U.S. Air Force delivers first M-ATV to Afghanistan [Image 1 of 3]

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

10.01.2009

Photo by Senior Airman Susan Tracy 

U.S. Forces Afghanistan

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III loadmaster spots the driver of a Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Protected All-Terrain Vehicle as he drives it off the aircraft, Oct. 1. The M-ATV's are the first of their kind in Afghanistan and support small-unit combat operations in highly restricted rural, mountainous and urban environments that include mounted patrols, reconnaissance, security, convoy protection, communications, command and control, and combat service support. Transporting a load of M-ATVs by U.S. Air Force aircraft can be accomplished in a day, where sealift would require approximately 26 days. An order for more than 6,600 of the M-ATVs are expected to be fielded over the next year. Three M-ATVs were loaded onto a C-17 Globemaster III and four onto a C-5 Galaxy at Charleston AFB, S.C., Sept. 29 and flown to Afghanistan. The M-ATV It is designed to replace the up-armored Humvee in Afghanistan. The M-ATV will carry up to five personnel: four plus a gunner. The C-17 is from McChord Air Force Base, Wash. and was operated by a crew from Charleston AFB, S.C.

• Date Taken: 10.01.2009
• Date Posted: 10.01.2009 13:12
• Photo ID: 208135
• VIRIN: 100109-f-9228t-003
• Resolution: 3698x2100
• Size: 3.45 MB
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF