Roshel Smart Armored Vehicles has unveiled its Senator Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) armored fighting vehicle at the CANSEC show in Ottawa. This specialized vehicle, based on the Ford F-550 pickup truck, has undergone modifications to ensure its resilience against mine blasts and ballistic rounds.
The concept of armored cars dates back to World War I, and customized versions with bottom armor for protection against road mines were developed by Rhodesia and South Africa in the 1970s. The modern MRAP vehicles were introduced after 2007 in response to the high casualties suffered by American forces from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Senator, powered by a 6.7-liter diesel V8 engine producing 330 bhp, is equipped with features to enhance its security. It boasts armor plating, multi-layer bullet-proof glass, reinforced hinges and latches on the armored doors, mine-protected seats with four-point seat belts to accommodate up to 10 passengers, gun ports, and cameras that provide the driver with a 360-degree view. On the vehicle’s roof sits a remote-controlled Rheinmetall Fieldranger weapon turret, capable of being armed with machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, or anti-tank guided missiles.
The introduction of the Senator MRAP by Roshel Smart Armored Vehicles demonstrates the ongoing efforts to enhance protection and mobility for personnel operating in high-risk environments. By incorporating advanced features and robust defensive measures, the Senator aims to provide increased safety for occupants while allowing for effective response capabilities.