BAE Systems Receives $10 Million U.S Government Contract For Armored Commercial

CINCINNATI, Ohio – BAE Systems has received a $10 million contract from the U.S. Government to provide 100 armored commercial vehicles, including armored Chevrolet Suburbans and armored Toyota Land Cruisers.

Armored commercial vehicles use many of the same technologies and systems as those incorporated in military vehicles, such as the combat-proven Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles and up-armored Humvees.

"With our expertise in leveraging these technologies, the vehicles are indistinguishable from their unarmored counterparts, providing extra security to the occupants,” said Tony Russell, vice president of vehicle armor for BAE Systems.

BAE Systems’ heritage in armored commercial vehicles dates back to the 1940s when the company designed its first armored vehicle for President Harry S. Truman. The Company is now the largest armored commercial vehicle supplier to the U.S. Government.

The armored commercial vehicles will be manufactured in Cincinnati, Ohio, and production is expected to be complete by the first quarter of 2009. The commercial vehicles will be purchased directly from the original manufacturers prior to additional armor and security features being installed.

BAE Systems employs more than 2,000 people in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati has almost one million square feet of manufacturing and office space and a state-of-the art ballistic glass plant.

The manufacturing plant has played a vital role in both the Caiman and RG33 MRAP programs by providing armor systems for both vehicles. BAE Systems manufactures three of the five MRAPS in production, the RG33, the Caiman and the RG31. The RG31 program is run through license with General Dynamics. The Company has been awarded more than 30 percent of all the total MRAP orders.

BAE Systems also manufactures up-armored vehicles, commercial armored vehicles, integrated armor kits and accessories for a full range of tactical wheeled vehicles, combat vehicles and construction equipment.