Medium Mine Protected Vehicle
Encyclopedia
The Medium Mine Protected Vehicle (MMPV) is a class of armored vehicles currently being procured by the US Army, similar to the MRAP
program, which is currently being pursued by the US Army as well as the US Marine Corps. The Army's MMPV executive summary states: "The Medium Mine Protected Vehicle (MMPV) is a blast protected, wheeled vehicle platform that will operate in explosive hazardous environments to support emerging Future Engineer Force (FEF) Clearance Companies in route and area clearance operations, Explosive Hazards Teams in explosive hazards reconnaissance operations, and EOD companies in Explosive Ordnance Disposal operations." According to a US Army spokesperson: "What separates these programs are different schedules and sustainment requirements, resulting in different acquisition strategies and source selection criteria priorities. The MMPV... (Program of Record with emphasis on sustainment) and MRAP (emphasis on urgent fielding) have been in close coordination, especially from a hardware perspective."
There currently are plans to integrate the Crows II
remote weapon station, Raytheon Quick Kill active anti-RPG system, the Frag Kit 6
anti-EFP
armor, and the Boomerang
anti-sniper
system on many MMPVs in combat.
family of vehicles, produced by BAE Systems
, for its MMPV program. The contract was for up to $2.2 billion in orders, to produce up to 2,500 vehicles through 2015, for Army Engineers and Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams.
The initial order was for 9 test vehicles, to be completed between May and August 2008. In April 2008, the Army issued a $132 million production contract to BAE System for 179 vehicles.
It was finally shown to the public in June 2009 and called the Panther.
MRAP (armored vehicle)
A Mine Resistant Ambush Protected is a family of armored fighting vehicles design led by the United States Marine Corps in use by the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, and Special Operations Forces with the goal of surviving IED attacks and ambushes - prompted by US deaths in Iraq...
program, which is currently being pursued by the US Army as well as the US Marine Corps. The Army's MMPV executive summary states: "The Medium Mine Protected Vehicle (MMPV) is a blast protected, wheeled vehicle platform that will operate in explosive hazardous environments to support emerging Future Engineer Force (FEF) Clearance Companies in route and area clearance operations, Explosive Hazards Teams in explosive hazards reconnaissance operations, and EOD companies in Explosive Ordnance Disposal operations." According to a US Army spokesperson: "What separates these programs are different schedules and sustainment requirements, resulting in different acquisition strategies and source selection criteria priorities. The MMPV... (Program of Record with emphasis on sustainment) and MRAP (emphasis on urgent fielding) have been in close coordination, especially from a hardware perspective."
There currently are plans to integrate the Crows II
Common Remotely Operated Weapon System
The Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station program, is a remote weapon station that provides the operator with the ability to acquire and engage targets while inside a vehicle, protected by its armor...
remote weapon station, Raytheon Quick Kill active anti-RPG system, the Frag Kit 6
Frag kit 6
Frag Kit 6 is a vehicular armor upgrade kit developed by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory to defeat explosively formed projectiles , a type of improvised explosive device . It is designed to be added on armored vehicles such as the MRAP and unarmored Humvee...
anti-EFP
Explosively Formed Penetrator
An explosively formed penetrator , also known as an explosively formed projectile, a self-forging warhead, or a self-forging fragment, is a special type of shaped charge designed to penetrate armour effectively at standoff distances...
armor, and the Boomerang
Boomerang (mobile shooter detection system)
Boomerang is a gunfire locator developed by DARPA and BBN Technologies primarily for use against snipers on mobile vehicles such as the Humvee, Stryker, and MRAP combat vehicles. There were future plans to integrate it into the Land Warrior system....
anti-sniper
Sniper
A sniper is a marksman who shoots targets from concealed positions or distances exceeding the capabilities of regular personnel. Snipers typically have specialized training and distinct high-precision rifles....
system on many MMPVs in combat.
Specifications
TARDEC's informational papers state the requirements of the MMPV to be as follows:- 100% of communication interfaces; services; policy enforcement controls; and data correctness available. SINCGARSSINCGARSSINCGARS is a Combat Net Radio currently used by U.S. and allied military forces. The radios, which handle voice and data communications, are designed to be reliable, secure and easily maintained...
and FBCB2FBCB2Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below is a Linux based communication platform designed for commanders to track friendly and hostile forces on the battlefield. It increases a vehicle commander's situational awareness of the battlefield by gathering information near real-time based on vehicle...
included as part of baseline configuration - Transportable by rail, sealift, highway, air (C-5C-5 GalaxyThe Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is a large military transport aircraft built by Lockheed. It provides the United States Air Force with a heavy intercontinental-range strategic airlift capability, one that can carry outsize and oversize cargos, including all air-certifiable cargo. The Galaxy has many...
, C-17C-17 Globemaster IIIThe Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft. Developed for the United States Air Force from the 1980s to the early 1990s by McDonnell Douglas, the C-17 is used for rapid strategic airlift of troops and cargo to main operating bases or forward operating bases throughout...
, C-130C-130 HerculesThe Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport...
) without disassembly - Operator and crew survive (PROVIDE PROTECTION LEVEL AND STANDOFF RANGE):
- AT MineAnti-tank mineAn anti-tank mine, , is a type of land mine designed to damage or destroy vehicles including tanks and armored fighting vehicles....
blast - Ballistic Protection
- RPG Protections
- IEDImprovised explosive deviceAn improvised explosive device , also known as a roadside bomb, is a homemade bomb constructed and deployed in ways other than in conventional military action...
Protection
- AT Mine
- Engine and suspension must be able to handle payload weight of 9000 lb at speeds up to 62 mph on improved “paved” roads
- Operate by 1 Soldier with ability to transport 6 additional Soldiers / EOD variant will have 1 operator with ability to transport 3 additional Soldiers and 2 robots
- Designed for quick repair (< 8 hrs repair time after blast) in the field after a mine blast
- Initial maintenance provided through CLS. Battle damage repair kits and detailed manuals need to be provided. Manuals need to go through full VAL/VERA
- Equipped with a 15000 lb vehicle winch on the front of the vehicle
- Transversal 360-degree ring mount for crew served weaponCrew served weaponA crew-served weapon is any weapon system that requires a crew of more than one individual to function at optimum efficiency due to its operational complexity, such as requiring one person to load while another fires. The weight and bulk of the system often also necessitates multiple personnel for...
that is removable - Tactical lighting system inside and outside of vehicle with blackout capabilities
- Storage space capability (392 cubic ft and 6000 lb) / Lockable compartments
- Free space of 25” x 36” x 52” free of obstruction with 4 tie down points and a doorway at least 25” wide
- 4 power outlets 110 VAC and 4 each 12 VDC
- Vehicle must have run-flat tires and 1 spare tire with lifting system to change tire
- Vehicle must have available space claims for add-on electronic systems
- Upgradeable to provide NBC protection and operate in MOPP 4 conditions
- Equipped with an interior climatic control system to provide heating and cooling / Capable of operating in hot and basic MIL-standard climatic conditions
- Provide external air source capable of providing compressed air with sufficient pressure and volume
- Ignition/Starter switch should be pushbutton vice keyed
- System must survive the INWE of High-Altitude electromagnetic pulseElectromagnetic pulseAn electromagnetic pulse is a burst of electromagnetic radiation. The abrupt pulse of electromagnetic radiation usually results from certain types of high energy explosions, especially a nuclear explosion, or from a suddenly fluctuating magnetic field...
(HEMP) - Have ability to provide removable ramp and computer workstation terminal
Vehicle chosen
In December 2007, the Army chose the RG-33RG-33
The RG-33 is a mine-resistant light armored vehicle initially designed by BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa a South African subsidiary of BAE Systems. BAE Systems in the US extensively modified it with additional protection, new power train and suspension systems. It was built in a number of...
family of vehicles, produced by BAE Systems
BAE Systems Inc.
BAE Systems Inc. is a major subsidiary of the British defense and aerospace company BAE Systems plc. As per its Special Security Agreement, BAE Systems Inc...
, for its MMPV program. The contract was for up to $2.2 billion in orders, to produce up to 2,500 vehicles through 2015, for Army Engineers and Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams.
The initial order was for 9 test vehicles, to be completed between May and August 2008. In April 2008, the Army issued a $132 million production contract to BAE System for 179 vehicles.
It was finally shown to the public in June 2009 and called the Panther.