USMC Pays for Mine Roller Vehicle Attachments

2-503’s MRS, Afghanistan(click to read article) 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… MTVR(click to view full) 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 […]