Mamba's

[McG]

The closest the U.S. has to a Mamba.  It's a up armoured Hummer with armoured turret with a pintal mount for the anti material .50 rifle,with storage in back for Recce kit and tool's.

Actually, the US has RG-31.  Apparently "Badger" is the common name in the army, and the manufacturer's web site refers to the US Army Spec RG-31 as "Charger."  However, I'm not sure how long these had been in service as of the date of your post.

http://www.724oif.com/mapsandmissions/taskforcerow/row2.jpg

 

[geo]

Call it a charger or a badger, mamba or nyala..... looks prettymuch the same from a quick look see.

and will you look at this

http://www.defense-update.com/products/r/RG-31.htm

November 2005 the Canadian government contracted General Dynamics Land Systems Canada (GDLS-C) to supply 50 RG-31 Mine Protected Vehicles with an option for 25 additional vehicles under a CAD $60.3 million (US $51.3 million) order (more info on Defense Industry Daily).  The vehicles will incorporate a Kongsberg Protector M151 Remote Weapon Station, equipped with a day and night sighting system, which allows the operator to fire the weapon while remaining protected within the vehicle. The vehicles will be manufactured by BAE Land Systems OMC of South Africa, while GDLS-C will provide ongoing support. Deliveries will occur from February to April 2006. The Canadian Army has previously deployed three RG-31 vehicles as part of its contribution to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. RG-31s have been extensively used with NATO forces in the former Yugoslavia and by United Nations (UN) forces in Lebanon, Georgia, Syria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo.

in the end, like the LAV... we got this kit before the americans saw it's worth.

 

[scm77]

Just bumping this thread up to post an interesting picture I found.

CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq (Jan. 7, 2006) – An RG-31 Cougar rests on its front axel after an improvised explosive device detonated under the vehicle here Jan. 6. The IED detonated directly under the vehicle; however, because the vehicle was an RG-31, the blast was pushed outward instead of directly straight up due to the unique “V” –shaped undercarriage. Of the five service members in the vehicle, two received concussions and two others received minor burns.

 

[geo]

Well.... it did it's job and it probably has a chance of seeing service in the not too distant future.

Maybe this one should be christened Timex - "takes a lickin and keeps on tickin"