BAE Systems to make MRAP II prototype

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 15 (UPI) -- British company BAE Systems said Monday it has been chosen to make prototypes of next-generation MRAP vehicles.

The company said in a statement it had "been competitively selected to develop and produce prototypes of the next generation of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected -- MRAP -- II vehicle with the award of a $5.7 million contract from the MRAP Joint Program Office. Under the MRAP II program, the government could order the production of up to 20,500 MRAP II vehicles, testing, spare parts and logistics support."

"As one of only two contractors chosen, BAE Systems will produce Category I MRAP II test vehicles based on the company's Caiman 6x6 design and Category II MRAP II test vehicles based on the company's RG33 6x6 vehicle. Six Category I MRAP II vehicles, along with improved armor solutions, will be provided to the customer in March 2008 for testing under the contract's initial delivery order," the company said.

"The RG33 and Caiman vehicles have the right balance of payload capability, automotive performance, and blast protection, and have proven extremely capable of handling the significantly increased requirements of MRAP-II," said Matt Riddle, vice president of Wheeled Vehicle Programs. "Our designs offer mobility upgrades that significantly increase payload capacity and enable the integration of superior survivability enhancements across the threat spectrum."

"The award was announced by the MRAP JPO on December 18, 2007, after considering offers from four bidders," BAE Systems said.

"The MRAP II program is a joint effort across BAE Systems leveraging technologies from across the globe to create the best vehicle for soldiers in the field. Caiman vehicles will be produced in Sealy, Texas; Fairfield, Ohio; and Phoenix, Arizona, while RG33 vehicles will be produced in Santa Clara, California; York, Pennsylvania; Aiken, South Carolina; and Anniston, Alabama. In addition, BAE Systems in Alexandria, Virginia, will provide the vehicle's Rocket Propelled Grenade armor solution," the company said.

"MRAP II vehicles provide an enhanced blast resistant under-body designed to protect the crew from mine blasts, fragmentary and direct fire weapons," the company said.