So the question is....

Can I take the TAK4 suspension from the Trumpeter Mk23 Kit..



And add it to the Panda Cougar...



To make this...



Has anyone tried? Has anyone with both kits looked at it to see if its even feasible?

Mike

It can be done. I have not done it myself, but I remember someone doing it. It is a pretty easy conversion.

What is that mrap called? Is it just an upgraded cougar with tak-4 suspension?

Hmmmmmm - I just may have to give it a try...

I don't think it has a new name bur am not an expert on such things...

It doesn't have a different name. It will certainly have a different factory product number and almost certainly a different M number. As I recall it was just one of several factory options from Force Protection. The live axle leaf spring version was cheaper, but gave a harsher ride. Combat experience suggested that more hull damage and harder repair occurred from mine strikes on TAK 4 suspension as the blast effects on the bulkier units tended to rip off or buckle the mountings and even distort the plating. We in the UK opted for the live axle 4x4 version (Ridgeback) and later regretted it because of the poor reputation among troops for the bad ride compared to the 6x6 (Mastiff) - especially for the ambulance version. When we decided to keep them after Afghanistan it was considered that we did a 1:1 suspension swap, also feasible - rejected on cost grounds. Then we considered not keeping them at all because of the bad ride reputation.

A conversion to make a Ridgeback would be nice !

TAK4 on Cougar was a retrofit/upgrade and it doesn't modify the vehicle's name. AFAIK generic MRAPs have no model number as usual for US vehicles, but on the other hand, the M-ATV three basic model numbers (M1240, M1277, M1245) according to equipment fitted.

The vehicle pictured is referred to a Cougar H A2 ISS 4x4 MRAP. The Cougar H is the 4x4 Version: A2 refers to subsequent upgrades (most notably the increased height of the cab): and ISS refers to the Independent Suspension System (TAK-4). Here's some info we have at Warwheels about the Cougar 4x4 series: http://www.warwheels.net/CougarMRAPindex.html .

You are correct, but to clarify...the "base" models (APC/Recon vs. Specialist versions) do in some cases. For instance the initial base Maxx Pro is referred to as the M1224. Same goes for the M-ATV. The M1240 is your base vehicle, whereas the M1245 is the SOCOM variant and the M1277 is the USAF's TACP Mount.

To agree with Terminators, I am surprised that none of the kit makers or conversion people have yet produced UK versions or conversions of the Cougars. Bearing in mind that the UK was the other major user. Bound to be good sellers. A Wolfhound, unique to the UK, would be interesting.

Yep, forgot the Maxx Pro.