Cougars Activated In Afghanistan

As regards its category, the armour on the Cougar is considerably stronger than that of the Humvees which are still in use today. The designers have developed this vehicle for protection against anti-vehicle mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), consequently, the vehicle protects the crew against small-calibre arms and guided rocket grenades as well. With its 17.5 tons, 7.600 cc, almost 330 hp Caterpillar C-7 diesel engine, this is an impressive vehicle. According to the operators, walls, cars or ditches are not obstacles for the Cougars, and they can accelerate to 100 kmph easily. The tests preceding manufacturing have proven that thanks to the special hull and armour, these vehicles are much more resistant than the other equipments.

The V-shaped hull directs the blast away from under the vehicle, protecting the crew in the capsule/passenger compartment. The glass and the armour that are resistant to rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), and the 12.7 mm machine gun in the turret make a peculiar pair that radiates strength. The US Cougars serving in the theatre of operations in Iraq have been subject to various attacks on more than three hundred occasions. There were no fatalities in any of the cases. The arrival and activation of the two Cougar vehicles definitely improves the capabilities of the Hungarian PRT and raises the level of protection of soldiers serving in the province.