The International MaxxPro Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle was developed in direct response to the unacceptable losses U.S. troops were experiencing in Iraq and Afghanistan from improvised explosive devices, and rocket propelled grenades. The MaxxPro (shorthand for Maximum Protection) was built with a V-shaped hull, and the option to add supplemental side armor for increased crew protection and vehicle survivability.

This book provides an excellent visual history of the MRAP from development to deployment in the field. In the first few pages, the authors provide a nice, concise history and informational introduction to the vehicle, including why the vehicles were needed, how the final design was selected, and a nice chart showing the various model designs for the MRAP.

The book includes over 115 full color photos of the MRAP, with the vast majority of photographs in full page detail. The photos start out in a format similar to what you would see in a ‘walk around’ style publication. These walk around photos show close-up photos of vehicle components not readily visible, which are crystal clear and nicely captioned, to explain some of the differences. The two areas I would have liked to see a few more photos of are what’s under the MRAP’s massive hood, and a few more shots of the crew compartment and interior.

After the walk around photos, the book moves into an ‘in action’ style publication. These photos show the MRAPs in the field, both in international training and joint exercise situations, as well as working on the front lines in Afghanistan and Iraq. The in action photos, also include excellent captioning detailing the specific model, and usually an explanation of who is operating the vehicle, and where.

The book is highly recommended for modelers and people interested in military vehicles. Many of the photos of the vehicles deployed were provided by the military personnel operating them, and the photo quality is really outstanding.

My thanks to the Ampersand Publishing Company and to IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this publication.