Military tests new armored vehicle, but hasn't ordered any

[babylonsister]

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-06-10-new-vehicle_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip

Military tests new armored vehicle

By Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — A new armored vehicle capable of protecting troops against the deadliest roadside bombs in Iraq has been successfully tested by the Pentagon and could go into production immediately, according to its manufacturer and a U.S. senator.

The vehicle, known as the Bull, has proven effective at repelling blasts from explosively formed penetrators, or EFPs. These roadside bombs have been particularly lethal in Iraq because they can pierce even heavily armored vehicles. The Bull's method for defeating these bombs is classified, said Marc King, vice president of armor operations at Ceradyne Inc., the vehicle's manufacturer.

The Army declined to comment on the vehicle because it has not issued contracts to purchase it, said Dave Foster, an Army spokesman at the Pentagon. The Marines are evaluating the Bull and its effectiveness, said Bill Johnson-Miles, a Marines spokesman.

snip//

The Bull would cost about $500,000 per vehicle. By comparison, the most common version of the armored Humvee costs $150,000. The cost of the MRAPs ranges from $700,000 to $1 million, Pentagon documents show.

King said his company could produce 100 vehicles per month, but the Pentagon has not ordered any.

That irks Biden. "I'm tired of hearing that there might not be enough money," he said. "Tell us what you need to protect our soldiers and Marines, and we will find a way to pay for it."

[baldguy]

1. Compare & contrast

Which would you rather have to drive through an Iraqi ambush?


M1114 Humvee




MRAP Armored Vehicle




Ceradyne's BULL




Support the troops, my ass.

[originalpckelly]

2. I think I'd take the MRAP.

The Bull looks like a pick-up truck with a heavy duty shell on the back.

[Man_in_the_Moon]

3. a LAV, or a Bradley, or even an old m113

The whole notion of 'up armoring' the humvees was bullshit.

They are jeeps, not armored vehicles.

When the troops need an armored vehicle they should get an armored vehicle, not jeeps with a little armor plate.

I cant believe so many people bought into the whole 'uparmored humvee' craze.