Surge Protection

A new combat truck deflects IED blasts--which are responsible for 70% of U.S. deaths in Iraq--well enough that the Army doubled its initial order. The truck's secret? Its shape.

OLD MODEL: HUMVEE

The flat underside allows the force of a bomb to go directly up through the vehicle's floor

NEW MODEL: MRAP

The V-shaped steel body directs an explosion's force up the sides and away from passengers