General Dynamics awarded $317m for RG-31 MRAP survivability and mobility upgrades

The US Marine Corps Systems Command awarded General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada a USD$317.4 million delivery-order modification for upgrade kits for RG-31 Mk5E vehicles previously delivered under the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle program. General Dynamics Land Systems, the Canadian company's parent corporation, is a business unit of General Dynamics.

The upgrade kits will enhance the survivability and mobility of the RG-31 vehicles to the latest production configuration. Upgrades include the addition of spall liners, an independent suspension axle system and an improved power pack. Delivery of the kits is expected to be completed by November 2011.

Along with a $21.2 million delivery-order modification that was announced on November 30, the value of orders awarded to General Dynamics for the RG-31 upgrade kits now totals $338.6 million.

The RG-31 MRAP vehicles have provided outstanding service for US forces in Afghanistan. They have consistently delivered superior levels of protection from mines, improvised explosive devices and other threats while providing the mobility to negotiate an extremely hostile and difficult terrain.

"We appreciate the confidence that the US military has in the RG-31 vehicle, as they conduct their missions in a dangerous and uncertain environment," said Dr. Sridhar Sridharan, senior vice-president of General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada. "With these improvements, we are able to further strengthen the performance of the RG-31 in theater and continue to protect the lives of US soldiers."

In total, General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada has delivered over 1,600 RG-31 vehicles under the MRAP program. An additional 566 RG-31s have been delivered to US forces under separate contracts.

The contract was signed through the Canadian Commercial Corporation, a Crown Agency of the Canadian Government.

Source: General Dynamics

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