NEW ORLEANS, June 27, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Textron Marine & Land Systems (TM&LS), an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, announced today that the U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., has awarded the company a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification to continue providing training and logistics support in Afghanistan. The contract authorizes initial funding of $14.95 million, and has a potential value of $30.51 million.
The support contract was awarded in May 2011, and is associated with the Afghanistan National Army (ANA) Mobile Strike Force Vehicle (MSFV) armored vehicle program. This option includes funding for vehicle deprocessing field service representatives, instructors, interpreters and in-theatre management, and other direct costs for an additional one-year period.
"This work is an example of the full-spectrum of support we offer our vehicle customers," explained TM&LS Senior Vice President and General Manager Tom Walmsley. "On a daily basis we're demonstrating capabilities as an end-to-end provider – from designing, testing and manufacturing MSFVs in the United States, to providing Afghanistan-based vehicle deprocessing, fielding, training, maintenance and logistics support to stand up a new force structure."
In less than 20 months the MSFV program has gone from vehicle concept to the point at which the first ANA battalion – called a Kandak – is fully equipped with its MSFVs and its mechanics and operators thoroughly trained.
"Afghan soldiers are now able to actively participate in operations using these highly mobile and protected vehicles – a significant step toward Afghanistan's goal of taking the reins of its own security and defense," said Walmsley.
TM&LS began full-rate production of 240 MSFVs last year, with the first vehicles arriving in Afghanistan in February. Options for 200 additional vehicles have since been awarded.
Mobile Strike Force Vehicles are derived from the combat-proven M1117 Armored Security Vehicle (ASV), and are configured with Enhanced Survivability capability, which improves blast protection to mine-resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) levels. These highly mobile and survivable vehicles continue to possess the ASV's original, all-important V-shaped hull design, in addition to innovative protection design features that enable it to meet MRAP blast protection standards.
Tom Williams, APR
Textron Systems Corporation
(410) 628-4683
tjwilliams@systems.textron.com
About Textron Marine & Land Systems
Textron Marine & Land Systems designs, produces and supports advanced wheeled combat vehicles and cutting-edge maritime craft used by U.S. and international armed forces, as well as civilian entities around the globe. Its family of Armored Security Vehicles offers enhanced survivability and highly mobile combat security vehicles with unmatched capabilities. Textron Marine & Land Systems' innovative turret technology and related subsystems also deliver outstanding performance and reliability. Its strategic business, MillenWorks, operates an Engineering Center of Excellence with a reputation as a highly sought-after solution center, which designs and develops advanced mobility solutions for demanding on- and off-road applications. Textron Marine & Land Systems is an operating unit of Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textronmarineandland.com.
About Textron Systems
Textron Systems has been providing innovative solutions to the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities for more than 50 years. Headquartered in Wilmington, Mass., the company is known for its unmanned aircraft systems, advanced marine craft, armored vehicles, intelligent battlefield and surveillance systems, intelligence software solutions, precision smart weapons, piston engines, test and training systems, and total life cycle sustainment and operational services. Textron Systems includes AAI Logistics & Technical Services, AAI Test & Training, AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Advanced Systems, Aerosonde, ESL Defence, Lycoming Engines, Medical Numerics, MillenWorks, Overwatch, Textron Defense Systems and Textron Marine & Land Systems. More information is available at www.textronsystems.com.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.
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The following pictures are available for download:
| [Image] | Mobile Strike Force Vehicles in Afghanistan |
| [Image] | MSFV with objective gunner protection kit_03-2012 |