Force Protection Cougar

The Story of the Force Protecting the Cougar

The Cougar has evolved into a full line of militarized armored vehicles. This started in 2004 with the 4x4 and 6x6 series of Cougar base systems that FPI provided to the US Marine Corps.

The Badger ILAV (Iraqi Light Armored Vehicle) is a similar system designed and built by FPI with the help of BAE Systems specifically for the reconstruction of the Iraqi army. The Cougar JERRV (Joint Explosive Ejection Rapid Response Vehicle) was designated the name for the collection of 4x4 and 6x6 Cougar systems for use by the US Marine Corps, US Air Force and US Army amid public outcry over the lack of protection for US soldiers in Iraq.

Cougars in 4x4 and 6x6 configurations are now collectively referred to as MRAPs.

Power for the Cougar is provided by a Caterpillar C-7 diesel engine producing up to 330 hp, mated to an Allison 3500SP transmission. Suspension is a full 4x4 or 6x6, depending on the chassis model, and the vehicle has 15 inches of ground clearance. At the time of writing, armor protection is still classified.

The 4x4 vehicle weighs approximately 43,000 pounds and can accommodate up to 6 people, including 2 standard operators (drivers). The 6x6 version has a maximum weight of 64,500 pounds and can accommodate 2 standard riders and 8 additional passengers.

Cougar claims a range of 420 miles and a top speed of 55 mph.

Wading up to 39 inches at an approach angle of 40 degrees. A top-mounted hatch is standard, as are heating, air conditioning and automatic fire suppression systems for the engine and cab. The tires are Michelin XZL 395/85 R20.

Additional access options are provided for the crew through the driver's and passenger's sides, as well as through the rear double doors.

Both Cougar models can be fitted with a remote control turret system and a weapon of the operator's choice. Armament may include Browning M2 12.7mm heavy machine gun, M240 7.62mm general purpose machine gun, M249 SAW 5.56mm light machine gun or Mk 19 40mm automatic grenade launcher.

Weapons can also be supplemented by firing any crew-operated weapons through the available firing ports.

A similar system was adopted by the British Army, starting with the Ridgeback PPV (Protected Patrol Vehicle). These systems are based on FPI-built 4x4 Cougars with pro-British armour and electronics, including an "Enforcer" remote weapon station. The Mastiff PPV (Protected Patrol Vehicle) is a Cougar 6x6 system made by FPI, again with British friendly systems and armour.

However, in this version, the conversion is handled by NP Aerospace.

Production of MRAP-class vehicles began in 2002 at a price of $475,000 each ($644,000 each for the 6x6 version). System operators include the US, UK (157 Ridgebacks and 248 Mastiffs), Iraq (1,050 pending delivery), Italy (at least 6 Cougar 6x6 models), Hungary (at least 3 specimens) and Poland (at least 3 specimens from At least 40 cougars on loan from the U.S. military).

In addition to U.S. military use, the Cougar was used by the U.S. Blackwater Corporation during its turbulent tenure in Iraq.

Cougar has been approved for military airlift.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

Relevant weapon configuration.

Changes