BAE SYSTEMS RECEIVES $9.5 MILLION U.S. GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS FOR ARMORED COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
07 Oct 2008 | Ref. 262/2008
CINCINNATI, Ohio – BAE Systems has received contracts for a combined value of $9.5 million from the U.S. Government to provide 120 armored commercial vehicles, including Chevrolet Suburbans and Toyota HiLux vehicles. Additional details regarding this contract cannot be disclosed at the request of the customer.
Armored commercial vehicles use many of the same technologies and systems incorporated in military vehicles, such as the combat-proven Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and up-armored HMMWVs. Armored commercial vehicles are designed to be inconspicuous and indistinguishable from their unarmored counterparts and provide extra security to the occupants.
“We are able to integrate our in-depth research and development efforts from our military programs, as well as our extensive commercial experience, into our commercial products to provide the highest level of protection for the vehicle occupants,” said Tony Russell, vice president of vehicle armor for BAE Systems. “From having conducted hundreds of direct fire and blast tests, we have been able to develop armor packages that can protect against the ever-evolving threats, including blast, improvised explosive devices and explosively formed projectile threats.”
BAE Systems is displaying an armored Toyota HiLux at the AUSA Annual Conference, held October 6-8, in Washington, D.C.
BAE Systems’ heritage in armored commercial vehicles dates back to the 1940s when the company designed its first armored vehicle for President Harry S. Truman. BAE Systems is now the largest armored commercial vehicle supplier to the U.S. Government.
The armored commercial vehicles will be manufactured in Cincinnati, Ohio. Production is expected to be completed by the summer of 2009. The commercial vehicles will be purchased directly from the original manufacturers prior to additional armor and security features being installed.
BAE Systems employs more than 2,000 people in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati has almost 900,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space and a state-of-the art ballistic glass plant.
The manufacturing plant has played a vital role in both the Caiman and RG33 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) programs by providing armor systems for both vehicles. BAE Systems manufactures three of the five MRAPS in production, the RG33, the Caiman and the RG31. The RG31 program is run through license with General Dynamics. The Company has been awarded more than 30 percent of all the total MRAP orders.
BAE Systems also manufactures up-armored vehicles, commercial armored vehicles, integrated armor kits and accessories for a full range of tactical wheeled vehicles, combat vehicles and construction equipment.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defense and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 100,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15.7 billion (US $31.4 billion) in 2007.
For further information, please contact:
Eva Keller, BAE Systems
Tel: +1 513 881 9825 Mobile: +1 513 615 9034
eva.keller@baesystems.com
Shannon Smith, BAE Systems
Tel: +1 703 907 8257 Mobile: +1 703 967 3854
shannon.n.smith@baesystems.com
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