The 4×4 model Cougar MRAP is a three-door, three-ton capacity, diesel-powered, mine-resistant ambush-protected four-wheel drive vehicle. The Cougar features an automatic transmission and provides accommodations for four additional occupants, in addition to the driver and co-driver. Every seat is accompanied by a four-point safety restraint.In addition to double doors for the passenger compartment and driver/co-driver doors, the vehicle features a single vehicle accessibility opening affixed to the roof.

Dual A/C units (24,000/48,000 BTU/hour), NBC overpressure and filter protection, and an electrically powered crane with a 9,000-pound capacity are all features of the Cougar. With an approach angle of 40 degrees and a departure angle of 50 degrees, the unprepared fording depth is 39 inches.Off-road capability notwithstanding, the Cougar is outfitted with run-flat tire inserts. The C-17 is capable of air transporting the Cougar-H.

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The Cougar-H’s armor suite offers comprehensive protection against 7.62mm ammunitiоn, with the glass being resistant to multiple strikes from 7.62mm projectiles. A 30-pound TNT charge under the front and rear axels and a 15-pound charge under the center of the chassis are sufficient to detоnate the Cougar-H. The radiator, tires, battery compartment, fuel containers, engine, and transmission are all protected against ballistics. The V-shaped hull is purposefully engineered to deflect the explоsiоn away from the occupant compartment of the vehicle. Although the detоnatiоn may cause damage to the vehicle, it will not cause harm to its occupants, and the vehicle can be recovered and repaired.

Due to the combat activities conducted in Afghanistan and Iraq (Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom), a requirement arose for a range of vehicles that could withstand the destructive effects of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), in addition to the conventional mining and ambush techniques utilized against Coalition personnel. These vehicles, which were designed to withstand mine resistance and ambush protection, were referred to collectively as MRAP (mine resistant ambush protected) capable. A vehicle of this type is the Cougar. The Cougar, which is produced by Force Protection Inc., has been operational since 2004.

Although novel to the United States military, Cougar-like vehicles are not uncommon in concept. The origins of the Cougar design can be identified in the multi-wheeled, “V” shaped blast hull design created by the Olifant Manufacturing Company of South Africa for use by the South African military during its 1980s operations against Angola and Namibia.

To optimize passenger survivability in the face of small arms ambushes and conventionally laid mines, these vehicles were purposefully engineered with high road speeds and endurance (to accommodate the lengthy distances traversed, in addition to reduced maintenance needs resulting from their wheeled design).