Buffalo (mine protected vehicle)

Last updated
Buffalo
A U.S. Army Buffalo explosive device detection vehicle, assigned to 1221st Route Clearance Company, South Carolina Army National Guard, digs up an improvised explosive device (IED) during route clearance 140624-Z-XH297-029.jpg
Buffalo being used to dig up an IED during training
TypeMRAP
Place of originUnited States
Service history
Used bySee Operators
Wars Iraq War, Afghanistan War
Production history
Manufacturer Force Protection, Inc.
Produced2003
Specifications
Mass45,320 lb (20,560 kg) (curb weight) [1]
56,000 lb (25,000 kg) (max weight) [1]
Length27 ft (8.2 m)
Width8.5 ft (2.6 m)
Height13 ft (4.0 m)
Crew2+4

Armor All wheels and centerline mine protected
Engine Mack ASET AI-400 I6
330 KW (450 HP)
Payload capacity38,680 lb (17,540 kg)
Transmission Allison HD-4560P automatic
Suspension 6×6 wheeled
Ground clearance15 in (410 mm)
Fuel capacity85 US gal (320 L)
Operational
range
300 mi (483 km)
Maximum speed 65 mph (105 km/h)

The Buffalo is a wheeled mine resistant ambush protected (MRAP) armored military vehicle built by Force Protection, Inc., a division of General Dynamics. It is the largest vehicle in Force Protection's line-up, followed by the Cougar MRAP and the Ocelot light protected patrol vehicle (LPPV).

Contents

History

The Buffalo vehicle was designed based on the successful South African Casspir mine-protected vehicle. [2] The Casspir is a four-wheeled vehicle, while the Buffalo has six wheels. Buffalo is also fitted with a large articulated arm, used for ordnance disposal. Both vehicles incorporate a V-shaped monohull chassis that directs the force of the blast away from the occupants. [3]

Buffalo is also now equipped with BAE Systems' LROD cage armor for additional protection against RPG-7 anti-tank rounds. [4] Glass armor is sufficient at 6 inches thickness. Run-flat tires are mounted on all six wheels. The Buffalo combines ballistic and blast protection with infrared technology to detect the presence of dangerous ordnance and a robotic arm to disable the explosive ordnance. Personnel operate the Buffalo’s 30-foot robotic arm and claw from within the armored hull via a mounted camera and sensory equipment, to safely dispose of mines and IEDs.

In 2004, the United States had a limited number of Buffaloes in service, with an order for 15 more, at a cost of $10 million. [5] On June 6, 2008 Force Protection, Inc delivered its 200th Buffalo to the U.S. Military. [6]

In 2009 Force Protection started producing the A2 version, with major changes in the Axle Tech rear axles, Cat C13 engine, Cat CX31 transmission, and suspension, along with additional upgrades to the HVAC system, hood and front bumper. The easiest way to identify an A1 version from the A2 version is that the front bumper of the A2 has a larger profile. The last Buffalo A2 MRAP truck 795 was completed in June 2014. Force Protection was acquired by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) in 2011 for $350 million.

Variants

Operators

Map with Buffalo operators in blue Buffalo operators.png
Map with Buffalo operators in blue

Current

Future

Former

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Casspir</span> Mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle

The Casspir is a mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle that has been in use in South Africa since the 1980s. It is a four-wheeled, four-wheel drive vehicle, used for transport of troops. It can hold a crew of two, plus 12 additional soldiers and associated equipment. The Casspir was unique in design when launched, providing for passive mine defence. The main armoured steel body of the vehicle is raised high above the ground, so when 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">RG-31 Nyala</span> Infantry mobility vehicle

The RG-31 Nyala is a 4×4 multi-purpose mine-resistant ambush protected infantry mobility vehicle manufactured in South Africa by Land Systems OMC, located in Benoni, South Africa and in Turkey by FNSS Defence Systems. It is based on the Mamba APC of TFM Industries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cougar (MRAP)</span> Mine-resistant infantry mobility vehicle, 2002

The Cougar is a mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) and infantry mobility vehicle structured to be resistant to landmines and improvised munitions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">JERRV</span> Vehicles used by United States military engineers and Explosive Ordnance Disposal

A JERRV is any vehicle that United States Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units use in war zones such as Iraq.

Force Protection, Inc. was a manufacturer of ballistic- and blast-protected vehicles from the United States which have been used in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo and other hot spots around the world. The company was acquired by General Dynamics in 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ATF Dingo</span> Infantry mobility vehicle

The ATF Dingo is a German heavily armored military MRAP infantry mobility vehicle based on a Unimog chassis with a V-hull design, produced by the company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW). The first prototype of the Dingo 1 was completed in 1995 and the first production Dingo 1 entered service in 2000 with the German Army. It is designed to withstand land mines, rifle fire, artillery fragments and NBC-threats. ATF stands for Allschutz-Transport-Fahrzeug, meaning all-protected transport vehicle in German. It is named after the Australian native dog, the dingo. The Dingo 2 entered service in late 2004 after undergoing trials from November 2003-May 2004. Currently KMW is developing the Dingo 2 GFF for the German Army with increased internal volume.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">RG-33</span> Infantry Mobility Vehicle

The RG-33 is a mine-resistant light armored vehicle initially designed by BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa, a South African subsidiary of BAE Systems. BAE Systems in the US extensively modified it with additional protection, new powertrain, and suspension systems. It was built in a number of locations including York, Pennsylvania. It was one of several vehicles being fielded by the US Armed Forces in Iraq under the MRAP program.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Infantry mobility vehicle</span> Wheeled armored personnel carrier

An infantry mobility vehicle (IMV) is a four-wheel drive armored personnel carrier (APC) serving as a armed military transport, military patrol, reconnaissance or security vehicle. Examples include the ATF Dingo, Otokar Cobra II, Iveco LMV, Oshkosh M-ATV, AMZ Dzik, AMZ Tur, Mungo ESK, and Bushmaster IMV. Some Infantry mobility vehicles have Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) capabilities. The physical appearance of the Infantry mobility vehicles are generally similar to the SUV, covered Pickup truck or Box truck.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle</span> Armoured vehicle designed to survive IED explosion

Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle (MRAPV), also known as MRAP Vehicle, is a type of armoured personnel carrier that are designed specifically to withstand improvised explosive device (IED) attacks and ambushes to save troops life. Some Infantry mobility vehicle also have MRAPV capabilities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International MaxxPro</span> US mine resistant armored vehicle

The International M1224 MaxxPro MRAP is an armored fighting vehicle designed by American company Navistar International's subsidiary Navistar Defense along with the Israeli Plasan Sasa, who designed and manufactures the vehicle's armor. The vehicle was designed to take part in the US military's Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle program, led by the US Marine Corps, as well as a similar US Army-led Medium Mine Protected Vehicle program.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">V-hull</span> Vehicle armor design

The V-hull is a type of vehicle armor design used on wheeled armored personnel carriers (APCs), infantry mobility vehicles, infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) and MRAPs. The design originated in the 1970s with vehicles such as the Casspir used extensively during the South African Border War, Leopard security vehicle used in the Rhodesian Bush War and South African armored vehicle company Land Systems OMCs and Buffels.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oshkosh M-ATV</span> Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle (MRAP)

The Oshkosh M-ATV is a mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicle developed by the Oshkosh Corporation for the MRAP All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) program. Intended to replace M1114 HMMWVs (Humvee), it is designed to provide the same levels of protection as the larger and heavier previous MRAPs, but with improved mobility.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ocelot (vehicle)</span> British armoured vehicle

The Force Protection Ocelot is a British armoured vehicle that replaced the United Kingdom's Snatch Land Rover with British forces. It received the service name Foxhound, in line with the canine names given to other wheeled armored vehicles in current British use such as Mastiff, Wolfhound, and Ridgeback, which are all variants of the Cougar.

The Mahindra Mine Protected Vehicle-I (MPV-I), is an Indian MRAP-type armored personnel carrier manufactured by Defense Land Systems, a joint-venture of Mahindra & Mahindra Limited and BAE Systems, the first vehicle made under the venture. It is an improved Casspir variant built under licence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iraqi Light Armored Vehicle</span> Weapon

Iraqi Light Armored Vehicle or International Light Armored Vehicle is an armored fighting vehicle based on the Cougar and manufactured by Force Protection Industries, BAE Systems and General Dynamics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMC Kirpi</span> Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle

BMC Kirpi is a Turkish made Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle manufactured by BMC. Kirpi provides significant protection against mine and ballistic threats. It combines standard and add-on armor providing protection against ballistic threats. Its V-shape underbody and monocoque allows it to protect the personnel inside from land mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Route clearance (IEDs)</span>

Route clearance is a routine part of counter-IED efforts performed by military forces around the world. The purpose of route clearance is to secure an important route and render it for safe transport. This mission relies on the use of Sapper and EOD forces to accomplish this task. Although mines have been used in warfare for years, the rise of IEDs in current conflicts has led to the development of the current route clearance doctrine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ordnance Factory Board Mine Protected Vehicle</span> Light tactical military vehicle

The Aditya Mine Protected Vehicle is a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected-type vehicle used by the Indian Army and the Central Reserve Police Force as an armored personnel carrier to transport personnel with protection from explosives and small arms fire. The MPV’s construction was based on the Casspir Mk II, which India used in the 1990s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United States MRAP program</span>

United States MRAP program was created to produce Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle for the country. In 2004, the TSG/FPI Cougar was designed by a British-led U.S. team, to U.S. Marine Corps requirements. It became the springboard from which the MRAP program was launched. Only two "armor quality" steel mills operate in the U.S.: the Russian-owned Oregon Steel Mills and the International Steel Group. The U.S. Department of Defense negotiated to ensure enough steel was available to keep pace with production. The U.S. military's MRAP program was prompted by U.S. casualties from improvised explosive devices (IED)s during the Iraq War. The United States Department of Defense MRAP program began in 2007 as a response to the increased threat of IEDs during the Iraq War. From 2007 until 2012, the MRAP program deployed more than 12,000 vehicles in the Iraq War and War in Afghanistan.

References

  1. 1 2 Buffalo fact sheet Archived March 19, 2007, at the Wayback Machine , Force Protection. (requires login)
  2. Buffalo Armoured Vehicle Archived 2008-12-20 at the Wayback Machine . armedforces-int.com
  3. "Combat engineers comb streets of Iraq for IEDs" (PDF). United States Department of Defense. August 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-20.
  4. BAE’s LROD Cage Armor. Defense Industry Daily
  5. "Buffalo helps protect from bullets, blasts". Department of Defense. 2004-09-10. Archived from the original on 2006-02-06.
  6. "200th Buffalo MRAP delivered to military". Upi.com. 2008-06-06. Retrieved 2011-10-29.
  7. "Buffalo A2 Undergoes Testing at White Sands". www.asd-network.com. Archived from the original on 19 July 2012. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
  8. "Buffalo vehicle coverage on". Defenseindustrydaily.com. 2007-05-08. Archived from the original on 2007-06-30. Retrieved 2011-10-29.
  9. "Force Protection, Inc. IN THE NEWS: Canadian Forces to Receive Additional Force Protection Vehicles". Forceprotection.net. Archived from the original on 2008-12-27. Retrieved 2011-10-29.
  10. "Force Protection – Orders for an Additional 48 EROC Vehicles: Blast-Resistant Buffalo and Cougars – Industry News Release". Canadian American Strategic Review. November 2008. Archived from the original on 2008-12-05. Retrieved 2008-11-04.
  11. (in French) [ "TF700". Archived from the original on 2008-09-15. Retrieved 2008-06-28.La Task Force 700 se prépare au théâtre afghan, 06/28/2008, TTU
  12. French Military Orders Buffalo Vehicles from Force Protection, 07/23/2008
  13. "Mine-protected Transports" (PDF). armada international. 2013.
  14. "Major U.S. Arms Sales and Grants to Pakistan Since 2001" (PDF).
  15. "SIPRI Arms Transfers Database". Archived from the original on 2009-08-05. Retrieved 2013-04-22.
  16. "Ukrainian Military Engineers to Receive Buffalo Mine Protected Vehicles". Kyiv Post. 18 August 2024. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  17. Chuter, Andrew (2020-07-15). "British Army sheds an Afghan war legacy: blast-proof trucks". Defense News. Retrieved 2023-10-03.