It's a three-letter word that's become synonymous with the war in Iraq -- IED, or improvised explosive device. While no vehicle is IED-proof, the Marines have placed an order for 1000 mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles (MRAPs), which are better armored than a Humvee, and feature V-shaped undercarriages that partially redirect explosive blasts around the vehicle. The $490 million contract, the biggest MRAP order so far, calls for 300 Cougar 4x4s (pictured above) and 700 of the larger, six-wheeled Cougar 6x6s. The Cougars will be used by bomb-disposal teams in Iraq, and the Pentagon hopes to eventually deploy a total of 7774 MRAPs.

Trial By Fire: The Marines field-tested various mine-resistant vehicles before settling on the Cougar. In 2006 an RG-31 suffered a direct IED hit (above), but none of the crew were killed.

Sticker Shock: At press time, funding for additional MRAPs is caught in a larger political stalemate over Iraq War funding. The cost of all 7774 requested MRAPs would be $8.4 billion.

Vital Stats: The Cougar 4x4 and 6x6 models both have 330-hp diesels, top speeds of 65 mph, a 600-mile range, and seating for 10. The 6x6 can haul 14,000 pounds, nearly triple the 4x4’s max load.

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