Buffalo (mine protected vehicle)
{{short description|Light tactical military vehicle}}
{{Infobox weapon
|name=Buffalo
|image= File:A U.S. Army Buffalo explosive device detection vehicle, assigned to 1221st Route Clearance Company, South Carolina Army National Guard, digs up an improvised explosive device (IED) during route clearance 140624-Z-XH297-029.jpg
|image_size = 300
|caption=Buffalo being used to dig up an IED during training
|origin=United States
|type=Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle
|is_vehicle=yes
|service=
|used_by=See Operators
|wars= Iraq War, Afghanistan War
|designer=
|design_date=
|manufacturer=Force Protection, Inc.
|unit_cost=
|production_date=2003
|number=
|variants=
|weight= {{convert|45320|lb|abbr=on}} (curb weight)[http://www.forceprotection.net/models/buffalo/specs/buffalo_spec.pdf Buffalo fact sheet] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070319051118/http://www.forceprotection.net/models/buffalo/specs/buffalo_spec.pdf |date=March 19, 2007 }}, Force Protection. (requires login)
{{convert|56000|lb|abbr=on}} (max weight)
|length= {{convert|27|ft|m|abbr=on}}
|part_length=
|width= {{convert|8.5|ft|m|abbr=on}}
|height= {{convert|13|ft|m|abbr=on}}
|diameter=
|crew=2+4
|armour= All wheels and centerline mine protected
|primary_armament=
|secondary_armament=
|engine_power=330 KW (450 HP)
|transmission=Allison HD-4560P automatic
|payload_capacity= {{convert|38680|lb|kg|abbr=on}}
|fuel_capacity= {{convert|85|gal|L|abbr=on}}
|pw_ratio=
|suspension=6×6 wheeled
|clearance=15 in (410 mm)
|vehicle_range=300 mi (483 km)
|speed=65 mph (105 km/h)
|guidance=
}}
The Buffalo is a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle built by Force Protection, Inc., a division of General Dynamics. It is the largest vehicle in Force Protection's line-up, followed by the Cougar HE MRAP and the Ocelot light protected patrol vehicle (LPPV).
History
The Buffalo vehicle was designed based on the successful Casspir vehicle, protected against land mines, of South African make.[http://www.armedforces-int.com/projects/armoured-vehicles/Buffalo%20Armored%20Vehicle Buffalo Armoured Vehicle] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220053622/http://www.armedforces-int.com/projects/armoured-vehicles/Buffalo%20Armored%20Vehicle |date=2008-12-20 }}. armedforces-int.com The Casspir is a four-wheeled vehicle, while 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.{{cite web|title=Combat engineers comb streets of Iraq for IEDs |url=http://www.ng.mil/news/theonguard/2005/2005-08.pdf |publisher=United States Department of Defense |date=August 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720125516/http://www.ng.mil/news/theonguard/2005/2005-08.pdf |archive-date=2011-07-20 }}
Buffalo is also now equipped with BAE Systems' LROD cage armor for additional protection against RPG-7 anti-tank rounds.[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/baes-lrod-cage-armor-03473 BAE’s LROD Cage Armor]. Defense Industry Daily
Glass armor is sufficient at 6 inches thickness. Run-flat tires are mounted on all six wheels. 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 armored 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.{{cite web |title = Buffalo helps protect from bullets, blasts |url = http://www.dix.army.mil/PAO/Post04/post111904/bullets.htm |publisher = Department of Defense |date = 2004-09-10 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060206230857/http://www.dix.army.mil/PAO/Post04/post111904/bullets.htm |archive-date = 2006-02-06 }} On June 6, 2008 Force Protection, Inc delivered its 200th Buffalo to the U.S. Military.{{cite web|url=http://www.upi.com/Security_Industry/2008/06/06/200th_Buffalo_MRAP_delivered_to_military/UPI-15781212771850/ |title=200th Buffalo MRAP delivered to military |publisher=Upi.com |date=2008-06-06 |access-date=2011-10-29}}
In 2009 Force Protection started producing the A2 version, with major changes in the Axle Tech rear axles, Cat C13 engine, Cat CX31 transmission, and suspension, along with additional upgrades to the HVAC system, hood and front bumper. The easiest way to identify an A1 version from the A2 version is that the front bumper of the A2 has a larger profile. The last Buffalo A2 MRAP truck 795 was completed in June 2014. Force Protection was acquired by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) in 2011 for $350 million.
Variants
Operators
=Current=
- {{USA}} – 200 A1 version and approximately 450 A2 version
- {{CAN}} – 5{{cite web |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2007/05/canada-bringing-buffalos-cougars-to-afghanistan/index.php |title=Buffalo vehicle coverage on |publisher=Defenseindustrydaily.com |date=2007-05-08 |access-date=2011-10-29 |archive-date=2007-06-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070630222313/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2007/05/canada-bringing-buffalos-cougars-to-afghanistan/index.php |url-status=dead }} plus an additional 10 for delivery in 2009.{{cite web |url=http://www.forceprotection.net/news/news_article.html?id=270 |title=Force Protection, Inc. IN THE NEWS: Canadian Forces to Receive Additional Force Protection Vehicles |publisher=Forceprotection.net |access-date=2011-10-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227225128/http://www.forceprotection.net/news/news_article.html?id=270 |archive-date=2008-12-27 }}{{cite news |url=http://www.casr.ca/doc-news-force-protection.htm |title=Force Protection – Orders for an Additional 48 EROC Vehicles: Blast-Resistant Buffalo and Cougars – Industry News Release |publisher=Canadian American Strategic Review |date=November 2008 |access-date=2008-11-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205122309/http://www.casr.ca/doc-news-force-protection.htm |archive-date=2008-12-05 }} 19 in service in Afghanistan. Canada ended its mission in Afghanistan in 2011 and is no longer in use in Afghanistan.{{Citation needed|date=October 2010}}
- {{FRA}} – 5 vehicles{{in lang|fr}} [{{cite web |url=http://www.ttu.fr/francais/Articles/tf700.html |title=TF700 |access-date=2008-06-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915065115/http://www.ttu.fr/francais/Articles/tf700.html |archive-date=2008-09-15 }} La Task Force 700 se prépare au théâtre afghan, 06/28/2008, TTU[http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/080723/20080723005244.html?.v=1 French Military Orders Buffalo Vehicles from Force Protection, 07/23/2008]
- {{ITA}}{{cite web |title=Mine-protected Transports |url=https://www.armadainternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ARM_COM_1302_03_MineProtectedTransport.pdf |publisher=armada international |date=2013}}
- {{PAK}} – 20 Cougar JERRV (Buffalo Explosive Ordnance Disposal version) received from US under Coalition Support Fund in 2010.{{cite web|url=https://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/196190.pdf|title=Major U.S. Arms Sales and Grants to Pakistan Since 2001}}{{Cite web |url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/arms_trade/trade_register.php |title=SIPRI Arms Transfers Database |access-date=2013-04-22 |archive-date=2009-08-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090805014045/http://armstrade.sipri.org/arms_trade/trade_register.php |url-status=dead }}
=Future=
- {{UKR}} − On August 16, 2024 the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense approved the delivery of Buffalo MPVs to the Armed Forces of Ukraine{{cite news |title=Ukrainian Military Engineers to Receive Buffalo Mine Protected Vehicles |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/37583 |access-date=18 August 2024 |work=Kyiv Post |date=18 August 2024 |language=en}}
=Former=
- {{UK}} – 18 vehicles used in Afghanistan, no longer in service.{{Cite web |last=Chuter |first=Andrew |date=2020-07-15 |title=British Army sheds an Afghan war legacy: blast-proof trucks |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/07/13/british-army-sheds-an-afghan-war-legacy-blast-proof-trucks/ |access-date=2023-10-03 |website=Defense News |language=en}}
See also
Gallery
Image:Buffalo mine-protected vehicle and GI.jpg|Buffalo mine-protected vehicle and GI
File:Counter IED training 130220-A-ZR192-423.jpg|Buffalo showing remote manipulator arm
Image:Buffalo IED.jpg|A Buffalo that survived with its cabin intact after an IED attack took its two front wheels and axle off
Image:Looking for IED near Shindand.jpg|Buffalo in Italian service
File:Buffalo Vehicle Part of Talisman Suite in Convoy in Afghanistan MOD 45153768.jpg|Buffalo in British service with additional slat armour
References
{{Commons category|Buffalo mine-protected vehicle}}
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20070424000922/http://www.forceprotection.net/models/buffalo/ Buffalo series] ForceProtection.net
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20120928205148/http://www.armyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=219 Buffalo MPCV EOD Technical Data Sheet and Pictures] Army Recognition
{{MRAP vehicles}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Buffalo (Mine Protected Vehicle)}}
Category:Armored personnel carriers of the United States