NUMBERS: About 7,000 of the mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles are in use in Iraq and Afghanistan. At least that many more are being built at a total cost of more than $22 billion.

WEIGHT: From 9 tons to 40 tons.

COST: $500,000 or more, depending on their size and how they're equipped.

SAFETY FEATURES: Elevated chassis and V-shaped hull that pushes blasts from roadside bombs and other explosives out and away from the troops inside.

DURABILITY: Only nine have been taken out of action due to battle damage as of July 1, according to Pentagon figures. Another 560 were listed as "non-mission capable" because they're awaiting repairs.

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