STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich., Sept. 10 (UPI) -- General Dynamics Land Systems is converting 66 flat-bottom U.S. Army Stryker infantry combat vehicles to a newer, more survivable double-V hull (DVH) design.
The work, to begin next July, will be performed under a $188 million contract from the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command. Deliveries of the re-equipped vehicles will be completed in February of 2015.
General Dynamics in 2012 participated in a Stryker DVH-exchange pilot program with the Army to validate that components from traditional Stryker flat-bottom variants can be quickly refurbished and installed on a new, more survivable double-V hull variant at less cost than producing a new vehicle.
General Dynamics and the Anniston Army Depot in Anniston, Ala., completed the DVH pilot program last April. A total of 52 Stryker vehicles were delivered on time and under budget, the company said.
The double-V hulls design provides greater protection from the effects of mines and improvised explosive devices.
