The Cougar has since expanded into a full line of militarized armored vehicles. This began with the base 4x4 and 6x6 series Cougar systems being offered in 2004 by FPI to the United States Marine Corps. The Badger ILAV (Iraqi Light Armored Vehicle) was a similar system developed and built by FPI with help from BAE Systems specifically for the rebuilding Iraqi Army. The Cougar JERRV (joint EOD Rapid Response Vehicle was formed as a designation for the collection of 4x4 and 6x6 Cougar systems for use by the USMC, USAF and the US Army after public outcry of the lack of protection being offered to US servicemen and women in Iraq. Cougars in their 4x4 and 6x6 configurations are now collectively referred to as MRAPs.
The Cougar's power is supplied by a single Caterpillar C-7 diesel engine developing up to 330 horsepower and mated to an Allison 3500SP transmission. Suspension is full 4x4 or 6x6 depending on the chassis model with a vehicle ground clearance of 15 inches. Armor protection remains classified as of this writing. The 4x4 vehicle weighs in at roughly 43,000lbs and can seat up to 6 personnel including 2 as standard operators (drivers). The 6x6 version weighs in at a maximum of 64,500lbs and can seat 2 standard operators along with 8 additional passengers. Range of the Cougar is listed at 420 miles with a top speed of 55 miles per hour.
Fording is possible up to 39 inches at a 40 degree approach angle. A top-mounted hatch is standard as are heating, air conditioning and automatic engine and crew cabin fire extinguisher systems. Tires are Michelin XZL 395/85 R20 types. Additional methods of entry are provided for through the driver and co-driver sides as well as a rear-mounted crew double door.
Both Cougar models can fit remotely-operated turret systems with armament of the operators choosing. Armament can include a Browning M2 12.7mm heavy machine gun, an M240 7.62mm general purpose machine gun, an M249 SAW 5.56mm light machine gun or the Mk 19 40mm automatic grenade launcher. Armament can also be supplemented by any crew-served weapons fired through the available firing ports.
The British Army took delivery of similar systems beginning with the Ridgeback PPV (Protected Patrol Vehicle). These systems were based on 4x4 Cougars built by FPI with British-friendly armor and electronics systems which included the "Enforcer" remote weapon station. The Mastiff PPV (Protected Patrol Vehicle) is the Cougar 6x6 system built by FPI, again with British-friendly systems and armor. With this version, however, conversion is being handled by NP Aerospace.
Production of MRAP class vehicles began in 2002 at a single unit cost of $475,000 ($644,000 per unit of the 6x6 version). Operators of the system include the United States, United Kingdom (157 Ridgebacks and 248 Mastiffs), Iraq (1,050 to be delivered), Italy (operating at least 6 Cougar 6x6 models), Hungary (at least 3 examples) and Poland (operating at least 40 Cougars on loan from the US military).
In addition to the US military use, the Cougar was also utilized by Blackwater USA during their tumultuous tenure in Iraq.
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April 2022 - The British government has agreed to send Mastiff MRAPs and Jackal Light Patrol Vehicles (LPVs) to the Ukrainian Armed Forces in its fight against Russia.
Specifications
Force Protection Industries, Incorporated (FPI) - USA Manufacturer(s)
Canada; Iraq; Italy; Hungary; Pakistan; Poland; Ukraine; United Kingdom; United States Operators
INFANTRY SUPPORT
Support allied ground forces through weapons, inherent capabilities, and / or onboard systems.
MRAP
Designed to withstand attacks from mines and ambushes through specialized design and survivability features.
RECONNAISSANCE
Can conduct reconnaissance / scout missions to assess threat levels, enemy strength, et al - typically through lightweight design.
UTILITY
General utility-minded design to accomplish a variety of battlefield tasks, typically in a non-direct-combat fashion.
SPECIAL PURPOSE
Special purpose design developed to accomplish an equally-special battlefield role or roles.
20.8 ft (6.35 meters) Length
8.9 ft (2.71 meters) Width
9.9 ft (3.02 meters) Height
42,999 lb (19,504 kg) Weight
21.5 tons (Medium-class) Tonnage
1 x Caterpillar C7 diesel-fueled engine developing 330 horsepower at 2,400rpm driving conventional four- or six-wheeled arrangement. Drive System
55 mph (88 kph) Road Speed
420 miles (676 km) Road Range
OPTIONAL:
Common Remotely Operated Weapon System (CROWS) supporting M249 SAW 5.56mm machine gun, M240 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Gun, Browning M2 12.7mm caliber heavy machine gun or MK 19 40mm grenade launcher.
Also any crew weapons firing from supplied firing ports.
AMMUNITION
Dependent armament configuration.
Cougar 4x4 - Original 4x4 Wheel Configuration
Cougar 6x6 - Original 6x6 Wheel Configuration
Cougar HEV (Hardened Engineer Vehicle) - Early 4x4 and 6x6 class Cougars for use by the United States Marine Corps.
Badger ILAV (Iraqi Light Armored Vehicle) - Iraq Export Model; based on original Cougar; production by BAE Systems and Force Protection Industries.
Cougar JERRV (Joint EOD Rapid Response Vehicle) - Later model 4x4 and 6x6 class Cougars for use by the United States Marine Corps, United States Air Force and United States Army; commonly referred to collectively as "MRAPs".
Ridgeback PPV (Protected Patrol Vehicle) - British Export Variant; based on Cougar 4x4 models; British-specific armor and electronics; optional fitting of "Enforcer" remote weapon station.
Mastiff PPV (Protected Patrol Vehicle) - British Export Variant; based on Cougar 6x6 models; British-specific armor and electronics package integration handled by NP Aerospace.
MRAP - 4x4 and 6x6 class Cougars for use by US Military.
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