GDLS to continue Stryker ECP upgrade R&D work

General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) will continue research, development and testing work in preparation for the Stryker Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) upgrade programme under a new contract announced on 4 December. The company was awarded a $28 million contract for the work by the US Army TACOM Contracting Command.

The Stryker ECP upgrade programme is an engineering-development effort focused on integrating a group of system improvements into a single upgrade programme for the Stryker eight-wheeled vehicle.  Technical upgrades to the Stryker will include improved automotive and electrical power generation, chassis upgrades and improved vehicle network capabilities.

GDLS' work will focus on understanding how the Stryker vehicles can be prepared to accept additional army-directed requirements in the future without impacting current vehicle performance. There is no production work associated with this award.

Gordon Stein, vice president for Stryker Brigade Combat Teams, GDLS, said: ‘This award shows the army's long-term commitment to improving Stryker capabilities for the warfighter, while ensuring that platforms are able to integrate planned and future upgrades. This effort will maintain the Stryker's position as the army's primary medium combat vehicle.’

The contract will run through to November 2018.