MRAP-ATV Continues To Drive Work For Plasan Bennington
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Contract Awards, Department of Defense, Events, Oshkosh Truck Corp, Plasan, Services, States, Vermont, logistics, production program
The MRAP-ATV is the new lighter, more maneuverable MRAP made for service in Afghanistan. Oshkosh won the production contract and so far has been awarded contracts for over 8,000 vehicles by the U.S. military. Plasan Bennington makes armor plates for the vehicles and as Oshkosh receives contracts so does the Vermont company.
It announced that Oshkosh had given it a sub-contract worth over $170 million as part of a recent order of 1,460 MRAP vehicles. As the U.S. industry geared up to produce not only MRAPs but also uparmored HUMVEE and trucks several companies expanded their capabilities. Plasan Bennington is one along with BAE Systems. Protection against IED and mines demands the production of sophisticated metal plates for use on military vehicles.
General Dynamics to Supply 250 RG-31 MRAP Vehicles to the U.S. Defense Department
Filed under: Canada, General Dynamics, Syndicated Industry News
February 17, 2010 11:03:58 AM
LONDON, Ontario, -- U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) has awarded General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada a $227.4 million delivery order to produce 250 RG-31 Mk5E vehicles for its Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle program. General Dynamics Land Systems, the Canadian company's parent corporation, is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD). Vehicle production will occur at BAE Systems Land Systems OMC of Benoni, South Africa. Deliveries will be completed by October 2010.
This contract is in addition to the 1,402 RG-31 Mk5 vehicles already supplied by General Dynamics under the MRAP program. Separately, an
additional 584 RG-31s were previously ordered by the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command for route-clearance vehicles.
"We appreciate the confidence that the U.S. military has in the RG-31 vehicle, as they conduct their missions in a dangerous and uncertain
environment," said Dr. Sridhar Sridharan, senior vice-president of General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada. "We are pleased to have the opportunity to once again assist in protecting the lives of U.S. soldiers."
The contract was signed through the Canadian Commercial Corporation, a Crown Agency of the Canadian Government.
General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada, located in London, Ontario, Canada, is a business unit of General Dynamics Land Systems of Sterling Heights, Michigan. For over 30 years, more than 2,000 highly skilled technical employees have designed, manufactured, delivered and supported to global customers a unique family of light armoured vehicles (LAV).
Technorati Tags:
Canada, Contract $200m+, Contract Win, General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), Land Systems, MRAP program, RG31 Mk6E
Kongsberg To Build More CROWS
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Contract Additions, Contract Awards, Countries, Department of Defense, Events, Konsberg, Norway, Pennsylvia, Services, States, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, production program
The U.S. Department of Defense added to a contract previously won by Kongsberg of Norway for Crew Remote Operated Weapon Stations (CROWS). The value of this addition is over $800 million. The add to the existing contract will purchase a further 3,849 CROWS bringing the total to over 10,000.
The contract will be done over five years at Kongsberg Pennsylvania facility. CROWS allows weapons to be operated by a gunner sitting in the vehicle rather then up in the turret. This provides maximum protection to them in combat. CROWS are installed on HUMVEES as well as MRAP vehicles and are used in Iraq and Afghanistan.
BAE Continues To Build Armor Kits For Military Vehicles
Filed under: BAE Systems, Business Line, Companies, Contract Awards, Events, Services, U.S. Army, logistics, production program
Yesterday it was announced that BAE Systems won two different contracts to build armor kits for U.S. military vehicles. Due to the IED and mine threat in Iraq and Afghanistan the Army and Marines primarily have been developing extra armor and weapons for their different vehicles to maximize crew protection. BAE’s two contracts support the HIMARS mobile artillery as well as one for MRAP vehicles.
BAE Systems through its acquisition of Armor Holdings a few years ago made it well placed to get into this market. If the U.S. does begin winding down its operations in Iraq and Afghanistan though there will be little demand for further armor kits of these types and that market might dry up.
Oshkosh Keeps Winning
Filed under: BAE Systems, Business Line, Companies, Contract Awards, Department of Defense, Events, Navistar, Oshkosh Truck Corp, Services, U.S. Army, logistics, production program
Fresh off of winning two contracts for the new MRAP-ATV worth over a billion dollars for use in Afghanistan Oshkosh announced that they had won two smaller contracts. These are only worth about $36 million but indicate that the company is showing some strength. The first is for heavy trucks to support U.S. Army engineering troops. The second is to treat Army tanker trucks to protect against rupturing and burning fuel during transport.
The MRAP-ATV contract is probably the last major contract for these types of vehicles. The win by Oshkosh has already caused ripples through out the industry with Navistar and BAE Systems losing work and jobs. The U.S. military is thinking now how to fit the existing MRAP vehicles purchased for Iraq into their tactical organizations. The MRAP-ATV will be lighter and more maneuverable to support operations in rougher terrain.
MRAP-ATV Fallout Leads To Navistar Layoffs
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Contract Awards, Department of Defense, Events, Mississippi, Navistar, Restructuring, Services, production program
Oshkosh won the MRAP-ATV contract for a new vehicle for use in Afghanistan. One of the losing bidders was Navistar who had sold several thousand MRAP vehicles for use in Iraq to the U.S. Department of Defense.
Now with the fact that they did not win the contract to build the new vehicles for use in Afghanistan the company has announced layoffs at their Mississippi plant. This illustrates one of the problems with defense contracting. If you don’t continue to win contracts to provide systems or services you will eventually wither. Defense acquisition is normally for a certain number of units or for a period of time that will end. Companies win or lose contracts and that leads to contractions or expansions in work forces.
Incident Control Systems Develops New Composite Armor Rapid Escape Door System — Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Events, ICS, Press Releases, development program, logistics, production program
Incident Control Systems Develops New Composite Armor Rapid Escape Door System
New Bedford, MA, June 23, 2009: Incident Control Systems, LLC has developed a new revolutionary composite armor door system called C-LEADS. C-LEADS is a Composite Lightweight Escape Armored Door System, designed to be a one-for-one replacement for traditional metallic armor doors on tactical and combat wheeled vehicles that provides rapid escape for vehicle applicant. The protection level of C-LEADS is scalable in order to meet vehicle specific requirements. The advanced composite armor technology reduces the weight of up to 30% compared to metallic armor systems while maintaining the same protection level. The composite armor has been successfully tested against IED’s at close range as well as a variety of direct fire threats ranging from the 7.62mm AP to the 14.5mm AP. The C-LEADS design incorporates three rapid escape mechanisms that allow for quick extrication of personnel inside.
The replacement doors have a quick release window box, quick release hinges, and an improved “all in one” combat lock and latch system. These escape mechanisms can be accessed from either outside or inside the vehicle. The U.S. Army has expressed an interest in the C-LEADS design for use on the HMMWV and a partnership to further develop the HMWWV design with the Amy is underway. ICS has designed the C-LEADS doors for the HMMWV, FMTV and MRAP vehicles.
“Our goal was to design a door that could replace heavy steel armor while maintaining the same level of protection. We were able to do this and add additional safety features like the rapid escape devices” said Eddie Terrenzi, VP of Business Development for Incident Control Systems, LLC.
Headquartered in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Incident Control Systems is a small business that specializes in the design, manufacture, and integration of advanced composite armor solutions for military combat vehicles.
Contact: Incident Control Systems, LLC
Eddie Terrenzi
508.984.8820
eterrenzi@incidentcontrolsystems.com
Altair Engineering and TARDEC to Host AIM FIRE Military Day May 14 to showcase how simulation will be a key driver in vehicle development – Press Release
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Events, Michigan, Press Releases, States, U.S. Army, logistics, production program
Event Advisory: Altair Engineering and TARDEC to Host AIM FIRE Military Day May 14
Interview opportunities with engineering executives and military officials and photo opportunities of Golden Humvee and MRAP vehicles
WHAT: Altair Engineering, Inc. (www.altair.com), in conjunction with The U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC), is hosting AIM FIRE Military Day: Advanced Innovative Methods for Improved Reliability & Efficiency. The event will bring together military engineering professionals to discuss trends and advancements in simulation methods crucial to the development of military ground-wheeled vehicles. These developments focus on such issues as survivability, weight reduction and robotics.
Industry presentations by Altair Engineering, TARDEC, General Dynamics Land Systems, BAE Systems, Force Protection Inc., and Realtime Technology Inc. will cover advanced simulation methods to improve the reliability and efficiency of military ground-wheeled vehicles while boosting power and mobility.
WHO: Dr. David Gorsich, chief scientist of TARDEC’s Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM), will deliver the keynote, “Reliability and efficient military ground systems,” and will discuss how simulations are being used to drive the development of vehicle systems.
Nearly 150 attendees are expected, including military personnel, military engineer professionals, prime/sub contractors and congressional representatives
WHERE: Altair Engineering
1820 E. Big Beaver
Troy, MI 48083
WHEN: May 14, 2009, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
PHOTOS: Military vehicles on display will include a Golden Humvee from TARDEC and a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle.
INTERVIEWS: Executives will be available for interviews, including:
- Dr. David Gorsich, chief scientist, RDECOM TARDEC
- Jason Napolitano, managing director, Altair Engineering Anthony J. Norton, practice leader, Land Vehicle Development, Altair ProductDesign Inc.
- Brett Chouinard, executive vice president of Americas, Altair Engineering Inc.
- Mike Heskitt, vice president of Global Engineering, Altair ProductDesign Inc.
MORE INFO: Visit www.altair.com/aimfire.
CONTACT: To schedule interviews, contact Jennifer Ristic, Airfoil Public Relations, at 248-304-1421, ristic@airfoilpr.com; or Jenn Korail, Airfoil Public Relations at 248-304-1429, korail@airfoilpr.com.
# # #
All information contained in this document is protected by United States copyright law and is considered the proprietary property of Airfoil Public Relations, Inc. Any display, publication, duplication, or distribution without the express written consent of Airfoil Public Relations, Inc. is strictly prohibited. Copyright Airfoil Public Relations, Inc. 2009. All Rights reserved.
MRAP-ATV Moves Forward
Filed under: BAE Systems, Business Line, Companies, Congress, Contract Awards, Department of Defense, Events, Force Protection, Navistar, Oshkosh Truck Corp, Proposal, Protest, Services, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, development program, logistics, production program
In early March the Defense Department awarded a group of companies contracts to begin concept designs for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected-All Terrain Vehicle (MRAP-ATV). Now it is being reported that the first production buy contracts may be awarded by May 1st. Crain’s Detroit Business says that the contracts had been delayed due to the short lived protest by Navistar. The Army plans to buy a small quantity of vehicles to do tests with and then order larger buys. The Defense Department had discussed in the past buying several of the proposed vehicles rather then focusing on just one.
This would mirror the experience had with the large MRAP vehicles bought for use in Iraq and Afghanistan to defeat the IED threat. Then due to the large quantities needed quickly several companies were able to win contracts. Part of this was that the U.S. military moved slowly first equipping engineering units and then the bulk of their infantry and other troops. This meant that the U.S.M.C and the Army bought different types for the missions. The MRAP-ATV will be used in Afghanistan where a lighter, more mobile off road vehicle is needed due to the rough terrain. This has been a more deliberate process then that used for the MRAP. Multiple contracts would allow faster equipping of units, but will also require a larger, more diverse logistical and training tail.
Force Protection Looks at Expansion in Michigan
Filed under: BAE Systems, Business Line, Companies, Department of Defense, Events, Force Protection, Michigan, Oshkosh Truck Corp, Proposal, U.S. Army, development program, logistics, production program
Force Protection which had ridden the boom in the demand for MRAP vehicles from the U.S. military had its struggles in the past two years. See this previous article for more. Recently the company had bid on the new MRAP-ATV requirement for lighter, more maneuverable MRAPs for Afghanistan along with several other companies. In preparation in case it wins one of the multiple development contracts that are part of this plan the company as reported by Crain’s Detroit Business is looking at more space in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Other companies who bid include Oshkosh and BAE Systems. The contract announcements are expected in April.
New MRAP Proposal Submitted by Oshokosh
Filed under: BAE Systems, Business Line, Companies, Department of Defense, Events, Force Protection, Industry Analysis, Navistar, Oshkosh Truck Corp, Proposal, development program, logistics, production program
As was written about at BNET: Government the U.S. military is moving forward with a new generation of MRAP vehicles that will be lighter and more maneuverable for Afghanistan. The Business Journal of Milwaukee writes that Oshkosh submitted its proposal on 9 January for the program. Oshkosh along with BAE, Navistar and Force Protection would seem to be the main contenders for the program. The MRAP-All Terrain Vehicle program will be managed like the recent JLTV award for multiple development contracts with a test and evaluation program for different vehicles. More then one successful design may be awarded production contracts as the program goes.
DoD Buys Counter IED Training from Allen-Vanguard
Filed under: Allen Vanguard, Canada, Companies, Contract Awards, Countries, Department of Defense, Events, IT, logistics, production program
The Canadian company, Allen Vanguard, was awarded a contract for counter IED jamming equipment training according to the Canadian Press. The US DoD gave the firm a $7.5 million U.S. and three year contract for this support. U.S casualties in Iraq over the last few years were primarily from IED and the U.S military invested in a variety of counter measures. These included MRAP vehicles, jammers and more basic defenses like using UAV to identify and attack crews planting them. If the current situation in Iraq continues there will most likely be a winding down of such efforts.
UK Buys More MRAP Vehicles
Filed under: Contract Awards, England, Navistar, logistics, production program
Navistar was awarded a contract by the Ministry of Defence to build MRAP vehicles. See the Chicago Tribune for the report. Like the US military the UK has put increasing amounts of funding into their MRAP fleet. The major threat in Iraq and Afghanistan remains IED and mines and the MRAP is designed to minimize the damage from these attacks. Even though Iraq may be winding down there is still a requirement for vehicles to support operations in Afghanistan.
Marines award MRAP contract
Filed under: Contract Awards, Force Protection, U.S. Marine Corps, logistics, production program
Force Protection was awarded a contract by the USMC to support MRAP vehicles. See the press release here. The contract is worth over $40 M and will last over a year. Force Protection had recently had some issues winning MRAP contracts, and this win will be welcome. For more see this and this.
More USMC MRAP contracts
Filed under: Contract Awards, Navistar, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, logistics, production program
According to this article Navistar International was awarded a contract by the US Navy to provide maintenance support for USMC MRAP vehicles. This contract is to provide parts and most likely Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) for the many vehicles that are being used in Iraq and Afghanistan. The contract value is over $700 M. It again illustrates that modern systems are not only expensive to procure but to maintain which opens up a whole new venue to defense contractors.
Marines buy MRAPs
Filed under: Contract Awards, U.S. Navy, production program
According to this article the US Navy awarded five separate contracts to Navistar International. These contracts will be used to buy MRAP vehicles for the USMC. The MRAP market has increased dramatically in the last three years with BAE, Navistar and Force Protection being the main suppliers. The US military invested heavily in these vehicles to defeat the threat from IED in Iraq which had become the prime threat to their troops. Unfortunately the future combat forces of the Army and USMC will rely on other vehicles, perhaps the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) or the humble HUMVEE which will leave the US with a large inventory of MRAP vehicles not suited to other tactical missions.
BAE wins contract for turret moters
Filed under: BAE Systems, Contract Awards, U.S. Army, production program
BAE Systems was awarded a $71 M contract for 12000 turret motors for US Army light tactical vehicles. The story is here. The motors will be used to move the turrets on HUMVEEs and MRAP vehicles. Obviously the part will be provided to whomever outfits the vehicles with the turrets, either at an Army depot or the factory. It again shows that little things cost a lot and the price of something can add up quickly.



