Mine Resistant Ambush Protected

Definition/Scope: Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles are a family of armored fighting vehicles designed to survive IED attacks and ambushes. MRAP vehicles usually have "V" shaped hulls to deflect away any explosive forces originating below the vehicle, thereby protecting the vehicle and its passenger compartment. Typically, these explosions are from land mines, but they can also be IEDs. This design dates to the 1970s when it was first introduced in 1978 with the South African Buffel armored personnel carrier. There are several categories of the MRAP. First is the Category 1 (MRAP-MRUV). The Mine Resistant Utility Vehicle (MRUV) is the smallest and lightest being designed for urban operations. Then there is the Category 2 (MRAP-JERRV) The Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Rapid Response Vehicle (JERRV) is designed for convoy leading, troop transport, ambulance, explosive ordnance disposal and combat engineering missions. Lastly is the Category 3 such as the Buffalo MRV, which has a dedicated mine/IED, clearing function. The MRAP family will slowly phase out and replace the HMMWV family of vehicles.

Acronym:

MRAP

Broader Terms:

armored combat vehicle
armored vehicle
up-armored HMMWV

Narrower Terms:

Caiman
Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Caiman
MRAP All Terrain Vehicle
MRAP Buffalo MRV
MRAP Bushmaster IMV
MRAP Caiman 6X6
MRAP Cougar HE 4X4
MRAP Cougar HE 6X6
MRAP Golan
MRAP M1117 Guardian
MRAP MaxxPro
MRAP MaxxPro XL
MRAP RG-31
MRAP RG-31E
MRAP RG-33
MRAP RG-33L

Related Terms:

family of medium tactical vehicles
high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles
M-ATV
MRAP All Terrain Vehicle
MRAP II