Mine Resistant Ambush Protected

Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles are designed to withstand Improvised Explosive Device attacks and Ambushes, providing protection to occupants. The development of these vehicles was influenced by the South African Border War and the Rhodesian Bush War, where Mines and Ambushes were commonly used by Insurgent groups such as the African National Congress and the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army. The United States Department of Defense and the United States Army have been at the forefront of developing and deploying these vehicles, with companies like BAE Systems, General Dynamics, and Navistar International playing a significant role in their production. The MRAP program has been supported by United States Congress and has involved collaborations with NATO countries, including Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia.

Introduction

The concept of **Mine Resistant Ambush Protected** vehicles originated from the South African experience in the South African Border War, where the South African Army developed the Casspir and the Mambat to counter Mine threats. The United States Marine Corps and the United States Army took note of these developments and initiated their own programs, including the MRAP program, which was launched in response to the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021). The program involved companies like Force Protection Inc., BAE Systems, and General Dynamics Land Systems, and was supported by United States Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, and United States Secretary of the Army, Francis J. Harvey. The **Mine Resistant Ambush Protected** vehicles have been used in various operations, including the Battle of Fallujah, the Battle of Ramadi, and the Helmand Province campaign.

Design_and_Development

The design of **Mine Resistant Ambush Protected** vehicles focuses on providing protection against Improvised Explosive Device attacks and Small Arms Fire. The vehicles are designed with a V-hull shape to deflect Blasts, and are equipped with Armor Plating to provide protection against Penetrating Trauma. The development of these vehicles has involved collaborations with companies like Ceradyne, BAE Systems, and General Dynamics, and has been influenced by the experience of United States Army units, such as the 101st Airborne Division and the 10th Mountain Division, in Iraq and Afghanistan. The **Mine Resistant Ambush Protected** vehicles have undergone testing at facilities like the Aberdeen Proving Ground and the Yuma Proving Ground, and have been evaluated by organizations like the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the United States Army Test and Evaluation Command.

Operational_History

The **Mine Resistant Ambush Protected** vehicles have been used in various operations, including the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021). The vehicles were first deployed in Iraq in 2007, and were used by units like the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army. The vehicles have also been used in Afghanistan, where they have been employed by units like the 101st Airborne Division and the 10th Mountain Division. The **Mine Resistant Ambush Protected** vehicles have been involved in various battles, including the Battle of Fallujah, the Battle of Ramadi, and the Helmand Province campaign. The vehicles have been supported by Logistics units, such as the United States Army Logistics Corps, and have been maintained by companies like BAE Systems and General Dynamics.

Variants_and_Derivatives

There are several variants of the **Mine Resistant Ambush Protected** vehicles, including the MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle, the MRAP Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and the Cougar (vehicle). The vehicles have been developed by companies like Force Protection Inc., BAE Systems, and General Dynamics Land Systems, and have been used by units like the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army. The **Mine Resistant Ambush Protected** vehicles have also been used as a basis for other vehicles, such as the Oshkosh M-ATV and the Navistar MaxxPro. The vehicles have been exported to countries like Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia, and have been used in operations like the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021) and the Iraq War.

Operators

The **Mine Resistant Ambush Protected** vehicles are operated by several countries, including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia. The vehicles are used by units like the United States Marine Corps, the United States Army, and the Royal Canadian Army. The vehicles have been deployed in various operations, including the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan (2001-2021). The **Mine Resistant Ambush Protected** vehicles have been supported by Logistics units, such as the United States Army Logistics Corps, and have been maintained by companies like BAE Systems and General Dynamics. The vehicles have been used in conjunction with other vehicles, such as the Humvee and the LAV III, and have been involved in various battles, including the Battle of Fallujah and the Battle of Ramadi.

Specifications

The **Mine Resistant Ambush Protected** vehicles have various specifications, including a V-hull shape, Armor Plating, and a 4x4 or 6x6 wheel configuration. The vehicles are equipped with Engines like the Caterpillar C7 or the Caterpillar C9, and have a Transmission like the Allison 3500SP. The vehicles have a Top Speed of around 105 km/h and a Range of around 650 km. The **Mine Resistant Ambush Protected** vehicles are used in conjunction with other vehicles, such as the Humvee and the LAV III, and have been involved in various battles, including the Battle of Fallujah and the Battle of Ramadi. The vehicles have been supported by Logistics units, such as the United States Army Logistics Corps, and have been maintained by companies like BAE Systems and General Dynamics. Category:Armored fighting vehicles