Loc Performance continues Army work

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Nov. 8 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army has given Loc Performance Products Inc. a Phase II contract for modernization of the drive system of Bradley fighting vehicles.

The length of the Small Business Innovation Research contract from the United States Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center and its monetary value were not disclosed.

Under the award, the Michigan company will continue development and testing of its recommended Phase I technical approach that increases the drive's torque capacity and adds the driveline disconnect feature.

Loc said its gear technology provides 100 percent more torque than today's design, lowers energy losses by 20 percent and maintains existing vehicle interfaces. Its quick disconnect technology allows the driver to engage and disengage the driveline from within the armor protection of the vehicle.

"Our entire team is proud to be recognized for the hard work and effort required in achieving this award," said Lou Burr, president of Loc Performance Products. "Loc's goal is to leverage the resources provided by the SBIR program, with our 21 years of experience providing thousands of high-value Bradley Fighting Vehicle, M1, M88, M9 ACE, and AAV vehicle final drives.

"The combined design and production work will not only engineer innovative capability improvements that meet the diverse requirements of the United States military, but ultimately save millions of dollars by lowering production costs and increasing the mileage between major overhauls."