The Caiman 6x6 is a wheeled mine resistant, ambush protected tactical vehicle developed by Stewart & Stevenson Tactical Vehicle Systems, an Armor Holdings division, for the United States military. Armor Holdings was acquired by BAE Systems in July 2007. As of December 2007, the US Navy had ordered over 684 such vehicles for the United States Marine Corps (USMC). Based on the ultra-reliable Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV M1084) platform and the combat-proven Low Signature Armored Cab (LSAC), the Caiman incorporates the demonstrated performance of these components into a survivable protected vehicle designed to defeat current and emerging threats on today’s battlefield. The high level of parts commonality with the FMTV ensures that the Caiman will maintain the same levels of readiness, mobility, serviceability, and worldwide support as the 40,000 plus FMTVs already fielded. This commonality means soldiers are already trained to support the FMTV and are familiar with its maintenance procedures, which are supported by a full supply chain.
More than 1,700 Caimans have been produced for the United States Armed Forces as MRAP Category II vehicles.
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The basic version is armed with a 7,62 mm or 12,7 mm machine gun. The Caimans 6x6 can accept also all types of manned and remote weapon stations.
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| Design and protection |
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The Caiman 6x6 is an armored vehicle with a V-hull design based on the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) and Low Signature Armored Cab (LSAC), initially developed by Stewart & Stevenson. Stewart & Stevenson was later acquired by Armor Holdings in 2005 who developed the Caiman from the FMTV and LSAC designs. Armor Holdings also owned O'Gara-Hess & Eisenhardt (who had exclusive rights to the up-armor kits the U.S. Military selected for their Humvees) and Integrated Textile Systems (who had a ultra high molecular weight polyethylene fiber called Tensylon® that is processed into composite armor) at the time. In addition to the inherent ballistic protection provided by the design and materials used for the personnel compartment, the vehicles can also be equipped with enhanced armor packages to protect against future threats.
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The Caiman 6x6 is based on the ultra-reliable Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV M1084) platform and the combat-proven Low Signature Armored Cab (LSAC), the Caiman incorporates the demonstrated performance of these components into a survivable protected vehicle designed to defeat current and emerging threats on today’s battlefield. The Caiman 6x6 is powered by a Caterpillar C7 Heavy Duty Diesel, 6-Cylinder,Electronic Controlled,Fuel-Injected Turbocharged and Aftercooled, EPA Certified, coupled to Transmission Allison 3700SP Automatic/Select 7-speed, Electronically Controlled.
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Caiman's automotive design features include: Runflat Devices, Single Molded Piece with Integral Beadlock, Brakes, Primary Dual-Circuit, Four Channel Air,Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Trailers ABS Connectors for Emergency Towing.
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| Specifications |
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Armament
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The basic version can be fitted with a 7,62 mm or 12,7 mm machine gun.
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Country users
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United States
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Designer Company
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BAE Systems and Armor Holdings
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Accessories
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Runflat Devices: Single Molded Piece with Integral Beadlock
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Crew
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2 + 10
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Armor
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Integrated Textile Systems called Tensylon®
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Weight
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16,825 kg
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Speed
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105 km/h
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Range
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645 km
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Dimensions
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Lenght, 7.72 m; Width, 2.47 m; Height, 2.81 m
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