Force Protection, Inc. to Provide Armored Vehicle for Training by U.S. Army, ManTech
LADSON, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 7, 2005--Force Protection, Inc. (OTCBB:FRCP - News), the leading U.S. manufacturer of mine- and blast-protected vehicles for military and security personnel, announced today that it will supply one of its Buffalo vehicles to the U.S. Army for training in vehicle maintenance. ManTech International Corporation (Nasdaq:MANT - News) has contracted with the Army to receive the training. The Buffalo vehicle will be used by ManTech personnel for familiarization in maintenance and repair training.
The Buffalo has been in active operations in Iraq for over a year, where it is used to detect and remove improvised explosive devices (IEDs). To date, no soldier using the vehicles has sustained significant injury.
"We are pleased to provide the Army with the equipment it needs to ensure that our vehicles can be maintained properly in the field," said Force Protection CEO Gale Aguilar. "Our troops need vehicles that can protect them from the threat of land mines and other explosive devices. We are pleased that ManTech will participate in this training, which will help ensure that the Buffalo is ready at all times to fill this critical need."
Ladson, S.C.-based Force Protection produces two classes of armored vehicles. The Buffalo has recently been approved by the Pentagon to be part of a newly devised hunter-killer team concept that will lead convoys against the threat of mines and IEDs. The Buffalo incorporates cutting-edge blast protection technology with automotive components made by such companies as Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT - News), Allison Transmission, a division of General Motors (NYSE:GM - News) and Mack Trucks, Inc., a division of Volvo Group (Nasdaq:VOLVY - News). More than 20 Buffalo vehicles are in active operations in Iraq.
The Cougar H series is a family of medium-size mine-protected vehicles that can be supplied in four-wheel or six-wheel models. The vehicles can be configured for a wide range of tasks including troop transport of up to 10 personnel, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), command and control, reconnaissance and lead convoy vehicle. Marine Commandant Michael W. Hagee recently inspected the Cougar in Iraq where it is being used by the Marines.
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