ARTICLE

July 2004

Troop Carriers Survive Roadside Bombs

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.

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