BAE Systems Unveils Mine-Protected Wheeled Vehicles.

YORK, Pa. -- BAE Systems will show its RG33 series mine-protected wheeled vehicles in the 4x4 infantry carrier and 6x6 ambulance configurations to military leadership at a major U.S. industry event showcasing technologies and capabilities for the U.S. Army.

BAE Systems will feature the RG33 series - already on order from the U.S. Marine Corps under its Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle program - during the Association of the U.S. Army Winter Symposium and Exhibition in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, March 7-9.

"The RG33 series design is focused on one thing - Soldier and Marine survivability," said John Swift, program manager for BAE Systems. Swift said the design is a full-system, integrated approach that blends vehicle structure, blast resistant seating, high visibility transparent armor windows, tailorable add-on armor packages and other features.

"The RG33 series is highly mobile, and the all-wheel drive and suspension are designed to accommodate additional mission requirements. With about 90 percent commonality between the 4x4 and 6x6 in the series, fielding and logistics support requirements are streamlined," Swift added.

The RG33 is the company's latest in the series of mine protected vehicles that offers more volume under armor than any other mine protected vehicle and incorporates the latest designs in protecting against improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The entirely new vehicle design and production in record time resulted from 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 that leverages knowledge gained in recent and ongoing conflicts.

BAE Systems is working under an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract from the Marine Corps to provide 4x4 and 6x6 vehicles from the RG33 series. An initial delivery order on Jan. 26 called for two of each for Marine Corps testing, and was followed by a second delivery order Feb. 14 for 90 vehicles - 15 4x4 vehicles and 75 6x6 vehicles. Under the contract, the company will begin deliveries in March and will deliver all vehicles over the next 120 days to meet urgent military requirements.

The company has multiple tactical wheeled vehicles in production now and skilled employees with mine hardened vehicle production expertise in low-cost, low-risk U.S. production facilities.

BAE Systems used the latest design, modeling and simulation tools at its facilities in the U.S. and South Africa to rapidly prototype and produce the first vehicle, a 6x6 version of the RG33. The company has proven capability in rapidly producing and fielding highly survivable vehicles for the military.

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. RG33 vehicles may be equipped with tailorable armor packages, as well. 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.

BAE Systems will deliver the mine-protected RG33 vehicle in 4x4 and 6x6 versions to meet the urgent requirements of the Nation's armed forces. The vehicle series is mission configurable for infantry carrier, ambulance, command and control, convoy escort, explosive ordnance disposal and other roles and is recoverable by another RG33. The vehicle features on-board exportable power for C4I and other mission equipment.

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.