United Defense Rolls Out New Composite Armored Vehicle.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 20, 1997--Future soldiers will benefit from the technology demonstrated yesterday as United Defense rolled out its Composite Armored Vehicle (CAV).

The CAV Advanced Technology Demonstrator (ATD) represents an important step forward in new methods and processes for combat vehicle manufacturing.

Though composites have been used in various systems before, this is the first vehicle built from the ground up. The CAV-ATD has significant implications for the future or armored combat vehicles. Its lighter weight makes it more mobile, agile and deployable. Survivability is also enhanced through reduced radar, thermal and magnetic signatures.

"You have hit the center of the Army's bull's-eye for future development with this vehicle," said Jerry Chapin, Director of the Army's Tank-Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center. "With the majority of our fighting equipment on home soil, we have to be able to get it to the field quickly. And with the decreased weight in the CAV, we can do that."

"The project still has 17 months to go, but the roll-out is notable because of the very aggressive delivery schedule met for the ATD," said Raj Rajagopal, San Jose Site Manager. "The CAV is unlike any other vehicle today. This important technology shows it is practical to make composite vehicles, and that they can be made affordably."

For this project, United Defense and the government worked together as a development team which saved more than $3 million dollars and six months in the schedule. The CAV-ATD now goes to Washington, where it will be on display at the Pentagon March 3 - 6 and then on to Aberdeen Testing Ground in Maryland for rigorous testing.

United Defense is the world's leading manufacturer and systems integrator of tracked, armored combat vehicles and a leading supplier to the security forces of allied nations. Combining FMC's Defense Systems and Harsco Corp.'s BMY Combat Systems Division, United Defense is a limited partnership, with FMC owning 60 percent and Harsco owning 40 percent. United Defense operates nine manufacturing sites in seven states, participates in joint ventures and provides services to customers worldwide.

CONTACT: United Defense

Bill Highlander, 408/289-2882