Four new contracts to help inform decisions on which technologies will be used for the Army's next generation of armoured fighting vehicles have been awarded by Atkins, the FRES Systems House, Minister for Defence Procurement Lord Drayson announced on 4 January 2006.

BAE Systems have been awarded two contracts. The first is for a Chassis Concept Technology Demonstrator Programme (TDP). This work will demonstrate the readiness of an alternative electric drive technology, and enable us better to understand the challenges of applying this technology across the range of FRES roles. The second contract will look at potential light bridging concepts based on two designs; a stretched version of current technology and a new design using hybrid materials.

Thales UK, teamed with Boeing, has been selected to lead the Integrated Survivability (IS) programme. This project will define Integrated Survivability concepts for the full range of FRES roles.

The fourth contract has been awarded to Lockheed Martin UK, which has been awarded a contract for an Electric Armour TDP. This programme will determine the principles for integration of Electric Armour into FRES.

Lord Drayson said:

"The four TDPs placed by Atkins, along with others already awarded, will help ensure we get the right technology in these new vehicles that will be at the centre of the Army's future capability."

FRES is the most significant Army project for the next decade. The FRES capability will be delivered via a family of medium-weight, armoured fighting vehicles that will fulfil a wide range of roles.

FRES will be an integral part of an interoperable network and will deliver modern, battle-winning equipment to the Army.

UK MOD
05.01.2006