Force Protection Buffalo H

History

The Buffalo H-Series MRAP (Mine Resistant, Ambush Resistant) vehicle was developed in response to the need for better armored vehicles by the US military during the Iraq War (2003). The heavy use of enemy IEDs (improvised explosive devices) proved very effective against lightly armored Humvees across the countrythe Humvees represented the standard American vehicles of the time used for local defense, crowd control, and convoy escort. These lightly armoured convoys are increasingly targeted in insurgent warfare as the groups traverse dense streets and open country roads.

This eventually led to the need for an "armored" Humvee, which had only minimal success - hence the attention to MRAP ever since.

The American 'Buffalo' MRAP is based on the South African 'Cassir', a high-end vehicle that seats up to 12 people and has lifesaving features built into the design.

As the name suggests, MRAP is designed to defend against attacks from landmines and ambush weapons such as rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). The former is achieved through a V-shaped fuselage designed to deflect the deadliest part of the explosion away from the longitudinal rear of the vehicle. This hull shape combined with high ground clearance keeps the occupants away from the blast point. The V-shaped monocoque concept is decades old and was originally developed in South Africa to combat landmines during the "Bush War".

While the potential for serious damage to the bottom features remains high, the occupants are still relatively safe and secured by seat belts similar to those used in racing cars. In one documented incident involving MRAP, the vehicle faced four direct attacks and cleared the scene without major issues.

The six-wheeled "Buffalo" designed by Force Protection Industries (a division of General Dynamics) has this bouncy property and can also tumble when hit by a bottom blast. This type of design implementation helps keep the system's occupants alive, even in full 360-degree rollovers.

The high profile of the Buffalo MRAP system provides the benefit of giving occupants a good understanding of what is happening around the vehicle. Muzzles with thick windows allow prisoners to use personal weapons and play friendly games under cover. Troops are no longer pushed back from the safety of their armored vehicles against the enemy.

In contrast, Humvee soldiers are either deployed from the open air. 50 caliber machine guns are located on top of the vehicle, or try to engage enemies hidden behind its bulky fabric (or lightly armored doors) with minimal overall visibility, thus reducing situational awareness.

The Buffalo chassis is fully customizable to fulfill other battlefield roles such as: B. Medical Evacuation Unit (MEDEVAC). You can also showcase a remote-controlled robotic arm for EOD (bomb disposal) services.

Internally, the range is powered by a Mack ASET AI-400 I6 diesel unit mated to an Allison HD-4560P automatic transmission. With a 6x6 axle arrangement, the road speed reaches 65 mph and the range is up to 300 miles.

Dimensions include a length of 27 feet, a width of 8.5 feet, and a height of 13 feet. The standard operator consists of two people and a maximum of four passengers.

The original production model was the Buffalo H, which was later replaced by the larger Buffalo A2 (introduced in 2009). The U.S. military has taken stock of 200 for the former and 450 for the latter. The other operators are Canada, France, Italy, Pakistan and the UK.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

Depends on armor installation.

Changes