IED exploded under this [non-snatch] vehicle

A US Marine Corps RG-31 Cougar rests on its front axel after an improvised explosive device detonated under the vehicle near Camp Taqaddum, Iraq, Jan. 6. The IED detonated directly under the vehicle; however, the blast was pushed outward instead of directly straight up due to the vehicle's 'V' shaped undercarriage. Of the five service members in the vehicle, two received concussions and two others received minor burns.

"We must recognise the difference between protection and survivability"
- Dodgy 'Lord' Drayson

db: Canada is using these in Afghanistan - where we have guys driving Land Rover 'snatch' vehicles. They are relatively big and heavy. No doubt unsuited to replacing the 'snatch' Land Rover in all situations. But why, 'Lord' Drayson, are they not available to UK troops in any situation? Could it be a money issue? Drayson [made a peer by Labour - paid them half million quid weeks later] said earlier this week in the House of Lords "We had 14 RG-31s in Bosnia, which we took out of service some time ago due to difficulties with maintenance." Oh, OK, let's forget the whole idea then. See Dodgy Minister defends useless 'Snatch' vehicles.

defense-update: In November 2005 the Canadian government contracted General Dynamics Land Systems Canada (GDLS-C) to supply 50 RG-31 Mine Protected Vehicles with an option for 25 additional vehicles under a CAD $60.3 million (US $51.3 million) order (more info on Defense Industry Daily). An option for the procurement of 25 additional vehicles was exercised May 31st, 2006, at a cost of Follow on order (CAD $31 million, US$ 28 million).

The vehicles were delivered early 2006 replacing some of the lightly armored G-Wagons used by the Canadian forces in Afghanistan in patrol duties. The Canadian Army tested the RG-31s deploying three RG-31 vehicles, as part of its contribution to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. RG-31s have been extensively used with NATO forces in the former Yugoslavia and by United Nations (UN) forces in Lebanon, Georgia, Syria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo and by US forces in Iraq. Link