomic nature, adding that remediation "would require significant redesign".[57][58]

The Armor Holdings Caiman is an armored vehicle developed by Stewart and Stevenson Services, Inc, a division of Armor Holdings. ... The RG-31 Nyala is multi-purpose mine-protected vehicle made by Land Systems OMC in South Africa, based on the TFM Industries Mamba APC. The vehicle’s V-shaped monocoque welded steel hull and high suspension are designed to resist a blast equivalent to two TM-57 anti-tank... The RG-33 is a mine-proof light armored vehicle designed by BAE Systems, using expertise from OMC in South Africa and built in York, PA, USA. It is one of several vehicles being fielded by the US Armed Forces in Iraq under the MRAP program. ... The Cougar is an armored fighting vehicle designed to be resistant to anti-vehicle mines and improvised munitions. ... The International MaxxPro MPV is an armored fighting vehicle designed by Navistar Internationals subsidiary International Military and Government LLC (IMG) along with Plasan Sasa. ... The M1117 Guardian Armored Security Vehicle, or ASV, is a rugged, easily deployable all-wheeled vehicle manufactured by Cadillac Gage of Textron for initial use by the U.S. Military Police. ... is the 138th day of the year (139th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 180th day of the year (181st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Category 2 (MRAP-JERRV)

The Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Rapid Response Vehicle (JERRV) is designed for missions including convoy lead, troop transport, ambulance, explosive ordnance disposal and combat engineering. For other uses, see Convoy (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Ambulance (disambiguation). ... Bomb disposal is the process by which hazardous devices are rendered safe. ... Combat engineers place satchel charges and detonating cord, preparatory to blowing up a railway bridge during the Korean War, 30 July 1950 Combat engineering is the practice of using the knowledge, tools and techniques of engineering in combat. ...


Category 2 MRAP vehicles ordered or currently in service:

  • Force Protection Cougar HE 6x6 — 950 vehicles ordered.[59]
  • BAE RG-33L 6x6
  • GDLS RG-31E — 600 vehicles order.[5]
  • Oshkosh Truck/Thales Australia Bushmaster IMV — Has been removed from the competition as of 2007-08-07. According to a Thales press release, "The Thales Bushmaster vehicle offer for the US MRAP Phase 1 Program was not selected due to an evolving requirement, not due to a lack of marketing or lobbying effort…. Thales and OSHKOSH remain confident of future potential sales of Bushmaster under ongoing Phases of MRAP in the US."[60]
  • Protected Vehicles Inc Golan Armored Vehicle- 60 vehicles initially ordered, then when the Golan was eliminated from the competition all vehicles were discarded by the Marines. [61]
  • International MaxxPro XL — 16 vehicles ordered.[62]
  • Armor Holdings Caiman — 16 vehicles ordered [63]

The Cougar is an armored fighting vehicle designed to be resistant to anti-vehicle mines and improvised munitions. ... The RG-33 is a mine-proof light armored vehicle designed by BAE Systems, using expertise from OMC in South Africa and built in York, PA, USA. It is one of several vehicles being fielded by the US Armed Forces in Iraq under the MRAP program. ... The RG-31 Nyala is multi-purpose mine-protected vehicle made by Land Systems OMC in South Africa, based on the TFM Industries Mamba APC. The vehicle’s V-shaped monocoque welded steel hull and high suspension are designed to resist a blast equivalent to two TM-57 anti-tank... The Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicle is an Australian built wheeled armoured vehicle designed by Perry Engineering in Adelaide with some technical support from Irish company Timoney Technology Ltd. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 219th day of the year (220th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Golan Wheeled Armored Vehicle is a prototype Israeli infantry fighting vehicle make by the Israeli RAFAEL jointly with the American Protected Vehicles Incorporated. ...

Category 3

  • Force Protection Buffalo
  • Dedicated mine/IED clearing function.
  • Seating to carry 6 personnel.

Buffalo mine-protected vehicle and GI Buffalo showing remote manipulator arm. ...

Criticisms

The deployment of MRAP vehicles has not been without criticisms. The most common are concerns about the high cost, potential logistical difficulties due to high fuel consumption and varied designs, and greater disconnection between troops and the local population, which conflicts with the current counter-insurgency (COIN) strategy, and how the vehicles will fit into the US Military structure following a US withdrawal from the current conflict in Iraq.[64][65] MRAP funding has pulled money away from other tactical vehicle programs, most noticeably the HMMWV replacement, the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, which has been delayed by two years.[66] The MRAP has been well received in the field, however, where soldiers are grateful for a vehicle designed around their needs.[67] [68] Counter-insurgency is the combating of insurgency, by the government (or allies) of the territory in which the insurgency takes place. ... The International FTTS, a candidate for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle design competition The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle is a U.S. Army, USSOCOM, and U.S. Marine Corps program to replace the current HMMWV with a family of more survivable vehicles and greater payload. ...


Effectiveness

MRAP hit by IED in Iraq, all crew survived
MRAP hit by IED in Iraq, all crew survived

The MRAP may not be effective against Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFP), which use a shaped charge to form a hypervelocity jet of metal, capable of cutting through thick armor. Use of EFPs more than doubled in 2006 and is expected to continue to increase.[69] [70] However, the Marines estimate that the use of the MRAP could reduce the casualties in Iraq due to IED attacks by as much as 80 percent.[71] The alleged MRAP weakness is being addressed by the next generation MRAP II. As an interim solution, the military is currently installing a variant of the HMMWV's IED defeating Frag Kit 6 armor, which adds significant weight, as well as width to the already large and heavy vehicle.[72] An explosively formed penetrator (EFP), also known as an explosively formed projectile, a self-forging warhead, or a self-forging fragment, is a special type of shaped charge designed to penetrate armour effectively at stand-off distances. ... Sectioned HEAT round with the inner shaped charge visible 1:Aerodynamic cover 2: Empty room 3: Conical liner 4: Detonator 5: Explosive 6: Piezo-electric sensor A shaped charge is an explosive charge shaped to focus the effect of the explosives energy. ... This article refers to the Military HMMWV, not the civilian Hummer sold by General Motors General Characteristics (Humvee) Manufacturer: AM General Length: 4. ...


On 2008-01-19 a 3rd Infantry Division U.S. Army soldier, Richard B. Burress of Naples, Florida (the exposed turret gunner), was killed in a Navistar MaxxPro MRAP vehicle by an ANFO IED estimated at 600lbs.[73] It is unknown whether the gunner was killed by the explosion or by the vehicle when it rolled over after the blast. However, the vehicle’s v-hull was not compromised. The crew compartment also appeared to be uncompromised in the attack, and the three other crew members who were all inside the vehicle survived; one with a shattered left foot, a broken nose and several broken teeth; one with a fractured foot; and the third unhurt.[74][75][76][77] 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Era (or Anno Domini), in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 19th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... The 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized) —nicknamed the Rock of the Marne— is a United States Army infantry division based at Fort Stewart, Georgia. ... The Army is the branch of the United States armed forces which has primary responsibility for land-based military operations. ... Turret (highlighted) attached to a tower on a baronial building in Scotland In architecture, a turret is a small tower that projects from the wall of a building, such as a medieval castle or baronial house. ... ANFO stands for ammonium nitrate/fuel oil (most often diesel fuel, sometimes kerosene or even molasses). ...


MRAP II

On 2007-07-31, the Marine Corps Systems Command launched an MRAP II pre-solicitation, to develop a new vehicle that offers a higher level of protection than the current MRAP vehicles, particularly from advanced threats such as explosively formed penetrators.[78] While the Frag Kit 6 was designed to meet the threat of EFPs, the MRAP II competiton's purpose was to find a vehicle that didn't need the upgrade kit. The U.S. Army Research laboratory worked to ensure the technologies used in Frag Kit 6 would be available to MRAP II designers. Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 212th day of the year (213th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... An explosively formed penetrator (EFP), also known as an explosively formed projectile, a self-forging warhead, or a self-forging fragment, is a special type of shaped charge designed to penetrate armour effectively at stand-off distances. ...


In addition, the new solicitation was designed provide the Joint Program Management Office with a greater flexibility to increase production capability and provide vehicles with enhanced protection and performance to meet future near-term requirements.[79] Full text of the solicitation can be found here.


The initial testing at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds served to disqualify vehicles that didn’t meet the standard. Competitors who did not receive MRAP-II orders include Force Dynamics (reinforced Cougar), GDLS Canada (upgraded BAE OMC RG-31), Navistar subsidiary IMG (upgraded MaxxPro), Textron's upgraded M1117, and Protected Vehicles, Inc. (upgraded Golan vehicle, with improved side doors and different armor; arrived on last day). [80] Aberdeen Proving Ground is a United States Army proving ground located in Harford County, Maryland. ... Force Protection Cougar 4x4 Force Protection, Inc. ... The Cougar is an armored fighting vehicle designed to be resistant to anti-vehicle mines and improvised munitions. ... General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD) is a defense conglomerate formed by mergers and divestitures, and as of 2006 it is the sixth largest defense contractor in the world[2]. The company has changed markedly in the post-Cold War era of defense consolidation. ... OMC is the initialism under which the Olifant Manufacturing Company of South Africa was most commonly known during its existence. ... The RG-31 Nyala is multi-purpose mine-protected vehicle made by Land Systems OMC in South Africa, based on the TFM Industries Mamba APC. The vehicle’s V-shaped monocoque welded steel hull and high suspension are designed to resist a blast equivalent to two TM-57 anti-tank... It has been suggested that International Harvester be merged into this article or section. ... The International MaxxPro MPV is an armored fighting vehicle designed by Navistar Internationals subsidiary International Military and Government LLC (IMG) along with Plasan Sasa. ... Founded in 1923 as the Special Yarns Company by Royal Little, Textron NYSE: TXT, today is a multi-industry company with a portfolio of familiar brands such as Bell Helicopter, E-Z-GO, Cessna Aircraft, and Greenlee, among others. ... The M1117 Guardian Armored Security Vehicle, or ASV, is a rugged, easily deployable all-wheeled vehicle manufactured by Cadillac Gage of Textron for initial use by the U.S. Military Police. ... Golan Wheeled Armored Vehicle is a prototype Israeli infantry fighting vehicle make by the Israeli RAFAEL jointly with the American Protected Vehicles Incorporated. ...


There were two eventual winners of the competition. The first was an upgraded Caiman, originally designed by Armor Holdings which was later acquired by BAE. See a picture of the Caiman here. The second winner was the Bull, a combined effort between Ceradyne, Ideal Innovations Inc, and Oshkosh. See a picture of the Ceradyne Bull here. Both of the winning designs weighed 40,000 lbs or more. The Armor Holdings Caiman is an armored vehicle developed by Stewart and Stevenson Services, Inc, a division of Armor Holdings. ... OMC is the initialism under which the Olifant Manufacturing Company of South Africa was most commonly known during its existence. ... The Ceradyne BULL is an armoring system for heavy military logistics vehicles designed by Ceradyne and Ideal Innovations, Inc to compliment the MRAP and MMPV programs. ... Ceradyne, Incorporated, (NASDAQ: CRDN) is a Costa Mesa, California, USA, manufacturer of ceramics products traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market. ...


Plans to integrate developing technology

There currently are plans to integrate the Crows II remote weapon station, Raytheon Quick Kill active anti-RPG system, the Frag Kit 6 anti-EFP armor, and the Boomerang anti-sniper system on many MRAPs in combat. The Common Remotely Operated Weapon System program, (CROWS), specifies a remote-control weapon system that can currently be mounted to a variety of vehicles, including the M1114 and M1116 up-armored HMMWV and the M1117 Armored Security Vehicle. ... An RPG-7 captured by the US Army RPG, or Rocket propelled grenade is a loose term describing hand-held, shoulder-launched anti-tank weapons capable of firing an unguided rocket equipped with an explosive warhead. ... An explosively formed penetrator (EFP), also known as an explosively formed projectile, a self-forging warhead, or a self-forging fragment, is a special type of shaped charge designed to penetrate armour effectively at stand-off distances. ... For other uses, see Sniper (disambiguation). ...


References

  1. ^ More Attacks, Mounting Casualties, Washington Post
  2. ^ http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sites/story/fullstory.asp
  3. ^ Defense Tech: Frag Kit 6 to go on MRAPs
  4. ^ "MRAP Vehicle Order: 1,000 Cougars to be Turned Loose." Defense Industry Daily. 25 Apr 2007.
  5. ^ Marines Urge Caution on MRAP Fielding
  6. ^ Another Casualty of the Surge
  7. ^ Armored Vehicle Cut Threatens Industry
  8. ^ USATODAY.com - U.S. military struggles to adapt to war's top killer
  9. ^ Surge in vehicle orders calls for unconventional buying methods
  10. ^ [1]
  11. ^ Military.com Article
  12. ^ [2]
  13. ^ Defense Tech: Frag Kit 6 to go on MRAPs
  14. ^ Diversity Adds Depth to MRAP
  15. ^ Armored Vehicle Cut Threatens Industry
  16. ^ Defense News
  17. ^ Defense News
  18. ^ Army.com - Sealift of MRAP vehicles begins
  19. ^ Armored Vehicle Cut Threatens Industry
  20. ^ General: Army Will Need Fewer MRAPs
  21. ^ Vanden Brook, Tom (2007-12-19). Military sets sights on at least 15,000 MRAPs. USA Today. Retrieved on 2007-12-20.
  22. ^ US Army: 17,000 MRAP Vehicles to Replace Hummers? Defense Industry Daily. 11 May 2007.
  23. ^ Surge in vehicle orders calls for unconventional buying methods
  24. ^ BAE Systems to Buy Armor Holdings for $4.1 Billion (Update2)
  25. ^ http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D8SBU09O0.htm
  26. ^ The truck the Pentagon wants and the firm that makes it - USATODAY.com
  27. ^ Force Protection, Inc. - In the News
  28. ^ MRAP: Survivable Rides, Start Rolling
  29. ^ "MRAP Vehicle Order: 1,000 Cougars to be Turned Loose." Defense Industry Daily. 25 Apr 2007.
  30. ^ DefenseLink: Contracts for Thursday, May 31, 2007
  31. ^ Force Protection, Inc. - In the News
  32. ^ USMC, Army Release Orders for more than 2500 Armored Vehicles
  33. ^ "BAE's Diverse MRAP Orders." Defense Industry Daily. 13 Nov 2007.
  34. ^ "BAE's Diverse MRAP Orders." Defense Industry Daily. 13 Nov 2007.
  35. ^ "MRAP Orders Approach 5,000." marines.mil July 13, 2007.
  36. ^ More MRAPs: Navistar’s MaxxPro Maintains the Pole Position - Defense Industry Daily
  37. ^ General Dynamics News - August 8, 2007
  38. ^ General Dynamics Wins MRAP Orders of Its Own - Defense Industry Daily
  39. ^ "Cougar Armored Trucks to Stalk Mines on the Battlefield (updated)." Defense Industry Daily. 12 Nov 2007.
  40. ^ http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D8SBU09O0.htm
  41. ^ USMC Releases New Orders for 2,288 MRAPs
  42. ^ TheStreet.com : Navistar Wins Big MRAP Order | Aerospace/Defense | FRPT NAVZ
  43. ^ http://today.reuters.com/news/articleinvesting.aspx?type=companyNews&storyid=251803+14-Mar-2008+RTRS&WTmodLoc=InvArt-L2-CompanyNews-3
  44. ^ News
  45. ^ USMC, Army Release Orders for more than 2500 Armored Vehicles
  46. ^ http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl? ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/07-16-2007/0004625806&EDATE=
  47. ^ DefenseNews.com - U.S. Marines Order 1,170 MRAPs - 07/13/07 18:55
  48. ^ "MRAP Orders Approach 5,000." marines.mil July 13, 2007.
  49. ^ "MRAP Advance Purchase #2: Oshkosh, PVI & GD." Defense Industry Daily. 06 Mar 2007.
  50. ^ MRAP: Survivable Rides, Start Rolling
  51. ^ Cougar Armored Trucks to Stalk Mines on the Battlefield (updated). Defense Industry Daily. 12 Nov 2007.
  52. ^ "MRAP Vehicle Order: 1,000 Cougars to be Turned Loose." Defense Industry Daily. 25 Apr 2007.
  53. ^ DefenseLink: Contracts for Thursday, May 31, 2007
  54. ^ DefenseNews.com - U.S. Orders 1,200 MRAPs - 05/31/07 12:56
  55. ^ DefenseNews.com - DoD Orders 2,400 MRAPs from 3 Firms - 10/18/07 20:23
  56. ^ "Textron's M1117 Removed from MRAP Competition." Defense Industry Daily. 18 May 2007.
  57. ^ Pentagon rejects Oshkosh’s truck design | Business | Rhode Island news | projo.com | The Providence Journal
  58. ^ MRAP: Another One Bites the Dust? - Defense Industry Daily
  59. ^ "MRAP Vehicle Order: 1,000 Cougars to be Turned Loose." Defense Industry Daily. 25 Apr 2007.
  60. ^ MRAP: Oshkosh Entries Stalled on 2 Fronts - Defense Industry Daily
  61. ^ [3]
  62. ^ U.S. Marine Corps Awards $8.5 Million Contract for Category II Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles to International Military and Government, LLC.
  63. ^ "MRAP Orders Approach 5,000." marines.mil July 13, 2007.
  64. ^ Defense Tech: Corps Asks for MRAP Slowdown
  65. ^ Andrew Krepinevich and Dakota Wood. Of IEDs and MRAPs: Force Protection In Complex Irregular Operations."
  66. ^ InsideDefense.com NewsStand: The Insider
  67. ^ The 2d Cavalry Assn News Center » A new age in troop protection
  68. ^ Vanden Brook, Tom (2007-12-16). Long-term needs lessen, but vehicles still sought. USA Today. Retrieved on 2007-12-17.
  69. ^ Bryce, Robert (2007-01-22). Surge of danger for U.S. troops. Salon.com. Retrieved on 2007-07-19.
  70. ^ Vanden Brook, Tom (2007-05-31). MRAPs can't stop newest weapon. USA Today. Retrieved on 2007-07-19.
  71. ^ http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/files/2007-03-28_Biden_MRAP_Amendment_Speech.doc
  72. ^ Defense Tech: Frag Kit 6 to go on MRAPs
  73. ^ Jacksonville.com
  74. ^ Jacksonville.com
  75. ^ Hopes for Vehicle Questioned After Iraq Blast - New York Times
  76. ^ US suffers first death in new armoured truck | Reuters
  77. ^ Hopes for NY Times Reporting Questioned After MRAP Story - Defense Industry Daily
  78. ^ USA Issues MRAP-II Solicitation - Defense Industry Daily
  79. ^ Marine Corps Systems Command Launches MRAP II Solicitation
  80. ^ [4]

Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 353rd day of the year (354th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... USA Today is a national American daily newspaper published by the Gannett Company. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 354th day of the year (355th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 350th day of the year (351st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... USA Today is a national American daily newspaper published by the Gannett Company. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... December 17 is the 351st day of the year (352nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 22nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Salon. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 200th day of the year (201st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 151st day of the year (152nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... USA Today is a national American daily newspaper published by the Gannett Company. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 200th day of the year (201st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

See also

ATF Dingo of the German Army KFOR task force in Kosovo The ATF Dingo is a German armored military truck based on a Unimog chassis, produced by the company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann. ... Buffalo mine-protected vehicle and GI Buffalo showing remote manipulator arm. ... The Ceradyne BULL is an armoring system for heavy military logistics vehicles designed by Ceradyne and Ideal Innovations, Inc to compliment the MRAP and MMPV programs. ... The Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicle is an Australian built wheeled armoured vehicle designed by Perry Engineering in Adelaide with some technical support from Irish company Timoney Technology Ltd. ... The Armor Holdings Caiman is an armored vehicle developed by Stewart and Stevenson Services, Inc, a division of Armor Holdings. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... The Cougar is an armored fighting vehicle designed to be resistant to anti-vehicle mines and improvised munitions. ... The Grizzly APC is a C-130 transportable armored personnel carrier manufactured and designed by Blackwater USA, specifically for urban combat. ... This article refers to the Military HMMWV, not the civilian Hummer sold by General Motors The M998 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV or Humvee) is a military 4WD motor vehicle created by AM General. ... The International MaxxPro MPV is an armored fighting vehicle designed by Navistar Internationals subsidiary International Military and Government LLC (IMG) along with Plasan Sasa. ... The RG-33 is a mine-proof light armored vehicle designed by BAE Systems, using expertise from OMC in South Africa and built in York, PA, USA. It is one of several vehicles being fielded by the US Armed Forces in Iraq under the MRAP program. ...

External links

 

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