German modular MRAP (Updated)

Spotted a story about Germany's Gefas mine-resistant vehicle, made all the better by an excellent graphic highlighting the modular design.

It will be interesting how this design fares in testing and later combat (assuming it passes the first test).

clipped from www.defense-update.com

Update:
Here's more on the GeFaS ("short for 'Geschütztes Fahrzeugsystem'"), which means "protected vehicle system from the manufacturer, Rheinmetall *(they have plenty to say, just click the referral link at the bottom to read it all):

RLS develops modular medium-weight wheeled vehicle

GeFaS: the universal platform for wheeled armoured vehicles

A truly revolutionary vehicle concept is now emerging at Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH (RLS).
(Rheinmetall)

*****

Some preliminary detail on the BAE/Navistar JLTV

BAE Systems and Navistar International intend to unveil a 16,000-pound Joint Light Tactical Vehicle prototype with a V-shaped hull, lightweight armor composites and changeable electronics at the end of February, company officials said.
(DefenseNews.com)

Author Kris Osborn went on to report that the proposed JLTV will feature a modular design.

Taking a tip from the Rheinmetall prototype, hmm? Great idea if you can make it work. It's probably fair to say that the MaxxPro has a certain degree of modularity. Given the stringent requirements of JLTV program it shouldn't surprise at all if each of the competitors adopts that approach.

*****

Europe on Mine Resistant Ambush Protected bandwagon?

With hostile forces acquiring deadlier explosive capabilities, countries involved in military or peacekeeping operations -- or a combination of both -- are looking for vehicles that will better protect their troops without restricting mobility. A number of vehicles are emerging to meet these needs.

Germany's GFF program is probably the best example of this effort in Europe. GFF is an acronym for armored command and multipurpose vehicle. The German military plans to acquire thousands of the vehicles over the next 10 years in a program valued at 3.5 billion euros ($4.7 billion).

(Aviation Week)

Peacekeeping efforts, eh? I suppose any effort by Western Europe to carry its own military weight ought to be appreciated.

I can't say these vehicles impress me at first glance. The Mungo has the driver situated more-or-less over the front wheels. EU Referendum (with its military talk now apparently rolled over to "Defence of the Realm") has belabored that weakness repeatedly, noting that it places the driver in a vulnerable position when the front tires set off a mine under the wheel well.

The RFF series by Rheinmetall has the driver well back from the wheel well except perhaps in the case of the Yak.

The Wiesel doesn't look safe from run-of-the-mill IED or EFP attacks to my non-expert eye, but then again neither did this Israeli vehicle that I noted a few days ago.

Of greater concern is the lack of any claims by the manufacturer regarding its ability to withstand such attacks.

Time will tell, especially if the vehicles are tested as with the U.S. MRAP I and II programs.