Buffalo saves lives in Iraq

South African-designed armoured vehicles are helping to save US Army and Marine personnel in Iraq. The mine protective clearance vehicle (MPCV) is known as the Buffalo by US soldiers. When a suspicious item is noticed by soldiers, the Buffalo is brought in to check whether an explosive device is present. The six-wheeled armoured Buffalo is based on the South African Casspir and saves lives because explosive devices explode while they are being inspected about 10% of the time. The heavy vehicle, which operates with a six-man crew, has provided strong protection from such blasts, even at close range.