Armor: July 30, 2002

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The first of 12 prototypes of the MRAV (Multi-Role Armored Vehicle) is undergoing tests in Germany. The MRAV is an eight-wheeled armored transport with a relatively huge internal volume. Britain plans to buy 775 of them to use as armored personnel carriers and for other missions. Germany plans to buy 150 for use by a special rapid-reaction brigade. The Netherlands also plans to buy enough for a brigade. The MRAV has been criticized for its size and weight, but these were driven by demands for internal volume to make space for numerous missions such as mortar carrier, command post, missile vehicle, etc.--Stephen V Cole