New vehicle could aid U.S. troops in Iraq

WASHINGTON, June 11 (UPI) -- The Pentagon recently successfully tested a new armored vehicle that could potentially protect U.S. troops in Iraq from roadside bombs.

While the advanced vehicle, dubbed the Bull, has yet to go into production, Pentagon tests found that the armored vehicle could endure explosive forces similar to those created by roadside bombs in Iraq, USA Today reported Monday.

A request for additional vehicle armor was made by Marine Corps officials, whose military group is now evaluating the new Ceradyne Inc. vehicle.

If the new armored vehicle is ultimately ordered into production for Iraq, it will likely serve alongside Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles.

While the Pentagon has ordered 7,700 MRAPs, another 17,000 of the armored vehicles may be sent into production for the U.S. Army.

USA Today said U.S. Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del., said the immediate implementation of the vehicles in Iraq was imperative.

"Today, we have two main threats," the Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman said. "We have proven technologies to beat these threats: the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle and the Bull."