USMC Pays for Mine Roller Vehicle Attachments
Related Stories: Americas - USA, Asia - Central, BAE, Contracts - Awards, Field Innovations, General Dynamics, Other Equipment - Land
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The easiest way to clear mines is to trigger them. Heavy armored vehicles often use mine ploughs to clear the way. Lighter wheeled vehicles tend to use mine rollers instead, pushing the weighted devices in front of their vehicle so that any pressure mines detonate under the roller instead.
In January 2006, a DefendAmerica.MIL article noted that the US Army’s 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment mechanics serving in Afghanistan have created a mine roller system from scavenged parts, and verified its effectiveness. As an additional safety measure, a cable to the Humvee frame becomes taut if their roller triggers an explosion, in order to keep the roller from flipping back and crushing the drivers inside the vehicle.
Subsequent orders for similar equipment by the US Marine Corps haven’t been as cheap…
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Their MRS is integrated on Marine Corps Light Armored Vehicles (LAVs), Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements (DID: USMC medium trucks), Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal Rapid Response Vehicles (DID: Cougar family), and High Mobility Multi-Wheeled Vehicles (Hummers).
Jan 16/09: BAE Systems Land & Armaments LP in York, PA received an estimated $89 million firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract for Mine Roller Systems. Delivery Order #0001 is being issued concurrently, for $11.9 million worth of MRS gear.
Work will be performed in York, PA, and is expected to be complete by January 2014. The Marine Corps Systems Command in Quantico, VA manages the contract (M67854-09-D-5050). See also BAE release.
Oct 12/06: General Dynamics Land Systems in Warren, MI received a $14.35 million firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum ordering quantity of 150 Mine Roller Systems and associated manuals, spares and Interface Kits (about $95,000 per MRS). Work will be performed in Lima, OH and is expected to be complete in February 2007.
DefenseLINK adds that “This contract is a sole source award to General Dynamics Land Systems as they are the sole manufacturer of the Mine Roller System.” The Marine Corps Systems Command in Quantico, VA issued the contract (M67854-06-D-5172). A General Dynamics release.
