CHARLESTON, S.C., March 2, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Force Protection, Inc. (OTCBB:FRCP) announced the shipment of specialized landmine removal equipment for use with the "Buffalo" Mine Protected Clearance Vehicle.
The special equipment consisted of multiple sets of steel wheels and disc roller assemblies, which allow the Buffalo to be driven over and detonate anti-personnel (AP) landmines. AP mine detonations do not damage the Buffalo or its equipment. As a result, unusually large numbers of mines can be neutralized in a short period of time. Such equipment has removed as many as a thousand landmines in less than an hour in operations in Mozambique.
TSG's Buffalo is a highly advanced Mine Resistant Vehicle, with multiple mission configurations and specially designed field reparability. T his design mates South African monocoque capsule protection with the latest in American automotive technology to produce a vehicle with superior blast protection, visibility, load carrying capacity, interior space and parts availability. The unique technology of the Buffalo protects it against small arms fire, multiple anti-tank mines, and smaller anti-personnel mines, with blast protection under the wheels and centerline. In the event of damage from a large anti-tank mine; the Buffalo can be repaired in the field in four hours or less. Its unique design and powerful protection against occupant casualties make it one of the most advanced military vehicles in the world.
To see video of a TSG vehicle clearing landmines, please visit www.forceprotectioninc.com. The Buffalo was recently featured by Geraldo Rivera on Fox News. A DVD of this segment is available from the Company. Requests for this DVD should be sent to Investor Relations.
About Force Protection, Inc.
Force Protection, Inc. manufactures and distributes vehicles that protect and save lives and property. Its subsidiary, Technical Solutions Group, Inc., (TSG) manufactures and markets military vehicles that are protected against landmines and hostile fire. These vehicles are typically used to transport personnel safely in areas infested with landmines and for the actual removal of landmines. The vehicles are manufactured in Ladson, SC, where TSG is based. For more information visit www.forceprotection.net. Recently, Technical Solutions Group was highlighted on CNBC's Business Center. A video clip of the segment is available at: www.forceprotectioninc.com. Contact: Investor Relations, Force Protection, Inc., 843-740-7015 ext 233 or investorrelations@forceprotectioninc.com or visit www.forceprotectioninc.com.
Certain statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Rule 175 under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 3b-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are subject to the safe harbor created by those rules. All statements, other than statements of fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential future plans and objectives of the company, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Technical complications that may arise could prevent the prompt implementation of any strategically significant plan(s) outlined above. The company cautions that these forward looking statements are further qualified by other factors including, but not limited to those, set forth in the company's Form 10-KSB filing and other filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (available at www.sec.gov). The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.