Are there safer vehicles than the Humvees for the war in Iraq?

Question

I thought I have heard of a vehicle the has a V-shaped bottom that keeps IED's from killing the soldiers in the vehicle. Has anyone heard of these and if so how long have they been around?

Answer 1

They are actually based on a South African design the 'Buffel' that was introduced in the late 70's. They have evolved into the 'RG-31 Nyala' in use today. They were designed to protect the occupants from mines, and have proven effective against the more 'primitive' IEDs. They still are not very effective against EFPs (explosively formed projectiles)

The first two links are to info on the U.S. versions, the next two the South African version.

http://www.forceprotection.net/models/buffalo/specs/buffalo_spec.pdf

http://www.forceprotection.net/models/cougar/specs/cougar4x4_spec.pdf

http://www.sfu.ca/casr/bg-apv-rg31.htm

http://www.defense-update.com/products/r/RG-31.htm

Answer 2

I have heard the Humvee are being armored just that way. The armour plating on the underside of the Humvees are now V-shaped. This propels the vehicle into the air, and usually causes it to roll over, however the initial blast is being deflected to avoid fatalities.

I believe this is a fairly new way of shaping the armour to ward off serious injury ! It's not injury and death proof, but it certainly shows promise ! In the meantime, a prototype from S.Africa is being looked at, however Congressional funding will be needed to purchase a sufficient number to make a difference. Now we will see just how important the safety of our troops is to Harry Reid and his ilk !

Answer 3

There is a vehicle similar to the humvee that is v shaped and deflects the majority of an IED away from the occupants. This vehicle is going to be a fix but the war funding bill needs to pass to fund these vehicles. As long as the democrats continue to stall this bill, American soldiers are going to die.

Answer 4

They're relatively new, and they're not cheap; and it would take a staggering amount of money to buy enough of them to replace all the vehicles the military already has fielded in Iraq. The Army wants as many of them as they can get, of course, but it's hard to buy nice things that save lives when Congress keeps insisting on refusing to fund the military in a time of war, just so that they can attempt to exercise powers they don't constitutionally have--like circumventing the commander-in-chief and trying to force troop movements, for example. So much for all that hot air about "supporting the troops".

Answer 5

Sure there are safer vehicles, like the abrahms for one. Just being a safer vehicle doesnt mean its a better vehicle though. We could all be rolling around in Bradleys and other tanks and apcs. Probably wouldnt work to well though.

There is a new vehicle that the army has put an order in for called the MRAP. Its a v shaped vehicle. i'm sceptical.

Answer 6

QUOTE
"As long as the democrats continue to stall this bill, American soldiers are going to die."

As long as the president continues to stall this bill, American soldiers are going to die.

The American people spoke on the issue last November. Six months is long enough for the president to figure that out.

Answer 7

You are talking about an Israeli designed vehicle. This contract is on hold. Figures, democrats holding up defense progress.

Answer 8

Kurt, i visit call you a LIAR because of the fact I fought in 2 wars, Iraq and Afghanistan and lost my foot. WE had an identical regulations of engagement that are going on now below Darth Cheney and Bunky Bush, so dont come at me with that poppycock. NONESENSE! the place did you combat? What battles have been you in? How are issues distinctive now? Are you nevertheless interior the protection stress? Do you care that we easily win a war which we on no account did below BUSH? those regulations of engagement are difficult, yet I dont desire to kill to any extent further infants. DO YOU?

Answer 9

You can check them out at:

http://www.forceprotectioninc.com/

Pretty cool concept.