- Cougar (vehicle)
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Cougar H 
Cougar in service with US Military in IraqService history Used by Canada, Croatia, Hungary, Iraq, Italy, Poland, United Kingdom, Denmark, United States. Wars Iraq War, War in Afghanistan Production history Designer Technical Solutions (South Africa) Manufacturer Force Protection Industries Unit cost $475,000 Produced 2002 Variants Cougar HE Specifications Weight Curb: 32,000 lb (14.5 t)
Gross max: 38,000 lb (17.2 t)[1]Length 19.41 ft (5.91 m) Width 9.0 ft (2.74 m) Height 8.67 ft (2.64 m) Crew 2+4[1] Armor Classified Main
armamentOptional remote weapon station (Common Remotely Operated Weapon System II) Secondary
armamentOptional firing ports Engine Caterpillar C-7 Diesel I6
330 HP (243 kW)Payload capacity 6,000 lb (2.72 t)[1] Transmission Allison 3500SP automatic[2] Suspension 4×4 wheeled Ground clearance 15 in (410 mm) Operational
range600 mi (966 km) Speed 65 mph (105 km/h) Cougar HE 
Cougar HEService history Used by United States Armed Forces, British Army Wars Iraq War Production history Designer Technical Solutions (South Africa) Manufacturer Force Protection Industries Unit cost $644,000 Produced 2002 Variants Cougar H Specifications Weight Curb: 38,000 lb (19.0 t)
Gross max: 49,000 lb (24.5 t)[3]
Mastiff: 50,000 lb (25.0 t) maximum[4]Length 7.08 m (23.25 ft) Width 2.74 m (9.0 ft) Height 2.64 m (8.67 ft) Crew 2+10[2] Armor allround protected from .50 cal [5] Main
armamentOptional remote weapon station (Common Remotely Operated Weapon System II) Secondary
armamentOptional firing ports Engine Caterpillar C-7 Diesel I6
243 kW (330 hp)Payload capacity 13,000 lb (5.90 t)[3] Transmission Allison 3500SP automatic Suspension 6x6 wheeled Ground clearance 15 in (410 mm) Operational
range600 miles (966 km) Speed 65 mph (105 km/h) The Cougar is an armored fighting vehicle designed to be resistant to anti-vehicle mines and improvised munitions.
It is a family of armored vehicles produced by Force Protection Inc, which manufactures ballistic and mine-protected vehicles. The automotives are integrated by Spartan Motors.[2] These specialty vehicles are protected against small arms, land mines and IEDs using a combination of design features and materials to protect both the crew and engine compartment against a wide range of attacks.[6] A Monocoque type, V-shaped hull extends to the engine bay and serves to direct the blast away from under the vehicle. The dual air-conditioners help keep heavily dressed troops from overheating in temperatures over 100 °F (38 °C) in Iraq.
Contents
Development
Technical Solutions was building a new type of mine-resistant vehicle based on South African vehicles. Technical Solutions was purchased in 2002 by Sonic Jet and the combined company renamed itself Force Protection.[7] The Cougar was designed in 2004 by a small team at Force Protection, Inc. in the US in response to an urgent requirement by the US Marine Corps. Contrary to common belief, this was not a South African vehicle but rather a new design developed in the US based on an evolution of vehicle mine-protection technology used by the UK, Rhodesian and South African forces from the 1950s. The rapid development and production followed a USMC request that the first vehicle be delivered within 6 months of an order.
Some 4,000 of these vehicles will have been fielded under the US military's MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) and other vehicle programs.[8] US Defense secretary Robert Gates demanded that the vehicles be ordered in larger numbers after the Marines reported in 2004 that no troops had died in more than 300 IED attacks on Cougars.[7] Since then, Cougar vehicles have been hit by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) many times in Iraq with few fatalities. Britain chose the Cougar over the RG-31 Nyala for their "Mastiff" APV.[9]
The Pentagon has future plans to add the Crows II remote weapon station, Raytheon Quick Kill active anti-RPG system, and the Frag Kit 6 anti-EFP armor.
Variants
The Cougar comes in two configurations, a 4×4 and 6×6. It is designed for the transport and protection of troops and equipment, especially against explosives (IEDs).
- Cougar HEV (Hardened engineer vehicle)
- 4x4 and 6x6 vehicles ordered in 2004 by the USMC.
- Badger ILAV (Iraqi Light Armored Vehicle)
- Based on the Cougar and manufactured by FPII and BAE Systems for the Iraqi Army. The ILAV is based on the Cougar, which can carry ten passengers (the six wheel version can carry 16). The Cougar/ILAV vehicle uses a capsule design to protect the passengers and key vehicle components from mines and roadside bombs. The larger Cougar costs about $730,000 each[citation needed], fully equipped. The Cougars have been very popular with American troops, and with Iraqis who have worked with them. 865 ILAVs were ordered by Iraq and 18 by Yemen. The ILAV gives the Iraqis the same degree of protection that most Coalition troops have.
- Cougar JERRV (Joint EOD rapid response vehicle)
- 4x4 and 6x6 variants for the US Army, USAF, and USMC. Approx. 200 ordered in 2005 and 2006, with another 200 ordered in late 2006 but now called MRAPs to take account of the new US military/political initiative to be seen to be responding to public concerns about casualties.
- Cougar ISS
- Based on the Cougar 4x4, the ISS is fitted with an integrated independent suspension system that gives the vehicle increased cross-country mobility.[10]
- Ridgback PPV (Protected Patrol Vehicle)
- British version of the Cougar 4x4 from FPII base vehicles with a British armor package and electronics, including installation of Enforcer remote weapon stations on some vehicles.
- Mastiff PPV (Protected Patrol Vehicle)
- British version of the Cougar 6x6, with FPII providing the base vehicle and NP Aerospace in the UK integrating electronics and the British armor package. The Mastiff 2 is an improved version with a capacity of 2 + 8. The Mastiff is armed with a 7.62 mm GPMG, 12.7 mm Heavy Machine Gun or 40 mm Grenade Machine Gun.
- Mastiff 2 'Protected Eyes'
- A version of the British Mastiff specially designed for the Talisman Counter-IED program. It is fitted with an M151 Protector remote weapon station, mine plow, optical camera[11] and a Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) with screens in the back to display its camera feed.[12]
- Wolfhound (Heavy Tactical Support Vehicle)
- British modification of the Cougar 6x6, with FPII providing the base vehicle and NP Aerospace in the UK integrating electronics and the British armor package. The first Wolfhounds entered service in Afghanistan in October 2010. 130 have been ordered[13] for gun tractor and logistical roles.[14]
- MRAP
- Several thousand vehicles of 4x4 and 6x6 configuration for all of the US Armed Forces, though mostly for the USMC. Over 3500 MRAPs will be delivered by the end of 2008.[citation needed]
Operators
Canada for Canadian Forces[15] - 40 Cougar JERRV [16]
Croatia 4+ US Army donated several Coguar MRAVs to the Croatian Army ISAF contingent in Afghanistan.[17]
Georgia Georgian HQ units who are part of the ISAF are using the Cougar HEs in the Helmand Province.
Hungary 3 Cougar bought, possibly more will follow[18]
Iraq Badger 378 (ordered in 2007) + 672 (ordered by 2009)[19]
Italy 6 Coguar H used in Afghanistan by the Italian Army[citation needed]
Poland 40 on loan from the US[20]
United Kingdom - 248 Mastiffs, 90 Wolfhound and 157 Ridgbacks on order[21][22]
United States
- Blackwater USA[23]
- US Army
- US Navy
- US Marine Corps
- US Air Force
Operational history
The Cougar is used by the United States Armed Forces and Iraqi Army and has now entered service with the British Army. In service with those countries, the Cougar is used in a variety of roles, including the HEV (Hardened Engineer Vehicle) and the Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal Rapid Response Vehicles (JERRVs) while in service with the US Marine Corps, US Navy Seabees, and US Air Force RED HORSE.
Polish Army Cougars in Afghanistan.
Compared to the original Cougar vehicle, the British Forces variant is to be fitted with large, vertical armor plates which cover the large vision blocks and weapon firing ports. This is in line with British Army doctrine concerning the role of the APC/MICV, specifically that it is to carry troops under protection to the objective and then give firepower support when they have disembarked. The Mastiff will be fitted with a turret sporting either a L7A2 GPMG (General Purpose Machine Gun), L110A1 Light Machine Gun, L11A1 Heavy Machine Gun, L134A1 40mm Grenade Machine Gun, or even a 50mm cannon.[24] One aspect of the British Army's approach to APC/MICV units (which differs to that of the United States) is that ability of the average soldier to fire accurately out of the ports of a moving IFV has been questioned. The large armor plates will also give added side protection from RPGs or IED explosions.
The British Army has operated an earlier MPV named "Tempest MPV".[25][26] As of November 2008, the British Army has ordered over 400 Cougar vehicles for deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan following a series of Urgent Operational Requirements (UORs). Deliveries of the first 86 Mastiffs began in February 2007, and an order for 22 further vehicles was placed in March, bringing the total to 108. In October 2007 Gordon Brown announced a further 140 Mastiffs and 157 new Cougar 4x4 variants, named Ridgback were being ordered to protect troops from mines and roadside bombs.[27]
Canada has deployed the Cougar since October 2007 in Afghanistan.[28]
Gallery
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Cougar hit by mine explosion, all crew survived, vehicle drove back to base on 3 wheels
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Cougar hit by 300-500 lb IED attack, all crew survived
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Cougar hit by 300-500 lb IED attack, all crew survived
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A Cougar subjected to an explosives test
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Cougar H
See also
- Cheetah MMPV
- Buffalo (mine protected vehicle)
- MRAP (armored vehicle)
- International MaxxPro
- Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle
- Marauder (Mine Protected Vehicle)
References
- ^ a b c Cougar 4x4 specifications, ForceProtection.net.
- ^ a b c USMC Cougar/JERRV page
- ^ a b Cougar 6x6 specifications, ForceProtection.net.
- ^ Cougar H Series 6x6, deagel.com.
- ^ ["http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7FtIrI9W7A]
- ^ Army Bullets
- ^ a b "The truck the Pentagon wants and the firm that makes it". USATODAY.com, 10/2/2007.
- ^ MRAP Vehicle Order: 1,000 Cougars to be Turned Loose. defenseindustrydaily.com
- ^ UK Land Forces Order ‘Mastiff PPV’ Cougar Vehicles (updated). defenseindustrydaily.com
- ^ Cougar ISS ForceProtection.net
- ^ A Comparison of UK Sensor Turrets
- ^ 'Flying Robot' pilot helps find IEDs in Helmand
- ^ "defence.professionals". defpro.com. http://www.defpro.com/news/details/18801/. Retrieved 2010-10-18.
- ^ MOD Order Details for the Wolfhound Vehicle
- ^ Force Protection, Inc. - In the News
- ^ Canadian Forces Armour — EROC Cougar Route-Opening Vehicle
- ^ http://www.slobodnadalmacija.hr/Hrvatska/tabid/66/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/97695/Default.aspx
- ^ Hungarian Military Orders MRAPs, defpro.com
- ^ http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htarm/articles/20070415.aspx
- ^ "Buddy, Can You Spare An MRAP?". strategypage.com
- ^ 140 More Mastiffs for the UK, DefenseIndustryDaily.com.
- ^ Cougar begins its transformation into the Ridgback, Ministry of Defence.
- ^ In the News. Force Protection, Inc.
- ^ http://www.defenceimagedatabase.mod.uk/fotoweb/Preview.fwx?position=6&archiveType=ImageFolder&sorting=ModifiedTimeAsc&search=afghanistan%20or%20herrick&fileId=82009AFCAB28BB7B4818188E6EE0F5842527F21A9EA60BCB068E1C97D7AA43F0BA877BF55CF600ED3AA9142E987F4A95CF18BFB5AC4B1863A681D139FA28621CEDF4BD8FAA30C1B015F27A5E5A12A5D94D992573364A4A0C81BCDE26736388F4AFBB1DD50773844334F3EB3FB685D1425581730560F8E94DE223BB8FE6435F7B
- ^ COUGAR/Tempest Mine Protected Armored Patrol Vehicles - Defense Update
- ^ Royal Engineers
- ^ "UK Iraq troops to be cut to 2,500". BBC News. 2007-10-08. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7034010.stm.
- ^ thestar.com : Canadians get new bomb protection
External links
- "Mastiff" on British Army website
- Force Protection Cougar page
- Hungarian Cougar 4x4, EOD version
- Cougar MRAP H 4x4 Technical data sheet and pictures Army Recognition
- Cougar MRAP HE 6x6 Technical data sheet and pictures Army Recognition
- Cougar page on GlobalSecurity.org
- Cougar 4x4 page and Cougar 6x6 page on deagel.com
- New Cougar HEV to hit Corps soon
- BBC News Article including reference to Cougar Purchase
- Military.com
- News about Cougar at Defense-Update
- Cougar H/HE on Armour.ws
- Youtube Video of "Future Weapons" episode featuring the Cougar.
- Youtube video of U.S. Military produced show "Iraq Freedom Minute" episode of Cougar MRAP
- Project Details of Cougar 4x4 Variant on Army Technology
- Mastiff Force Protection Vehicle on Armedforces.co.uk
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