Cougar (vehicle)

The Cougar is an MRAP and infantry mobility vehicle structured to

Cougar H (4×4)
be resistant to landmines and improvised munitions.

It is a family of armored vehicles produced by Force Protection Inc,

which manufactures ballistic and mine-protected vehicles. The
vehicles are integrated by Spartan Motors.[2] These vehicles are
protected against small arms, land mines and improvised explosive
devices (IEDs) using a combination of design features and materials to
protect both the crew and engine compartment against a wide range of
attacks.[6] A Monocoque type, V-shaped hull extends to the engine bay
and serves to direct the blast away from under the vehicle. The dual
air-conditioners help keep heavily dressed troops from overheating in
Cougar in service with a US Marine unit in Iraq
temperatures over 100 °F (38 °C) in Iraq.
Type Infantry Mobility Vehicle
Place of origin United States
South Africa
Contents Service history
Development Used by See Operators
Variants Wars Iraq War
Operators War in Afghanistan
Operational history War in Donbass
Gallery Production history
References Designer Technical Solutions South
External links Africa
Manufacturer Force Protection, Inc.
Unit cost $475,000
Development
Produced 2002
Force Protection, Inc. was formed in 2002 when Sonic Jet purchased
Variants See Variants
Technical Solutions Group, using the name Sonic Jet until 2004.
Technical Solutions Group had been a defense company in the US that
Specifications
was involved in a range of products, including mine-resistant vehicles Weight Curb: 32,000 lb (14.5 t)
based on South African designs. A few vehicles were sold to the US Gross max: 38,000 lb
Army for evaluation, and a small fleet of heavily protected vehicles (17.2 t)[1]
were sold to the British Army in 2001.[7] Length 19.41 ft (5.91 m)

In 2004, the new Cougar was designed by a small British-led team in Width 9.0 ft (2.74 m)
the US at Force Protection, Inc., in response to an urgent requirement Height 8.67 ft (2.64 m)
by the US Marine Corps. This was a new design, developed in the US, Crew 2+4[1]
based on an evolution of vehicle mine-protection technology used by
the South African Army and Rhodesian Security Forces since the
Armor Classified
1970s. The very first sketches of the new vehicle were made in late
Main Optional remote weapon
March 2004 in response to those initial USMC inquiries. The rapid
armament station (Common
development and production that followed was based upon the USMC Remotely Operated
request that the first vehicle be delivered within 6 months of an order - Weapon System II)
which was subsequently placed in mid-April 2004 for 27 units. Secondary Optional firing ports
armament
The new design was called Cougar to provide a degree of continuity
Engine Caterpillar C-7 Diesel I6
with the older designs, but had little in common with them. The former
330 HP (243 kW)
vehicles were almost entirely non-compliant with NATO standards for
protection, human factors and safety, which made those designs Payload capacity 6,000 lb (2.72 t)[1]
obsolete. The Cougar was effectively a totally new vehicle which Transmission Allison 3500SP
incorporated the latest US-made automotives, a new hull design and automatic[2]
structure, as well as built-in growth potential, including dimensions Suspension 4×4 wheeled
that allowed for the addition of the latest armor and protection
Ground clearance 15 in (410 mm)
systems.
Operational 600 mi (966 km)
After being built, the first vehicle was only trialed by doing some range
circuits of the company campus and trundling over a few rocks and Speed 65 mph (105 km/h)
beams set up by the designer to provide a degree of shake-down
testing as well as a demonstration course. Urgent operational Cougar HE (6×6)
requirements dictated that the first unit be shipped to theatre as fast as
possible and those involved in the project decided that the risk of
doing so was outweighed by the advantages of having the vehicle
available. The Cougar was fully trialed when it became part of the
MRAP program.

The first Cougars were called HEV (hardened engineer vehicle), which
became JERRV when the Army joined the program, and then MRAP
for political reasons when the requirement for many thousands of units
was issued.
Cougar HE
Some 4,000 of these vehicles were fielded under the US military's
Place of origin United States
MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) and other vehicle
South Africa
programs.[8] US Defense secretary Robert Gates demanded that the
Service history
vehicles be ordered in larger numbers after the Marines reported in
2004 that no troops had died in more than 300 IED attacks on Used by United States Armed
Cougars.[7] Since then, Cougar vehicles have been hit by improvised Forces
explosive devices (IEDs) many times in Iraq with few fatalities. British Army
Britain chose the Cougar over the RG-31 Nyala for their "Mastiff" Wars Iraq War
APV.[9]
Production history
As of December 2011, the Pentagon planned to add the Crows II Designer Technical Solutions
remote weapon station and theFrag Kit 6 anti-EFP armor. (South Africa)
Manufacturer Force Protection, Inc.
Official data states that the Cougar is able to withstand a blast of at
least 14 kg TNT (30.86 lb) under a wheel and 7 kg TNT (15.43 lb) Unit cost $644,000
under a belly.[10] Produced 2002
Variants See Variants
Variants Specifications
The Cougar comes in two main configurations, a 4×4 and 6×6. It is Weight Curb: 38,000 lb (17.2 t)
designed for the transport and protection of troops and equipment, Gross max: 49,000 lb
especially against mines or IEDs. The two main configurations come (22.2 t)[3]
in specific variants.
Cougar HEV (Hardened engineer vehicle) Mastiff: 50,000 lb (22.7 t)
4x4 and 6x6 vehicles ordered in 2004 by the maximum[4]
USMC.
Length 7.08 m (23.25 ft)
Badger ILAV (Iraqi Light Armored Vehicle) Width 2.74 m (9.0 ft)
Based on the Cougar and manufactured by
FPII and BAE Systems for the Iraqi Army. The Height 2.64 m (8.67 ft)
ILAV is based on the Cougar, which can carry Crew 2+10[2]
ten passengers (the six wheel version can
carry 16). The Cougar/ILAV vehicle uses a
capsule design to protect the passengers and Armor allround protected from
key vehicle components from mines and .50 cal[5]
roadside bombs. The larger Cougar costs Main Optional remote weapon
about $730,000 each, fully equipped. The armament station (Common
Cougars have been very popular with
American troops, and with Iraqis who have Remotely Operated
worked with them. 865 ILAVs were ordered by Weapon System II)
Iraq and 18 by Yemen. The ILAV gives the Secondary Optional firing ports
Iraqis the same degree of protection that most armament
Coalition troops have.
Engine Caterpillar C-7 Diesel I6
Cougar JERRV (Joint EOD rapid response 243 kW (330 hp)
vehicle) Payload capacity 13,000 lb (5.90 t)[3]
4x4 and 6x6 variants for the US Army, USAF,
and USMC. Approx. 200 ordered in 2005 and Transmission Allison 3500SP automatic
2006, with another 200 ordered in late 2006 Suspension 6×6 wheeled
but now called MRAPs to take account of the
Ground clearance 15 in (410 mm)
new US military/political initiative to be seen to
be responding to public concerns about Operational 600 miles (966 km)
casualties. range
Speed 65 mph (105 km/h)
Cougar ISS
Based on the Cougar 4x4, the ISS is fitted with an integrated independent suspension
system that gives the vehicle increased cross-country mobility.[11]

Ridgeback PPV (Protected Patrol Vehicle)

British version of the Cougar 4x4 from FPII base vehicles with a British armor package and
electronics, including installation of Enforcer remote weapon stations on some vehicles. In
2015, Salisbury coroner David Ridley raised several “points of concern” relating to the
vehicle when recording a narrative verdict on the deaths of four soldiers who drowned in
Helmand, Afghanistan in June 2010.[12]

Mastiff PPV (Protected Patrol Vehicle)

British version of the Cougar 6x6 which arrived in Afghanistan during December 2006, with
FPII providing the base vehicle and NP Aerospace in the UK integrating electronics and the
British armour package. The Mastiff 2 is an improved version with a capacity of 2 + 8 which
arrived in Afghanistan during June 2009. The Mastiff is armed with a 7.62 mm GPMG,
12.7 mm Heavy Machine Gun or 40 mm Grenade Machine Gun.

Mastiff 2 'Protected Eyes'

A version of the British Mastiff specially designed for the Talisman Counter-IED program. It is
fitted with an M151 Protector remote weapon station, mine plow, optical camera[13] and a
Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) with screens in the back to display its camera feed.[14]

Wolfhound (Heavy Tactical Support Vehicle)

British modification of the Cougar 6x6, with FPII providing the base vehicle and NP
Aerospace in the UK integrating electronics and the British armor package. The first

Wolfhounds entered service in Afghanistan in October 2010. 130 have been ordered[15] for
 Wolfhounds entered service in Afghanistan in October 2010. 130 have been ordered[15] for
gun tractor and logistical roles.[16]

MRAP
Several thousand vehicles of 4x4 and 6x6 configuration for all of the US Armed Forces,
though mostly for the USMC. Over 3500 MRAPs were to be delivered by the end of 2008.

Timberwolf
Cougar variant that was being marketed by Malley Industries of Dieppe, NB Canada for the
replacement of the RG-31 and LAV for the Canadian Forces; Malley Industries lost the
contract to Textron TAPV.

Fire Support Cougar

Cougar 4x4 chassis fitted with the complete turret and main gun assembly of the Panhard
AML-90 armored car. In service with the Djiboutian Army.[17]

Recovery of Airbase Denied by Ordnance (RADBO)

Category I Cougar equipped with a U.S. Air Force-designed directed energy weapon,
interrogator arm, console, and other features to clear unexploded ordnance from airfields.[18]

Operators
Azerbaijan - 4 Used by peacekeeping forces
Burundi - Donated for Burundian forces in
Somalia.[19]
Canada for Canadian Forces[20] - 40 Cougar
JERRV[21]
Croatia - 4+ US Army donated several Cougar
MRAPs to the Croatian Army ISAF contingent in
Afghanistan.[22]
Denmark - 40 Cougar leased from US. Used in
Afghanistan by the army.[23] Map of Cougar operators in blue
Djibouti - 12 for Djiboutian Army;[24] some modified
to accept 90mm cannon and turrets adopted from
Panhard AML armored cars.[17]
Georgia - 10 in service Georgian Land Forces. Also Georgian HQ units who are part of the ISAF are using the
Cougar HEs in the Helmand Province.
Hungary - 3+10 Cougar ordered[25]
Iraq - Badger 378 ordered in 2007,[26][27] another 865 ordered by 2011.
.[28]
Italy - 6 Cougar HE used in Afghanistan by the Italian Army
Morocco - Unknown number of Cougar HE appeared in a Moroccan-Chinese movie shooting in Casablanca in
[29]
which the Moroccan military vehicles were used.
Pakistan: - 20 Cougar JERRV (Buffalo Explosive Ordnance Disposalversion) received fromUS under Coalition
Support Fund in 2010.[30][31]
Poland - 40 on loan from the US[10][32]
Romania - Used in Afghanistan by the army.
Slovenia - Slovenian Armed Forcesservice, to be upgraded in 2017 and 2018.[33]
Uganda - Donated to Ugandan forces in Somalia.[19]
Ukraine - Operates 20 with half being on loan to the OSCE
United Kingdom - 400 Mastiffs, 125 Wolfhounds and 160 Ridgebacks.[34]
United States

Blackwater USA[35]
US Army
 US Navy
US Marine Corps
US Air Force

Operational history
The Cougar is used primarily by the United States Armed Forces and the British
Army, as well as law enforcement agencies in the United States. In service with
those countries, the Cougar is used in a variety of roles, including the HEV
(Hardened Engineer Vehicle) and the Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal Rapid
Response Vehicles (JERRV) while in service with the US Marine Corps, US Navy
Seabees, and US Air Force RED HORSE.

Compared to the original Cougar vehicle, the British variant is fitted with large,
vertical armor plates which cover the large vision blocks and weapon firing ports. British Mastiff with Choker mine
This is in line with British Army doctrine concerning the role of the APC/MICV, rollers in 2012
specifically that it is to carry troops under protection to the objective and give
firepower support when they have disembarked. The Mastiff is fitted with a turret
sporting either a L7A2 GPMG (General Purpose Machine Gun), L110A1 Light
Machine Gun, L11A1 Heavy Machine Gun or L134A1 40mm Grenade Machine
Gun.[36] One aspect of the British Army's approach to APC/MICV units (which
differs to that of the United States) is that the ability of the average soldier to fire
accurately out the ports of a moving IFV has been questioned. The large armor
plates add side protection from RPGs or IED explosions.

The British Army has operated an earlier MPV named "Tempest MPV".[37][38] As
of November 2008, the British Army has ordered over 400 Cougar vehicles for Polish Army Cougars in Afghanistan
deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan following a series of Urgent Operational
Requirements (UORs). Deliveries of the first 86 Mastiffs began in February 2007,
and an order for 22 further vehicles was placed in March, bringing the total to 108. In October 2007, Gordon Brown announced a
further 140 Mastiffs and 157 new Cougar 4x4 variants, named Ridgback were being ordered to protect troops from mines and
roadside bombs.[39]

[40]
Canada has deployed the Cougar since October 2007 in Afghanistan.

From November 2008, forty Cougar H were lent by the United States for the Polish contingent in Afghanistan. In Polish service they
carried 7.62mm PK machine guns.[10]

.[41]
A British Mastiff suffered an IED attack in Afghanistan in April 2013 which caused three fatalities

Gallery
Cougar hit by mine Cougar hit by 300-500 lb A Cougar subjected to an Cougar H
explosion, all crew IED attack, all crew explosives test
survived, vehicle drove survived
back to base on 3 wheels

Iraqi Light Armored Iraqi Light Armored Vehicle Iraqi Light Armored
Vehicle and US army Soldiers Vehicle at checkpoint.

A Mastiff Protected Patrol Vehicle, during the One of the Cougar HE that
Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR) appeared in Casablanca
Equipment Demonstration at Salisbury Plain during the shooting of the
in September 2008 Moroccan-Chinese movie

References
1. Cougar 4x4 specifications(http://www.forceprotection.net/models/cougar/specs/cougar4x4_spec.pdf)Archived (http
s://web.archive.org/web/20070813020644/http://www .forceprotection.net/models/cougar/specs/cougar4x4_spec.pdf)
2007-08-13 at the Wayback Machine., ForceProtection.net.
2. USMC Cougar/JERRV page (http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sites/CIED/programs/cougar.asp) Archived (https://
web.archive.org/web/20070504124056/http://www
.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sites/CIED/programs/cougar.asp) 2007-
05-04 at the Wayback Machine.
3. Cougar 6x6 specifications(http://www.forceprotection.net/models/cougar/specs/cougar6x6_spec.pdf)Archived (http
s://web.archive.org/web/20070813020628/http://www .forceprotection.net/models/cougar/specs/cougar6x6_spec.pdf)
2007-08-13 at the Wayback Machine., ForceProtection.net.
4. Cougar H Series 6x6 (http://www.deagel.com/Tactical-Vehicles/Cougar-H-Series-6x6_a000070002.aspx),
deagel.com.
5. ["https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7FtIrI9W7A]
6. Army Bullets (http://www.dix.army.mil/PAO/Post04/post111904/bullets.htm) Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20
060206230857/http://www.dix.army.mil/PAO/Post04/post111904/bullets.htm)2006-02-06 at the Wayback Machine.
7. "The truck the Pentagon wants and the firm that makes it"(https://www.usatoday.com/news/military/2007-08-01-forc
e-protection-mraps_N.htm). USATODAY.com, 10/2/2007.
 8. MRAP Vehicle Order: 1,000 Cougars to be Turned Loose (http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2007/04/mrap-vehicl
e-order-1000-cougars-to-be-turned-loose/index.php)
. defenseindustrydaily.com
9. UK Land Forces Order ‘Mastiff PPV’ Cougar Vehicles (updated) (http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/uk-land-forces
-order-86-mastiff-ppv-cougar-vehicles-updated-02529/). defenseindustrydaily.com
10. Hołdanowicz, Grzegorz:Cougary w Ghazni in: "Raport - Wojsko Technika Obronność" Nr. 12/2008, p. 48-50 (in
Polish)
11. Cougar ISS (http://www.forceprotection.net/products/cougar_iss/) Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/2010050405
3908/http://www.forceprotection.net/products/cougar_iss/) 2010-05-04 at the Wayback Machine. ForceProtection.net
12. "Lights Out". Private Eye. London. 15 May 2015. p. 30.
13. "A Comparison of UK Sensor Turrets" (http://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/2011/01/7047/).
14. " 'Flying Robot' pilot helps find IEDs in Helmand - GOV
.UK" (http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/Equip
mentAndLogistics/flyingRobotPilotHelpsFindIedsInHelmand.htm) . www.mod.uk.
15. "defence.professionals"(http://www.defpro.com/news/details/18801/). defpro.com. Retrieved 2010-10-18.
16. MOD Order Details for the Wolfhound Vehicle (http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogi
stics/OrderPlacedForWolfhoundArmouredVehicles.htm) Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20090513085242/htt
p://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/OrderPlacedForW olfhoundArmouredVehicle
s.htm) May 13, 2009, at the Wayback Machine.
17. "Military parade reveals Djibouti's new Cougar MRAPs"(https://web.archive.org/web/20160708135944/http://www .ja
nes.com/article/62072/military-parade-reveals-djibouti-s-new-cougar-mraps)
. Jane's Defense Weekly. 2016-07-08.
Archived from the original on 2016-07-08. Retrieved 2016-08-08.
18. Army, Air Force take bomb disposal to new level with lasers (http://armytechnology.armylive.dodlive.mil/index.php/20
15/07/01/18-3/) - Armytechnology.Armylive.Dodlive.mil, 1 July 2015
19. Martin, Guy. "Burundi getting more Cougars - defenceWeb" (http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_c
ontent&view=article&id=46098:burundi-getting-more-cougars&catid=50:Land&Itemid=105) . www.defenceweb.co.za.
20. Force Protection, Inc. - In the News(http://www.forceprotection.net/news/news_article.html?id=177) Archived (http
s://web.archive.org/web/20070813020421/http://www .forceprotection.net/news/news_article.html?id=177)2007-08-
13 at the Wayback Machine.
21. Canadian Forces Armour — EROC Cougar Route-Opening eVhicle (http://www.casr.ca/101-army-eroc-cougar.htm)
Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20110903071244/http://www
.casr.ca/101-army-eroc-cougar.htm) 2011-09-03
at the Wayback Machine.
22. "SAD poslala Hrvatskoj vozila koja se prelako prevrću"(http://www.slobodnadalmacija.hr/Hrvatska/tabid/66/articleTy
pe/ArticleView/articleId/97695/Default.aspx).
23. http://forsvaret.dk/HOK/Nyt%20og%20Presse/ISAF/Pages/20MRAPkøretøjeroverdragestilstyrkeniAfghanistan.aspx
)
24. "Djibouti parades new armour"(http://www.janes.com/article/40216/djibouti-parades-new-armour).
25. Hungarian Military Orders MRAPs(http://www.defpro.com/news/details/6651/), defpro.com
26. "Armor: Cougars Cousin Badger Arrives in Baghdad"(http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htarm/articles/20070415.a
spx). www.strategypage.com.
27. http://www.blackanthem.com/News/Allies_20/Badgers_headed_for_Baghdad5666.shtmlBadgers headed for
Baghdad
28. "Italian Defense awards contract for MRAPs"(http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2008/02/25/Itali
an-Defense-awards-contract-for-MRAPs/UPI-67001203992177/) .
29. [1] (http://www.defensa.com/frontend/defensa/marruecos-ha-dotado-vehiculos-protegidos-cougar-vn20832-vst164)
30. "Trade Registers" (http://armstrade.sipri.org/arms_trade/trade_register
.php). armstrade.sipri.org.
31. "Major U.S. Arms Sales and Grants to Pakistan Since 2001"(https://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/196190.p
df) (PDF).
32. "Buddy, Can You Spare An MRAP?" (http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htproc/articles/20080926.aspx).
strategypage.com
33. Bozinovski, Igor (20 December 2017)."Slovenia upgrades MRAP-JERRV vehicles" (https://archive.is/1wbs8). IHS
Jane's 360. Archived from the original (http://www.janes.com/article/76554)on 26 December 2017. Retrieved
26 December 2017.
34. "UK firms up UOR to core vehicle numbers"(http://www.janes.com/article/31717/uk-firms-up-uor-to-core-vehicle-num
bers). www.janes.com. 16 December 2013. Retrieved 18 December 2013.
35. In the News (http://www.forceprotection.net/news/news_article.html?id=21) Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20
070927095006/http://www.forceprotection.net/news/news_article.html?id=21)2007-09-27 at the Wayback Machine..
Force Protection, Inc.
36. Defence image database(http://www.defenceimagedatabase.mod.uk/fotoweb/Preview.fwx?position=6&archiveType
=ImageFolder&sorting=ModifiedTimeAsc&search=afghanistan%20or%20herrick&fileId=82009AFCAB28BB7B48181
88E6EE0F5842527F21A9EA60BCB068E1C97D7AA43F0BA877BF55CF600ED3AA9142E987F4A95CF18BFB5AC
4B1863A681D139FA28621CEDF4BD8FAA30C1B015F27A5E5A12A5D94D992573364A 4A0C81BCDE26736388F4
AFBB1DD50773844334F3EB3FB685D1425581730560F8E94DE223BB8FE6435F7B) Archived (https://web.archive.
org/web/20120206124636/http://www.defenceimagedatabase.mod.uk/fotoweb/Preview .fwx?position=6&archiveType
=ImageFolder&sorting=ModifiedTimeAsc&search=afghanistan%20or%20herrick&fileId=82009AFCAB28BB7B48181
88E6EE0F5842527F21A9EA60BCB068E1C97D7AA43F0BA877BF55CF600ED3AA9142E987F4A95CF18BFB5AC
4B1863A681D139FA28621CEDF4BD8FAA30C1B015F27A5E5A12A5D94D992573364A 4A0C81BCDE26736388F4
AFBB1DD50773844334F3EB3FB685D1425581730560F8E94DE223BB8FE6435F7B) February 6, 2012, at the
Wayback Machine.
37. "Cougar Mine Protected Armored Patrol V
ehicle" (http://www.defense-update.com/products/c/cougar.htm).
www.defense-update.com.
38. "Equipment" (http://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/equipment.aspx). www.army.mod.uk.
39. "UK Iraq troops to be cut to 2,500"(http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7034010.stm)
. BBC News. 2007-10-08.
40. Ouellet, Martin (29 August 2007)."Canadians get new bomb protection"(https://www.thestar.com/article/250866) –
via Toronto Star.
41. "Afghanistan roadside bomb kills three British soldiers"(https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22363093). BBC News.
2013-05-01.

External links
[2] "Mastiff" on British Army website
Force Protection Cougar page
Hungarian Cougar 4x4, EOD version
Cougar MRAP H 4x4 Technical data sheet and pictures Army Recognition
Cougar MRAP HE 6x6 Technical data sheet and pictures Army Recognition
Cougar page on GlobalSecurity.org
Cougar 4x4 page and Cougar 6x6 page on deagel.com
New Cougar HEV to hit Corps soon
BBC News Article including reference to Cougar Purchase
Military.com
News about Cougar at Defense-Update
Cougar H/HE on Armour.ws
YouTube Video of "Future Weapons" episode featuring the Cougar.
YouTube video of U.S. Military produced show "Iraq Freedom Minute" episode of Cougar MRAP
Mastiff Force Protection Vehicle on Armedforces.co.uk

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cougar_(vehicle)&oldid=846751348

"

This page was last edited on 20 June 2018, at 17:37(UTC).

Text is available under theCreative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License ; additional terms may apply. By using this
site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of theWikimedia
Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.