(Iraq)

Notes: Formerly referred to as the ILAV (Iraqi Light Armoured Vehicle), the Badger is a four-wheel drive APC powered by a Catepillar diesel. Max speed is 40mph cross-country and 55mph on road. Weight is 38,000lbs. The vehicles are built in kit form in the USA and assembled in Taji, Iraq.

The Badger carries a crew of 3 (two drivers and a gunner) in the separate forward cab, and 8 passengers. The passengers have shock-absorbing seats and quick-release harnesses similar to NASCAR race cars, to limit shock injury from IEDs and rollovers. The bottom of the vehicle in V-shaped to deflect mine blasts. An automatic fire-suppression system is included.

The cab can fit a heavy machine gun, typically the Soviet-built DShK.

Cost of the Badger is $390,000. The first forty were assembled in Taji during March 2007, and issued to the Iraqi army’s 6^th Division that month. They entered service on 9 April 2007.