Buffalo MPRC vehicle

[unhappycamper]

http://tech.military.com/equipment/view/150742/buffalo-mprc-vehicle.html






Buffalo MPRC vehicle

History

As a result of combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq (Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom) a need was identified for a series of vehicles designed to survive the explosive threats posed by the Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) as well as conventional mining and ambush tactics employed against Coalition personnel. These vehicles were collectively described as MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) capable, and would be specifically built to defeat these threats.

The Buffalo, built by Force Protection Inc., is the largest of its fleet of MRAP vehicles. Classified as a category III protected vehicle, the Buffalo is officially designated as an MPRC (Mine Protected Route Clearing) vehicle, and is specifically designed to patrol roads and identify and either defeat, disarm, or remove mines and IEDs (improvised explosive devices.)

The Buffalo is a direct descendant of the South African Casspir mine protected vehicle, which was developed in the 1970 and used extensively by SA police and military forces in the 1980s. The most notable difference between the two is the presence of a second drive axel and a large, claw equipped telescopic arm fitted on the Buffalo. Like the Casspir, the Buffalo was designed to have good road speed and endurance, reduced maintenance requirements, and specifically designed to maximize passenger survivability against small arms ambushes and conventionally laid mines and explosives.

As of 2007 the Buffalo in production and service with the US military.


Rest of specs at: http://tech.military.com/equipment/view/150742/buffalo-mprc-vehicle.html




uhc comment: The Casspir vehicle, on which the Buffalo is based, has an interesting history. From Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casspir

The Casspir is a landmine-protected personnel carrier (APC) that has been in use in South Africa for over 20 years. It is a four wheeled armoured vehicle, used for transport of troops. It can hold a crew of two, plus 12 additional soldiers and associated gear. The Casspir was unique in design when launched, providing for passive mine defence. The main body of the vehicle is raised above the ground, so that if a mine is detonated, the explosion is less likely to damage the crew compartment and kill the occupants. The cross-section of the hull is V-shaped, directing the force of the explosion outwards, further protecting the occupants. The vehicle is also armoured for added mine safety, as well as protection from small arms fire. The Casspir was the inspiration and prototype for the US Marines MRAP project.

The Casspir was ubiquitous during the days of apartheid in South Africa. It was commonly used in the townships for crowd and riot control.

[javelina]

1. no casualties

have been logged in MRAPs so far in theatre. Hopefully, we can ship more of these out in time to save the troops. The serious decline in IED fatalities is no coincidence.

[NYVet]

2. And what is the relevance of the Caspir's history to this article?

I'm just curious.

[unhappycamper]

3. I thought the tieback to the Casspir was interesting.

The Casspir was used in South Africa during apartheid.

[javelina]

4. So?

What does its use during Apartheid mean to you?

[unhappycamper]

5. It means the Casspir was very effective controlling the population. n/t