Force Protection Industries, Inc. to Unveil Latest in Blast Protection Technology
at AUSA Winter Symposium; Armored Vehicle Manufacturer to Introduce
New Transport Vehicle
LADSON, S.C., Feb 9, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- In response to the escalating need
for equipment that can withstand attacks from improvised explosive devices
(IEDs) and similar threats, Force Protection Industries, Inc. (OTCBB: FRPT) will
introduce its 6x6 Cougar troop transport vehicle, featuring the latest in blast
protection technology, during the AUSA Winter Symposium in Fort Lauderdale,
Florida, February 16-18, 2005.
"There is an overwhelming need for a vehicle like the 6x6 Cougar," said Force
Protection Industries Chief Technology Officer Garth Barrett. "It represents the
cutting-edge of blast technology and provides the security and mobility that
will enable U.S. armed forces to accomplish their missions in Iraq and around
the world."
The 6x6 Cougar is designed to transport up to 10 troops with equipment in combat
areas with threats such as land mines and improvised explosive devices. The 4x4
Cougar model is currently being used as an Explosive Ordnance Detection (EOD)
team transport vehicle by the U.S. Marines in Iraq.
"We are proud to provide an American-made solution for our troops," said Vice
President for Sales Michael Aldrich. "The Army specifically requested this type
of vehicle for their urban fighters, and we can't think of a better way to
introduce it than at the AUSA symposium."
The symposium, "Enabling a Joint and Expeditionary Army," will be held at the
Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.
Fast becoming the hub for defense technology on the East Coast, Ladson,
S.C.-based Force Protection Industries manufactures two classes of
blast-protected vehicles deployed with U.S. forces in Iraq. The Cougar series is
a family of medium-size mine-protected vehicles that can be configured for a
wide range of tasks including troop transport, Explosive Ordnance Disposal
(EOD), command and control, reconnaissance and lead convoy vehicle. The first
Cougar Security Vehicle (SV) was recently sold to Blackwater USA for transport
of U.S. Coalition Provisional Authority officials.
The Buffalo is part of the Pentagon's hunter-killer team concept that leads
convoys against the threat of mines and IEDs. It incorporates blast protection
technology with automotive components made by such companies as Caterpillar Inc.
(NYSE:CAT), Allison Transmission, a division of General Motors (NYSE:GM) and
Mack Trucks, Inc., a division of Volvo Group (Nasdaq: VOLVY) More than 20
Buffalo vehicles are in active operation in Iraq.
About Force Protection, Inc.
Force Protection, Inc. manufactures ballistic and mine protected vehicles
through its wholly owned subsidiary. These specialty vehicles are protected
against landmines, hostile fire, and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs,
commonly referred to as roadside bombs). Force Protection's mine and ballistic
protection technology is among the most advanced in the world. The vehicles are
manufactured outside Charleston, S.C.
For more information, visit forceprotectioninc.com.
SOURCE: Force Protection, Inc.
CONTACT: Policy Impact Strategic Communications
Jeff Child, 202-661-6372 (Media Contact)
jchild@policyimpact.com
or
Force Protection Industries, Inc.
Investor Relations, 843-740-7015, Ext 233
investorrelations@forceprotectioninc.com
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