Its compact military-patrol vehicle offers U. S. troops more shielding from roadside bombs in Iraq and Afghanistan, Wisconsin based Oshkosh Corp. has said.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has reported that the company said the SandCat, built on a Ford chassis, has a V-shaped bottom, similar to that of larger trucks and designed to deflect the bomb blasts.

The vehicle, which carries up to six passengers, provides protection from armor-piercing bullets, is easy to drive and handles well on rough and hilly off-road terrain, Oshkosh said.

The company introduced the SandCat last week at the Eurosatory defense industry trade show in Paris.

The company also said that the SandCat's as easy to drive as a sport utility vehicle and its dashboard resembles that of a Ford truck.

Jack Reiff, director of the vehicle's development program, said, "If you have driven an automobile, there is no issue getting behind the wheel of a SandCat."

It was further noted by The Journal that Israel's military uses the SandCat for border patrols and a few of the vehicles are being used in Afghanistan. Oshkosh would not release the vehicle's price.

It was also reported that roadside bombs have killed or wounded thousands of U. S. troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the bombs have grown more powerful. (With inputs from Agencies)