Engineering:Toofan (MRAP)
| Toofan | |
|---|---|
 Closeup of the Toofan MRAP. | |
| Type | MRAP |
| Place of origin |  Iran |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2018–present |
| Used by | Iran |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics |
| Produced | 2018–present |
| Specifications | |
| Crew | 2 |
| Passengers | 10 |
| Armour | Ballistic protection up to STANAG 2/3 |
Main armament | Numerous, including 12.7 HMG. |
| Engine | diesel 360 hp (270 kW) |
| Transmission | Four-wheel drive |
| Speed | 100 km/h |
The Toofan (Persian: طوفان, lit. 'Storm[1] or Hurricane'), sometimes known as Toophan,[2] Toufan[3] or Tufan,[4] is an Iranian MRAP armored vehicle. It was designed and manufactured by the Iranian Ministry of Defence to enter into service with the IRGC Ground Forces and NAJA.[5]
History
The MRAP was first seen at the 2016 IPAS convention in Iran.[1][2] The Toofan was publicly unveiled on November 20, 2018[5] with Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami attending the event.[6] 5 Toofans were initially produced.[7]
After the MRAP was unveiled, Streit Group has mentioned that they are looking into legal options for a redress.[3]
On June 26, 2021, Toofans are shown in a parade held by the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Camp Ashraf, Diyala.[8]
Design
The Toofan was developed to provide Iranian forces with a highly mobile vehicle that is capable of carrying out logistics and combat missions in all possible theaters of war.[5][6] The features of the Toofan are that it is ambush protected with ballistic protection to resist land mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and steel core bullets.[5][6] It can be outfitted with STANAG 2 or 3 protection.[3]
It has a 360 hp engine[1] with the Toofan able to drive through 1.5 meters of water and climbing barriers as high as 50 centimeters.[5][6] It can carry up to 10 personnel and is equipped with run-flat tires which enables it to drive for 50 kilometers with a flat tire. A spare tire is mounted on the right side.[2] It can also drive at speeds of up to 100 km/h.[5][6]
The MRAP's components are made in Iran, except for the gearbox, engine and suspension.[2] A V-shaped hull underneath is used to deflect explosions from underneath.[7]
Its appearance resembles the Streit Group’s Typhoon MRAP with similarities based on its physical appearance and its dimensions.[3][4]
Armaments
The Toofan can be equipped with semi-heavy weapons onto the tailgate gun shields and turrets if needed,[5][6] including a 12.7 heavy machine gun with gun shield.[2]
Cost
The cost of the program is disclosed but during his address to the press, Brigadier General Hatami stated that "such a vehicle costs around $500,000 in the international market, [while] Iranian experts have manufactured [the] Toofan at a much lower price."[6]
Operators
Non-State Actors
Iraq: Popular Mobilization Forces[9]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "طوفانِ "Mrap" بومی در اوج تحریمها و بدعهدیها/ ایران هم به جمع تولیدکنندگان یک غول میلیون دلاری پیوست +عکس". 20 November 2018. https://www.mashreghnews.ir/news/912905/%D8%B7%D9%88%D9%81%D8%A7%D9%86-MRAP-%D8%A8%D9%88%D9%85%DB%8C-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%88%D8%AC-%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%B1%DB%8C%D9%85-%D9%87%D8%A7-%D9%88-%D8%A8%D8%AF%D8%B9%D9%87%D8%AF%DB%8C-%D9%87%D8%A7-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%87%D9%85-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D8%AC%D9%85%D8%B9.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 https://www.militarytoday.com/apc/toophan.htm
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Iran Made a Big Deal About Its New MRAP". 24 November 2018. https://21stcenturyasianarmsrace.com/2018/11/24/iran-made-a-big-deal-about-its-new-mrap/.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Armor: An Iranian MRAP to Deal with Iranians". https://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htarm/articles/20181220.aspx.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 "New 4x4 MRAP armored vehicle Toofan for Iranian army". Army Recognition. 2018-11-01. https://www.armyrecognition.com/november_2018_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/toofan_new_mrap_vehicle_for_iranian_army.html.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 "Iran Unveils New Military Vehicle". Tasnim News Agency. 20 November 2018. https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2018/11/20/1880403/iran-unveils-new-military-vehicle.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 https://iranpress.com/content/42250/toofan-mrap-armored-vehicle-resistant-mines-ambushes
- ↑ https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/militias-parade-under-pmf-banner-part-2-ground-combat-systems
- ↑ "ATTN CENTCOM: Iran Built Its Own Iraqi Army". 23 July 2021. https://21stcenturyasianarmsrace.com/2021/07/24/attn-centcom-iran-built-its-own-iraqi-army.
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