Textron, General Kinetics sign MOU for Canadian TAPV bid

Textron Systems Canada has announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with General Kinetics for possible work on the Textron Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV) for the Canadian Forces. The agreement was announced 21 March 2012.

Textron has submitted a proposal to supply 500 vehicles to the Canadian Army with an option for up to 100 additional TAPVs, all to be outfitted with shock absorbers designed for military use by General Kinetics, a 100 employee small business in southern Ontario. If awarded the TAPV contact, Textron Systems Canada will become the prime contractor for the programme.

General Kinetics has designed and manufactured high performance suspension systems and components to meet the unique needs of the worldwide military vehicle market from its facility in Brampton, Ontario, for more than 30 years. The Textron TAPV would be equipped with General Kinetics armoured vehicle grade shock absorbers.

The Textron TAPV bid draws on the company's more than 45 years of experience in the design and production of armoured vehicles. A technology readiness level 8 vehicle, if selected, the Textron TAPV will provide the Canadian Forces with the optimal balance of survivability, mobility and versatility, while delivering outstanding performance in the world's most challenging environments. Extensively tested to confirm ballistic, blast, mobility and reliability levels, the Textron TAPV has been engineered to meet and exceed Canada's requirements.