New bombproof trucks for our troops, too late?

The huge new bombproof trucks called the Couger have been available for years but the powers that be are just now getting around to deploying them into Iraq and Afganistan, some are saying it may be too little, too late, what do you think? Here is a PDF link:

http://www.forceprotection.net/models/co...

New bombproof trucks for our troops, too late?ms stress

We've had these for a while. They cost almost 4 times as much as an M1151HMMWV. The vehicle is also more difficult to produce than a M1151. There are also several patent issues, legal issues, and political issues with the vehicle. It is a South African design and there were "hurdles" to getting it past the leftists for our use. Actually getting almost anything past the leftists for defense is a hurdle. They vote for us before the vote against us.

The cost alone is prohibitive in replacing thousands of lighter vehicles. The Cougar is better than the M1151 for IED protection but weaker and less useful in other areas. The thing is huge and easy to spot as you pointed out. It is also a very tall vehicle and has some potential issues with bridge clearance (ever see a semi get stuck under a bridge?). There is also a ground pressure issue on soft sand. This is one of the many reasons the FCS is now tracked and not wheeled.

On the plus side, it is an easy vehicle to maintain and everything is accessible. The crew capsule is very well protected and also climate controlled. The transmission is a push-button automatic, so drivers' training is easy. Seats are nice too. No CD player, but hey, can't have everything.

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New bombproof trucks for our troops, too late?

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