Toofan | |
---|---|
Type | MRAP |
Place of origin | Iran |
Service history | |
In service | 2018–present |
Used by | Iran |
Production history | |
Designer | Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics |
Produced | 2018–present |
Specifications | |
Crew | 2 |
Passengers | 10 |
Armor | Ballistic protection up to STANAG 2/3 |
Main armament | Numerous, including 12.7 HMG. |
Engine | diesel 360 hp (270 kW) |
Transmission | Four-wheel drive |
Maximum speed | 100 km/h |
The Toofan ( Persian: طوفان, lit. 'Storm [1] or Hurricane'), sometimes known as Toophan, [2] Toufan [3] or Tufan, [4] is an Iranian MRAP armored vehicle. It was designed and manufactured by the Iranian Ministry of Defence to enter into service with the IRGC Ground Forces and NAJA. [5]
The MRAP was first seen at the 2016 IPAS convention in Iran. [1] [2] The Toofan was publicly unveiled on November 20, 2018 [5] with Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami attending the event. [6] 5 Toofans were initially produced. [7]
After the MRAP was unveiled, Streit Group has mentioned that they are looking into legal options for a redress. [3]
On June 26, 2021, Toofans are shown in a parade held by the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Camp Ashraf, Diyala. [8]
The Toofan was developed to provide Iranian forces with a highly mobile vehicle that is capable of carrying out logistics and combat missions in all possible theaters of war. [5] [6] The features of the Toofan are that it is ambush protected with ballistic protection to resist land mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and steel core bullets. [5] [6] It can be outfitted with STANAG 2 or 3 protection. [3]
It has a 360 hp engine [1] with the Toofan able to drive through 1.5 meters of water and climbing barriers as high as 50 centimeters. [5] [6] It can carry up to 10 personnel and is equipped with run-flat tires which enables it to drive for 50 kilometers with a flat tire. A spare tire is mounted on the right side. [2] It can also drive at speeds of up to 100 km/h. [5] [6]
The MRAP's components are made in Iran, except for the gearbox, engine and suspension. [2] A V-shaped hull underneath is used to deflect explosions from underneath. [7]
Its appearance resembles the Streit Group’s Typhoon MRAP with similarities based on its physical appearance and its dimensions. [3] [4]
The Toofan can be equipped with semi-heavy weapons onto the tailgate gun shields and turrets if needed, [5] [6] including a 12.7 heavy machine gun with gun shield. [2]
The cost of the program is disclosed but during his address to the press, Brigadier General Hatami stated that "such a vehicle costs around $500,000 in the international market, [while] Iranian experts have manufactured [the] Toofan at a much lower price." [6]