Toofan (MRAP)
| Toofan | |
|---|---|
.jpg) 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 |
| Armor | Ballistic protection up to STANAG 4569 level 2 or 3 |
Main armament | Numerous, including 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun |
| Engine | diesel 360 hp (270 kW) |
| Transmission | Four-wheel drive |
Operational range | With flat tyre up to 50 km (31 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 100 km/h (62 mph) |
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
[edit]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] Five Toofans were initially produced.[7]
Due to the Toofan's resemblance to the STREIT Group's Typhoon MRAP, the STREIT Group announced after the unveiling that it was exploring legal options for compensation.[3]
On June 26, 2021, Toofans are shown in a parade held by the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Camp Ashraf, Diyala.[8]
Design
[edit]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 4569 level 2 or 3 protection.[3]
It has a 360 hp engine,[1] is able to drive through 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) of water and climbing barriers of 50 cm (20 in).[5][6] It can carry up to 10 personnel and is equipped with run-flat tires allowing it to drive for 50 km (31 mi) 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 (62 mph).[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 Typhoon MRAP with similarities based on its physical appearance and its dimensions.[3][4]
Armaments
[edit]The Toofan can be equipped with semi-heavy weapons onto the tailgate gun shields and turrets if needed,[5][6] including a 12.7mm heavy machine gun with gun shield.[2]
Cost
[edit]
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
[edit]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "طوفانِ "Mrap" بومی در اوج تحریمها و بدعهدیها/ ایران هم به جمع تولیدکنندگان یک غول میلیون دلاری پیوست +عکس". 20 November 2018.
- ^ a b c d e "Toophan". Archived from the original on 2023-08-04.
- ^ a b c d "Iran Made a Big Deal About Its New MRAP". 24 November 2018. Archived from the original on November 24, 2018.
- ^ a b c "Armor: An Iranian MRAP to Deal with Iranians".
- ^ a b c d e f g h "New 4x4 MRAP armored vehicle Toofan for Iranian army". Army Recognition. 2018-11-01.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Iran Unveils New Military Vehicle". Tasnim News Agency. 20 November 2018. Retrieved 29 May 2019.
- ^ a b "Toofan MRAP; armored vehicle resistant to mines, ambushes".
- ^ "Militias Parade Under the PMF Banner (Part 2): Ground Combat Systems | the Washington Institute".
- ^ "ATTN CENTCOM: Iran Built Its Own Iraqi Army". 23 July 2021. Archived from the original on July 26, 2021.
