Cheetah, developed
by Force protection Inc. is a 4x4 light armored protected vehicle
designed for reconnaissance, forward command and control and
urban operations. The vehicle uses a monocoque V shaped hull,
external lightweight armor, internal spall liners and blast
mitigation materials are used to protect the crew and vehicle
from explosion by heavy mines under the vehicle or wheels (7.5
– 15 kg of TNT explosives). (more...)
It also protects against roadside improvised
explosive devices (RSIED). The basic vehicle is bulletproof
against 7.62/51 cal. gunfire. The armor is upgradable to protect
against larger calibers, including 0.50 Cal AP. Cheetah has
a curb weight, (with basic armor) of 14,000 pounds, allowing
for 10,000 pounds of payload. Its weight and dimensions allow
for two vehicles to be air-transported inside a single C-130
Hercules. The vehicle is powered by a Cummins ISB series 300
HP engine running at 2800 rpm, accelerating the vehicle to 50
Mph in 13.5 seconds. At cruising speed of 65 Mph the vehicle
can travel for 700 miles without refueling.
