M1126 Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV)

During a deployment to Afghanistan in 2005, the 75th Ranger Regiment employed a number of M1126 Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicles (ICVs). These vehicles, along with a M1130 Commander Vehicle (CV) and M1133 Medical Evacuation Vehicle (MEV) were 'loaned' from other U.S. Army units. As far as is publicly known, the Rangers still have these armored vehicles in their inventory. The Stryker ICVs allow the Rangers to travel to and from objectives with a greater degree of protection than soft-skinned vehicles. Rangers have also reportedly used Pandur AGMS vehicles in a similar role in Iraq. ⁽¹⁾

The M1126 Stryker ICV is an 8-wheel armored fighting vehicle that is based on the General Dynamics LAV III, albeit not as heavily armored. The M1126 Stryker has a number of features:

• can carry 9-man infantry squad
• Caterpillar diesel engine
• hardened-steel armor that provides protection against 7.62mm ball ammunition
• bolt-on ceramic armor that protects against small arms up to 14.5mm and shrapnel blasts
• driver and vehicle commander periscopes
• day/night thermal camera for vehicle commander
• Protector M151 Remote Weapon Station (RWS) typically fitted with M2 .50 cal heavy machine gun or 40mm MK-19 / MK-47 grenade launcher
• secondary mounts for M240b and M2 machine gun

Stryker ICV - Video

Stryker ICV - Photos & More Info

M1126 Stryker ICV. It has been reported that the 75th Rangers acquired 14 such vehicles. The M151 RWS, here fitted with a M2 .50 cal heavy machine gun, can clearly be seen atop the vehicle. The Remote Weapon Station allows a Ranger to engage targets while inside the ICV.

U.S. Army Photo

A U.S. Army Stryker ICV on deployment in Iraq, 2004. Note the cage of slat armor fitted to this Stryker - designed to protect against RPG fire.

U.S. Dod Photo by Staff Sgt. Gretel Sharpee

M1130 Stryker Command Vehicle (CV) is used as a mobile HQ for Stryker units. It featuers a video display terminal and additional communications equipment and associated antennae. Like the M1126, the M1130 features a RWS turret. It is believed the the 75th Rangers acquired a single Stryker CV to command its fleet of Strykers.

U.S. Dod Photo by : Pfc. Andrew Hillegass, 107th MPAD

M1133 Medical Evacuation Vehicle (MEV), also based on the Stryker chassis, is an armored ambulance that can transport up to 4 casualties on litters or 6 ambulatory patients, in addition to a 3-man medical team. It's thought that the Rangers acquired a single Stryker MEV.

U.S. Dod Photo

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