A minor mystery for MRAP II

When photos of the Bull MRAP came to view, some of us wondered about its apparent lack of side doors--a supposed requirement for the MRAP II program.

Based on a lone photo I was reluctant to conclude that the vehicle had no side doors at all.

clipped from www.defensenews.com

This photo, unless it has been flipped in the editing room, appears to confirm that the Bull lacks side doors on the right side of the vehicle (whereas the earlier photo appears to provide similar confirmation for the left side of the vehicle).

And if that's not evidence enough, the same source that gave us the above photo states:

The Bull, made by Arlington, Va.-based Ideal Innovations, Oshkosh Truck and Ceradyne, has no side doors, just a hatch on top, so there is uninterrupted armor all the way back to the crew cab.

If MRAP II requires side doors, why did Ideal/Oshkosh/Ceradyne get a pass for the Bull?

Ingress/Egress

All passengers shall be able to exit the vehicle (in full body armor) within the following time limits:

1-2 personnel (driver & truck commander or passenger)

4-6 personnel

9-10 personnel (troop transport)

1-2 personnel (driver & truck commander or passenger)

4-6 personnel (4 pax & gunner)

9-10 personnel (troop transport)

Additionally:

Vehicle doors shall enable the 5^th percentile female to 95 percentile male in full combat gear to rapidly ingress and egress the vehicle in response to tactical needs in full combat gear. (T) Full combat gear includes helmet, Body Armor, weapons, and all body borne equipment.

Finally:

The MRAP shall be equipped with a minimum of a driver and co-driver door (T), a rear door (T), and one (1) ingress/egress point on the roof for personnel. (T) Tow access/egress points on the roof. (O)

Hatch and door dimensions shall accommodate the 95th percentile male, with full body armor, to easily ingress/egress. (T)

(source [word file--see "attachment 2"])

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