An MRAP vehicle was hit by a 500 lb bomb (IED) that totally destroyed the vehicle but all soldiers inside survived. The unusual ship-like construction of the vehicle's bottom protected the soldiers, though the driver suffered some broken ribs. The blast was powerful enough to pick up and turn the truck around.

1. Soldiers survived!! This is one of the new "hardened" MRAP vehicles that was hit by a 500 lb bomb (IED). The vehicle was totally destroyed, but EVERYONE IN THE VEHICLE WALKED AWAY. Note the unusual construction of the bottom of the hardened Pathfinder APC. Note the bottom looks like the hull of a ship. The blast picked up the truck and turned it around! The driver got some broken ribs (see the photo of the steering wheel), but that's it. Everyone walked away from a 500 lb explosion directly beneath their vehicle. MAJ Brent Ruhlen Sr. Project Officer TCM-BC, CP Division Ft. Leavenworth, KS 66027 (913)684-4498 DSN: 552-4498 UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED

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