Light Armored Vehicles for Iraq

BAE Systems, YORK: BAE Systems has received a $180 million Foreign Military Sales contract to manufacture 378 Iraqi Light Armored Vehicles from the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command. 
 
BAE Systems, as prime contractor, along with subcontractors Force Protection, Inc., based in Ladson, S.C., and Spartan Chassis, Inc., headquartered in Charlotte, Mich., will manufacture, test and provide logistics support for wheeled Iraqi Light Armored Vehicles. 
 
The 4×4 Iraqi Light Armored Vehicles are similar to the proven Cougar armored vehicles, and include a V-shaped hull designed to deflect the force of explosions away from passengers. 
 
“We are pleased to apply the resources of BAE Systems as a major defense contractor to the rapid manufacture of a proven vehicle design that will provide a survivable, mobile, capable light armored vehicle to the customer,” said Ted Wright, Vice President of Strategic Development for BAE Systems. “This vehicle expands BAE Systems' commitment to protecting American and allied troops in Iraq.” 
 
The total value of the Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity contract could reach $445.4 million and 1,050 vehicles, if all options are exercised. 
 
Work on the contract will begin immediately with deliveries scheduled to continue through May 2007.  
 
BAE Systems is the premier transatlantic 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. BAE Systems, with more than 100,000 employees worldwide, had 2005 sales that exceeded $28 billion in 2005. 
 
Force Protection, Inc. is the world's leading manufacturer of ballistic- and blast-protected vehicles, which have been used to support armed forces and security personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo and other hot spots around the globe. 
 
Spartan Chassis, Inc. is a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. and is a leading developer and manufacturer of custom chassis for recreational vehicles, fire trucks and military vehicles. The company has a reputation for high quality, value, service and being the first to market with innovative products. Spartan Motors is publicly traded in the NASDAQ Stock Market under the ticker symbol SPAR.