| Protected Vehicles
Inc. introduced at Modern Day Marine 2007 a lightweight 4x4
mine-protected armored vehicle designed to replace up-armored
HMMWVs for high threat missions. At maximum gross vehicle weight
(GVW) of 14,500 lbs in the hard top version, the Protector,
accommodating a crew of 8 (driver, commander and six troops)
is optimized for missions where up-armored HMMWVs are not adequately
protected, while the heavier MRAP does not have the required
mobility and maneuverability to perform a wide diversity of
missions. These could include urban combat, reconnaissance and
patrol, transport for combat engineering teams, command and
control and casualties evacuation. (more...) |
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Protector offers good off-road and cross-country
mobility and a turning radius of about 5 meters. According to
sources at PVI, the Protector is ready for production and although
not yet meeting the full specs of JLTV, it has substantial growth-potential
to meet such requirements in the future.
Unlike current MRAPs, the Protector is designed to operate
equally on and off-road, is lightweight and small enough to
be transportable in a C-130 and CH-47. Maximum road speed of
70 mph can be maintained even carrying maximum payload, with
an operational range of up to 500 miles. The Protector comes
with a choice of two diesel engines, a GM Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel
V8 developing 300 hp, delivering 540 ft/lbs torque, or a Cummins
QSB 6.7L diesel, delivering the same torque.
 The
vehicle is offered in both, hardtop (fully protected) and soft
top configurations. The hardtop version carries a payload of
7,000 – 9,500 lbs while the soft top can carry up to 12,000
lbs of payloads. Despite its low weight, Protector provides
full protection from mines, IEDs and small arms. It is fitted
with basic armor (A kit) protecting against small arms for the
body and windows. Protector carries a weapon mount for 0.50
or M240/249 machine guns and provides rifle ports on all sides.
The vehicle can be fitted with Hutchinson runflat tires and
is protected from mine explosions, both under the wheels and
centerline. Protection level can be enhanced to meet specific
requirements. For example, a B kit protecting up to 0.50 Cal
weighs about 1,100 lbs, and full IED, FSP and EFP protection
would weigh up to 5,000 lbs.
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