Cheetah, developed by Force protection Inc. is a 4×4 light armored protected vehicle designed for reconnaissance, forward command and control and urban operations. The vehicle uses a monocoque V shaped hull, external lightweight armor, internal spall liners and blast mitigation materials are used to protect the crew and vehicle from explosion by heavy mines under the vehicle or wheels (7.5 – 15 kg of TNT explosives).
It also protects against roadside improvised explosive devices (RSIED). The basic vehicle is bulletproof against 7.62/51 cal. gunfire. The armor is upgradable to protect against larger calibers, including 0.50 Cal AP. Cheetah has a curb weight, (with basic armor) of 14,000 pounds, allowing for 10,000 pounds of payload. Its weight and dimensions allow for two vehicles to be air-transported inside a single C-130 Hercules. The vehicle is powered by a Cummins ISB series 300 HP engine running at 2800 rpm, accelerating the vehicle to 50 Mph in 13.5 seconds. At cruising speed of 65 Mph the vehicle can travel for 700 miles without refueling.
