Troop Carriers Survive Roadside Bombs
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edited by Robert H. Williams
The U.S. Marine Corps is purchasing new armored vehicles to protect troops
in convoys from the ravages of roadside bombs, mines, rocket-propelled grenades,
and small arms fire.
Among the latest acquisitions are 27 troop-transport armored vehicles from
Force Protection Inc., of Ladson, S.C. Comparable troop carriers have received
high marks from soldiers in Iraq, Kosovo, and Afghanistan, according to company
officials. Besides protecting troops and equipment in hostile territory, the
vehicles are designed to safely detonate or remove mines.
Several foreign governments, according to a spokesman, are negotiating with
Force Protection to acquire their own transporters.
These new vehicles combine a proprietary capsule design, Peterbilt and Mack
truck expertise and American automotive technology, said an official, which
in sum has resulted in a high level of protection, visibility, load carrying
capacity, interior space, and parts availability.