BAE Caiman

Last updated

BAE Caiman
Caiman mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles in Iraq.jpg
Caimans used by the United States Army in Iraq
Type MRAP
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service2007–present
Used bySee operators
Wars
Production history
Designer
Manufacturer BAE Systems Platforms & Services
No. built1,000+
Specifications
Mass2.6m
Length7.5m
Width3.1m
Crew10

The Caiman is an MRAP with a V-hull design based on the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) and Low Signature Armored Cab (LSAC), initially developed by Stewart & Stevenson and now produced by BAE Systems Platforms & Services.

Contents

The Caiman is based on the chassis and automotives of the Medium Tactical Vehicle variant of the FMTV and features:

History

The interior of a Caiman used by NASA Interior of a NASA Caiman MRAP (KSC-2014-1393).jpg
The interior of a Caiman used by NASA

The Caiman completed testing by the U.S. military at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in July 2007. On July 13, 2007, Armor Holdings received a prime contract award by the U.S. Navy on the behalf of the U.S. Marine Corps for $518.5 million under the MRAP vehicle program. The contract specified delivery of 1,154 Category I MRAP vehicles and 16 Category II MRAP vehicles by the end of February 2008. [2]

BAE Systems acquired Armor Holdings in 2007 and continued production of the Caiman.

In August 2009, the U.S. Army announced that Oshkosh Defense had been awarded the FMTV A1P2 rebuy production contract. This award did not include the Caiman.

In September 2010 BAE Systems was awarded a $629 million contract from the U.S. MRAP Joint Program Office to upgrade 1,700 Caiman MRAP vehicles to Caiman Multi-Terrain Vehicle - Caiman MTV standard. The upgraded vehicle integrates a refurbished and improved armored capsule from an existing vehicle with a new high-power automotive power train, chassis and independent suspension made by ArvinMeritor. [3] Greater survivability is achieved through an enhanced monolithic floor, a strengthened chassis frame and better blast absorbing seats. [4]

On December 18, 2011, a Caiman was part of the last U.S. military convoy out of Iraq, being the last vehicle to cross the border into Kuwait, signifying the end of U.S. military presence and operations in the eight-year Iraq War.

A Caiman used by the Summit County Sheriff's Office in Ohio Summit County Sheriff SWAT BAE Caiman MRAP - Ohio (52171227125).jpg
A Caiman used by the Summit County Sheriff's Office in Ohio

Starting in October 2013, local police and sheriff offices in the U.S. began to acquire Caiman 6x6 MTVs. The U.S. government offered these vehicles to local law enforcement as the need for them greatly decreased after the Iraq and Afghanistan wars ended. The Caiman MTV normally costs $412,000, but is sold for only its transportation costs to the local jurisdiction. [5] [6]

In September 2014, the U.S. approved a $2.5 billion deal with the United Arab Emirates Army for over 4,500 surplus U.S. MRAPs for increased force protection, conducting humanitarian assistance operations, and protecting vital international commercial trade routes and critical infrastructure. 1,150 vehicles were Caimans. [7]

Operators

Map with military BAE Caiman operators in blue Caiman operators.png
Map with military BAE Caiman operators in blue

Military operators

Civilian operators

Non-state operators

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Humvee</span> Family of light military vehicles

The High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle is a family of light, four-wheel drive, military trucks and utility vehicles produced by AM General. It has largely supplanted the roles previously performed by the original jeep, and others such as the Vietnam War-era M151 Jeep, the M561 "Gama Goat", their M718A1 and M792 ambulance versions, the Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle, and other light trucks. Primarily used by the United States military, it is also used by numerous other countries and organizations and even in civilian adaptations. The Humvee saw widespread use in the Gulf War of 1991, where it navigated the desert terrain; this usage helped to inspire civilian Hummer versions. The vehicle's original unarmored design was later seen to be inadequate, and was found to be particularly vulnerable to improvised explosive devices in the Iraq War. The U.S. hastily up-armored select models and replaced front-line units with the MRAP. Under the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program, in 2015 the U.S. Army selected the Oshkosh L-ATV to replace the vehicle in front-line U.S. military service.

<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">ZU-23-2</span> Towed 23 mm anti-aircraft twin autocannon

The ZU-23-2, also known as ZU-23, is a Soviet towed 23×152mm anti-aircraft twin-barreled autocannon. ZU stands for Zenitnaya Ustanovka – anti-aircraft mount. The GRAU index is 2A13.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement</span> Family of 6x6 tactical trucks with 7-ton payload (U.S. tons)

The Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) is a series of vehicles used by the U.S. Marines. The first MTVRs were delivered in late 1999. The MTVR is the equivalent of the U.S. Army's Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV); the Marines do not use the FMTV and the Army does not use the MTVR.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">9M113 Konkurs</span> Soviet anti-tank missile

The 9M113 Konkurs is a Soviet SACLOS wire-guided anti-tank missile.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles</span> Series of US military trucks since 1996

The Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) are a series of military vehicles based upon a common chassis, varying by payload and mission requirements. The FMTV is derived from the Austrian Steyr 12M18 truck, but substantially modified to meet United States Army requirements. These include a minimum 50 percent U.S. content.

<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">Ural-375</span> Motor vehicle

The Ural-375 is a general purpose 4.5 ton 6×6 truck produced at the Ural Automotive Plant in the Russian SFSR from 1961 to 1993. The Ural-375 replaced the ZIL-157 as the standard Soviet Army truck in 1979, and was replaced by the Ural-4320.

Armor Holdings, Inc. was an American manufacturer of military, law enforcement, and personnel safety equipment. It was acquired by BAE Systems on July 31, 2007 and renamed BAE Systems Mobility & Protection Systems. The divisions have been reorganised within BAE Systems Land and Armaments.

<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 wheeled armored personnel carrier (APC) serving as a military patrol, reconnaissance or security vehicle. Examples include the ATF Dingo, Iveco LMV, Oshkosh M-ATV, AMZ Dzik, AMZ Tur, Mungo ESK, and Bushmaster IMV. This term also applies to Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MRAP</span> Armoured vehicle designed to survive IED explosion

Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected is a term for United States military light tactical vehicles produced as part of the MRAP program that are designed specifically to withstand improvised explosive device (IED) attacks and ambushes. 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.

<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.

The Bull is an armored personnel carrier with a v-shaped hull designed in a combined effort between Ceradyne, Ideal Innovations Inc. (I-3), and Oshkosh Corporation in response to the MRAP II competition. "The Bull" is a trade-mark of Ideal Innovations, Inc. (I-3).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GFF4</span> Armored personnel carrier

The GFF4, previously KMW Grizzly, is a medium weight MRAP armored personnel carrier, developed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), designed for operation with the German Army based on the 6x6 Trakker chassis from Iveco adapted to meet the needs of the German Army. It is being developed under the direction of the German Ministry of Defence Federal Office of Defense Technology and Procurement. The GFF4 is designed to meet the German Army's "Class 4" protected command and role-specific vehicles, with a gross vehicle weight of 25 tons, and transportable on the Airbus A400M aircraft. Currently, the German Army could use only the smaller 12.5 ton ATF Dingo 2 or the 33 ton Boxer MRAV.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">9K115-2 Metis-M</span> Anti-tank guided missile

The 9K115-2 Metis-M is a Russian portable anti-tank guided missile system. "9K115-2" is the GRAU designation of the missile system. The Metis-M1 is the latest upgraded variant of Metis-M. The system is designed to augment the combat power of company-level motorized units.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oshkosh M-ATV</span> Mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle (MRAP), light utility vehicle

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">Fath Safir</span> Multipurpose military vehicle

Safir is an Iranian 4x4 multipurpose military vehicle built by Fath Vehicle Industries. The Safir weighs 1.5 tonne and is based on the M38. The jeep can be distinguished from the M38 due to the sharp angled body panels, hood and grille.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMC Kirpi</span> Infantry mobility 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">IAG Guardian</span> Armoured personnel carrier

The IAG Guardian is a United Arab Emirates-made armored personnel vehicle. It was developed by the International Armored Group company. It's available in 4x4 and 6x6 configurations. This vehicle has been used in the Middle East conflict and has been marked as battle proven to participate in low intensity conflicts.

References

  1. "Article on Tensylon based composite armor used in Caiman". Archived from the original on October 6, 2008. Retrieved July 14, 2008.
  2. Marine Corps News> MRAP Orders Approach 5,000 Archived 2008-02-05 at the Wayback Machine
  3. "defence.professionals". defpro.com. Archived from the original on June 28, 2011. Retrieved September 10, 2010.
  4. "Error Page". BAE Systems - International. Archived from the original on April 23, 2018. Retrieved April 22, 2018.
  5. United States Northwest Regional SWAT Team is now equipped with Caiman 6x6 MRAP vehicle Archived 2013-11-09 at the Wayback Machine - Armyrecognition.com, 3 November 2013
  6. "City OK's defense vehicle purchase - TimesRepublican.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Community info - Times Republican". Archived from the original on May 18, 2014. Retrieved May 18, 2014.
  7. 1 2 United States approved major contract of MRAP vehicles for UAE Archived 2014-11-07 at the Wayback Machine - Armyrecognition.com, 27 September 2014
  8. "U.S. Delivers Armored MRAP Vehicles to Egyptian Military". May 12, 2016. Archived from the original on May 13, 2016.
  9. "Excess Defense Articles (EDA)". Archived from the original on May 17, 2016. Retrieved May 13, 2016.
  10. "Iraqi special forces seen with new vehicles for Mosul offensive". Jane's Defence Weekly. June 21, 2016. Retrieved June 29, 2016.
  11. International Institute for Strategic Studies (February 2016). The Military Balance 2016. Vol. 116. Routledge. p. 491. ISBN   9781857438352.
  12. Mitzer, Stijn; Oliemans, Joost (March 23, 2021). "Tracking Arms Transfers By The UAE, Russia, Jordan And Egypt To The Libyan National Army Since 2014". Oryx Blog.
  13. "UNITED STATES SET TO PRESENT 24 MINE RESISTANT AMBUSH PROTECTED VEHICLES VALUED AT US$11 MILLION TO THE NIGERIAN ARMY TODAY". January 7, 2016. Archived from the original on October 6, 2016. Retrieved August 25, 2016.
  14. Administrator. "Caiman MTV 6x6 MRAP vehicle in service with UAE army - December 2017 Global Defense Security news industry - Defense Security global news industry army 2017 - Archive News year". www.armyrecognition.com. Archived from the original on December 12, 2017. Retrieved April 22, 2018.
  15. Mitzer, Stijn; Oliemans, Joost (October 29, 2021). "Kurdish Armour: Inventorising YPG Equipment In Northern Syria". Oryx Blog.