Contractor/s:
Force Protection Inc
Description:
Buffalo is heavy, mine- and blast-protected truck intended as primary role to neutralize roadside bombs and other improvised explosive devices (IEDs) developed by Force Protection. Additionally, its flexible design allows Buffalo to assume multiple missions such as asset protection, urban weapons system and command and control. It can be repaired in the field and features V-shaped body to better withstand blast and mine detonation effects than conventional armored vehicles. The V-shaped body also means that the Buffalo rides higher off the ground than many vehicles.
Buffalo is powered by a Mack ASET AI-400 diesel engine rated at 450-shp which allows to reach cruise speed of 55 mph. It can travel 382 miles (600+ km) using its 85 gallon (323 liters) fuel tank. Externally, highlights a remotely operated arm made of steel which can poke roadside bombs at 16-ft (4.9 meters) distance. In addition to the blast and mine protection Buffalo has ballistic protection withstands impact of 7.62mm NATO ammo and can be fitted with roof mounted guns. The roof can be accessed through six hatches.
More than 50 Buffalos have been ordered by the United States Armed Forces as of October 2005. The Buffalo was deployed in Iraq since 2003 with the US Army and the US Marine Corps gaining an strong reputation on roadside bomb neutralization and mine clearance.
On 2 November 2006 the US Army awarded Force Protection a $7.5 million contract for the production and delivery of 10 Buffalo mine-protected clearance vehicles as part of a 41 Buffalo order placed by the US Army.
On 9 November 2006 the US Marine Corps awarded Force Protection a $125 million contract for the production and delivery of 100 JERRV (Cougar 4x4 equipped with EOD) and 44 Buffalo mine-protected clearance vehicles. These vehicles were ordered to be deployed in Iraq by November 2007. Contract options could increase the order value to $214 million for 200 JERRVs and 82 Buffalos.
Specifications Accommodation: Crew 2, Passengers 12
Dimensions: Height 3.0 m, Length 8.2 m, Width 2.5 m
Weights: Max Weight 38,100 kg (83,995 lb), Min Weight 20,500 kg (45,194 lb), Payload 17,500 kg (38,580 lb)
Performance: Cruise Speed 25 mps (49 kt), Max Range 630 km (340 nm), Top Speed 30 mps (58 kt)