US Army Places Order for FMTV Armored Cabs

Released on Thursday, July 24, 2008

SEALY, Texas � BAE Systems has been awarded two U.S. Army contracts totaling $71 million for armored cabs and armor protection for Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV). More than 48,000 FMTV trucks and trailers are in service today with the U.S. Army.

The first award, worth $37 million, is a follow-on contract for FMTV Low Signature Armored Cabs (LSAC). The original contract was awarded in March 2007. With this award, LSAC's total value increases to $134.2 million.

The second award, for 761 Long Term Armor Strategy (LTAS) cargo vehicle B-Kits, is worth up to $45 million. Originally initiated in April 2003, LTAS is now worth $3.6 billion.

"These contracts signify the importance of the FMTV," said Chris Chambers, vice president of Medium/Heavy Vehicles for BAE Systems. "The Low Signature Armored Cabs have been very successful in protecting our troops in combat without detriment to the vehicle's performance."

LSAC adds ballistic and mine blast protection for a crew in a cab that can be interchanged with a standard FMTV cab in eight hours. It provides enhanced survivability for the occupants during direct small arms fire attack, artillery airburst, land mine strike, or attack from Improvised Explosive Devices.

LTAS cargo vehicles are comprised of different cab and vehicle elements that allow different levels of protection depending on the threat situation. The B-Kit consists of the vehicle armor and provides state-of-the-art levels of protection. This contract is part of the U.S. Army's Long Term Armor Strategy initiative to equip all tactical vehicles with the ability to be armored when necessary.

FMTVs have set new tactical vehicle standards for capability, reliability, mobility, protection and transportability. The commonality of parts among FMTVs includes shared engines, transmissions, power trains, tires and cabs. This commonality significantly reduces the logistics burden, and operating and support costs for the U.S. Army. FMTVs have set new tactical vehicle standards for capability, reliability, mobility, protection and transportability.

Production of the LSAC and LTAS cargo vehicles will be performed at BAE Systems' facility in Sealy, Texas and Cincinnati, Ohio. Deliveries are expected to be completed by February 2009.