ARLINGTON, Virginia –- BAE Systems has been awarded contracts to provide the military with two versions of a new armored all-terrain vehicle, designed specifically for use by U.S. forces in the rugged terrain of Afghanistan.

Under this award, the company will produce three more test vehicles of each version to undergo additional survivability and mobility testing.

The vehicles, called MRAP All-Terrain Vehicles or M-ATVs, are lighter, more mobile versions of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles now used in Iraq. MRAPs have been successful at protecting troops from roadside bombs, explosively formed projectiles, and rocket-propelled grenades when using appliqué armor.

One version of the vehicle is produced by the company’s Global Tactical Systems (GTS) business and the other from its U.S. Combat Systems (USCS) business.

“We combined the industry’s best in a vehicle that is survivable, mobile and dependable for use in Afghanistan,” said Regis Luther, vice president of Light Tactical Vehicles for the GTS line of business. The GTS M-ATV will be produced at BAE Systems facilities in Sealy, Texas and Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as other partner facilities.

“Our lightweight M-ATV provides MRAP protection and better mobility than Humvees,” said Greg Mole, director of MRAP programs. He said the company is prepared to deliver vehicles 30 days after receiving orders. BAE Systems facilities in York, Pennsylvania and Aiken, South Carolina and partner facilities in central Michigan are prepared to rapidly field the vehicles.

BAE Systems is the premier global defense, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.

BAE Systems
04.05.2009