MRAP

A Cougar HE MRAP being tested in January 2007 with landmines

Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP; /ˈɛmræp/ EM-rap) 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.[1] The United States Department of Defense MRAP program began in 2007 as a response to the increased threat of IEDs during the Iraq War.[2] From 2007 until 2012, the MRAP program deployed more than 12,000 vehicles in the Iraq War and War in Afghanistan.

Production of the first round of MRAP vehicles officially ended in 2012,[1] followed by the launch of the Oshkosh M-ATV vehicle. In 2015, Oshkosh Corporation was awarded a contract to build the Oshkosh L-ATV as the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, a lighter mine-resistant vehicle to replace the Humvee in combat roles and supplement the M-ATV.[3]

The MRAP's high center of gravity means it has a tendency to roll over easily. In one study, a majority of MRAP accidents are overturned vehicles.

  1. ^ a b Pike, John. "Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicle Program". www.globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 20 September 2018.
  2. ^ "More Attacks, Mounting Casualties". Washington Post. 28 September 2007.
  3. ^ Gould, Joe (8 August 2017). "Oshkosh Wins JLTV Award". Retrieved 20 September 2018.