Cheetah MMPV

The Cheetah MMPV (Medium Mine Protected Vehicle) was a prototype built by the Force Protection, Inc., division of General Dynamics. It was intended as part of Force Protection's armoured military vehicle line-up, which includes the MRAP-class of Buffalo and Cougar vehicles and the Ocelot light protected patrol vehicle (LPPV).

Its design was based on the South African RG-31 Charger class of light-armored vehicle, intended as a reconnaissance, forward command and control, and urban operations vehicle for homeland security missions.

No contracts were procured for the Cheetah MMPV, and production ended in 2008 after 13 prototypes had been manufactured.

Specifications

 * Transfer case: Marmon-Herrington 2 Speed with 4X4 or optional ADM
 * Wheels: Hutchinson aluminum two-piece CTIS ready
 * Tires: Michelin XZL run flat tires 365/80R20
 * Electrical System: 24 V
 * Approach angle: 45°
 * Departure angle: 45°
 * Turning radius: 27’
 * Gradient: 60%
 * Side Slope: 30%
 * Fording Depth: 48"
 * Center of Gravity: 35"

Production history
The Cheetah never went into full production.

In early 2007, Force Protection stated that full production could begin in July 2007, but did not proceed after the May 2007 announcement that the US Marine Corps had ordered 1200 of the rival International MaxxPro vehicles. At the same time Force Protection received an order for 14 of the larger MRAP Category III Buffalo.

Cheetah was submitted to the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) competition but was officially rejected from the program in August 2008. The JLTV program settled on the Oshkosh L-ATV in August 2015.