New bombproof trucks for our troops, too late?

Question

The huge new bombproof trucks called the Couger have been available for years but the powers that be are just now getting around to deploying them into Iraq and Afganistan, some are saying it may be too little, too late, what do you think? Here is a PDF link:
http://www.forceprotection.net/models/cougar/specs/cougar4x4_spec.pdf

Answer 1

We've had these for a while. They cost almost 4 times as much as an M1151HMMWV. The vehicle is also more difficult to produce than a M1151. There are also several patent issues, legal issues, and political issues with the vehicle. It is a South African design and there were "hurdles" to getting it past the leftists for our use. Actually getting almost anything past the leftists for defense is a hurdle. They vote for us before the vote against us.

The cost alone is prohibitive in replacing thousands of lighter vehicles. The Cougar is better than the M1151 for IED protection but weaker and less useful in other areas. The thing is huge and easy to spot as you pointed out. It is also a very tall vehicle and has some potential issues with bridge clearance (ever see a semi get stuck under a bridge?). There is also a ground pressure issue on soft sand. This is one of the many reasons the FCS is now tracked and not wheeled.

On the plus side, it is an easy vehicle to maintain and everything is accessible. The crew capsule is very well protected and also climate controlled. The transmission is a push-button automatic, so drivers' training is easy. Seats are nice too. No CD player, but hey, can't have everything.

There is also the Cougar 'lite' called the ILAV. It is a smaller, 4-wheeled Cougar that the Iraqis are fielding with our help. It should help them with the COIN fight and also reduce overall unit costs for the US Military. The ILAV and Cougar is not a front-line fighter in high intensity operations, but could survive if need be.

Bottom line is they are ONE solution out of the MANY we have. We are using all of the workable solutions we can and we are winning. Maybe if CNN, the AP, and the left in general stopped using file footage of the smoke coming from the power plant south of the IZ (calling it an IED) and started reporting, oh I don't know, the FACTs, maybe the world would see the Coalition and the Sovereign Iraqi Armed Forces are winning the terrorists war on us.

Maybe that is asking too much. That would mean the left needs to put aside its blind, destructive lust for power and actually do something good for once.

Answer 2

It depends on the size of the IED and where the troops are (including in and out of the vehical). There are soldiers that survived IED attacks while they were in Humvees and Strykers. An IED equal to a 2000 lbs bomb will take out any tank. The smallest IEDs can wound or kill people on a foot patrol.

The best defense against the IEDs is preventing the enemy from making and deploying IEDs.

Answer 3

via your obtrusive assumptions, you think of that purely the huge 3 carmakers are American made. are you able to tell me which of them are thoroughly American? It would not offend me in any way. human beings can purely do plenty to coach help. How do you be attentive to what else they do to help the troops different than purely a bumper sticky label? I rode a BMW m/c for two decades. i become become usual via the two the difficult center Harley riders and the Rice burners. each time a Harley rider informed me "bear in concepts Pearl Harbor". I only rephrased it and mentioned what become the version between Japan and Germany. in no way did get a reaction!

Answer 4

They've been here for a while. I have used them quite a few times when EOD comes out to blow an IED or some other UXO.

They're pretty cool.

Answer 5

This is not a bomb proof truck, but a mine proof truck. At least that is what the PDF says. That is not going to stop roadside bombs from taking it apart with a shaped projectile!

Answer 6

Its never too late to save lives.
Every politician, that voted to send our troops to Iraq without the best equipment available should resign immediately.

Answer 7

The insurgents defending their countries from occupying forces are working on deploying improved IEDs too.

The USA is ready to turn tail and run from the fight it started.
The Iraqis will follow the smell of fear back to the USA, like the Japanese, Italians, Somalis, Germans, Koreans, Viet Namese and every other group the Americans encountered in their brave wars.

Answer 8

Its like FEMA houses sitting in Little Rock.

Answer 9

Late but good their there.