Mercedes G-Wagons Likely Saved Soldier's Lives...Again

[Alx]

A while back, we brought you a story about armored Mercedes G-Wagons being used by the Canadian military to replace their aging Iltis Jeeps.

The armored G-Wagon recently made headlines again, this time likely saving the lives of three Canadian soldiers and one journalist.

The incident occurred in Afghanistan, where the soldier's G-Wagon struck what military officials believe to be an "improvised explosive device."

The G-Wagon, which is fitted with armored plating and thick shock-resitant windows, suffered major damage to the front end; however, the windows and entire passenger compartment remained intact.

Thankfully, the soldiers suffered relatively minor injuries - one suffered a broken leg and another suffered a broken ankle and foot. The third soldier and journalist both walked away from the incident without any major injuries.

Tim Albone, the journalits that was onboard when the explosion occurred, said he believes the armor of the G-Wagon prevented even worse injuries to himself and the soldiers, and told CBC Newsworld: "I’m convinced that is what, and in fact that is what the soldiers say, saved our lives."

Shortly after the bombing, two men fleeing the scene were arrested and given to the Afghan police, where hopefully they will be dragged out to the desert, beaten and shot.

OK, just shot.

For more info on the incident, you can check out the full story by clicking here.

[We also want to thank Paul for sending us a link to combatcamera.forces.gc.ca a while back. It has a ton of photos and videos taken by the Canadian armed forces, and provides a small glimpse into what they see and experience every day.]



emercedesbenz.com

 

[audi_rudy]

very cool that the thing stayed in tact..good thing that there all rite

 

[Alx]

yeh, its good they are still ok. That looks invredible how nothing else got damages.

 

[Deutsch]

MB saves lives, that's awesome! Thanks for sharing Alx.

 

[450SEL6.9]

AlxAmg, there was no other damage because it wasn't likely a direct hit on the side body of the vehicle. If it was, there would be pretty extensive damage though the passengers may still survive depending if the armouring was strong enough. There was a heavy dose of luck in that escape. Almost all of the damage was in the front engine bay. It looks like it missed the passenger compartment totally. Even the best armoured vehicles will show damage from direct hit from an IED.

 

[Mr. Chigga_Chan]

I agree, that the IED would have dealt more damage if it had exploded directly underneath the passenger compartment. I don't think any armor they put on the G-Wagon would keep it intact. Though it is very interesting how the blast is contained in the frontal engine bay, I would think there would be more damage to the rest of the vehicle.

Interesting article nonetheless.

 

[abunawafff]

MB saves lives, that's awesome! Thanks for sharing Alx.

nope the G saved lives

 

[LaArtist]

The G is so damn hard..if it where a person you would be afraid

 

[phaeton]

It was an armoured G, it wasn't a regular G so this news ain't that special.
Armoured cars around the World save there occupants all the time.

 

[abunawafff]

It was an armoured G, it wasn't a regular G so this news ain't that special.
Armoured cars around the World save there occupants all the time.

this thing survived a bombing.... thats big new... we are not talking ur regular bulet proof limo here..

ive had the plesure to be in a few diffrent mercedes... and the G is the one with the best armor... as all the windows are straight... wich is a must for all military vehicle.... curved glass is not as strong..

 

[phaeton]

Article said improvised explosive.

I remember reading the Former Spanish PM Jose Maria Aznar was in an armoured Audi A8 which was bombed, he escaped with only minor injuries IIRC.

 

[Gullwing]

My brother in law was blown up twice in Iraq.
First time in an unarmed Humvee, bomb went off right after they drove over it, lifted up and back on the truck. Major headache but he was ok.
Second time in an armored Humvee, went off in the back seat right behind him. Massive headache, he passed out for a few minutes after he got out of the truck and was flown to the hosiptal. He spent a few days in the hospital, but for the most part was ok.
He has the second one on video
And last we heard, it was not GOOD enough for a Purple Heart

 

[phaeton]

WOW your Bro was blessed that his Humvee had armouring technology.