DOD official says MRAP purchases nearing an end

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DOD official says MRAP purchases nearing an end
By Jeff Schogol, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Thursday, June 5, 2008

WASHINGTON — The Defense Department is close to ordering the last of the MRAP vehicles it planned to buy, the department’s top procurement official told reporters Tuesday.

Meanwhile, testing is under way on "MRAP II class vehicles," which will be heavier and costlier than vehicles in use now, said John Young, undersecretary of Defense for acquisition, technology and logistics.

MRAP vehicles have V-shaped hulls to deflect blasts from underneath and provide greater protection from roadside bombs than up-armored Humvees.

Each service’s request for MRAP vehicles has been met except for the Army, Young told reporters after testifying on procurement issues before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The Army has asked for up to 15,884 MRAP vehicles, with a near-term need of 11,953 of the vehicles.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=55304