Description:
Cougar H is a family of medium, mine-protected, multi-role vehicles produced by US manufacturer Force Protection Inc to suit military operations in a variety of scenarios including the urban environment and minefields. Wheeled Cougar H is available in 4x4 and 6x6 layout. The 6x6 variant can transport up to 10 troops or 4 persons plus an Explosive Ordnance Detection (EOD) robot. In addition to the personnel/cargo carrier role, Cougar H suits command and control, artillery primary mover, recovery vehicle and ambulance roles.
Cougar H Series 6x6 were developed as an enhanced version of four wheels Cougar. It can serve in support of EOD teams, performing communications, command and control, and reconnaissance related missions. Moreover the 6-wheel Cougar can lead convoys and conduct urban warfare compared with its predecessor. Both vehicles are protected against mines and blast effects. It is powered by a Caterpillar C-7 diesel engine yielding 330-shp of power which allows the 15-ton Cougar to cruise at 55 mph (90 kph) at ranges of up to 600 miles (900+ km) on highway.
In addition to the mine and blast protection provided to Cougar vehicles as standard equipment, the vehicle's armor and glass can withstand ballistic impacts from 7.62mm NATO ammunition. Cougar can also being armed with roof-mounted small caliber guns delivering additional protection. Cougar 6x6 features three topside hatches replacing only two in the 4x4 variant. It is larger and heavier than 4-wheel Cougar but retaining the main characteristics. Thanks to the increased internal space it can accommodate 12 troops compared with eight troops in the 4-wheel Cougar. Payload has increased dramatically providing more room for an expanded scope of missions.
As of 2005, the United States armed forces have ordered more than 122 Cougars including 4 and 6 wheels models. The US Marine Corps was the first ever service to deploy operational Cougar in Iraq. According to Force Protection the US military would need around 1,000 Cougars in the years to come.
On 25 July 2006, the UK Ministry of Defense (MoD) announced the procurement of approximately 100 Cougar 6x6 armored vehicles from Force Protection Inc for the British forces deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Deliveries were expected to be done over six months after the contract award date with an initial operational capability of the medium-weight vehicles at the end of 2006. This procurement contract was part of a £527 million Urgent Operational Requirements for Iraq and Afghanistan which also included AF430 and Pinzgauer vehicles.
On August 10th 2006, the US Navy awarded Force Protection Inc a $63 million contract for the supply of 86 Cougar Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) vehicles to the United Kingdom under a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Deliveries were expected to be complete by May 2007. In early September 2006, the UK MoD announced the Cougar variant was named Mastiff PPV (Protected Patrol Vehicle) designation within the British Armed Forces. Mastiff includes additional armor and BOWMAN radios.
Specifications Accommodation: Crew 2, Passengers 12
Dimensions: Height 2.6 m, Length 7 m, Width 2.8 m
Weights: Max Weight 23,133 kg (50,999 lb) Mastiff up to 27 tons, Min Weight 16,800 kg (37,037 lb), Payload 5,500 kg (12,125 lb)
Performance: Cruise Speed 25 mps (49 kt), Max Range 990 km (535 nm), Top Speed 30 mps (58 kt)
Italy / 6 
United Kingdom / 282 
Follow on order for 174 Mastiffs announced in October 2007;
United States of America / 1,293 