Testing set for Havoc vehicle

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DALLAS, Aug. 16 (UPI) -- A new 8x8 armored vehicle from Lockheed Martin is to be tested and validated under a $3.5 million contract from the U.S. Marine Corps.

The testing and evaluation of the Havoc 8x8 capabilities will be conducted over an 8-month period at the Marine Corps' Amphibious Vehicle Test Branch at Camp Pendleton, Calif.

BAE said evaluation of the vehicle's armor protection will be conducted with the Marines in Nevada.

"Our Havoc 8x8 is a low-risk, combat-proven solution that is in service with six countries and manufactured on multiple, active production lines," said Scott Greene, vice president of ground vehicles in Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control business.

"Lockheed Martin has extensive experience integrating advanced C4ISR, weapons and protection systems for armored vehicles (and) Havoc will provide the Marines with high degrees of mobility and protection while being simple to operate and maintain in challenging conditions."

The vehicle uses the design of Patria Land Systems' 8x8 Armored Modular Vehicle and features embedded U.S. content, including technology and protection systems.

The Marines are looking at the vehicle as part of its armored personnel carrier program.