Source: DTN News + CR-051-15 Dated March 19, 2015Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Michigan, with an estimated completion date of March 10, 2018.
One bid was solicited with one received. Fiscal 2015 other procurement (Army) funds in the amount of $22,786,250 are being obligated at the time of the award.
Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-15-C-0101).
BUFFALO
The Buffalo Mine Protected Clearance Vehicle (MPCV) is the recognized leader in route clearance missions around the globe and is currently in service with the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France and Italy. The Buffalo’s improvements include increased engine power and greater compatibility, increased driving range, increased fording and slope angle performance, enhanced HVAC and a common spare for all six tires. The enhanced safety features include, larger roof hatches for crew egress and both crew and engine compartment Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems (AFES). With bar armor and an air spade as optional features, the more powerful, improved Buffalo is ready to roll.
HISTORY
The Buffalo vehicle was designed based on the successful South African Casspir mine-protected vehicle. While the Casspir is a four wheeled vehicle, the Buffalo has six wheels. Buffalo is also fitted with a large articulated arm, used for ordnance disposal. Both vehicles incorporate a "V" shaped monohull chassis that directs the force of the blast away from the occupants.
Buffalo is also now equipped with BAE Systems' LROD cage armor for additional protection against RPG-7 anti-tank rounds. Glass armor is sufficient at 6 inches thickness. Run-flat tires are present in all tires. The Buffalo combines ballistic and blast protection with infrared technology to detect the presence of dangerous ordnance and a robotic arm to disable the explosive ordnance. Personnel operate the Buffalo’s 30-foot robotic arm and claw from within the armoured hull via a mounted camera and sensory equipment, to safely dispose of mines and IEDs.
In 2004, the United States had a limited number of Buffaloes in service, with an order for 15 more, at a cost of $10 million. On June 6, 2008 Force Protection, Inc delivered its 200th Buffalo to the U.S. Military.
In 2009 Force Protection Started work on the A2 version, with major changes in the Axle Tech rear axles, Cat C13 engine, Cat CX31 transmission and suspension, along with addition upgrades to the HVAC system, hood and front bumper. the easiest way to identify an A1 version from the A2 version is the front bumper of the A2 has a larger profile. The last Buffalo A2 truck 795 will be completed in June 2014. Force protection was bought by General Dynamics Land Systems.
*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources + CR-051-15 Dated March 19, 2015
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS



Randy Hutcherson, Chief Operating Officer for Force Protection Industries, Inc., said, “This important milestone is the result of the hard work and attention that we placed on a number of initiatives during 2010. These efforts included continued expansion of our Kuwait operations and leaning forward in Afghanistan to capitalize on opportunities to provide much needed upgrades and modernization on our existing fleet of vehicles and MRAPs supplied by other OEMs, as well as providing spares and sustainment for our vehicles in the ongoing operations that have now transitioned from Iraq to Afghanistan. Just as important was our focus on obtaining additional Buffalo and Cougar vehicle orders, as well as the design, development and successful marketing of the Ocelot for competition in, and ultimate contract award for, the United Kingdom’s Light Protected Patrol Vehicle program in which deliveries are scheduled to begin in the second half of 2011. I am extremely proud of the outstanding efforts from all of our employees worldwide who contributed to the success of the company in 2010. We look forward to continuing to grow the business from the strong base that has been established.”
Michael Moody, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Force Protection Inc., further commented, “Responding to the needs of the customer remains paramount, and today’s announcement is a direct reflection on the significant efforts we have undertaken to further differentiate Force Protection in the marketplace. As we have done with the development of the uniquely-positioned Ocelot, Force Protection will continue to leverage its innovative and nimble operating culture to provide our customers with exceptional survivability solutions and ensure that the troops have the best resources available to promote success on the battlefield.”
About Force Protection, Inc.
Force Protection, Inc. is a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of survivability solutions, including blast- and ballistic-protected wheeled vehicles currently deployed by the U.S. military and its allies to support armed forces and security personnel in conflict zones. The Company’s specialty vehicles, including the Buffalo, the Cougar and its related variants, and the Ocelot are designed specifically for reconnaissance and urban operations and to protect their occupants from landmines, hostile fire, and improvised explosive devices (“IEDs”, commonly referred to as roadside bombs). Complementing these efforts, the Company is designing, developing and marketing a new vehicle platform, the JAMMA, which provides increased modularity, speed, and mobility. The Company also develops, manufactures, tests, delivers and supports products and services aimed at further enhancing the survivability of users against additional threats. In addition, the Company provides long-term life cycle support services of its vehicles that involve development of technical data packages, supply of spares, field and depot maintenance activities, assignment of highly-skilled field service representatives, and advanced on and off-road driver and maintenance training programs. For more information on Force Protection and its products and services, visit www.forceprotection.net.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward looking statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations. These statements are based on beliefs and assumptions of Force Protection’s management, and on information currently available to management. These forward looking statements include, among other things: the growth, demand and interest for Force Protection’s products and services, expectations for future vehicle spares, modernization and service-related contracts; the benefits and suitability of the Company’s products and service-related contracts; the effects of the Company’s survivability solutions; expected work completion and delivery dates; and the Company’s execution of its business strategy and strategic transformation, including its opportunities to grow the business. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Examples of these factors include, but are not limited to: the ability to effectively manage the risks in the Company’s business; the ability to develop new technologies and products and the acceptance of these technologies and products; and the other risk factors and cautionary statements listed in the Company’s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risks set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and as updated in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.
DTN NEWS ON TWITTER (30 SUBJECTS)