JCB to supply vehicles to the MOD equipped with armoured crew protection from American Defense Systems
American Defense Systems, offering advanced solutions in the design, fabrication and installation of transparent and opaque armour, security doors, windows and curtain wall systems, has announced that JCB has awarded them with a contract to produce Crew Protection Kits (CPKs) for the United Kingdom Ministry of Defense (MoD). The kits will be installed on the HMEE (High Mobility Engineer Excavator), an engineering vehicle with bucket and backhoe capabilities that can produce road speeds in excess of 60 mph. This contract is valued at approximately $540,000 and is independent of the existing agreement between ADSI and JCB on HMEE armour for the US Military. ADSI expects the revenues from this new contract to be realized in fiscal year 2008. Chris Saucedo, General Manager for JCB’s North American Military Products Division stated, “ADSI was instrumental in the design and development of the Crew Protection Kit. Their engineering acumen and their proprietary technology have proven invaluable to this project.” JCB has expectations for future UK MoD procurements based on the performance of the vehicle and the armour. “The HMEE project has proven very successful and we look forward to a long lasting partnership with ADSI,” added Saucedo. The up-armoured HMEE surpassed all expectations of the ROPS (Roll-over Protection) and FOPS (Falling Object Protection) testing program administered by the US Military, and is unrivalled by any vehicle in its class. Additionally, JCB and ADSI expect to work on future US Military projects as they continue to support nation building efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as prepare for future threats. Fergal Foley, Chief Operating Officer for ADSI, commented, “We believe our partnership with JCB provides ADSI with a visibility and credibility reserved for the most professional organizations. We are proud to provide Crew Protection Kits for the UK MoD as we continue to penetrate the global market place, all in an effort to keep Allied war fighters and nation builders safe.” |
