Armoured Engineers

[buglerbilly]

TERRIER Engineer Vehicle Passes Two Key Milestones

(Source: BAE System; issued February 19, 2010)



NEWCASTLE, United Kingdom. --– The BAE Systems’ programme to deliver 60 TERRIER vehicles to the British Army has taken two important steps forward.

Manufacture of the first TERRIER production hull began on 27 January at the company’s Newcastle plant. In a ceremony attended by senior staff from both the MoD Combat Wheels Group and BAE Systems’ suppliers; visitors saw machining operations on the first side plate commence.

Attendees at the production launch ceremony were able to see first hand the £2m investment in process and machinery which has been put in place to support Terrier production. Both have been completely overhauled to improve build efficiency and maximise build quality, following lessons learnt from production of the heavier Titan and Trojan engineer vehicles, and the mine-protected Panther command and liaison vehicle which was recently delivered to Afghanistan.

The first TERRIER hull will be used in mine blast trials to demonstrate improved protection levels introduced by modifications resulting from experience gained on other vehicles during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The complete hull will be available for trials towards the end of this year. Assembly, integration and test of the first production vehicle is scheduled to commence in the first half of 2011.

Another important TERRIER development milestone was successfully completed in December 2009 after two demonstrator vehicles finished a comprehensive performance trial designed to demonstrate reliability growth.

This two-month assessment consisted of a range of typical battlefield missions, including:

-- Travelling 3,300 km, split between road, track and cross country going
-- Excavating 135 pits for Warrior infantry fighting vehicles
-- Digging 39 pits for AS 90 self-propelled howitzers
-- Moving 15,500 tonnes of spoil
-- Operating the vehicles remotely via a remote control system and radio link
-- Completing a range of route clearance and denial operations and placement of ditch-crossing fascines.

BAE Systems TERRIER team leader Paul Dale explained, “Our goal with these trials is to provide the Ministry of Defence with confidence that TERRIER is on track to meet the exacting reliability levels prescribed for the vehicle.”

Following a detailed review of the trial results and subsequent reliability case report, the MoD has concluded that the trial has been successful and the programme should continue to the next phase of reliability growth, which is to demonstrate compliance with the full contractual reliability requirement.

Group Captain Paul Ridge, the leader of the Manoeuvre Support Team responsible for the Terrier project, added “The successful completion of the mid-point reliability trials and the start of first production hull are significant milestone achievements for both BAE Systems and MoD. While there remain challenges ahead of us, both teams are committed to building on the momentum and recent successes to deliver world class capability and reliability for the Royal Engineers”.

Paul Dale concluded: “The reliability targets set within the TERRIER contract represent a significant increase over the reliability requirements associated with Armoured Fighting Vehicles currently in service with the British Army. In successfully completing the performance trial, TERRIER has demonstrated a step improvement in reliability beyond that seen during the early phases of the programme.”

BAE Systems is a global defence, security and aerospace company with approximately 107,000 employees worldwide. The Company delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. In 2009 BAE Systems reported sales of £22.4 billion (US$ 36.2 billion).

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[geof]

I remember a few years ago that we were to get some new armoured bulldozers etc. ... did they ever eventuate .. ?

[JimWH]

I remember a few years ago that we were to get some new armoured bulldozers etc. ... did they ever eventuate .. ?
We have some armoured Caterpillars in Afghanistan. Is that what you mean?

[geof]

Could be .. ? I have seen a couple of pics, but they looked quite small, I was thinking more along the lines of the infamous giants the Israelies used to 'clear' the settlers.

[Doohan]

Nope You’re thinking of LAND 144. it has been at varying times an BFOD (Big F- Off Dozer (Armoured Dozer D9 village killer), thought to terrier. Now its remote controlled robots and line charges.

The Armoured Plant we currently have (dozers rollers graders and bobcats) was done as a rapid Acquisition by DMO and Thales Bendigo. Really short timeframe job and on the whole not a bad outcome

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

IDF Launch an Upgrade for the Puma Assault Engineer Vehicle

Posted by Noam Eshel at 4/12/2010 1:59 PM CDT

The raised transparent structure for commander and operator reminds me of ideas espoused by Richard Simpkins in the mid/late 80's...........a man far ahead of his time...........

The IDF is planning to modernize the Assault Engineer Combat Vehicle (known in Hebrew as 'Puma') based on lessons learned during last year's operation in Gaza. A prototype upgraded vehicle is being constructed at the IDF armored vehicle refurbishment center. The IDF plans to complete the development this year.



The vehicle, based on the aging Centurion chassis, will be equipped with a modified final drive, developed by Ashot Ashkelon. A raised, transparent armored structure will be added on top, enabling the crew-commander and remote systems operator to effectively tele-operate unmanned systems under protection. The IDF already operates unmanned bulldozer and other assault breaching systems, remotely controlled from the Puma. The vehicle will also be fitted with improved thermal vision systems, improving operability under heavy smoke, and dust. Other improvements will deal with the enhancement of CBRN protection, which also adds better air conditioning, dust filtration and 'weather proof' operation.

Photo Credit: IDF

[buglerbilly]

US engineers test new bridging system



State of the art equipment bridges the gap

09:46 GMT, May 4, 2010 ELMENDORF AFB, Alaska | Army Corps of Engineers members along with members of the 84th Engineer Support Company, 6th Engineer Battalion, tested a new bridging system April 28, 2010, at Fort Richardson, Alaska, to help the military travel across a wide variety of terrain quickly.

Testing of the Lightweight Modular Causeway System took place over two days during Arctic Edge 2010, making it the first time this system has been used in this fashion.

"This bridge has been in development for almost six years," said Donald Resio, a senior scientist and technical manager for the development team. "The terrain, the unit and the exercise scenario are perfect to test the capabilities of this system."

The LMCS is a hybrid fixed bridging system and floating causeway system. It consists of 10 by 20 foot modular sections with inflatable pontoons attached that are pieced together to form the bridge.

84th ESC members were tasked with putting this system to use during a simulated 8.5 magnitude earthquake recovery effort, testing its ability to be flown by helicopter and its ability to sustain traffic on a fast flowing river for the first time.

"It's great to be the first unit to test this technology," said 2nd Lt. Alex Veiga, the 84th ESC crossing site manager. "Before it is over we hope to have every unit in our brigade pass over the bridge."

Helicopter sling-load testing of inflated and uninflected bridge sections took place on the first day. Two sections were pieced together and attached to the bottom of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter.

The engineers needed to confirm that pieces could be flown into an area where a bridge was needed.

"The sling-load test with the helicopters went very well," Mr. Resio said. "What this shows us is whether used for military applications or natural disaster, we can get the system in place and functioning quickly."

The second day of testing consisted of bridge assembly and use. The exercise scenario pitted approximately 20 Soldiers against Eagle River.

"The Bravo Bridge was damaged during the 'earthquake' and we need to be able to get people and supplies across the river before the end of the day," Lieutenant Veiga said.

The Army Corps of Engineers development team watched as each section of bridge was dropped into place. The team made sure everything was done in accordance to the specifications of the bridge; however, they did not help with the construction.

"It seems to be a great system," said Lieutenant Veiga. "It goes together quickly, and it is very easy to learn."

Lieutenant Veiga said the biggest challenge during construction was the muddy terrain the forklifts encountered near the river.

To cross the river, the Soldiers positioned and pieced together seven modules, spanning a gap of 70 feet. The bridge was secured with mooring lines attached to anchor points on land.

Safety during the testing was paramount. Only one vehicle was allowed on the bridge at a time and there was a 20-ton limit.

"The bridge is designed to distribute the weight of the vehicles over many flotation devices, not just in one section," Mr. Resio said. "The load capacity of this system is over 70-tons."

Although 70-tons was not tested here, the bridge went up quickly and without incident.

"The system was originally designed for vessel-to-shore bridging applications, however, as development progressed, we saw more and more potential and possibilities," Mr. Resio said. "Really, the main limitation for this system is our imagination of use."

The LMCS has a few more tests before it can go into full operation, but Mr. Resio was confident based on the performance of the prototype.

"Most of us want to make a difference in the world, but never get the opportunity," he said. "To be able to develop this bridge and see all the uses and potential it has is really important and hopefully it will make a difference."

----
Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson
3rd Wing Public Affairs / AFNS

[buglerbilly]

First deliveries of the counter-mining system SOUVIM 2



12:41 GMT, May 7, 2010

Development of SOUVIM 2, a mine path clearing system designed and manufactured by MBDA since 2008, has just been completed. Two units of this land vehicle set will be delivered very shortly to the DGA, the French armament procurement agency and will undergo final qualification testing before delivery to the French Army. In line with the DGA's aim, the French Army will be ready to deploy this system on foreign theatres in 2010.

SOUVIM 2 was designed for use in mobility support missions, allowing quick clearing of mined paths over long distances behind the lines: over 100 km of track cleared daily, with extensive counter-mining capabilities. The SOUVIM 2's performance is currently unequalled.

The system relies on the combined action of two vehicles towing mine-activation trailers. The first vehicle is designed to roll over a pressure mine without activating it. It tows a first "mine-triggering trailer" (RDM) whose weight will trigger pressure-sensitive mines and thereby secure the second vehicle's progress. This latter vehicle tows two further RDMs whose different wheel bases help cover the whole width of the track to be cleared.

[buglerbilly]

ADSI Receives $50 Million U.S. Navy MAC IDIQ Award for Crew Protection Kits

(Source: American Defense Systems, Inc.; issued June 21, 2010)

HICKSVILLE, NY --- American Defense Systems, Inc. ("ADSI") , a provider of advanced transparent and opaque armor, architectural hardening and security products for Defense and Homeland Security, has received a Multiple Award Contract (MAC), Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Award from the Naval Facilities Expeditionary Logistics Center (NFELC) of Port Hueneme, California.

ADSI and two other companies were selected among seven proposals received by the NFELC to submit bids under the MAC Award. The award calls for up-armoring solutions of civil engineer support equipment to be provided to the NFELC over the course of five years. The maximum cumulative dollar value of the MAC award is $50 million, with the base year and each of the four option years limited to $10 million per year.

"This award provides a major opportunity for ADSI to build upon the close relationship that we've developed with the U.S. Armed Forces over many years," said ADSI's chief executive officer, Anthony J. Piscitelli. "It also represents one of the largest military contract vehicles we've received to-date."

"While it requires us to be competitive in order to win the business allotted under the award," continued Piscitelli, "the field has been significantly narrowed, and we're confident it will generate significant revenues for us over time. We are especially proud that we have been granted this continued responsibility of protecting our brave military service personnel around the world with our state-of-the-art crew protection kits ('CPKs'), which we believe have already saved many lives."

The company's previous largest award was a three-year, $30 million firm fixed price, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity, sole-source contract received in April 2009 to provide CPKs and spare parts for various types of construction vehicles used in U.S. Marine Corps military operations.

ADSI's Add-on-Armor (AoA) Crew Protection Kits (CPKs) are custom-fitted for U.S. Military construction vehicles and designed to provide the maximum level of security for the operator. They feature windows of fully transparent armor, opaque armor siding (Aberdeen-tested and approved to meet all Operation Iraqi Freedom requirements), a patent-pending combat lock, tool-less emergency egress windows, fortified door hinges and an integrated crew comfort system. The CPKs are modular and can be applied to the vehicle either during its assembly stateside or as a retrofit in theater.

ADSI employs Field Service Representatives (FSRs) on the ground in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait to train soldiers on the proper installation techniques and offer on-going expertise and assistance. ADSI was awarded the "Best Development in the Field of Armored Vehicle Survivability" prize in January 2008 by Defense IQ, a division of IQPC, an organization comprised of senior decision makers from the defense, aerospace and technology sectors, and partnered with the Institute for Defense and Government Advancement.

The Naval Facilities Expeditionary Logistics Center (NFELC) enables the Expeditionary Warfighter to accomplish their mission through Table of Allowance (TOA) generation, fulfillment, delivery, and sustainment; and through emergent operational logistics support. NFELC supports the Navy Shore Establishment through acquisition, registration, and licensing of Civil Engineer Support Equipment (CESE) and Civil Engineer End Items (CEEI). NFELC provides the Ship and Shore Domain with responsive, mobile, contingency utility support.

American Defense Systems, Inc. ("ADSI") offers advanced solutions in the design, fabrication, and installation of transparent and opaque armor, security doors, windows and curtain wall systems for use by military, law enforcement, homeland defense and corporate customers. ADSI engineers also specialize in developing innovative, functional and aesthetically pleasing security applications for the mobile and fixed infrastructure physical security industry.

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[buglerbilly]

MCB HERCULES Team Gets Tank Retriever Out In Record Time

(Source: US Marine Corps; issued June 25, 2010)

MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE BARSTOW --- According to Greek mythology, Hercules was the legendary strongman who became a demigod. In modern times and in real life, HERCULES is even more impressive.

The Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Lift and Excavating System, or the M88A2, is capable of towing four M-1A2 Abrams tanks at once or lifting 70, 000 pounds of dead weight straight in to the air. In the event of a nuclear, biological or chemical attack, it can be completely sealed and driven through the use of video monitors mounted on the rugged chassis.

HERCULES is also a major project at Maintenance Center Barstow, keeping a 19-man crew busy year-round rebuilding and upgrading the massive vehicle.

Dave White, the program supervisor for the M88A2 project at MCB, said the need for the HERCULES by the Marine Corps increased dramatically very recently. “We moved in to Afghanistan, which had very rocky and mountainous terrain with lots of broken vehicles, such as MRAPs (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) and M1A2 tanks and no way to recoup them unless you use the HERCULES; that’s why this is such a vital piece of equipment for the Marines.”

The HERCULES line was not just given to MCB. “We earned our line through proof,” White said. “That means showing Headquarters Marine Corps that we can get these things in and out when we say we can.”

The contract production schedule for a single M88A2 calls for a 180-day completion rate. Using the recently instituted single-piece flow method at MCB, White said his team blew that schedule out of the water with 156 days, 145 days, and even a 140-day completion rate.

The timeline of the Barstow team caught the attention of some important Marine Corps officers. “We are about a month ahead of schedule, which actually opened the eyes of the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps and Brig. Gen. James Kessler (Commanding General, Marine Corps Logistics Command), who were both here,” White said. “They were both extremely interested.

“Right now we’re producing six a year,” he continued. “We’re expecting to get more M88A2s to work on because of the shortage on the (tactical operations equipment) list for the Marine Corps for this vehicle in the field.”

In the hands of experienced and knowledgeable workers, the right production plan really speed the process along. “If they stick to the letter of the single piece flow method process, which is just a sequential execution of the work load from A to Z, anybody can step in and do this work because of the way it’s laid out in the process,” White said.

Heavy mobile equipment mechanic David Graham, a Barstow native, calls the HERCULES one of the biggest projects he has worked on at MCB. “This is the largest vehicle we produce in terms of hydraulics, complexity and weight of the finished product,” Graham said.

Robert Crownover, a team leader and native of Monterey, Calif., said the HERCULES is certainly one of the most challenging projects with which he has been involved. “Everything on this is hard, it doesn’t always go the way you want it to,” he said. “You have to have a lot of knowledge and experience to work on it. Everything on it is heavy.”

Former Air Force dependent David Merica, born at George Air Force Base in Victorville, Calif., and heavy mobile equipment mechanic for 12 years, calls the HERCULES a versatile piece of equipment. “I like that it does virtually everything from refueling vehicles to towing the M-1 tanks,” Merica said.

As with so many other projects at MCB, working on the M88A2 project comes down to helping the warfighter accomplish the mission. “The main reason why this team likes working on this vehicle is because it’s a combat vehicle that has the sole purpose of saving Marines’ lives,” White said.

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[buglerbilly]

Army Approves Safer Explosive to Replace TNT

(Source: U.S Army; issued August 11, 2010)

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. --- The U.S. Army recently qualified a new explosive that has the same lethality as traditional TNT, but is far less likely to explode if dropped, shot at or hit by a roadside bomb during transport.

The new formula, called IMX-101 (Insensitive Munitions Explosive 101), is scheduled for delivery to deployed Army and Marine Corps units in the form of 1,200 M795 artillery projectiles as early as next year, as TNT supplies are eventually phased out.

Numerous tests by the Picatinny team have proven that IMX-101 is a safer alternative to TNT in the Army and Marine Corps' existing large-caliber projectiles, especially during transportation, storage and loading.

"If you were involved in an incident near a traditional TNT projectile hit with an RPG (rocket propelled grenade) or an improvised explosive device, you wouldn't be standing here today to tell about it," said Charlie Patel, a program-management engineer for Project Manager Combat Ammunition Systems here. "But with IMX-101, all that would happen is the explosive would deflagrate (burn quickly), and the shell would break into a few pieces. You wouldn't have the big detonation that would wipe out the vehicle and driver or a whole storage area and crew."

"Because it's less sensitive, the Army can store more shells in a magazine, and store more in one building at a closer distance to the Soldiers," said Anthony Di Stasio, project officer with the Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center, known as ARDEC here. "It significantly reduces the logistics burden both here in the U.S. and overseas."

The selection of IMX-101 is part of an ongoing program at Picatinny to find low-cost, insensitive munitions to meet requirements set by the Department of Defense. During the selection process, the team tested and evaluated 23 different formulas, submitted by government, foreign and private competitors.

IMX-101, developed by BAE Systems, was chosen as the winning formula because it was the most cost-effective option that exceeded all system tests.

"The system level tests represent real hazards and threats our Soldiers face in combat," Di Stasio said. "If in they are being attacked by RPGs (rocket-propelled grenades), then we fire our new system with RPGs to make sure it can hold up."

While the material cost for IMX-101 is higher than TNT, the price will fall as the Army produces more quantities in coming years, Di Stasio said. However, he explained the real cost savings will come with the improved logistics of the new explosive, which will cost a significant amount less than the Army currently pays to transport and store TNT.

The second-place contender was a formula developed by ARDEC. While this explosive, named IMX-102, also exceeded all system tests, it costs more to produce than BAE's IMX-101.

However, ARDEC's formula still holds value in other munitions applications, as Picatinny engineers continue to find new ways to incorporate this technology into other systems to ultimately save warfighter lives.

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[buglerbilly]

Some nice shots of Brit Engineers using TROJAN Armoured Engineering vehicles in Afghanistan..............

GALLERY: Royal Engineers help clear Kandahar of insurgents


The Trojan tanks belonging to 5 Armoured Engineer Squadron taking part in Operation HAMKARI [Picture: Sgt Rupert Frere RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]


Corporal Kev Holding, Royal Engineers, commanding his Trojan tank [Picture: Sgt Rupert Frere RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]


Sapper Jamie Wornham, Royal Engineers, operates the crane on one of the Trojan tanks [Picture: Sgt Rupert Frere RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]


The Trojan tanks belonging to 5 Armoured Engineer Squadron taking part in Operation HAMKARI [Picture: Sgt Rupert Frere RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]


One of the Trojan tanks ploughs through a minefield, making it safe for local Afghans in the area [Picture: Sgt Rupert Frere RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]


One of the Trojan tanks taking part in Operation HAMKARI [Picture: Sgt Rupert Frere RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]

[Gubler, A.]

Some nice shots of Brit Engineers using TROJAN Armoured Engineering vehicles in Afghanistan..............

GALLERY: Royal Engineers help clear Kandahar of insurgents

Hang on... didn't the CDF ACM Houston recently declare that tanks can't be used in the green zone of the Helmand River? These photos must be taken in some other place...

[buglerbilly]

Hang on... didn't the CDF ACM Houston recently declare that tanks can't be used in the green zone of the Helmand River? These photos must be taken in some other place...

Yeah, it's the Plains at Catterick, Yorkshire,you can tell by the Mountains in the background..................:cuckoo

[buglerbilly]

New Armoured Combat Excavators for Army

(Source: New Zealand Defence Force; issued Feb. 15, 2011)



An open day will be held on 17 Feb at Trentham Military Camp for media to view the NZ Army’s new JCB High Mobility Engineer Excavator (HMEE).

The HMEE is a highly mobile excavator with increased protection designed to survive on the modern battlefield. With a top speed on the open road of 90km per hour and great cross country capability this means the HMEE can and will operate alongside the NZLAV.

Engineer support to civil aid, route maintenance and general engineering tasks will also be enhanced. This is due to the increased technical capability of the HMEE and the protection it provides operators.

The HMEE has been proven operationally by the US and UK Armies to be combat viable and has been effective working alongside other armoured vehicles in high threat environments.

Experience in Iraq and Afghanistan has shown that the vehicle’s armour has allowed US operators to survive mine and IED strikes which would otherwise have caused fatal consequences if less protected vehicles had been attacked.

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[buglerbilly]

The formal unveil...............

Thursday, June 9, 2011, 10:19 AM

New Zealand army unveiled its latest acquisition the multipurpose armoured combat tractor JCB 4CXM.

The New Zealand army unveiled June 9, 2011, its latest piece of kit, new $800,000 fully-armoured wheeled multipurpose combat tractors JCB 4CXM. The six US-made 16-tonne green machines - capable of 90 kmh - were put through their paces ripping around a paddock at Trentham today.


New Zealand army JCB 4CXM multipurpose wheeled combat armoured tractor

Officially named JCB High Mobility Engineering Excavators, or HMEEs, they are designed to operate with and support a deployment of armoured vehicles - clearing roads and removing obstacles.

The Combat Tractor will allow NZ Army Engineers to operate alongside the NZ LAV in areas that pose a greater risk to deployed personnel. It offers substantially greater protection and mobility than a normal JCB, and can travel up to 90 km/h over cross country terrain.

Lieutenant Colonel Rian McKinstry said the new tractors will allow operators to be protected from enemy fire, while clearing routes, building fortifications, or doing road works in dangerous areas.

The army has bought six of the vehicles, at a cost of $4.7 million. The cost included spare parts.

[buglerbilly]

IDF Engineering Corps Makes Technological Advances

(Source: Israel Defense Forces; issued Sept. 26, 2011)

The Engineering Corps is completing an extensive project to equip unmanned bulldozers with autonomous capabilities to carry out specialized tasks.

In recent years, the corps has made numerous technological advances, including the addition of bulldozers with special protection systems, including missile defense. The corps has also developed advanced systems to safely enter dangerous areas, particularly minefields.

"Most of the developments already exist at some stage or another in the corps," said Brigadier General Moshe Sheli, the outgoing head of the Engineering Corps. "Now we are investing in increasing knowledge about the systems with a training day to which regular service and reserve soldiers were invited."

Brig. Gen. Sheli revealed that the corps has produced several new bridges that will greatly enhance the capabilities of the corps during war.

While some of the new systems have already been incorporated by the corps, the main innovations will be adopted within the next two to three years.

"The corps is now a completely different place and I hope that, following the absorption of the new weaponry, it will be even better in the future," said Brig. Gen. Sheli.

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[buglerbilly]

Upgrades weighed for Corps’ mine rollers

Posted by Military Times Online | September 26th, 2011 | Modern Day Marine



The Marine Corps has launched a search for better mine rollers, the trailerlike devices mounted to the front of war-zone vehicles to protect them from improvised explosive devices.

Acquisition officials are seeking mine rollers with an advanced suspension system that reduces “wheel hop,” in which the rollers bounce over bumpy terrain, limiting their ability to trigger IED pressure plates in Afghanistan. Current mine rollers are effective at about 10 to 12 mph; the Corps wants to use them at speeds of at least 25 mph, with improved overall performance, according to a recent advertisement to industry.

“We anticipate that the improved suspension will provide this effect and also reduce wear and tear that is caused by the shock and vibration seen while operating in Afghanistan,” said Barbara Hamby, a spokeswoman with Marine Corps Systems Command in Quantico, Va.

The service has fielded mine rollers since at least 2006, when insurgents in Iraq widely adopted pressure-plate IEDs to attack U.S. forces. Marine officials teamed with the Naval Surface Warfare Center’s division in Panama City, Fla., and began shipping mine rollers to Anbar province that year.

The devices are ubiquitous in southern Afghanistan, where virtually every convoy is led by a mine-resistant truck mounted with a roller. The most common version in the Corps is the Panama City Generation III, Hamby said. It was first fielded last year in Afghanistan and weighs about 7,600 pounds. It is about 11 feet wide, 14½ feet long and 3½ feet tall, Marine officials said. Wheels can be added or removed to adjust to differing vehicle widths.

The Corps has more than 800 rollers in its inventory, Hamby said. They are credited with saving hundreds of lives in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Corps has adopted mine-roller upgrades since last spring. Frames have been reinforced with steel support plates, and upgraded steel is used in parts of the roller, Hamby said.

Insurgents have adopted techniques to outsmart the use of mine rollers, including setting some pressure plates farther from explosives to ensure detonation occurs under vehicles. However, Marines say it still is more than worthwhile to use mine rollers.