General Dynamics to Modernize Stryker Family of Vehicles

The US Army TACOM Lifecycle Management Command has awarded General Dynamics Land Systems a $203 million contract to design the Stryker of the future. The Army announced an initial $42.6 million increment of this award on Nov. 25.

"Strykers have performed exceptionally well for the US Army over more than 25 million miles of combat experience," said Mike Cannon, senior vice president of Ground Combat Systems for General Dynamics Land Systems. "This contract reflects the Army's desire to build on that strong performance by incorporating the latest crew-protection technologies, as well as more power, mobility, agility and information connectivity, into a platform that will continue to be a critical part of the Army's force structure through the foreseeable future."

Cannon said the modernization program will significantly increase the capabilities of the Stryker fleet and assure compatibility with the light and heavy forces. The award continues the Stryker modernization program, initially awarded to General Dynamics in 2008. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich.

Under the contract, the Army and General Dynamics will develop designs and build a demonstrator to assess options for continuing to enhance survivability, power, suspension, mobility and lethality, and the integration of new technologies - core enabling capabilities - for the Stryker. Mobility enablers include analysis of adding a 450 horse power diesel engine, upgrading the suspension system and driveline to carry a 60,000-lb. payload, larger tires and a new braking system.

Work also includes design of a digital architecture system that connects new command, control, communication, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance technologies, to ensure soldiers continue to have access to the best available situational-awareness and mission systems.

The Army has seven Stryker Brigade Combat Teams, three of which are deployed in combat zones: two in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. To date, General Dynamics has delivered nearly 3,000 vehicles and trained more than 19,000 soldiers in their use.

Stryker Brigade Combat Teams have operated with historically high mission availability rates in Iraq since October 2003, demonstrating the value of a force that can move rapidly as a cohesive and networked combined-arms combat team.

Stryker is a family of eight-wheel drive combat vehicles that can travel at speeds in excess of 60 mph on highways, with a range of 312 miles. Stryker operates with the latest C4ISR equipment and an integrated armor package to protect soldiers against improvised explosive devices, rocket propelled grenades, and a variety of infantry weapons.