Printable View
I had a chance last week to make an official visit to the Army Test Center at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. As part of the orientation I had the opportunity to drive a couple of MRAP vehicles on their test track. The favorite was this 19-ton International that put a smile on my face for several hours afterwards.
Well, how did it drive??????
Did it feel as clumsy as it looks?
I know looks can be deceiving, what was your impression..........
A bit top heavy on the curves but definitely well armored and gave a feeling of security. Visibility was much better than the other models I drove and I was surprised with the interior driver's compartment spaciousness. This model had a great air conditioner, bucket seats, and a push button automatic transmission.
These are the African Nyalla?? armoured vehicle. My step son has already worked in them in Afghanistan and they do well to a point. They sure are better than what came before them. The enemy just adapted and up gunned their IEDs to overcome the size. Now they destroy battle tanks as well as anything else.
They are originally based on South African vehicles and as you said they are better than what we had before - HMMWV's with jury-rigged armor. And you are right that as we upgrade vehicles to protect troops from IED's the enemy will come up with something else that will defeat it, but for now, I'd rather be riding in an MRAP in a combat zone than a HMMWV.
Looks similar to the South African Caspir
http://www.sa-transport.co.za/milita...arriers_1.html
Just what you need at Hallowe'en when the cops are all slopping coffee!
Can you give us any idea of the GVW, passenger capacity and so forth, or is that classified?
The driver's compartment sounds like a mine-resistant sports car. Was it fun to drive?
Far as I'm concerned, damn the cost if this will help my friends to come home in one piece.
.