Book cover
 
Title:  MRAP
Author:  Carl Schulze
Publisher:  Tankograd Publishing
 
Another new release from Tankograd Publishing is this one on the MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicles of the US military.  With so many 'peacekeeping' missions around the world in recent years, the enemy is less of large opposing armies, than guerilla warfare with an increased use of IEDs (Improvised Explosive Device).  The whole issue of ambush tactics on military patrols has meant an increased need for well armoured wheeled patrol vehicles to provide improved protection for infantry patrols.  There has of course been plenty of news about the use of such tactics in both Iraq and Afghanistan, though the risk from mines was widespread in places like the Balkans well before that.
 
Production rates seem prolific.  The book lists a monthly production in February 2007 of 10 per month.  By December of the same year, that had risen to 1200 vehicles per month.  Over 7,000 of the various MRAP vehicles have been ordered by the US Military.  In the same way that they have gone further than just uparmouring the Hummer, so the British Army are ordering this equipment now, in place of the old uparmoured Land Rovers.
 
A mix of 4x4 and 6x6 types are in the inventory, and covered in this book.  The MaxxPro and MaxxPro-Plus are 4x4 machines.  They have roof mounted turrets, which in turn have armoured protection for the gunner, and various other bit of detection gear sprouting from the front of the vehicle in particular.  See them with 'wire mitigation' devices, with reactive armour side panels and even mine rollers.  Then it moves on to the 6x6 Caimen, with a standard crew of 7 and again sprouts all sorts of extra gear and some substantial side armour packages.
 
Next is the smaller RG-31, essentially a South African design from the early 1990s, for use in high mine threat areas.  Photos show it plain, as well as those with bar armour and even a 'Cyclone Debris Blower', to clear rubbish that could be concealing an IED.  The larger RG-33 is the 6x6 version, and here is illlustrated an ambulance version as well.  Then it moves on to the Cougar, in 4x4x and 6x6 formats, made by Force Protection Industries in the US.  These also make up the British Mastiff of course.  The final section features the Buffalo, a mine clearance vehcile based on Mack truck components.  Photos show it festooned with bar armour, and the large mechanical arm fitted to the front, used to remotely investigate rubbish and debris from the roadside, where an IED may be concealed, without the crew having to dismount and expose themselves to the risk.
 
I have to say I hadn't been aware of the volume these MRAP machines have been produced in, and these lovely clear photos are ideal references for any modeller who fancies having a go.  Remember Cromwell already produce a 1/35 model of the Cougar, and the Britsh Army Mastiff was only recently released from them as well.
 
A very topical subject, and one that I found gave great coverage of this new style of vehicle. 

Thanks to Justin at Bookworld for the review sample. To see other titles from Tankograd, please see their website.