Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle (MRAPV), also known as MRAP Vehicle, is a type of armoured personnel carrier that are designed specifically to withstand improvised explosive device (IED) attacks and ambushes to save troops life.[1] [2] [3] [4] Some Infantry mobility vehicle also have MRAPV capabilities.
Specialized light armored vehicles designed specifically to resist land mines were first introduced in the 1970s by the Rhodesian Army, and were further developed by South African manufacturers starting in 1974 with the Hippo armored personnel carrier (APC).[5] [6] The first step by the South African Defence Force (SADF) was the Bosvark, a Unimog fitted with a shallow mine-deflecting tub on the chassis to protect the crew. Then came the first generation of purpose-built vehicles, including the Hippo and various other light vehicles. They were essentially armoured V-shaped hulls mounted on truck chassis. The next generation was represented by the Buffel, a Unimog chassis with a mine-protected cab and a mine-protected crew compartment mounted on it. These early vehicles overloaded their chassis and they were clumsy off-road. The Casspir Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle was developed for the SADF after 1980;[7] this was the inspiration for the American and other military MRAPV program and the basis for some of the program's vehicles.[8] [9] [10]
These vehicles have good off-road mobility, armour protection against small arms fire, improvised explosive device (IED) and anti-personnel mines. These armored vehicles generally have distinctive V-shaped hull (for mine protection) and a wheeled chassis.[1] [2] [3] [4]