Force Protection Ahead of MRAP Vehicle Production Schedule

Force Protection, LADSON, S.C.: Leading armored vehicle manufacturer Force Protection, Inc. today announced that it is ahead of its Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) production schedule for the month of August. The company has produced more than 50 Cougar vehicles to support the U.S. Department of Defense MRAP program. The Category II Cougar 6×6 vehicle commitment for August has already been shipped. 
 
“We have not yet closed August and are well ahead of our production objectives,” said Force Protection COO Raymond Pollard. “This is indicative of the efficiencies of our proven manufacturing processes that are producing a proven solution which has effectively countered more than 3,000 mine detonations and IED attacks in the past four years.” 
 
The Pentagon has awarded Force Protection contracts for more than 1,900 Cougar and Buffalo vehicles to support its Category I, II, and III MRAP program requirements. 
 
“This is also reflective of the fact that our efforts to mobilize industry resources through our partnering agreements are having their intended effects,” added Pollard. “We will continue to do everything necessary to meet the needs of our customers and the men and women who depend on these vehicles.” 
 
Force Protection's Cougar and Buffalo vehicle series have been deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2003. They have become the gold standard for troop safety, and their proven performance has formed the basis for the MRAP vehicle program. In addition to its own production capacity, Force Protection has created a joint venture with General Dynamics Land Systems to increase both capacity and deliveries under its MRAP program awards.  
 
Force Protection, Inc., manufactures ballistic- and mine-protected vehicles through its wholly-owned subsidiary. These specialty vehicles protect against landmines, hostile fire, and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs, commonly referred to as roadside bombs). Force Protection's mine and ballistic protection technologies are among the most advanced in the world. The vehicles are manufactured outside Charleston, S.C. 
 
General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics, is headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 82,900 people worldwide and anticipates 2007 revenues of approximately $27 billion. The company has leading market positions in mission critical information systems and technologies, land and amphibious combat systems, shipbuilding and marine systems, and business aviation.