Multi-Functional, High Tech, Ultra-Light Combat Vehicle (ULCV) Developed in Record Time for Both Military and Homeland Security

CARSON CITY, NV--(Marketwired - Jan 12, 2015) - A major development in the design of a multi-use military vehicle now makes possible a full range of service functions within a matter of minutes -- simply by adding PODS onto a high-powered, universally compatible platform -- All within cost-effective, reasonable budgetary constraints.

Combining adaptability, maneuverability and speed in one vehicle, under varying battlefield theaters and terrain, has been a significant concern for militaries throughout history. In the 21^st century the challenges being faced require a level of functionality and sophistication that has never before been seen.

One moment an attack vehicle is needed; the next, a rescue operation with medical services; a cargo carrying capacity is called for; or, troop deployment is required. To provide all of these functions, several individual vehicles are typically needed, each focused on providing one, or perhaps two, of these capabilities. This approach is expensive, unwieldy, and often ineffective. The need to change functions rapidly in different environments and terrain is a battlefield requirement that is often not met. 

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno states that despite cash flow and end-strength issues, the Army has not slowed its pace and continues to move toward a more expeditionary force. "Over the last several years what we've done is trade mobility for survivability -- we've got to get back in line," he said. "I need tactical mobility for the future, so we need to move toward mobility and figure out how we sustain survivability while increasing mobility."

The Army is exploring concepts for future vehicles that would be lighter and faster, and still strong and lethal, according to Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, who runs the Army Capabilities Integration Center (ARCIC) and is chief of "futures" for Training and Doctrine Command. "Our infantry brigade combat teams can get there fast with low logistics demand, and they can work in severely restricted terrain, but they lack mobility and protected firepower," McMaster said, speaking at the Center for Security and International Studies. "The answer is for the Army to develop vehicles for select infantry and airborne forces to conduct effective reconnaissance, offensive security operations and move infantry units with a security force."

Having one multi-use vehicle that can be adapted to serve all these needs would be ideal but seemed impossible to build. But it's not. 

Drawing from over 40 years of off-road racing and technology design expertise, and in cooperation with the military, Vyper Adamas, Inc. introduces the Vyper -- a light weight, high-powered, high-speed, multi-functional vehicle designed for military off-road use. Offering a universal platform that, within minutes, can change functionality based on the easily attached mission specific POD.

The Vyper will be placed with branches of the military where performance in highly-demanding off-road settings is critical, measured quantitatively by military leaders with extremely high standards and lives of military personnel depend on it.

Military & Private Sector Collaboration -- The Evolution of a Working Relationship

The creation of the Vyper is a perfect example of how, through open and candid communication, the leaning forward military works with small private companies to produce a win-win situation. No matter how large the military need or how small the private sector company. The rapid development of this working relationship is a testament to what can happen when capable people are motivated to accomplish a mutually beneficial goal. According to Vyper Adamas CEO, Nicholas Chapman, "This relationship shows that racing technology and industrial reliability is obtainable in a COTS form at reasonable cost effectiveness."

Once decided that there was a significant need for a remarkable new, off-road vehicle, the events started to unfold rapidly:

• January 22^nd, 2014, the Army Capabilities Integration Center expressed a vision of the accelerating need for unique ULCV and LRV vehicles.
• "After a worldwide search, Vyper Adamas was one of six companies selected" to attend a demonstration of vehicle performance at Fort Bragg Military Base in June 2014, supported by Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Parker, Branch Chief of Light Systems in the MCoE's Mounted Requirement Division in Fort Benning, Georgia, as well as Carl Pignato, a light combat vehicle analyst at the Mounted Requirements Division, and others.
• The Vyper performance far exceeded expectations and ultimately was being pushed forward as the prototype to develop for production. This unique program has been supported by Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster of the Army Capabilities Integration Center, General Raymond Odierno, Chief of Staff at Army Training and Doctrine Command, and continues to move forward at an accelerated pace.

Vyper Adamas, Inc. -- The Selected Company

Vyper Adamas, Inc. is a small, closely-held corporation that brings a remarkably diverse expertise to the Vyper project -- allowing them to efficiently create a high functionality vehicle within a cost-effective framework. Some key elements brought to the table in producing the Vyper, include:

• A vehicle that provides much more than the Humvee in power; torque, handling capability with a smoother suspension and maneuverability in tight situations, while also being able to sling loaded or driven into a CH47.
• Worldwide patents for the chassis and the PODs.
• A range of interchangeable PODs that slide into the vehicle platform. This allows the vehicle to be multi-functioning and modular in construction -- resulting in units that can be easily mission transformed or repaired. Further, the vehicle uses reliable COTS parts in its development for cost savings. 

The Result of the Collaboration

By combining Army capability and know-how with resources of private sector firms, the development of the revolutionary Vyper vehicle speaks volumes of the military's ability to collaborate with private industry. The Army's skills in fast-tracking programs and capitalizing on the most current high technology and engineering design were in the forefront for this project. The result of this approach has created a vehicle with remarkable and diverse capability that accelerates the military's thrust into meeting the needs of both present and future battlefield challenges.