Armored vehicles

As enemy threats to warfighters evolve, the technology used to protect the troops in the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) is evolving as well. Last week the US Marine Corps released a solicitation to the industry, asking for proposals for even more capable MRAPs. Currently, more than 5,690 MRAPs have been ordered. About 210 vehicles are already operational in...

The U.S. Army's Future Combat System (FCS) program comprises 14 integrated weapon systems and an advanced information network. The $160 billion program is the centerpiece of the Army’s effort to transition to a lighter, more agile, and more capable combat force. The program led by Lead Integrators Boeing and SAIC, represent a generation leap in technology, procurement and scale...

Heavily armored vehicles designed with V-shaped hulls operated by the U.S. Marines proved to be better protected than conventional armored vehicles. The V-shaped hull deflects the force of blasts from homemade bombs buried in roadways. In more than 300 attacks since last year, no Marines have died while riding in Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. These vehiclew were operated initially...

The Pentagon has approved the expansion of the MRAP program to over 20,000 vehicles. The US Army plans to increase its fleet of MRAP vehicles from the previously planned 2,300 to 17,700 vehicles. The Marines's allocation will remain at 3,400 and special operations forces will receive about 300 (170 have already been ordered). This plans will virtually phase out...

Fire protection has always been a major consideration in the design of combat vehicles. Uncontrolled fires can spread quickly to flammable materials and explosives, causing catastrophic results. In Iraq, insurgents have begun using fires as a tactic to attempt to penetrate armored vehicles - targeting vulnerable fuel tanks and tires. // // According to Michael H. Freeman, CEO/COO of fire-proofing...

Facing continued pressure on supply routes to Afghanistan, the U.S. Army is vehicles  relying on aerial delivery of more than 300 Stryker destined for the 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team deploying this summer from its home base in Ft. Lewis Washington state. The vehicles and equipment are being taken by ship for the majority of the trip around the...

According to the U.S. Marine Corps, the current program has the authority to procure up to 5,244 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All Terrain Vehicles - M-ATVs, as funding becomes available. Under the contract, Oshkosh Corporation will produce and deliver M-ATVs as fast as possible to meet the urgent need in Afghanistan. Oshkosh Corporation is expected to eventually produce up to...

A US Government Accountability Office (GAO) released today the preliminary observations on the U.S. Army’s implementation of its equipment reset strategies. According to the preliminary report, due to reporting and tracking inadequacy, the Army is unable to confirm that the $38 billion that Congress has appropriated since fiscal year 2002 for equipment reset has actually been obligated and expended...