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Vehicles and armor protection: Considering
the excessive weight and challenging issues confronting strategic
and tactical mobility, vehicle manufacturers are realizing that
there is a potential gap between the 'light' up-armored HMMWV
and the heavy MRAP, which could be exploited by a lightweight,
'compact' mine-protected armored vehicle, offering improved
mobility without compromising protection. Two companies introduced
such vehicles at MDM – Protected Vehicles with the new
Protector and Force Protection, displaying
the Cheetah. (more...)
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Protected Vehicles Inc. introduced at Modern
Day Marine 2007 the Protector
- lightweight 4x4 mine-protected armored vehicle designed to
replace up-armored HMMWVs for high threat missions. At maximum
gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 14,500 lbs in the hard top version,
the Protector, accommodating a crew of 8 (driver, commander
and six troops) is optimized for missions where up-armored HMMWVs
are not adequately protected, while the heavier MRAP does not
have the required mobility and maneuverability to perform a
wide diversity of missions. These could include urban combat,
reconnaissance and patrol, transport for combat engineering
teams, command and control and casualties evacuation.
Protector offers good off-road and cross-country mobility and
a turning radius of about 5 meters. According to sources at
PVI, the Protector is ready for production and although not
yet meeting the full specs of JLTV, it has substantial growth-potential
to meet such requirements in the future.
Unlike current MRAPs, the Protector is designed to operate
equally on and off-road, is lightweight and small enough to
be transportable in a C-130 and CH-47. Maximum road speed of
70 mph can be maintained even carrying maximum payload, with
an operational range of up to 500 miles. The Protector comes
with a choice of two diesel engines, a GM Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel
V8 developing 300 hp, delivering 540 ft/lbs torque, or a Cummins
QSB 6.7L diesel, delivering the same torque.
 The
vehicle is offered in both, hardtop (fully protected) and soft
top configurations. The hardtop version carries a payload of
7,000 – 9,500 lbs while the soft top can carry up to 12,000
lbs of payloads. Despite its low weight, Protector provides
full protection from mines, IEDs and small arms. It is fitted
with basic armor (A kit) protecting against small arms for the
body and windows. Protector carries a weapon mount for 0.50
or M240/249 machine guns and provides rifle ports on all sides.
The vehicle can be fitted with Hutchinson runflat tires and
is protected from mine explosions, both under the wheels and
centerline. Protection level can be enhanced to meet specific
requirements. For example, a B kit protecting up to 0.50 Cal
weighs about 1,100 lbs, and full IED, FSP and EFP protection
would weigh up to 5,000 lbs.
Force Protection introduce the Cheetah
Cheetah, developed by
Force protection Inc. is a 4x4 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.
Other topics covered in this review:
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