The US Marine Corps (USMC) has received modular rifle rack kits from the US Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Panama City for installation on Buffalo mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles.
Featuring a strap and buckle concept design, the modular kit includes three rifle racks with each carrying two weapons, while allowing more space in the vehicle to accommodate up to six passengers.
US Marine Corps Systems Command Cat III Buffalo MRAP assistant programme manager Albert Shaw said that the new rifle racks have been designed with a combat-loaded marine in mind.
"The location, overall improved functionality and ease-of-use makes a significant improvement over the old racks," Shaw added.
Mounted to the hull walls of the Buffalo MRAP, the new compact rack design enables troops to access weapons with one hand, while allowing marines to easily enter and exit the vehicle.
The six-wheel heavily armoured explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) vehicle is integrated with a 30ft robotic arm and iron claw to support ordinance disposal and route-clearance missions.
Armed with RPG-7 rocket-propelled grenade, as well as 7.62mm Nato ammunition hits and mine/IED explosives, the fully adaptable Buffalo vehicle can also be used for armoured transport or medical purpose.
Capable of protecting from rocket-propelled grenade attacks, the Force Protection-developed Buffalo vehicle features a technology that can detect dangerous explosives, as well as provides powerful ballistic and blast protection.
NSWC Panama City provides support, systems engineering and integration support, full spectrum independent test and evaluation, human systems integration support, acquisition, lifecycle, and fleet support of amphibious and expeditionary manoeuvre warfare systems to the USMC.
Image: Force Protection-built Buffalo vehicle. Photo: file image.
