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MRAP Cougar
The MRAP Cougar is one of the most famous and effective Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, which has become a symbol of the transition to new standards of personnel safety in armed conflicts of the 21st century. This armored vehicle was developed by the American company Force Protection Inc. and has been successfully used by the military of various countries around the world for over two decades.
Historical background to the creation of the MRAP Cougar
The emergence of the Cougar armored vehicle is directly linked to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. At that time, the US and allied forces suffered mass casualties from mines and improvised explosive devices. Standard equipment did not provide an adequate level of protection, so there was a need for a specialized armored vehicle with a unique architecture.
That's when the Cougar MRAP was developed—a vehicle with a V-shaped bottom that could deflect the energy of an explosion away from the crew. This solution significantly increased the survivability of the military, and the platform itself became the basis for a whole family of modifications.
Technical characteristics and design of the Cougar
The base model Cougar H (4×4) has the following parameters:
length – 5.91 m
width – 2.74 m
height – 2.64 m
weight – from 14.5 to 17.2 tons depending on the configuration.
The 330 hp Caterpillar C-7 engine allows it to reach speeds of up to 105 km/h and cover over 900 km without refueling. The V-shaped bottom, armored body, and special shock-absorbing seats significantly increase the crew's survivability. Inside, the Cougar can carry up to nine military personnel, including the crew.
It is worth noting that the universal turret allows for the installation of 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm machine guns, as well as 40 mm automatic grenade launchers. This makes the Cougar not only a transport vehicle, but also a combat support vehicle.
Modifications and global use of the Cougar armored vehicle
Over the years of operation, the MRAP Cougar has received dozens of versions:
HEV (Hardened Engineer Vehicle) – an engineering variant,
JERRV (Joint EOD Rapid Response Vehicle) – a specialized vehicle for demining,
ISS – a version with an improved suspension,
Ridgback and Mastiff – British adaptations,
Wolfhound and Timberwolf – variants for the UK and Canada,
RADBO – a vehicle for clearing airfields of ammunition.
Ukraine has also received a number of these vehicles as part of international military aid. The Cougar armored vehicle has already proven its effectiveness on our roads, saving the lives of military personnel during combat missions.
The use of the Cougar in Ukraine underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to logistics and military equipment maintenance. Companies specializing in supplying the army play a special role here. In particular, BMS provides a wide range of services, from supplying spare parts to organizing repairs and maintenance of armored vehicles. This is critically important because without well-established service, even the best equipment quickly loses its combat capability.
The Cougar MRAP has become a true benchmark among modern combat vehicles. Its unique protection, power, and versatility have made this equipment indispensable in high-risk areas. For Ukraine, the Cougar vehicle has not only symbolic but also practical significance—it increases the survivability of military units, boosts confidence, and helps to accomplish the most difficult tasks.
