WASHINGTON, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- The Army this week issued a contract for improved armor plating sets for 130 of its Bradley Fighting Vehicles.
The General Dynamics Corp. received the order for armor that is better able to deflect the rocket-propelled grenades that have become a constant threat to Bradley crews patrolling Iraq.
The company said the contract issued to its Armament and Technical Products division is worth $23.4 million, but could grow to more than $46 million.
The armor package consists of 96 tiles that fit over the exterior of the Bradley, giving it improved capability to withstand direct hits from RPGs and other anti-tank rounds.
The armor features a small explosive charge that detonates when the vehicle is struck by an anti-tank weapon. The small blast disrupts the force of the enemy round, lessening its explosive impact.
The General Dynamics package was designed jointly with Israel's RAFAEL Armament Development Authority.
