Buffalo (mine protected vehicle)

The Buffalo mine resistant ambush vehicle rolls ahead to a suspected IED as Soldiers with 2nd Platoon, 323rd Engineering Clearance Company, sit in an overwatch position on a route clearance mission while at the Combat Support Training Exercise at Fort McCoy, Wis., June 19, 2015. Soldiers with 2nd Platoon use the Husky vehicle mounted mine detector, Buffalo mine resistant ambush protected vehicle, and Talon tracked military robot to ensure routes are clear of all improvised explosive devices for future vehicles. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brian Hamilton)

The Buffalo is a wheeled mine resistant ambush protected (MRAP) armored vehicle built by Force Protection Inc.

The Buffalo vehicle was designed based on the successful South African Casspir mine-protected vehicle. While the Casspir is a four wheeled vehicle, the Buffalo has six wheels. Buffalo is also fitted with a large articulated arm, used for ordnance disposal. Both vehicles incorporate a "V" shaped monohull chassis that directs the force of the blast away from the occupants.

Buffalo is also now equipped with BAE Systems' LROD cage armor for additional protection against RPG-7 anti-tank rounds. Glass armor is sufficient at 6 inches thickness. Run-flat tires are present in all tires. The Buffalo combines ballistic and blast protection with infrared technology to detect the presence of dangerous ordnance and a robotic arm to disable the explosive ordnance. Personnel operate the Buffalo’s 30-foot robotic arm and claw from within the armoured hull via a mounted camera and sensory equipment, to safely dispose of mines and IEDs.

In 2004, the United States had a limited number of Buffaloes in service, with an order for 15 more, at a cost of $10 million. On June 6, 2008 Force Protection, Inc delivered its 200th Buffalo to the U.S. Military.

Specifications
Weight 45,320 lb (20,560 kg) (curb weight)
56,000 lb (25,000 kg) (max weight)
Length 27 ft (8.2 m)
Width 8.5 ft (2.6 m)
Height 13 ft (4.0 m)
Crew 2+4
Armor All wheels and centerline mine protected
Engine Mack ASET AI-400 I6
330 KW (450 HP)
Payload capacity 38,680 lb
Transmission Allison HD-4560P automatic
Suspension 6x6 wheeled
Ground clearance 15 in (410 mm)
Fuel capacity 85 gal
Operational
range		 300 mi (483 km)
Speed 65 mph (105 km/h)

Source

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