BAE Systems Unveils Caiman Light Prototype MRAP During AUSA

WASHINGTON: BAE Systems has unveiled its new Caiman Light vehicle at the 2008 Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington, D.C. The “Caiman Light” or CLT is a five-man, 4X 4 version of the 6X6 Caiman Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle.

Caiman Light is a member of the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV). The Caiman Light offers protection comparable to the 18 ton Caiman at two-thirds the weight. Caiman Light comes standard with electronic stability controls and can be built with rear steering, which gives it a less-than 20-foot turning radius.

The BAE Systems facility in Fairfield, Ohio, manufactures the Caiman Light. The facility designed and fabricated the 4X4 light hull using the proven 6X6’s hull as a guide. The armored hull has transparent armor, a door assist systems and a turret.

The armored hulls are shipped to the BAE Systems facility in Sealy, Texas, where they are mounted on the drive trains and chassis. Seats, dashboard equipment, and other interior and exterior equipment are added on the final assembly line.

The Caiman Light’s final assembly is on the same assembly line as the FMTV in Sealy. A full 85 percent of the parts are common to CLT, the Caiman and the FMTV. This high percentage of common parts significantly reduces the logistics burden and operating and support costs for the U.S. Army. Common parts between the Caiman, CLT and the FMTV include major components such as engines, transmissions, power trains, tires and cabs.

BAE Systems employs more than 2,400 people in Sealy, Texas and has nearly 900,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space on approximately 200 acres. The location has a long history with wheeled vehicle products. It has established itself as a world-class designer, volume manufacturer and through-life supporter of high-quality, best value, military tactical trucks and wheeled vehicle systems with payload capacities from 2.5 to 18 tons. Today, BAE Systems is the exclusive manufacturer of FMTVs and the producer of three Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) variants, the Caiman, the RG33 and the RG31. The Caiman is manufactured in Sealy.

In Cincinnati, Ohio, BAE Systems employs more than 2,000 people and has about 900,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space. The Cincinnati operations has played a vital role in both the Caiman and RG33 MRAP programs by providing armor systems for both vehicles, as well as the FMTV. Other products include up-armored vehicles, commercial armored vehicles, integrated armor kits and accessories for a full range of tactical wheeled vehicles, combat vehicles and construction equipment. The Cincinnati operations also include a state-of-the art ballistic glass plant.

BAE Systems is the premier global defense and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 100,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15.7 billion (US $31.4 billion) in 2007.