BAE Systems Receives $213.9 Million Contract from U.S. Marine Corps for 441 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- BAE Systems has received a $213.9 million delivery order from the U.S. Marine Corps for 425 Category I 4x4 and 16 Category II 6x6 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles.

"The highly survivable RG33 4X4 provides an enhanced degree of mission flexibility," said Raj Rajagopal, president for BAE Systems' Ground Systems. "The RG33 series offers both improved survivability and more volume under armor than any other mine protected vehicle and incorporates the latest designs in protecting against improvised explosive devices."

The delivery order also includes an additional 16 Category II MRAP 6x6 vehicles configured as ambulances and an additional variant. The RG33L MRAP ambulance vehicle can accommodate several litter and ambulatory patients via a novel litter lift system. The vehicle also provides space for a medic work station and key medical equipment.

"This highly mobile and survivable vehicle will allow Marines and soldiers to receive immediate medical care in a combat environment and we are pleased that the RG33L was chosen for this critical mission role," said Matt Riddle, Wheeled Vehicle Programs vice president for BAE Systems.

"It is our true privilege to be a part of the MRAP team with our full understanding that saving lives tomorrow means delivering these highly survivable vehicles today," said John Swift, MRAP program manager for BAE Systems.

Production will be performed at BAE Systems' York, Pennsylvania and Aiken, South Carolina facilities and major partner facilities in Lansing and Charlotte, Michigan.

The new vehicle design and production was accomplished in record time as a result of the company's expertise and long history of designing mine protected and mine hardened vehicles in South Africa and providing high survivability combat vehicles in the U.S. The highly survivable RG33 incorporates a monocoque V-shaped hull design and compound armor recipe that leverages knowledge gained in recent and ongoing conflicts. This allows the vehicle to be driven away after being subject to threats that would completely destroy normal vehicles and disable other mine protected vehicles.

The RG33 vehicle series is designed to address demanding requirements based on today's threats by delivering enhanced blast protection and survivability to the crew inside. The RG33 is available with base protection against medium machine gun or small arms fire and mine blast protection at a level equal to or exceeding any fielded mine protected vehicle. An integrated armor package helps the RG33 vehicles defeat complex IED threats. Advanced crew and passenger survivability is obtained through blast-resistant seating technology, transparent armor and unique reconfigurable interior stations. The platforms are designed with a power train equipped to handle upgrades and enhancements.

About BAE Systems

BAE Systems is a global defense and aerospace company, delivering a full range of products and services for air, land, and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions, and customer support services. BAE Systems, with 88,000 employees worldwide, had 2006 sales that exceeded $25 billion.