MineResistant

MineResistant is a designation used for vehicles and protective systems engineered to withstand land mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). In military and security contexts, it is most often associated with mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) platforms developed to improve crew survivability in blast events. The term also informs protective design in other domains where explosive threats are a concern.

Origin and adoption: The concept gained prominence in the 2000s amid heavy IED use in Afghanistan and Iraq. Government programs and manufacturers pursued purpose-built MineResistant platforms featuring energy-absorbing structures, specialized hull geometry, and crew-focused layouts to minimize injury from underbelly blasts and adjacent shocks.

Design principles: A core feature is the V-shaped hull that deflects blast energy away from occupants, reducing behind-armor loads. Other common elements include a reinforced armor envelope, protected crew compartments, and seating designed to absorb blast energy. Platforms typically employ higher ground clearance, robust suspension, run-flat or tire-inflation systems, and redundant entry points. The aim is to preserve vehicle mobility and crew viability while balancing weight, cost, and maintainability.

Operational impact and considerations: MineResistant designs have lowered casualties from IED blasts in combat zones and have influenced broader protective mobility programs. Trade-offs include higher vehicle weight, reduced cargo capacity, greater fuel consumption, and increased maintenance demands, which can complicate logistics in austere environments.

See also: MRAP, protected mobility, IED.