Defense Technology International - October 2007 - (Page 48) ANALYSIS PROGRAM IMG OSHKOSH MaxxPro 4 X 4 was the MRAP competition’s surprise winner, with almost 2,000 on order. DAVID AXE/DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL Alpha 4 X 4, a small, lightweight MRAP, failed Marine Corps protection tests. U.S. ARMY Extended-cab RG-33Ls are popular for ambulance roles. FORCE PROTECTION INDUSTRIES M1117 4 X 4 is a stretched version of Textron’s Armored Security Vehicle. Cougar HE 6 X 6 is prized for its large cabin, with enough space for a bomb-disposal robot. + several for testing. Cost: $443,000. Features: Family of medium tactical vehicle (FMTV) chassis with a V-shaped armored hull; rear door. Reality check: Armor Holdings has released few details about the Caiman design, stressing only that it is lighter than many MRAPs. Caiman has chassis components common to the FMTV utility truck, a feature that should simplify maintenance and support. The design reportedly boasts better o road performance than the heavier Cougar. Work is performed in Sealy, Tex., and Fairfield, Ohio. Alpha 4 X 4: Oshkosh Truck (Oshkosh, Wis.). Weight: 13 tons. Passengers: 6 + 2 crew. MRAP I orders: 100 + several for testing. Cost: $306,000. Features: Monocoque layout with V-shaped armored hull; rear door. Reality check: Despite being one of the biggest builders of 48 DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL OCTOBER 2007 military utility trucks, Oshkosh designs have fared poorly in the MRAP competition. Alpha was intended to be a smaller, lighter MRAP in order to facilitate rapid shipping and improve urban maneuverability. But testing at Aberdeen, as well as limited field testing with combat units, proved Alpha to be more vulnerable than other designs—this despite special armor co-developed by Battelle and Protected Vehicles Inc. The Marine Corps informed Oshkosh that it would not order more than the initial batch of 100. RG-31 Mk 5 4 X 4: General Dynamics Land Systems Canada (London, Ont.). Weight: 9 tons. Passengers: 10 + 2 crew. MRAP I orders: 10 + several for testing. Cost: approximately $300,000. Features: Monocoque, flattened V-shaped hull that stops short of engine compartment; rear door. Reality check: The U.S. Army and Canadian forces used www.aviationweek.com/dti http://www.aviationweek.com/dti
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