TheV-hull is a type ofvehicle armor design used on wheeledarmored personnel carriers (APCs),infantry mobility vehicles,infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) andMRAPs. The design originated in the 1970s with vehicles such as theCasspir used extensively during theSouth African Border War,Leopard security vehicle[1] used in theRhodesian Bush War[2] andSouth African armored vehicle companyLand Systems OMCs andBuffels.[3]
The purpose of V-hulls is to increase vehicle and crewsurvivability by deflecting an upward directed blast from alandmine (orImprovised Explosive Device) away from the vehicle, while also presenting asloped armor face.[4][5] By presenting itsarmor at an angle, it increases the amount of material aballistic projectile must pass through in order to penetrate the vehicle, and increases the chance ofdeflection.
V-hulls are incorporated in armored vehicle designs in several different ways. Many vehicles, such as theBAE SystemsRG-33 incorporate the V-hull into amonocoquechassis, while others, such as theATF Dingo andInternational MaxxPro use abody-on-frame chassis, with an armored V-hull crew compartment, and an additional V or semicircular shaped piece protecting thedriveline.[6] Others, such as theCougar H have a V-hull crew compartment, and allow the driveline andsuspension components to be sacrificed in an attack, while maintaining the safety of the crew.
